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Clockwise from top: Beat, Rhyme, Shiki, Neku, and Joshua.

The style begins where the world ends.

There's a lot to learn, but it's worth the investment.

Tin Pin Slammers is a neat mini-game, but that's about as far as multiplayer goes.

Closing Comments
Few games make it into the “amazing” category in our opinion, but with a game that sets as many standards, breaks down as many walls, stomps as many preconceptions, and offers as much depth and versatility as The World Ends With You, we simply can’t consider it anything but exactly that. Square Enix and Jupiter took a chance on this one, as it would have been just as easy to release another Final Fantasy, Mana, or Dragon Quest game in its place, but instead the company went for a long shot in creating something truly unique and imaginative, and the result is not only one of the best DS games out there, but also one of the top RPG’s we’ve played in years.

Whether you’re a fan of the art style or not, or if the dual screen combat is just too hectic for your tastes, there’s still no denying the game’s impressive ability to create an immersive, alive world on Nintendo’s pocket platform, complete with beautiful and inspired music, matchless art design, and pioneering individuality in gameplay. It stands toe to toe with The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass in this reviewer’s opinion, and will hold the title for being one of DS’s freshest and most imaginative experiences long after the system falls to the wayside. Games like this come once in a system’s lifetime, and shouldn’t be ignored.

 

IGN Ratings for The World Ends With You (DS)

Rating	Description
out of 10	click here for ratings guide
8.5	Presentation The interface is slick and touch-controlled, but it’ll take a serious investment to learn how everything works. Storytelling could be a bit more dynamic. Portraits and text feels dated.
9.0	Graphics A 2D marvel, using 3D to tie everything together. Impressive effects animation, beautiful character design, and great usage of both screens together.
9.0	Sound One of the best sound tracks on DS, rivaling the likes of Final Fantasy and Zelda. The mix of hip hop and techno sets the groundwork for the game’s mood.
9.0	Gameplay The mix of options and dual screen control is unparalleled. Some touch attacks work better when combined with others (based on similar strokes), but it’s truly original.
9.0	Lasting Appeal Local wireless Tin Pin Slammers mode is a neat extra mode, but nothing more. 300+ pins, endless customization, and “out of game” options make this a must-play.
9.0 Outstanding	OVERALL (out of 10 / not an average)

Shopping Cart

Product Details

The World Ends With You From Square Enix Price: $39.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details http://astore.amazon.com/vgch-20/detail/B00136MBHA/105-1149256-0831613 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Ships from and sold by Amazon.com 13 new or used available from $37.99 Average customer review:

Shopping Cart

Product Details

The World Ends With You (Nintendo DS) From Square Enix List Price: £29.99 Price: £24.98 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Delivery on orders over £15. Details http://astore.amazon.co.uk/vgch-21/detail/B0012EA9M2/202-4735894-6934233 Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours Dispatched from and sold by Amazon.co.uk 3 new or used available from £24.98

http://www.play.com/Games/DS/4-/3594222/The-World-Ends-With-You/Product.html

http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=69419

Correct me if I am wrong, It is currently the highest on Both PSP & NDS handheld!

Yep, coming from the creators of Kingdom Hearts, I'm not surprised they did another darn fine job!

Another good game to add to my collection! The DS' library keeps growing with awesome titles. =P

Looks just as krappy as Kingdom Hearts. I think I'll pass and go for something better. DS has better RPG's than this coming out for it.

 You can't deny the fact that it still got a 9/10 score, and that right now it's probably the best RPG we'll see on the DS (until they decide to release a New Super Mario RPG: Legend of the 14 Stars... Damn, make that game Nintendo!).

 Em...like what? Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days???

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 Outstanding	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 Great	OVERALL (out of 10 / not an average)

 I can deny those things.  FF4 is my 2nd favorite RPG and a greatly improved version of it comes to DS this summer.  I also think the DQ 4, DQ5, and DQ6 games for DS will be better.  If Square makes a FF6 DS remake, it will also be better.

That said, even though I cannot find Japanese sales for this game, it does seem to be getting good reviews. 

The game is fantastic.

Buy it now.