DECAPOLICE Faces Growing Criticism as Combat Gameplay Disappoints Fans Ahead of 2027 Launch

Level-5's next detective RPG, DECAPOLICE, has finally been shown in action, and some RPG fans are now wondering whether the long-anticipated project will meet their expectations. The game was announced in 2023 but has suffered from a number of delays and development changes, and gamers look forward to seeing what the final product will have to offer.

But some recent gameplay footage has generated discussion about the quality of its turn-based combat with several viewers describing the animations as stiff and the overall presentation as underwhelming compared to other modern Japanese RPGs. Despite the negative reactions, Level-5 still has time to improve the experience before its planned 2027 release.

The latest footage attracted attention after being shown during the Tokyo Game Show, where players got another look at the game’s futuristic world, characters, and combat system.

While the showcase provided a clearer picture of what Level-5 has been developing, some RPG content creators and fans have responded less enthusiastically than the studio might have hoped. The majority of the criticism is regarding combat during action, with viewers saying that the animations lack the energy and visual flair expected from a modern turn-based RPG.

Comparisons with other popular RPGs have further fueled the debate. Turn-based battles can be exciting thanks to things like camera movement, attack animations, sound design, and dramatic finishing moves, as seen in games such as Persona 5, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave.

Yes, players are not controlling each action but selecting commands, but the presentation can make you feel like each attack is impactful. DECAPOLICE’s current combat footage, however, hasn’t wowed some viewers, raising questions about whether the game has enough visual personality to stand out in an increasingly competitive genre.

DECAPOLICE’s announcement in 2023 also raised expectations. The project has been in the works for a number of years, and players have been waiting for it to take shape; considering that the last footage showed a much more polished, dynamic combat system, some were expecting that level of improvement to carry over.

Earlier appearances reportedly generated more excitement around the game’s presentation, making the latest showcase particularly disappointing for viewers who expected noticeable improvements. With multiple combat-system changes during development, the current footage has also raised questions about the direction Level-5 has taken and whether the studio has found the right balance between its detective mechanics and traditional RPG battles.

However, the criticism does not necessarily mean DECAPOLICE is heading toward a disastrous launch.

The game is still scheduled for 2027 and gives Level-5 more time to work on polishing up its presentation, improving its animations, and responding to feedback. Gameplay footage can also give a partial impression of how a finished game feels, especially when the surrounding systems, progression, and story are only partially understood. 

One of the highlights of the latest presentation is the game's world. Others have hailed its clean visual style and the increased sense of density in its environments, which feel more populated and detailed than before. The futuristic setting also allows Level-5 to create a unique identity for its central character, investigative tools, and detective-style gameplay. 

The detective mechanics may be another thing working in the game’s favor. DECAPOLICE isn’t all about combat, though, and its investigation elements provide a unique experience when compared to the more traditional adventures of the genre. If the mystery-solving systems and the exploring are fun, they could be a good foundation even if the battles need more work. 

Nevertheless, the combat system remains an important part of the game’s overall appeal. Turn-based RPGs rely heavily on presentation because players often spend considerable time watching characters perform their selected actions. Without engaging animations and satisfying visual effects, even a well-designed battle system can quickly become repetitive.

Strong animations, memorable enemy designs, varied attacks, and effective sound effects can make repeated encounters feel rewarding. Criticism around its combat should be taken seriously, in part due to how long players had to wait for the project. The world design and detective-focused systems show some promising things for Level-5 to build on.

Level-5 could have helped alleviate these issues by making the attacks more lively with better angle shots, snappier transitions, and more expressive character movements.

More complex combos and more advanced animations could also help give battles a greater sense of momentum. The sound design also deserves equal attention, with more impactful impacts and more distinct effects to make powerful attacks feel more rewarding. These changes may not require the studio to completely rebuild the combat system, but they could significantly improve how the action is presented to players.

The level of competition makes these upgrades especially important. Since DECAPOLICE’s reveal, the RPG genre has seen a handful of noteworthy releases and new entries into existing franchises. Games such as Triangle Strategy have offered players plenty of alternatives and the continued presence of the Romancing SaGa and Fire Emblem series.

DECAPOLICE will need to prove its worth with its combat system and presentation style, as there are plenty of other titles out there with their own unique take on the genre, and it cannot just rely on the appeal of its futuristic setting and detective premise. Strong execution will be essential if the game is to stand out from its established competitors.

DECAPOLICE is still a work in progress, and the latest gameplay footage should be considered a snapshot of where the game is at, not a final judgment on the finished game. The criticism about its combat deserves serious consideration, especially given how long players have waited for the project.

The world design and detective-focused systems show some promising things for Level-5 to build upon. If the studio improves the animations, sound effects, and overall presentation while preserving the game’s strongest ideas, DECAPOLICE could still become a compelling RPG when it arrives in 2027. For now, however, its latest showcase has left some fans wanting more.