Digimon Storytime: Time Stranger Preview – Should You buy?

Digimon games have had a mixed track record over the years, especially when compared to other monster-collecting RPGs. But at Summer Game Fest 2025, Digimon Storytime: Time Stranger was shown off, and it left a surprisingly strong impression. Whether you’re a longtime Digimon fan or someone completely new to the series, there’s something different about this one—and in the best way.

A Modern RPG Experience, Not Just a Digimon Game

One of the biggest upgrades is how Time Stranger feels like a proper RPG, not just a Digimon reskin. Previous entries like Cyber Sleuth: Hacker’s Memory had their charm but were stuck with outdated design choices—like fixed camera angles and limited movement. Now, that’s changed.

You can finally control the camera, climb ladders, enter buildings, interact with NPCs, and explore a digital world that feels truly alive. Central Town isn’t just a static hub—it’s colorful, vibrant, and full of things to do and people (or Digimon) to interact with. You can even mount your Digimon to travel around town faster, and each mount has a unique animation based on the Digimon you choose.

Battle System Updates – Familiar Yet Smarter

Combat still uses the turn-based system fans of the series know, but with some big quality-of-life improvements. For starters, you can now scan and acquire Digimon after the battle ends instead of at the start. This shift feels more natural and keeps the flow of battle smooth.

They’ve also made it easier to evolve, de-evolve, and switch Digimon on the fly without heading back to the DigiLab. Everything is streamlined—you can manage your team from anywhere, and even inactive Digimon gain some XP in your digital “pocket.”

There’s also a new layer of strategy. Attacks now show their elemental effectiveness, and the game tracks what works and what doesn’t against each enemy. Pressing a single button lets you view enemy stats and adjust your tactics. Plus, special mechanics like “Critical Points” force you to stay on your toes—bosses grow stronger over time if you don’t manage the fight carefully.

Boss Fights Now Have Depth

Boss encounters like the one with Parrotmon in the demo show how much more complex the battles are now. You’ll need to target different body parts that each have their own weaknesses and resistances. For instance, Parrotmon might take massive fire damage to its wings but resist the same element on its head. Throw in CP (Critical Point) management, and it’s clear this isn’t just a simple RPG loop—it’s tactical.

You also get new mechanics like “Digi Attacks” that can preemptively weaken enemies or outright defeat lower-level ones before battle starts. Cross Arts moves—special attacks from human characters—add even more variety during tough fights.

Easy Entry for Newcomers

If you’ve never touched a Digimon game before, don’t worry. Like Persona, each Digimon Storytime game stands on its own. You don’t need to know the lore or past entries to enjoy Time Stranger. Everything here is built for both new players and veterans looking for a fresh challenge.

After spending time with the demo, it’s clear that Digimon Storytime: Time Stranger is a serious step forward. It isn’t just a better Digimon game—it’s shaping up to be a genuinely good RPG. From exploration to combat mechanics and streamlined party management, Bandai Namco seems to have learned from past entries and is ready to deliver something fans have been waiting for.

While the full story is still under wraps and things could change, the gameplay preview alone is enough to raise expectations. If you’re even remotely interested in RPGs or Digimon, this might be one to keep an eye on when it launches later this year.