Release Date: January 9, 2025 (Consoles/Switch) | January 10, 2025 (PC) | Developer: Dimps | Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment | Platforms: PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Steam) | Price: $39.99 USD | Languages: English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and more
In early 2025, Bandai Namco brought a long-dormant PS Vita co-op title back into the spotlight — Freedom Wars Remastered. The game was considered one of the representative co-op titles on the PS Vita, alongside God Eater, Toukiden, and Soul Sacrifice. A decade later, it returns with 4K resolution and 60fps support.
Setting: Born with a Million-Year Sentence
The story of Freedom Wars takes place in the distant future — the year 102013. Earth can no longer sustain biological life, and humanity has built prison-city-states called Panopticons. With resources running low, conflicts between these cities are constant.
In this world, living itself is a crime — most citizens are born with a 1,000,000-year prison sentence. These people are called Sinners. To reduce their sentences and earn freedom, Sinners must participate in dangerous combat operations known as “Volunteer” missions.
Each Sinner is assigned an Accessory — a robot companion tasked with monitoring their behavior. The game opens with an oppressive atmosphere: players are confined to a tiny cell, forbidden from talking to anyone or lying down. Unauthorized actions — such as leaving restricted areas or moving beyond permitted boundaries — can result in additional years added to their sentence. Only by entering the battlefield can players feel a brief sense of freedom.
Core Combat: The Thorn and High-Speed Vertical Movement
Freedom Wars‘ combat system was highly innovative for its time, built around the Thorn.
The Thorn is a special grapple-like tool that allows players to:
- Traverse vertically: Climb walls and high structures for free movement in 3D space
- Control enemies tactically: Bind and trip enemies
- Draw aggro: Mark enemies with the Thorn to make them prioritize you or your allies
Combat blends melee and ranged attacks. Players can use swords, spears, firearms, and other weapons to engage enemies at high speed in three-dimensional space. The game supports up to 8-player co-op, with missions involving resource retrieval, citizen rescue, and base capture.
In PvP, players choose a “PT” (Penal Town) from Japan’s 47 prefectures (or major cities in other versions) and compete against other PTs.
The AI-controlled Accessory also provides fire support and tactical assistance during missions.
The Remaster: A Decade-Long Return
Bandai Namco released this remastered edition to mark the 10th anniversary of Freedom Wars. Dimps handled development, while Bandai Namco took on publishing. The development team had long wanted to create a sequel, and after securing the necessary IP rights, they moved forward with this remaster.
Visual Upgrades:
- 4K resolution support (PS5/PC versions)
- High-resolution textures and models
- 60fps gameplay (30fps on Switch)
System Improvements:
- Overhauled weapon crafting and upgrade systems
- New difficulty settings
- Improved AI for allies and enemies
- Reworked controls
- Optimized character progression
Content & Voice:
- All original DLC included
- Accessory voice options expanded from 1 to 8 (4 male, 4 female)
- Newly recorded English voiceovers
- Additional music, including the classic track “Let’s 貢献”
Things to Keep in Mind:
- No new story content, weapons, or enemies
- No cross-platform multiplayer (but PS4 and PS5 versions are compatible)
- The game is currently not available for direct purchase on Steam in China
Critical Reception: A Mixed Return
At the time of writing, Freedom Wars Remastered holds a Metacritic score of 74, with 6 critics giving positive reviews and 6 offering mixed feedback.
IGN Spain (8/10) said it “remains just as fun as it was a decade ago, with noticeable improvements in certain areas.”
IGN Italy (7/10) noted that “the story and narrative could have been better designed, and the enemy variety and environments could have been more diverse.”
Push Square (7/10) called it “a great way to revisit the game,” but added that “at its core, it’s still a dated PS Vita title — constant loading, bland characters, relatively simple combat, and endless busywork undermine the fond memories.”
Some players appreciate the freshness of the Thorn system, which combines melee, shooting, and vertical mobility into a unique experience. Others point out that level design feels rough and repetitive, with missions largely limited to hostage rescue and boss fights, and enemy variety falls short.
Is Freedom Wars Remastered Worth It?
Consider it if you:
- Were a fan of the PS Vita original and want to relive the experience
- Enjoy co-op hunting-style games (God Eater, Toukiden, etc.)
- Are intrigued by its dystopian setting and the unique Thorn-based combat
Think twice if you:
- Expect a modern open-world experience
- Dislike repetitive grinding and mission structures
- Have little patience for dated game design
Freedom Wars Remastered is not a perfect game. Its world-building and combat system were groundbreaking for the PS Vita era, but its core design does show its age. Still, for those who experienced it a decade ago, this is a rare chance to revisit a cult classic; for newcomers, it offers a glimpse into the co-op hunting genre’s PS Vita heyday.
As the producer noted, the team has been thinking about a sequel for the past 10 years. The sales and reception of this remaster may well determine whether Freedom Wars will truly get a second chance.
Copyright Notice:
All game screenshots, character designs, and related materials referenced in this article are the property of Dimps Corporation, Bandai Namco Entertainment, and their respective rights holders.
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