Official Review: The World Ends With You: Final Remix (Nintendo Switch)

By Daisy May, Oct 27, 2018 (updated Oct 27, 2018) 34 7

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Oct 27, 2018
  • Release Date (NA): October 12, 2018
  • Release Date (EU): October 12, 2018
  • Release Date (JP): September 27, 2018
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Developer: Square Enix
  • Genres: ARPG, JRPG
  • ESRB Rating: Teen
  • PEGI Rating: Twelve years and older
  • Also For: Android, Retro
  • Single player
    Local Multiplayer
    Online Multiplayer
    Co-operative
The World Ends With You has released on DS, Smartphone, and now Nintendo Switch. Can this version of the game smash its predecessors, or is it just a quick and dirty port?
Daisy May

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The World Ends With You is finally back at home on a Nintendo system. Originally released in 2007 for the DS, this third release adds brand new content to the mix. Final Remix is an enhanced port of The World Ends With You: Solo Remix for Android and iOS, which is often criticised for the simplified gameplay.

Story

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The World Ends With You takes place in Shibuya, Tokyo. This world's Shibuya is split into multiple planes of existence, the two most important being the 'Underground' (or UG) and the 'Realground' (or RG). The Realground is the 'real' Shibuya, while the Underground is a hidden plane where the 'Reapers Game' takes place. This twisted game forces players to compete against each-other to win the ultimate prize — their life. TWEWY focuses on three games in the UG, each bringing new characters and gameplay elements. The specific weeks detailed in TWEWY are special, however, with the future of Shibuya resting on how well one player performs. 

TWEWY focuses on its unique cast of characters, rather than ultimate fate of Shibuya. The opening of the game introduces the ignorant Neku as the protagonist, who comes across as edgy and rude. Over the period of three weeks, though, Neku continuously grows and and learns from his partners and enemies. Using a special pin, Neku can tune into the minds of people in the RG, allowing him to read their thoughts. This enables him to appreciate the diversity of the town, rather than shut it out. Neku's dynamic and evolving perspective steals the show, with the larger plot being widely unknown until the final showdown. After Neku finishes his time in the UG, he finds himself more open, and he removes his headphones, which acted a metaphor for Neku's repressed personality. This focus on character development makes the narrative engaging and heartwarming.

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After completing the game, you can go back and complete new objectives. Doing this rewards the player with even more lore, providing an extra layer of depth to the powerful narrative, whilst also providing replay value. TWEWY has an original and complex story that I pay attention to each time I play. Unlike another Square Enix JRPG, TWEWY's packs emotions and morals into a short and simple story. Whilst I do lament the lack of a sequel, I'm thankful that the series has escaped the fate of the Kingdom Hearts series.

Gameplay

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Final Remix has two polarising control schemes. In handheld mode, the game controls almost identically to the smartphone ports, using the touchscreen. In docked mode, you controversially use a single Joy-Con to control a pointer, which simulates the same control scheme. Using the touchscreen is the best way to play Final Remix, providing the possibility more reliable and precise inputs. Using pointer controls isn't ideal, but it still adapts TWEWY's gameplay effectively enough to be enjoyable. Neku attacks using pins, which require certain gestures to activate. These range from taps to slashes, and makes certain pins less viable when using the Joy-Con. Pins in which you must slash Neku feel particularly awkward, forcing me to abandon these otherwise powerful attacks.

TWEWY has a somewhat unique way of controlling difficulty. Instead of locking yourself into one setting at the start of the game, you unlock different modes throughout the story — Easy, Normal, Hard and Ultimate. Each mode yields different item drops from enemies, often rewarding the player for cranking up the difficulty. This fluid way of controlling the game works extremely well for both hardcore and casual gamers. This system is made even deeper by the ability to dynamically change your level, increasing the drop rate by 1× for every level you sacrifice. If you're finding battles easy, you can decide to chain them together, hitting you with progressively stronger enemies. These battles reward you with with a significantly higher drop rate and increased pin experience.

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Neku and his partners have 5 stats each; Attack, defense, HP, drop, and bravery. HP is increased as you level up, but increasing your other stats isn't necessary, with more powerful pins being the primary method of dealing more damage. You can level up and evolve your pins throughout the game, encouraging experimentation. Increasing your stats using food can be rewarding, though, and is useful when you're playing on Ultimate in the post-game. You can also equip clothing to Neku and his partners, which can give you a boost in attack, defense, or HP. There are hundreds of combinations in the game, and collecting them is almost a game in itself. More powerful clothing items require higher Bravery levels, ensuring that you invest in each characters' stats.

I was impressed with how well the motion controls work, given the circumstances. There are some fundamental flaws, however. If you suspend the game, the Joy-Con cursor always loses its bearings and begins to drift. This can be fixed by placing controller on a flat surface for a few seconds, but this is never explained in-game. This could have easily been avoided by forcing a re-calibration upon resuming. Another frustrating problem is that it's impossible to play in the touchscreen-only handheld mode without your controllers. These may seem like nitpicks, but they go a long way to make the game feel unpolished.

A New Day

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Final Remix finally expands TWEWY's story beyond the original vision, with a brand new scenario — A New Day. This chapter features Neku, Beat, and a Reaper named Coco, as they try to win the Reaper's Game in 'Expert Mode'. On their mission, they learn that Shibuya is scrambled up, and that something is wrong with Neku's friends. I had fun playing the mission, but it ended abruptly, with the last scene acting as a disappointing cliffhanger for a sequel we'll probably never get.

Whilst I opened a new scenario with open arms, the story of the New Day left a lot to be desired. The basis of the story is that Shibuya isn't how it should be. What rubs me the wrong way is the writing, which doesn't feel quite at home within the overall game. Coco, the reaper who tags along in the adventure, has obnoxiously bad and grating dialogue that rip me right from the otherwise convincing world. She constantly uses online slang such as 'wtf', 'LOL', and 'GTFO' in a way that grated me after two or three cutscenes. It's a cheap and unconvincing way to create a unique character, which is particularly hard to swallow considering the otherwise excellent cast of TWEWY. Even Beat and Neku, the protagonists, have lazily written and disappointing dialogue. These factors combined made it hard to take the story seriously, and left me with a bad taste in my mouth.

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The most enjoyable thing about the new content is the remixed gameplay. Instead of the standard battles of the main campaign, New Day introduces various battle conditions; Split, Curse, Restore, Sync Rave, and Ravenball. Sync Rave and Restore help to refill your Sync and HP bars, while the others aim to make the battle more intense. Both the beneficial and detrimental effects dramatically change the flow of battle, offering new challenges for long-time fans. It's a shame that the story is so lacklustre when the gameplay is so much fun. These exciting new battles are only available in the new chapter, but I feel as if they'd have been even better if they were available in the 'Another Day' scenario, too. 

Graphics & Sound

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The World Ends With You had a unique art style on the Nintendo DS, and it is preserved in Final Remix. The sights of Shibuya are striking, with true-to-life buildings and locations being presented throughout the game. Each pin has a unique design, making them a treat to collect, and each character has a unique design. Unfortunately, like in Solo Remix, the clothing items and food still appear as sprites as they did in the original Nintendo DS release. This should be improved upon, considering that the game is selling for full-price. Overall, the game is visually on par with the beautiful iOS and Android version, making it leagues ahead of the original title.

Another unique aspect of TWEWY is the music. This is almost universally praised, even amongst those who dislike the game. I never get bored of the soundtrack, and Final Remix treated me to a huge range of excellent songs in the 30 hours I played. I tend to avoid playing with the volume off, as listening to the music during intense battles is immensely satisfying. Solo Remix was a huge step-up from the DS title in terms of diversity and quality, but Final Remix takes it a step further with a ton of brand new remixes. You can even turn off the newly remixed tracks if you want to listen to the original songs, but I highly recommend keeping the remixed versions on. You can even buy CDs in-game to listen to each track on the in-game menu, so that you can fully appreciate the soundtrack.

The World Ends With You: Final Remix Launch Trailer

Verdict
What We Liked . . . Impressive and timeless graphics Unique game-play adapted for both motion and touchscreen controls New content provides new ways to play Beautiful soundtrack What We Didn't Like . . . The new dialogue feels jarring and awkward when compared to the original stellar script New content was over-hyped and underwhelming Control scheme can be klutzy
9 Presentation
The World Ends With You has a unique art style that I will forever appreciate. Unfortunately, though, it seems as though the assets from the original 2007 release are still used, making item sprites look ugly and feel out of place.
9 Gameplay
While the gameplay is significantly different from that of the original, it certainly isn't bad. The World Ends With You on the Nintendo DS is more unique, but Final Remix is far easier to get to grips with. You can even attempt to emulate the original game's dual-character setup by playing Co-Op by yourself, if you so please.
9 Lasting Appeal
The colossal number of pins, items, and CDs you can collect will keep you going for hours, even if you're not a completionist. It has more content than previous releases, with the new chapter providing a fresh new perspective on the classic TWEWY formula.
9.3
out of 10
 Overall (not an average)
The World Ends With You is my favourite game of all time. The story is engaging and heartwarming, the characters are diverse and well-designed, and the gameplay is remarkably unique. Overall, TWEWY is a niche title that I think most fans of games like Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts will enjoy.
You, lcie nimbus, TheVinAnator and 4 others like this.

    34 comments

  • Sonic Angel Knight
    Sonic Angel Knight
    I heard so much about this game but never played it. After looking at it, kinda reminded me of Jet Set radio with the place being in Shibuya and the radical character designs except for it being made by square enix. :P

    Not once do I hear why it's a well received game especially for a handheld that uses the touchscreen controls as the main gameplay which to some people may be off putting compared to a full fleshed out controller with buttons. A DS game that only use touch screen isn't uncommon, just not what I expected from the system. Cellphones or tablets, yeah because they don't have buttons.

    I wondered how this version would play, but it doesn't seem to add mainstream controller inputs so I dunno. It would be nice to have a choice but I guess is not possible since the game wasn't designed that way. I do think this was informative about why people like it but I dunno if it's a game I'll enjoy if the only way to play is the recommended touch screen or on a tv waving my Joycon around like a wiimote. (What stopped them from wii port then?) :unsure:
    You, Dragonx41, lcie nimbus and 1 other person like this.
    Oct 27, 2018
  • gameboy
    gameboy
    9.0*3=9.3? even with wii controls? ''The World Ends With You is my favourite game of all time'' (kinda biased maybe?)

    i played it on ds, it was ''meh'' for me, but it kind of is a girly game
    Zense and kernelPANIC like this.
    Oct 27, 2018
  • Song of storms
    Song of storms
    I'm not really a fan of the writing done in this review, especially how the personal opinions and spoilers get in the way more times than it should be acceptable, imo.
    Oct 27, 2018
  • bahamut920
    bahamut920
    So if basically all I remember about the time I tried the DS version was hating the control scheme, will this version of the game fix that?
    Oct 27, 2018
  • Daisy
    Daisy
    I'm not allowed to have a favourite game?

    Also, the final score is not an average.
    Xandrid likes this.
    Oct 27, 2018
  • gameboy
    gameboy
    i didnt like the ending or the story in general (its a rippoff as 'GANTZ'), japan has a suicide problem apparently
    wouldve been better if they showed shiki, or if she was a 6'5 obese guy and neku was catfished in the end to save everyone. It made no sense that her appearance could even have been altered in the first place
    Oct 27, 2018
  • Lazyboss
    Lazyboss
    It's a girly game gentlemen, move on nothing to see here.
    Oct 27, 2018
  • gameboy
    gameboy
    with all the new found love for anime and all the sjw-ing and constant almost harassment-like push for womanisms, this game's story is perfect for an HD comeback, it was ahead of its time.
    Oct 27, 2018
  • Arras
    Arras
    It's better in that it doesn't require you to split attention between two screens, which was impossible for me to get used to. It plays like the DS one but without the top screen.
    Oct 28, 2018
  • Chary
    Chary
    The not an average text in the overall score should denote that the final score is not an average.

    This is the most ignorant commen—

    Oh. Never mind, this one is.

    How in the world do you get “pro feminism/SJW” from this game? You can argue a writer’s bias, but this is a baffling demerit I’d like to see actually explained rather than snarked.
    Oct 28, 2018
  • gameboy
    gameboy
    the story is mostly about that stupid girl and her pettiness to try to be popular or pretty or whatever. theres a lot of emotions and crazy womenly habits and themes most dudes cant possibly comprehend. Its like that ''TLC -Unpretty'' Song. Only mostly some females understand it, i like the melody but everything else is a drag
    Oct 28, 2018
  • Scarlet
    Scarlet
    I worry that you really think you speak for men or women here. It's fine to say you don't get or enjoy themes, but don't drag a gender down with you mango.
    CamulaHikari likes this.
    Oct 28, 2018
  • gameboy
    gameboy
    mango? i speak for myself with an opinion based on what i know , just telling the truth toots, sorry to set your little fluffy world to blaze
    Oct 28, 2018
  • Meteor7
    Meteor7
    Yeah, I don't see it. I haven't played it in a long time, but the game struck me most as speaking about the idea of perception creating a world's facsimile within the observer, and some of the effect that come with that (the world literally ending with you, and that slight double-entendre), as well as the idea that the conflicting of these different perceptions of the world through interaction and debate are a necessity to elevate the average worldview and forge ideas greater than the sum of their parts. Considering the devotion to cultural purity Japan used to have way back when, and how I've seen the idea thrown around that the youth there considers that sentiment to still linger slightly today, I imagine this theme working on both a philosophical and critical level. Besides that are ideas depicted like the effects of trauma, self-sacrifice, familial love, defensiveness to protect tenderness, so forth and so on.

    As for this idea that the game revolves around feministic themes, I have no idea how you got that, much less how you think that the game's mostly about Shiki and her not feeling pretty. Not only is that just one of her hangups, but she's just one of the characters with their own arcs, personalities, and hangups. For heaven's sake, she's not even present for half the game, you cashew-filled nutbar.
    duwen likes this.
    Oct 28, 2018
  • Bimmel
    Bimmel
    After Neku finishes his time in the UG, he finds himself more open, and he removes his headphones, which acted a metaphor for Neku's repressed personality.
    Ouch. Spoiling the ending in the first sentences of your review? Glad I already played it back then.
    CamulaHikari likes this.
    Oct 28, 2018
  • Ericthegreat
    Ericthegreat
    Amazing a gbatemp review that couldn't be considered a short novel. (Good review though.)
    Oct 28, 2018
  • Daisy
    Daisy
    ...What? Have you even played this game?
    CamulaHikari likes this.
    Oct 28, 2018
  • Daisy
    Daisy
    I mean, it's hardly a huge spoiler? If you really think it matters, I can remove that line, but that's hardly 'spoiling the ending'.
    Oct 28, 2018
  • Zapdos857
    Zapdos857
    I may pick this up, especially since "Co-op" was re-implemented. I may just enable it and leave Shiki on her own if it works like it did on the DS
    Oct 28, 2018
  • Sonic Angel Knight
    Sonic Angel Knight
    I'm actually okay with this. Always wondered why he wear the headphones, maybe he was listening to some "Funky Fresh Beats" like a jet set radio character. Nope, he just didn't want to hear anyone else but his own thoughts. :creep:

    I didn't know people are so sensitive to spoilers, especially for a review. Can always just play the game first and look at review later. :P
    CamulaHikari likes this.
    Oct 28, 2018
  • gameboy
    gameboy
    i played it when i first got my 3ds in 2013, the game was 'meh' to me, story never grabbed me and i can only remember a bit of the girl's storyline. twewy has a cult following, to me its also a 9.5/10 on the nds based on how everything is put together but the story is a 2/10 and not something i would revisit unless it was on youtube.
    Oct 28, 2018
  • eyeliner
    eyeliner
    I'm an old bastard, for sure and I can't comprehend how can someone watch someone play on Youtube.
    It's like the old days, when the owner of the coolest console invited kids to his home, and played with them at his side, not letting them play.

    Also, more girly games with this quality, please. I like to read a review by someone who really likes the game and actually plays it. Maybe I should review Suikoden one of these days. My favorite game, ever.
    CamulaHikari likes this.
    Oct 28, 2018
  • SG854
    SG854
    Perfect, my type of game.

    Years Ahead
    CamulaHikari likes this.
    Oct 28, 2018
  • yanhaot
    yanhaot
    Long story short: could consider trying it if you've never played it before, but if you've played it on DS or on the iPad, then this is mayhaps a pass.
    Oct 28, 2018
  • ShinyLatios
    ShinyLatios
    Been grinding this game for a bit after release, loved the original DS game and while the pointer controls have their issues... they are fine enough. I don't like using the switch touch screen for any game, so the alternative is good.

    That being said, you can, in fact, use the touch without the controllers, but you need to have the controllers connected wirelessly first, then touch the screen. That'll disconnect the controllers immediately.

    I'm glad to see the game being done justice here. A New Day is absolutely meh, didnt much care for the battles and the writing was... decent at best if you don't count Coco, but the "ending" to it was absolutely horrid with nothing to go on. The original game was amazing and those who really wanted to know more could delve into the secrets of everything with the secret reports, all written to explain either why certain story elements are as they are or even explaining why game mechanics work like they do - in canon no less. Only a few stones were left unturned by the end as to tease a sequel, and it is sad that A New Day only ended up tossing more stones instead of turning those unturned stones.

    Here's hoping we get either a sequel (doubtful) or a DLC (far more doubtful).
    Oct 28, 2018
  • Zense
    Zense
    I gave TWEWY on the DS a shot not too many years ago. The gameplay was interesting, however, the music and the characters didn't click with me, since at that time I'd stopped watching animes and started being annoyed by japanese anime storytelling and that special straight up comedy/sillyness. Maybe I should have realized this before starting the game...

    Still, it is very interesting to see how this game can be in a such a low regard to someone (me), while others find it to be one of the best games ever made. It's essentially the same how I can't stand FIFA but still people love it, partially because of the football culture they love, much like how people who love TWEWY has to like or at least be neutral to japanese culture and its tropes.

    Anyways, I'm glad anytime a remaster/"enhanced port"/remake turns out great.
    Oct 29, 2018
  • gameboy
    gameboy
    most times i dont want to spend time grinding or playing a less than polished game and i just watch the youtube ''movies'' for the story. Most games are just BORING (like UNCHARTED i.m.o) that i get get to a certain point and just say 'eff that' and youtube it.
    Oct 29, 2018
  • duwen
    duwen
    Even if I owned a Switch, I'd pass on this... just because I can't see the original DS version ever being bettered. I've tried the other ports and found they somehow lacked what makes the original so endearing and a joy to play.
    At one point I was playing three different copies of the game simultaneously on 3 NDS's (mainly just for the item trading, however one copy was my legit gamecard, and two versions on flashcarts - the 'undub' and the the vanilla Japanese release)... like the reviewer, I'm pretty biased. And while not my "favourite game of all time" it's almost certainly my favourite JRPG on the NDS.

    Although it took a while to get used to, I became fond of (and really adept at) the control scheme on the DS version - simultaneously controlling stuff on the top screen with buttons while controlling the action with the stylus on the bottom screen... it's part of what makes the original version great that hasn't translated to the 'updated' ports.
    I'd sooner play that one again than any new port of it.
    Daisies likes this.
    Oct 29, 2018
  • *rubs eyes* ... The last time I played it on DS is sure didn't look this crips.

    Anyhow... it's becoming apparant that SE will *not* revive this IP... Enough of the rehash.

    Time this IP gets its well deserved rest...

    *puts on sunglasses and listens to some "Calling"*
    Nov 2, 2018
  • pr0dukt
    pr0dukt
    Why does he keep doing this to us with the unrequited cliffies at the end of every iteration of this game? =\ Either make the damn sequel or gtfo with your carrot on a stick bs, Nomura!~ He enjoys watching us squirm faar more than is probably forgivable.. <_<


    and holy shit, is that toxic gameboy kid's opinions on video game narrative concepts the most absolute autistic cancer in literary form i've ever accidently read. I'm still cringing just thinking about what it must be like to have a brain like his. Poor bastard. >.<
    Nov 5, 2018
  • I completed this a few years back on IOS and intended to re-buy it for the Switch. It would have been nice to replay this game on a bigger screen and with some extra content. Given that many people agree that the New Day content was rushed I decided stuff it. A real shame.
    Nov 5, 2018
  • Daisy
    Daisy
    I don't think it's rushed, the writing is just bad.
    Nov 5, 2018
  • RanceJustice
    RanceJustice
    Would anyone happen to know what versions of Final Remix have the Japanese audio - both voiceovers and music selection - plus the option for English UI/subtitles? If I recall the original DS release, there were variations in which songs were included depending on localization.

    It does not seem like the NA/US version of Final Remix has dual audio, but if that's incorrect please let me know. Not sure how the EUR version stacks up, but promo videos from UK / EUR locales have overlaid text saying only English VO will be available, so that doesn't seem promising. I'm sure the JP release itself has the Japanese voiceovers, but I'm unsure if its music differs from the international; it also lacks an English text/subtitle mode I'm guessing? I've heard rumor that there is an Asian region version that offers the JP audio alongside English UI/subtitles, but it seems to be out of stock in places like PlayAsia and the like. Does anyone know the Title ID of the Asia version specifically?

    Its crazy that in this day and age original language audio isn't available by default. Ah well. Thanks!
    Feb 3, 2020
  • TheCasualties
    TheCasualties
    For anyone reading this now, or people who haven't finished the switch version:

    Try playing with co-op and holding a joycon in each hand! It's somewhat similar to controlling both characters in the DS version. That "pat your head and rub your belly" gameplay.

    Your partner doesn't take damage though, so I'd suggest setting difficulty to hard or lower your health with the slider. Also, your partner's attacks still work during that section where you have to use certain brands, so it kind of breaks that part.

    It's quite fun! If you loved the original , be sure to try playing co-op by yourself! I wouldn't have enjoyed the switch version very much if I hadn't done this.
    Jul 6, 2020