Scarlet Nexus’ Anime Is Twice As Much Story As The Game

Anime adaptations of videogames are nearly as commonplace as the reverse, but with the Scarlet Nexus-based anime series, fans can experience twice as much of the story compared to a single playthrough of the game. The action RPG allowed players to control either Kasane Randall or Yuito Sumeragi and experience the game from their perspective, along with their squad mates. Kasane and Yuito both begin the game as new recruits to the Other Suppression Force, using their psionic powers to battle surreal monstrosities. The video game separates the two as their stories branch off in different directions, sometimes directly clashing with each other, before uniting again for the finale. The anime shows the major events from both protagonist perspectives, and elaborates a bit further on the setting’s lore, making it a worthwhile series for Scarlet Nexus fans.

Players looking for the best thing to do after beating Scarlet Nexus should consider the anime as an alternative (or compliment) to a second playthrough. The world of Scarlet Nexus is uniquely original, and viewing it through the mediums of gaming and anime builds a better understanding of its complexities. The far-future setting features humans with some degree of psychic ability as the norm, a bit like how My Hero Academia deals with superpowers. The rare non-psionic humans, called duds, also feature prominently into the story. The Earth is beset by constant attacks from brain-eating horrors called the Others which emerge from an enigmatic phenomenon called the Extinction Belt. As if that was not already enough to generate conflict, Scarlet Nexus also includes multiple political factions, government conspiracies, and time travel, adding up to a dense but rewarding narrative.

Those who heavily weighed the decision between Scarlet Nexus’ Yuito and Kasane as the playable character may benefit the most from the anime series. As an alternative to a second run through a roughly 30-hour campaign, the 26-episode series offers a fresh take on the story, for those who become invested in Scarlet Nexus. At many points in the story the two squads are separated. Events place them on opposite sides of the political conflicts that unfold, and the two groups even battle each other at a certain point in the story. Once Kasane and Yuito reunite as allies the alternative protagonist will provide a brief synopsis of what took place in the interim, but this is fairly bare-bones, offering just enough for the player to track the major plot threads. Playing as both characters will reveal the full story of Scarlet Nexus, and the anime provides this as well.

Scarlet Nexus’ Anime Focuses On Its Protagonists, Not The Supporting Cast

There are a few drawbacks to the anime series. The surreal Scarlet Nexus monsters, reminiscent of a novel by China Mieville, have less impact in the anime, as The Others lack the sense of otherworldly menace the game admirably conveyed. The anime features a better take on the tragedies that effect Yuito’s friend Nagi Karman and Kasane’s sister Naomi Randall, both of which could have been handled with more gravitas in the game. The game, however, did a much better job developing supporting cast members, where optional side events selectable in between major missions from Scarlet Nexus’ safehouses offered insights into the drives of squad mates. Those who watch the anime alone may not understand that Kagero’s behavior stems from treating younger teammates like surrogate children, or the duality of Kyoko’s personality. Instead, they will have a better appreciation for the central characters and their primary arcs and motives.

As a video game, Scarlet Nexus was among the best 2021 RPGs. The game’s often labyrinthine story added to its unique charm, and it took an unpredictable course that kept players guessing. The anime has decent production values and largely follows the main plot loyally. Viewed in a vacuum, it is not the most remarkable series, as imaginative settings are a common staple in the anime medium. Absent character development for the more colorful supporting cast members, and instead keeping the focus on the relatively straightforward and sincere heroes, holds the series back from greatness.  When seen as a companion piece to the video game, which is likely how more viewers will approach the Scarlet Nexus anime, it is a valuable addition to the experience, offering clearer insights into the world and the story’s protagonists.

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