Tokyo Xanadu

Tokyo Xanadu is Falcom's attempt to combine its own action-adventure tradition with a setting of modern Japan and the structure of school life. The player takes on the role of high schooler Kou Tokisaka in the fictional town of Morimiya, which looks like an ordinary suburb until cracks begin opening into a parallel dimension called Eclipse. Beyond them lurk monsters drawn by human anxiety, and Kou, together with other students, becomes one of those who drive them back. The alternation between two worlds is the game's core axis: during the day school matters, side quests for the town's residents, and relationships with classmates are handled, and in the evening a dungeon opens up.

Combat takes place from a top-down perspective in isometric levels and is built around rapidly switching between several heroes right in the middle of battle. Each character has a different element and a different range, so the party is chosen based on what a given dungeon calls for. Combining attacks, dodges, blocking, and special techniques tied to an energy gauge give the battles a brisk pace, and the game consistently rewards bold play with bonuses for unbroken combos. Outside of combat, bonds with characters develop, unlocking passive bonuses and story scenes, which is clearly inspired by the structure of Japanese school-set RPGs.

On the Vita this was one of the last major Japanese titles, and technically it's clear the game fit within the console's capabilities with room to spare: it runs smoothly, but the environments are rather plain and repetitive. This is offset by the music, an area where Falcom has long excelled, alternating energetic rock pieces with urban themes. Reviews rated the game favorably, highlighting the fun combat and the likable cast, with criticism aimed at the predictable plot and repetitive dungeons. Today, Tokyo Xanadu is seen as a pleasant, if not groundbreaking title, and as proof that Falcom could carry its signature style into a modern setting as well.