Retro Replay Review

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Gameplay

The World Ends With You stands out immediately with its innovative dual-screen combat system. Controlling Neku on the bottom screen and his partner on the top, you juggle two distinct playstyles simultaneously: Neku’s rapid-tap and swipe actions contrasted with Shiki’s more deliberate, pattern-based attacks. This demands a constant flow of finger gymnastics, making every skirmish feel fresh and engaging.

Collectible pins lie at the heart of the action, each acting as a powered-up special move that can be activated through touchscreen taps, stylus gestures, or even blowing into the DS microphone. As you progress, you’ll amass an impressive arsenal of pins with varying rarities and effects—ranging from elemental blasts to time-slo moiré fields. Experimenting with different pin combinations and unlocking their P​P upgrades ensures that combat never grows stale.

The game’s seven-day time limit introduces an exhilarating pressure to your play sessions. Every mission from the enigmatic Reapers comes with a ticking clock, urging you to beat the clock without grinding excessively. While this creates a palpable sense of urgency, optional side quests and collectible hunts reward thorough explorers, striking a fine balance between high-octane pacing and leisurely discovery.

Beyond the main storyline, wi-fi integration and the Ten Pin Slammer mini-game add another layer of replayability. Linking with friends to exchange P​P or competing in pin-battling competitions online extends the life of the experience. Whether you’re improving your personal pin builds or outwitting a rival in a quick head-to-head, these social features inject bursts of unpredictability into the adventure.

Graphics

Visually, The World Ends With You captures the vibrant chaos of Shibuya with a distinctly stylized aesthetic. Character models are rendered in bold, cel-shaded colors that pop against meticulously detailed 2D backdrops. This blend of 3D assets set against hand-drawn environments gives the game a comic-book flair that perfectly complements its urban fantasy vibe.

Animations during combat are crisp and energetic, ensuring that each pin activation feels impactful. The screen often explodes into neon trails and flashy particle effects when you pull off a combo, reinforcing the game’s energetic heartbeat. Even outside of battle, the city bustles with NPCs, graffiti, and ambient graffiti that lends a sense of living, breathing dynamism to every corner you explore.

UI elements are thoughtfully designed to convey important information at a glance. Health bars, pin cooldown indicators, and mission timers occupy the screen without cluttering your view. The menus themselves are sleek, using clear iconography to manage your growing pin inventory and clothing options with ease.

While the hardware limits of the Nintendo DS impose some texture and resolution constraints, the art direction more than compensates. The game feels alive, colorful, and brimming with personality in every pixel, making it one of the most visually memorable titles on the platform.

Story

At its core, The World Ends With You weaves a tale of self-discovery and human connection. You follow Neku Sakuraba, an aloof teenager thrust into a surreal version of Shibuya where failure means erasure. Paired with various partners—each grappling with their own traumas—Neku learns the importance of trust, empathy, and teamwork as he strives to reclaim his memories and his right to exist.

The seven-day game cycle serves as more than just a gameplay mechanic; it frames each chapter with distinct thematic motifs. From loneliness to acceptance, the narrative threads a deeper commentary on modern social isolation and the masks we wear in public. Every Reaper’s mission feels purpose-driven, and side characters like Yoshiya “Joshua” Kiryu bring unexpected twists that keep you guessing.

Dialogue is sharp and laden with contemporary slang, evoking the pulse of Tokyo’s youth culture. At the same time, the plot never shies away from more profound questions about identity and memory. By the time the final credits roll, the emotional payoff resonates far beyond the battlefield, leaving a lasting impression of both triumph and melancholy.

Moreover, character development is handled with nuance. Shiki’s bubbly optimism contrasts with Neku’s cynicism, and through their banter you witness genuine growth. Secondary players—like Beat, Rhyme, and Minamimoto—each get their moment in the spotlight, ensuring that the story’s human stakes remain front and center.

Overall Experience

The World Ends With You masterfully fuses unique hardware capabilities with a compelling narrative, resulting in an RPG experience unlike any other. Its steep learning curve is balanced by intuitive controls that reward quick reflexes and creative pin usage. Once you master the dual-screen dance, the combat becomes exhilarating and downright addictive.

Replay value is high, thanks to the numerous side quests, collectible pin fusions, and wi-fi features. The Ten Pin Slammer mini-game is an ingenious distraction that showcases the game’s pin mechanics in a competitive format. Even after the main storyline concludes, you’ll find reasons to revisit Shibuya’s bustling streets for untapped secrets and performance improvements.

Audio design further elevates the package. A pulsating soundtrack oscillates between rock, hip-hop, and electronica, matching the adrenaline of combat and the quiet moments of introspection. Sound effects feel weighty and satisfying—every hit and pin activation resonates with clarity.

In the crowded field of action RPGs, The World Ends With You distinguishes itself through aesthetic boldness, riveting storytelling, and refreshingly original gameplay. If you’re ready for a fast-paced journey through Shibuya’s neon-lit streets, complete with emotional highs and memorable characters, this title is an absolute must-play.

Retro Replay Score

8.4/10