Indeed the highest Square Enix on Both PSP & NDS handheld...
AU & UK review is out Now!!!
Closing Comments
If we haven't made it explicitly clear so far (or you're one of those shameless readers who just skip to the end – and if so, for shame), this is going to be the cult-hit DS game of 2008. Jupiter and Square Enix have developed a game that nails just about everything it tries – and it tries quite a lot of new or carefully lifted ideas. The story, which occasionally gets bogged down in silly or overly-reactive dialogue and situations, will definitely keep you hooked throughout the adventure.
Even with this extensive write-up, there's no question that there are elements we haven't touched on that should be discovered for yourselves. The setting won't appeal to everyone (again, suggesting eventual cult-status), but the unique style and combat is so worth your time that it's hard to get too bogged down in minor quirks and faults. Another Square Enix gem, then. Here's hoping this becomes a series, because it's got all the hallmarks of a true classic.
| Rating | Description |  |
|---|---|---|
| out of 10 | click here for ratings guide | |
| 9.0 | Presentation The best use of two screens for maps, info, menus and stylish touches that we've seen in a long time. | |
| 9.0 | Graphics Superb 2D with fluid battle animations, scrolling, layered city streets and slick, if simplistic, cutscenes. Trademark style. | |
| 9.0 | Sound Love the J-Pop soundtrack and loving attention to world sounds and small menu soundbytes. A little more voice acting would've pushed this score even higher. | |
| 9.0 | Gameplay The most inventive, striking RPG to come from the house of Square Enix in a long time. The combat is a treat, but it'll take time to master. | |
| 9.0 | Lasting Appeal Collecting all the pins, outfits, foods, items and so on will take a long while. Plus, there's the simple multiplayer, communication functions and unlocks. | |
| 9.1 | OVERALL (out of 10 / not an average) |  |
Closing Comments
What can be said, however, is that The World Ends With You combines Square’s hallmark character development and story with the collectability of Pokémon, and ties together innovative game design with the urban cool of Jet Set Radio. Indeed, the game’s appropriation of real-world themes and issues are at the heart of its success. It’s a celebration of modern life, and like modern life, it can be messy, complicated and confusing, and you might find yourself beset by minor disappointments. But you get out what you put in, and at its heart is an important message about making human connections in a world that can sometimes seem harsh and uncaring. Which, when you think about it, is pretty cool. And if you don’t want to think about it, well then you can just sit back and enjoy the game design.
| Rating | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| out of 10 | click here for ratings guide | |
| 9.5 | Presentation The style, the setting, the sounds, the characters – everything about The World Ends With You is slick and engaging. | |
| 8.5 | Graphics In some respects the graphics come up against the technical limits of the DS, but they’re brought vibrantly to life thanks to an excellent art style. | |
| 8.5 | Sound The soundtrack offers the same sort of eclectic urban cool as Jet Set Radio, and it works just as well here to create a sense of style and place. | |
| 8.5 | Gameplay Touchscreen niggles aside, there are about a million brilliant things about the game’s design, but the best is the way they all capture the confusing bustle of modern life. | |
| 8.5 | Lasting Appeal The game spans a decent length, but there’s also plenty of replay value thanks to all the collectibles and different score rankings. | |
| 8.9 | OVERALL (out of 10 / not an average) | |
Poor PS3 Sales Means Smaller Losses
"Actually, because the number of units sold was not as high as we hoped, the loss was better than our original expectation," Quotes from Sony’s CFO Nobuyuki Oneda.
