Platforms:
Nintendo Switch & PC (as part of Complete Edition, 2019)
PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4 (2015–2016)
Developer: Media.Vision
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Genre: Turn-Based RPG / Monster Collection
Release Timeline:
- JP: March 12, 2015
- NA/EU: February 2, 2016
Overview & Story
Set in a near-future where the lines between the real world and cyberspace (EDEN) blur, Cyber Sleuth puts you in the role of a silent protagonist who becomes a cyber detective after an encounter with mysterious Digimon and hackers causes your body to enter a “half-digitized” state.
You’ll work with Detective Kuremi, battle rogue hackers, investigate digital anomalies, and uncover the mystery of Eaters — bizarre, corrupted programs threatening both worlds.
Narrative Highlights
- Cyber-noir meets digital monster-raising: sleek, mysterious, and emotionally layered.
- Includes real-world locations (like Shibuya and Akihabara) alongside surreal cyber maps.
- Story themes: identity, AI ethics, digital duality, and human connection.
- Branching sub-quests that give personality to Digimon and side characters.
Core Gameplay & Mechanics
Digimon Capture System
- Defeat Digimon in battle to scan their data (up to 100%).
- Once enough data is collected, you can “digiconvert” them in the Digilab to add them to your team.
- You can Digivolve or De-Digivolve your Digimon at will, encouraging experimentation.
Digivolution Tree System
- 240+ Digimon across Rookie → Champion → Ultimate → Mega.
- Each Digimon has multiple evolutionary paths, requiring:
- Level
- Stats (HP, Attack, etc.)
- CAM (friendship)
- ABI (evolution flexibility)
- De-Digivolving allows stat boosts and unlocks new branches.
Turn-Based Combat
- 3v3 turn-based battles with up to 8 Digimon in rotation.
- Combat includes:
- Attributes (Data, Vaccine, Virus)
- Elements (Fire, Water, Electric, etc.)
- Combo attacks, support skills, and status effects
- Battles are fast-paced, with stylish UI and flashy animations.
Digilab Features
- Digibank – manage your party
- Farm Island – train and develop Digimon passively
- Medals & Gacha Machine – collectables and mini-game
- Colosseum – optional online battles
- Item Shop & Training – enhance your Digimon off the battlefield
Character Highlights
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Protagonist | Silent hero, customizable name & gender |
| Kyoko Kuremi | Mysterious detective, your mentor |
| Arata Sanada | Hacker with a dark past |
| Nokia Shiramine | Whimsical friend with a strong bond to Agumon & Gabumon |
| Yuugo | Leader of the hacker group Zaxon |
| Eaters | Digital entities that consume data — central to the plot |
Digimon Count
Total Available in Cyber Sleuth (Base Game):
249 Digimon, from all anime generations and original lines.
The Complete Edition (which includes Hacker’s Memory) brings this up to 341+ unique Digimon.
Tips for Beginners
- Scan every Digimon: Even weak enemies may evolve into powerful forms later.
- Use the Farm early: Develop Digimon, gather cases, and learn skills while offline.
- ABI matters: De-Digivolving and re-evolving improves ABI — critical for Mega forms.
- Balance types: Keep a mix of Virus/Data/Vaccine and elements to avoid weakness.
- Speed kills: Faster Digimon act more often — always keep one or two quick ones in your party.
Reception & Legacy
| Feature | Reception |
|---|---|
| Story & Characters | 👍 Engaging, philosophical, emotionally complex |
| Battle System | 👍 Strategic, stylish, accessible |
| Digivolution System | 👍 Deep, rewarding, flexible |
| Visuals/UI | 👍 Sleek cyberpunk aesthetic |
| Exploration/World | 👎 Some repetitive dungeon design |
Cyber Sleuth was widely praised for revitalizing the Digimon RPG genre, gaining a strong fan base and influencing future Digimon titles like Survive and Next Order.
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth is more than just a monster-collecting RPG — it’s a smart, stylish cyberpunk detective adventure that blends emotional storytelling with one of the best Digivolution systems in franchise history.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, it delivers a robust RPG experience with meaningful customization, great pacing, and a real sense of digital mystery.