Best known for its 2D art style and side-scrolling hack-and-slash RPGs, Vanillaware ventured outside its comfort zone after the completion of Dragon's Crown. George (Jouji) Kamitani, who worked on the game as a director and writer, thought about introducing a toy line in 2013 before his idea was scrapped and repurposed. The production of a new IP under Atlus began several years later, and the Osaka-based developer eventually delivered 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. As a game with a deceptively digestible design, its campaign may take somewhat longer to beat and complete.
To regale fans with an unusual story of 13 high school students in the best way possible, Vanillaware opted for a unique blend of side-scrolling visual novel segments and real-time strategy battles accompanied by role-playing elements. Unlike other titles associated with the signature JRPG style, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim does not overstay its welcome, despite having a somewhat confounding narrative. Though players do not get the benefit of breezing through the game's campaign, they will find that its contrasting aspects complement one another.
How Long Does It Take To Beat 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim?
During the introductory portion of 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, players might get the idea that its two components, Remembrance and Destruction, hinge on continuity. As this is not the case, progressing through the game can feel hectic at times. Given that the plot unfolds across multiple timelines and alternate universes, its mosaic-like structure allows players to freely choose how they want to experience the game's intertwining storylines. Even so, being overly selective in the process can easily lead to a story lock, which is why players should aim for a balanced approach with all characters.
The average playtime for those looking to beat the main campaign rests at around 30 hours and 45 minutes. A leisurely attitude will result in extended playtime, but it should generally take no more than 39 hours. On the other hand, players keen on a rushed session can complete 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim in approximately 23 hours and 11 minutes.
If finishing side objectives, trying for a higher rank during Destruction sequences and tracking down Mystery Files sounds appealing, setting aside 45 hours and 30 minutes will ensure that players have some bonus content unlocked after beating the game in their own time. While a speedy approach lowers the overall playtime to 29 hours, casually discovering extras throughout the campaign should take on average 36 hours and 13 minutes.
How Long Does It Take to Complete 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim?
Completionists used to different endings will be relieved to hear that 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim features a single conclusion. Although its world is rich with engaging conversations and areas designed to help players discover various clues and make choices that lead to different outcomes, all branching paths ultimately converge. To see everything the game has to offer, though, completionists need to unlock all Mystery Files, finish all bonus objectives and S-rank all the available missions. Having a gander at a small portion of the story accessible past the end screen will also help.
A leisurely speed will yield game completion in some odd 56 hours and 17 minutes. A casually paced run will help players unravel the last of the game's mysteries within 38 hours and 10 minutes. Since rushing to the finish line is also an option, completionist speedrunners can expect to see the credits after approximately 29 hours and 42 minutes. Regardless of the preferred difficulty and playstyle, patience and attention to detail will provide the segmented story of 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim with a more feasible closure after the curtain call.
