Digimon Battle Online is an MMORPG that originally launched in 2002 in Korea. There, it is still known as Digimon RPG. In 2010, the game made its way to the West, but it was shut down after a few years. Now, nearly ten years later, there is a second attempt. Is it worth it?
What kind of game is this? The MMORPG is heavily based on the third season, Digimon Tamers. You can choose from one of four characters: Takato, Rika, Henry, or Jen. With this character, you explore the Digiworld and can catch Digimon to fight with them.
- You can choose from four different starter Digimon.
- The battles are turn-based. Each Digimon has three abilities, two of which are unique to that monster.
- You can carry up to five Digimon with you and can additionally store caught ones in a box.
- Like in Tamers, there are cards you can use to increase strength or perform a Digivolution.
- However, the graphics don’t look very impressive; after all, the original version of the MMORPG was released in 2002.
What about the game? Digimon RPG was released in 2010 – more than 8 years after the release in Korea – in the West. However, the title only lasted just under three years there. In 2013, WeMade shut down the servers.
In 2022, however, the MMORPG makes a return. This time, it is being brought to the West by the publisher GAMEKING, who already operates Digimon Masters Online here, and will carry the original name, Digimon RPG. You can already register on the website in advance and secure some pre-order bonuses (via Gameking).
A deep insight into the game is provided by this video from YouTuber VihKun:
Criticism for Limited Combat System and Catch Rates
What is changing compared to before? That is hard to say, as GAMEKING has not shared many details about Digimon RPG yet. However, the game still receives updates in Korea today, which bring new opponents into play.
Especially the issue of monetization is open. The MMORPG will be free-to-play and will have a shop. It is currently unclear what exactly will be included. However, their other title, Digimon Masters Online, is certainly criticized regarding pay-to-win aspects.
Is the game worth it? If you are a huge Tamers fan, then possibly. After all, you play with the familiar characters and Digimon from this season. But overall, I don’t have fond memories of Digimon Battle Online.
Especially the battles were disappointing. To engage in a fight, you had to click on a hostile Digimon. However, if you wanted, you could avoid all the battles, which somewhat diminished the sense of a dangerous world.
Furthermore, the Digimon had very few abilities. The first attack felt like a tackle for all monsters, while attacks two and three were special, but it wasn’t as tactically demanding as other Digimon titles.
Also, I have bad memories regarding the catch rates. I often had to fight the same Digimon 15 to 20 times to catch it. This didn’t enhance the gameplay experience.
However, there is a possibility that over the years the game has improved at least on some points of criticism. Therefore, anyone interested in a Digimon MMORPG should give the game a chance.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a modern single-player Digimon experience, you should check out Survive. Here is the trailer for it:
Currently, a new MMORPG is being developed for Digimon. It is called Super Rumble and has already shown its first gameplay. It is based on the first season and also looks really good. You can find all the information about it here:
New Digimon MMORPG finally shows gameplay with turn-based combat
