Square Enixs cult classic DS game comes to Nintendo Switch, but does the trendy Japanese setting still seem cool 10 years later?
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Back when games were still cheap enough to make that you could afford to take a few risks, companies didnt have to rely on shoehorning everything they made into an existing franchise. In an ideal world most games would be entirely their own thing, instead of the latest Assassins Creed, Final Fantasy, or whatever. But to be fair to Square Enix, they are more willing to create new IP than most, at least when it comes to low budget titles, and theyre also good enough not to forget them even when theyre not a hit.
The World Ends With You was first released on Nintendo DS in 2007 and was not a financial success. It was weird even by the experimental standards of a lot of Japanese DS games, in terms of both narrative and gameplay. In genre terms its technically an action role-player, but rather than some cod Tolkien-esque fantasy world its set entirely in Tokyos trendy Shibuya shopping district.
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The main characters are all fashion-obsessed teenagers, and while the storys main theme sometimes seems like a generic friendship is magic message its actually a more nuanced exploration of the importance of social interaction. Thats something which seems much more relevant in a modern setting than it would a Final Fantasy style world, and arguably even more so now than when the game was first released.
The basic plot involves supernatural Reapers playing a game with innocent peoples lives. Each day youre given a time limit to complete a set mission or otherwise youre erased from existence. Main character Neku starts off as the clichéd unlikeable grouch, but despite some cringeworthy attempts at urban patois he is eventually transformed into a sympathetic character; one who actually learns something from his experience and, together with the other protagonists, has a clear and meaningful character arc.
To help you play the Reapers games youre given a special pin badge which allows you to read peoples minds. This is initially used to portray the thronging crowds as mere sheeple, into whose minds you plant inane memes, but that cynical edge dissipates as Neku meets other players and learns how to combat the graffiti-inspired Noise monsters.
On the DS battles took place on both screens, with you controlling two characters at once – one using the D-pad and the other using the stylus on the touchscreen. Theres no obvious way to replicate this control system on the Switch and so Final Remix simplifies things so that youre controlling just one character directly and the other only occasionally via more basic inputs.
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Thats a controversial decision because not only does it simplify the combat but it does seem somewhat unnecessary. Youre given two control options: either touchscreen-only on in handheld mode or using a single Joy-Con as a pointer control for a cursor. Both leave you free to use the D-pad as well, and while that would clearly be a handful it wouldve been nice to have the choice.
There is a co-op option to compensate though and given how intangible the Joy-Con controls are perhaps they just didnt want to risk frustrating players any more than necessary. (Or, more cynically, maybe it was just cheaper and easier to stick with the basic controls of the existing smartphone remaster.)
Its a credit to the original design that the game still retains a deceptive level of depth, as you collect other badges which allow you to use various different magic spells (or psychs) in battle, from lightning bolts and fire walls to telekinetic powers and more. Each badge is fully upgradeable and a huge range of collectable clothing and items allow you to customise your characters and their abilities, as you have to compensate when different brands go in and out of fashion and their stats change accordingly.
The DSs controls were difficult to get the hang of, and no doubt a large part of why the original wasnt successful, but they were also integral to its appeal. Not only that but the whole game had clearly been designed specifically around the DSs unique abilities and form factor and being detached from that cant help but harm the game. Especially when its almost twice the price of the smartphone editions.
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On the face of it the whole idea of a remaster on the Switch seems like a bad idea and yet for a 10-year-old DS game The World Ends With You looks remarkably good on the big screen, with the new high-res visuals being highly impressive. Theres relatively little animation and no proper voice-acting but the stylish visuals, superb music, and cocksure presentation make it consistently engaging. Plus, the Switch has a brand-new epilogue not in the other versions.
Although it always had its flaws The World Ends With Yous determination not to toe the line in any area, from art to gameplay to setting, is admirable. Some ideas, such as the constantly variable experience and difficultly level works so well you instantly wish it was standard in all role-players. Were glad to see it back and we hope the franchise doesnt end with this; not least because a new game would hopefully be as uniquely adapted to its host console as the original was to the DS.
The World Ends With You -Final Remix-
In Short: Still a courageously original action role-player that breaks almost every rule in the role-playing book. Although what it really needs is a sequel, not another remaster.
Pros: Highly original plot, combat, and presentation – especially considering its DS origins. Excellent sound and art and great use of a modern setting.
Cons: Steep learning curve and airy controls that simplify some elements of the combat from the original. Expensive given the price of the smartphone versions.
Score: 7/10
Formats: Nintendo Switch
Price: £39.99
Publisher: Nintendo/Square Enix
Developer: Square Enix, Jupiter, and h.a.n.d.
Release Date: 12th October 2018
Age Rating: 12
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