When Bandai Namco extended an invitation for a four-hour preview of *Digimon Story Time Stranger* during PAX West 2025, I certainly felt a bit daunted. Navigating previews between PAX and [gamescom 2025](https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/awesome-indies-show-at-gamescom-2025/), I had grown used to quick sessions where I had to rapidly absorb the gameplay dynamics. Fortunately, [Bandai Namco](https://www.cgmagonline.com/news/pax-west-2025-bandai-namco/) acknowledged that this strategy would significantly undermine *Digimon Story Time Stranger,* as even with the extended preview, it wasn’t sufficient to fully appreciate everything it presents.

In *Digimon Story Time Stranger,* you assume the role of an Operator capable of traversing the human and digital realms. During my preview, I had the option to select either a male or female character, with the one I didn’t select providing guidance through my Digivice. Your mission is to enter the Digital World to explore a peculiar anomaly. For more details about the *Digimon Story Time Stranger* narrative, please check out the story trailer below.

I began with a tutorial segment in *Digimon Story Time Stranger,* where I discovered the different types (Virus, Data, or Vaccine) of Digimon and their interactions. The game does not presume that every player possesses deep knowledge of Digimon, and I valued the chance to familiarize myself with the mechanics. It is in this section that we encountered a brand-new system, a fresh concept in [Digimon overall](https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/game/digimon-survive-switch-review/), the personalities.

Now, each Digimon is equipped with its unique personality in *Digimon Story Time Stranger.* Following battles and throughout your adventure, brief dialogue moments will appear with your Digimon, giving you the opportunity to chat with them. It often seemed as though they were eager to learn from you, and you would face dialogue choices that might influence their personality traits. Different types yield varied bonuses, such as enhanced attacks, critical hits, and more.

### “Now, each Digimon is equipped with its unique personality in *Digimon Story Time Stranger.*“

As the game progresses, you will gain access to the Digifarm, which offers additional methods to train and modify your Digimon’s personality. There are several reasons why you might want to undertake this, too. Evolving your Digimon typically necessitates specific conditions. At times, you might have to reach a certain capture number, while in other instances, the creature must possess a particular personality type for a certain Digivolution. Some Digimon have one or two options, while others boast numerous choices, in addition to De-Digivolutions. It’s a lot to digest.

In total, there are 450 Digimon and their Digivolutions in *Digimon Story Time Stranger.* If you’re aiming to collect everything, you’ll need to experiment with Digivolving or De-Digivolving. I felt disheartened to witness my cute, little, ball-like Digimon transform into large, muscular beings, contrary to my hopes for them to remain charming and small. Fortunately, with 999 storage slots, there is ample space for all. In combat, you can deploy three active members, have three backup options if you need to replace a fallen team, plus three guest members involved in the storyline.

There is plenty to monitor during a battle. You can identify which type is advantageous against another, or determine the weaknesses of each Digimon towards different kinds of attacks. You can employ standard assaults or summon special moves for specific damage types, or utilize defensive skills. The option to swap in different Digimon is also available, as is the ability to use one healing item per turn. It’s a lot to consider with each round, but players can choose to activate auto-battle and even adjust the speed of animations to their preference.

### “…*Digimon Story Time Stranger* truly represents