TL;DR
Step into a giant mech and relive your anime dreams with Daemon X Machina on Nintendo Switch! This exclusive title throws you into fast-paced battles against colossal robots, requiring you to upgrade your mech and gear to survive. While the initial sluggishness and frequent, sometimes distracting, dialogue might be a hurdle, the game blossoms into an engaging and dynamic experience as you progress. It's a nostalgic journey for anime fans that offers intense mech action, especially for portable play. Discover if this mech adventure is for you and dive into the full review!
Daemon X Machina evokes memories of the early 1980s, when the VHS (Video Home System) recorder was gaining popularity. Distributors sought content for rental, leading to the import of numerous Japanese anime titles into Sweden. These were often marketed as “family films” due to their animated nature, despite containing mature themes such as nudity, violence, and death. Series like Starzinger, Galaxy Express 999, and Robotech remain personal favorites. Consequently, the release of Daemon X Machina immediately piqued my interest.
Players assume the role of a pilot operating an advanced robotic armor, or Mecha. The primary objective involves defeating enemies and upgrading the Mecha to confront colossal robots known as Immortals. Initially, these Immortals present a significant challenge, necessitating gradual improvement, acquisition of superior equipment, and strategic enhancements.
Upon starting Daemon X Machina, a palpable sense of nostalgia emerges, reminiscent of a Robotech episode. The game exhibits high production quality and impressive animation. Characters possess distinct personalities, and the narrative, in line with anime traditions, offers a complex and engaging storyline. This marks the second Switch-exclusive title with strong anime influences, following the release of the exceptional Astral Chain.
The game mechanics initially feel somewhat cumbersome, with a perceived sluggishness in weapon firing rates. However, as the player progresses and upgrades their character, the gameplay becomes progressively more enjoyable and dynamic. Ultimately, the experience evolves into intense and engaging action. Daemon X Machina, a Nintendo Switch exclusive, is particularly well-suited for portable play. When coupled with a quality headset, the game provides a highly immersive experience. I even exclaimed with excitement during a flight upon successfully defeating a particularly challenging enemy.
One drawback is the initial sense of sluggishness stemming from the weapon upgrade requirements. Achieving optimal performance from the Mecha requires a degree of patience. Furthermore, the game features extensive dialogue. Conversations occur before missions, during cutscenes, throughout missions (often on tangential topics), and after missions. This abundance of dialogue can become overwhelming, potentially leading players to disregard crucial information. Additionally, the core gameplay loop can, at times, feel somewhat repetitive. Technical limitations are also apparent, such as the consistently deserted urban environments.
In conclusion, Daemon X Machina, while not without its shortcomings, offers an enjoyable experience. However, it may not appeal to all players. I personally find it engaging and anticipate unlocking all available weapons, upgrading my Mecha, and continuing to defeat enemies.
