The Definitive Guide to Understanding Cyber Sleuth vs. Hacker‘s Memory

The core differences at a glance:

• Release Structure: Hacker‘s Memory is an alternate perspective side-story to Cyber Sleuth
• Playable Characters: Cyber Sleuth has a male (Takumi) or female (Ami) lead, while Hacker‘s Memory stars a defined male character Keisuke
• Game Length: Cyber Sleuth‘s main story is 250-400 hours, Hacker‘s Memory is around 100 hours
• Digimon Roster: 341 total obtainable Digimon, with Hacker‘s Memory adding 92 more
• Availability: Cyber Sleuth now delisted on PSN, but Hacker‘s Memory still purchasable

As an avid Digimon collector and competitive battler since the early 2000‘s, unraveling the complex relationship between Cyber Sleuth and Hacker‘s Memory has been a passion project of mine. After over 500+ hours playing across both games‘ mobile, console and PC platforms, I‘m ready to provide the definitive perspective…

The Connection Between Both Games

While marketed as a "Complete Edition" on Nintendo Switch and PC, Cyber Sleuth and Hacker‘s Memory are not traditional sequels. Hacker‘s Memory serves as an extended side story that runs parallel to Cyber Sleuth‘s main narrative. New protagonist Keisuke offers an alternate viewpoint on the events that transpired in the original game from his harsh life as a hacker framed for crimes he didn‘t commit. Both titles take place in the same sci-fi vision of internet-infused Tokyo.

According to Cyber Sleuth director Kazumasa Habu:

"I wanted to write a story about the protagonist’s allies. I also wanted to focus on how society works. The idea of telling the story from their perspective naturally came about."

As longtime fans know, Keisuke briefly appears in Cyber Sleuth working at a hacker-run bar. This sets up his own tragic tale. Habu-san made an intriguing choice by intertwining these cohesive plot threads between both versions of the Hudie hacking group across timelines.

In my view, this interconnected narrative makes starting with the original Cyber Sleuth vital before witnessing the events unfold again from Keisuke‘s lens. Let‘s analyze why in more detail…

Should You Play Cyber Sleuth or Hacker‘s Memory First?

For newcomers, I strongly advocate beginning your journey in the Digital World via Cyber Sleuth rather than Hacker‘s Memory.

Beyond the keystone details on Keisuke‘s backstory being established in the first game, Cyber Sleuth benefits from broader world-building. As the introductory title (published initially in 2015 in Japan), playing as Takumi/Ami grants wider initial exposure to the mechanics, systems and Digital World locales before Keisuke‘s tale picks up in media res.

Key Advantages to Cyber Sleuth First:

• Foundation of world-building
• Main story completion should take on average 300-400 hours
• Key events referenced in Hacker‘s Memory have more impact
• Bonus progression perks by linking your Complete Save data

Don‘t be overwhelmed by Cyber Sleuth‘s lengthy completion time! This provides plenty of adventuring through Eden‘s dynamic districts filled with vibrant NPC encounters. I obtained 285 avidly-trained Digimon before besting the final boss – don‘t rush the journey! Once Keisuke‘s perspective takes the reins, I estimate only achieving around 130 unique Digimon due to Hacker‘s Memory‘s trimmed-down scope centering more on his hacker team.

In essence, think of starting with Cyber Sleuth as the rich main course meal, while Hacker‘s Memory serves as a fulfilling, but smaller dessert.

Now that cross-save data linking bolsters bonuses no matter which entry you start with, the debate is less contentious. But I stand firm that savoring Cyber Sleuth first remains the ideal way to become immersed in the vibrant world and gradually uncover its narrative secrets leading into Keisuke‘s big reveal.

Comparing Story Length and Completion Times

Speaking of secrets, one major discrepancy between both versions is the measurable time invested to fully complete all missions, side quests and post-game challenges.

Across user reports on HowLongtoBeat.com, clearing all content benchmarks shakes out as:

So while Hacker‘s Memory still delivers a meaty experience, sticking solely to Keisuke‘s perspective omits nearly 30 additional hours of content compared to Cyber Sleuth‘s extensive solo campaign.

Personally, here was my rough playtime:

• Cyber Sleuth – 372 hours (All-Out Effort Trophy)
• Hacker‘s Memory – 96 hours (Platinum Trophy)

The key outliers? I replayed Cyber Sleuth‘s New Game+ mode twice thanks to becoming so attached to the Digital World and testing Digimon teams. Hacker‘s Memory didn‘t quite grip me in the same fashion once the freshness faded after just one Playthrough 2 attempt. It lacks some difficulty tweaks and roster bonuses I craved after Cyber Sleuth‘s addictive sense of scope and discovery.

For those obsessed with maxing out each entry, expect Cyber Sleuth to consume much more of your waking life! Using my expert advice to optimize raising Digimon for battle, anticipate 350-400 hours to hit HR Rank 20 in Cyber Sleuth when including grinding. Hacker‘s Memory caps out faster at around 150 hours max to unlock its brutal post-game Domain of Darkness dungeon and defeat superboss Chronomon Destroyer Mode.

The Digimon Roster: Quantity and Exclusives

Let‘s pivot the conversation to the beloved creatures themselves shining at the core of these games – Digital Monsters!

A sizable 92 additional Digimon join Hacker Memory‘s lineup:

Cyber Sleuth: 249 Digimon

Hacker‘s Memory: 341 obtainable Digimon

This huge leap in catchable species adds fresh dynamics for veteran players. Bandai Namco touted over 320 unique Digimon models getting rendered in Hacker‘s Memory, eclipsing the previous title‘s count.

While the roster crossover includes popular mainstays like WarGreymon, MetalGarurumon and Imperialdramon, several all-stars stand out as exclusives depending on the game version. Studying which monsters can only be recruited or fused together in each title helped guide my completionist strategy.

Cyber Sleuth Exclusives

• Omnimon (difficulty obtaining without linking Hacker‘s Memory save data)
• Susanoomon
• Dimension Destroyers (GranDracmon variants)

Hacker’s Memory Exclusives

• Eosmon
• Mother Eater
• Chronomon Holy Mode
• BlitzGreymon

Wise collectors should especially focus on the limited VenomMyotismon variant and BlitzGreymon in Hacker‘s Memory.

And remember – with Digimon Survive revitalizing interest in the franchise, now is an ideal time to revisit Cyber Sleuth‘s animated world bursting with personality!

I hope this comprehensive guide from my years of expertise makes separating Cyber Sleuth vs. Hacker‘s Memory‘s subtle differences crystal clear for both newcomers and returning fans. Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions – I could talk Digimon all day! Just don‘t get me started on comparing rearise mobile game mega chains…