Crymachina

CRYMACHINA is an action RPG where mechanical girls strive to survive in a post-apocalyptic world to become “Real Humans''. But what does it mean to be a “Real Human”?

CRYMACHINA is an intriguing action RPG with mechanical girls that attempt to become human again in a very distant future. Although such a future is bleak, these androids make CRYMACHINA feel wholesome and hopeful. CRYMACHINA's smooth combat system, stellar Japanese voice acting, and well-rounded offering of single-player content make it a solid game.

I’ve never been the biggest fan of sci-fi, preferring fantasy due to the fantastical elements. It’s odd for me to say since, out of my four perfect scores, two belong to Nier. I was, and still am, hugely smitten by that pair, especially those characters. Speaking of, those found in CRYMACHINA may invoke familiarity for players, as they’re female Androids.

Although a few issues can mar the overall enjoyment, CRYMACHINA is nevertheless an enjoyable tale of reincarnated humans and their struggle to define what it is to be a “real human”. Slick, responsive combat and a fantastic musical score make this a title you shouldn’t overlook.

CRYMACHINA is a flashy, entertaining JRPG that can feel repetitive further in the game, which you can play well on the Steam Deck!

Despite the narrative not fully coming together in the end, as well as some repetitive gameplay structure, Crymachina manages to be a compelling RPG. Regardless of its uneven nature and short duration, I think it may leave a lasting impression on me - at least a little bit.

Hello, fellow action RPG fan, I have an interesting title for you today so sharpen your steel and let's dive straight in to CRYMACHINA.

Crymachina has several good ideas that it begins to explore. However, the kind of output needed to make those ideas flourish did not happen. Instead, this is a gorgeous-looking game that leans too heavily in the wrong directions, leaving its more intriguing elements as accessories instead of features. There's a decent game here that plays well, but its middle-of-the-pack execution in a sea of action RPGs doesn't do the game any favors.

CRYMACHINA has a promising story and a fresh aesthetic, but the presentation leaves so much to be desired. Convoluted and rushed world-building makes it hard to get invested, and the basic and repetitive combat encounters make it hard not to feel like the loop between gameplay and story is more of a chore than it's worth.

Crymachina is at its best when the focus is solely on the relationships between its characters, but convoluted story and systems lessen its emotional impact. Add in excessive grinding and dull presentation and it makes this sci-fi action RPG tough to recommend.

To be, or not to be. That is the question for Crymachina, the latest action game from NIS. As one of three badass android gals, battle your way through a massive spaceship and fight for the future of the human race in this hack and slash adventure. Expect religious symbolism, impractically giant weapons, and blatant horny bait.