The World Ends with You

 DS
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 391 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 333 out of 391
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 391
  3. Negative: 31 out of 391
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  1. JudgeMental
    Sep 12, 2010
    10
    Square Enix, with its unfortunate tenancy to publish almost anything that comes through the door, has lost my respect as a publisher. That being said, they are one of the few publishers that would take the risk of publishing this game, so rich in things that have not been done before, and for that, I am grateful. Innovative, with an excellent plot, with twists I never saw coming. WorthSquare Enix, with its unfortunate tenancy to publish almost anything that comes through the door, has lost my respect as a publisher. That being said, they are one of the few publishers that would take the risk of publishing this game, so rich in things that have not been done before, and for that, I am grateful. Innovative, with an excellent plot, with twists I never saw coming. Worth playing, and for me, worth a 10/10.… Expand
  2. Blind
    Jul 24, 2009
    10
    Easily one of the best games on DS. The gameplay is so immersive and unique. It takes great skill and concentration - but only if you want it to. The game is flexibility enough to be as hard or as difficult as you want to be. The DS features are used so well that it feels like the DS was designed for this game rather than the other way around. In particular, dual screen and touch screen Easily one of the best games on DS. The gameplay is so immersive and unique. It takes great skill and concentration - but only if you want it to. The game is flexibility enough to be as hard or as difficult as you want to be. The DS features are used so well that it feels like the DS was designed for this game rather than the other way around. In particular, dual screen and touch screen are perfect. There are very few things I'd change in this game.… Expand
  3. TomKirby-Green
    Apr 19, 2008
    9
    Haven't enjoyed an RPG (or a DS game for that matter) as much as this in a *long* time. Surely a platform classic.
  4. IbrahimI.
    Apr 23, 2008
    10
    This game is ridiculously addicting with an awesome storyline. The gameplay is complex but fun and unique from what I've seen. There's a lot of text but personally I like it. The customization aspect is amazing, there's so many stores and things and everything seems to level up ;). I just can't stop playing it, it's that good. Oh, and the graphics are very nicely This game is ridiculously addicting with an awesome storyline. The gameplay is complex but fun and unique from what I've seen. There's a lot of text but personally I like it. The customization aspect is amazing, there's so many stores and things and everything seems to level up ;). I just can't stop playing it, it's that good. Oh, and the graphics are very nicely stylized and the music is great too.… Expand
  5. TomB
    May 11, 2008
    10
    This in my opinion is the best game on DS. Its got a great soundtrack, great style, great gameplay, great storyline and lasts for ages. Can't wait for a sequel!
  6. Adamkdlkas;fk
    Jun 2, 2008
    9
    To those who give this game a low score and claim it is a "very typical" JRPG (not naming anyone), clearly have not played this game. It's a breath of fresh air from a genre which is all too often criticized and spited for being repetitive and unoriginal. Beautiful.
  7. AdamFix
    Sep 25, 2008
    9
    This game is not only completely original and amazingly innovative, but is one of the few RPGs that even huge nerds shouldn't be ashamed to play. It has style, flair, and the writing is either well done or so ridiculously over the top it's funny (see Sho Miniamoto, AKA Pi-Face). It's just a cool game.
  8. MaxCorman
    Apr 14, 2009
    10
    The game isn't perfect, but it is a title that should not be missed. This has quality all over it. It should be noted though that this game is for hardcore RPG fans as it will scare off people that are not fans of the genre due to its difficulty and style. Its style is also one of the most unique I have ever seen. Do not let it keep you from buying it.
  9. GundamBoy
    Jun 7, 2018
    10
    Great game for the DS and one of the best games made by Square Enix. If you like JRPG and haven't tried this game yet, go for it.
  10. MichaelS.
    Apr 29, 2008
    10
    The freshest idea to come out of Square Enix in a long time. Easily the best ARPG for any portable system. The story and characters may seem standard angsty teens at first, but develop over the course of the game. The combat can take some time to get used to, but lots of customization options and the option to set your partner to automatic make for a smooth transition. Without a doubt, The freshest idea to come out of Square Enix in a long time. Easily the best ARPG for any portable system. The story and characters may seem standard angsty teens at first, but develop over the course of the game. The combat can take some time to get used to, but lots of customization options and the option to set your partner to automatic make for a smooth transition. Without a doubt, the music is a high point as well. An early contender for Portable game of the year, as it will likely be overshadowed by the GTAs and Metal Gear Solids of the world. A definite must buy for any DS owner; even with the Square Enix tax, the game is worth every dollar. The game runs for around 15-20 hours for the main quest, and there is lots to do after beating the game to keep more than just the 100% completionists interested.… Expand
  11. Jonathan
    Mar 20, 2009
    10
    Is this the best game of all time? No. Is this an amazing game that deserves a 10? OH YEA! This is a game unlike anything I'd ever played before. A few days before actually purchasing it, I read a lot of reviews that said the same thing. So if you're interested in something that's innovative, this is the game for you!! But be sure to check out all other postings as well. Is this the best game of all time? No. Is this an amazing game that deserves a 10? OH YEA! This is a game unlike anything I'd ever played before. A few days before actually purchasing it, I read a lot of reviews that said the same thing. So if you're interested in something that's innovative, this is the game for you!! But be sure to check out all other postings as well. I'm a gamer, like a challenge, and also am mildly obsessive about completing a game/story. Needless to say, not everyone is like me with respect to games - so keep your eyes open for things in reviews that you think you would dislike about this game before buying it. TONS of features to the game. Here's a small list: Clothing System (which ties into the Popularity System), Pins System (which is sort of like skills), Food System (eat food to gain stats... oh, and your "eating" cool down lasts in real-time. You can only eat so many "bytes" of food each REAL Day), the Sleep System (when loading your saved game, you are given free xp for your skills based upon how long it has been since you last played), Variable Difficulty System (you decide the difficulty... oh, and if your difficulty is higher, then you are rewarded for it with more base and skill xp), Variable Level System (you know how you gain levels in an RPG? well you can scale these back and increase your drop rate for items. For instance: I am lvl 8, but I scale down to lvl 7. Now the game is more difficult for me, but my chances for receiving items is doubled), and more. All of these systems are eventually introduced and explained in full detail with the game's excellent method of providing tutorials (which helped me a lot since I never actually had the manual - bought the game used). **NOTE: There is only ONE save game allowed. Bummer, I know. I wanted my wife to play the game, but that would wind up destroying my save... Life is full of unexpected challenges haha Great story (yes, slow at the start, but it picks up), TONS of extras even post game that explain the unanswered questions in the story. Um... how to best say it... if you like Anime, then you'll already have a particular disposition towards liking this game as well. Steep learning curve (as others have mentioned) since you need to monitor two (yes, two) characters during a fight at the same time. Also, you'll have to get really friendly with your DS's Stylus (if you haven't already)... now, I'm a pro ;) MASSIVE NUMBER OF SKILLS!!! These skills (which are represented as "pins" - like pins that you wear) level up (each skill has its own experience), and sometimes "evolve" into higher-class skills. Did I think this was corny at first? yes... but I don't think so anymore. How's the Music? Wow. Glad you asked. The music is incredible. Even in the DS's semi-lame stereo speakers, all of the words are clear, soft on the ears, and easy to understand. There are other games (like Rune Factory, for instance) that have songs with voice in them also, but many times, these songs sound muffled/lower quality/really yucky. This game (World Ends With You) isn't like that at all. The audio is brilliant!! - Note: The song style/genre isn't my type really. It's sort of a cross between some hip-hop, a bit of rap, and perhaps some mild pop. This isn't a perfect synopsis of it, but even though these songs aren't my style, I didn't mind listening to any of them (they aren't repetitive, so they didn't get on my nerves). Well, I hope this helps you make a more informed decision on your potential purchase! As for me, the buy was well worth it.… Expand
  12. BenjaminP.
    May 18, 2008
    10
    One of very few games on the DS that feels like a full experience, rather than something dumbed down for the handheld. Stunning visuals, audio, scripting, and sheer creativity of design. Not to be missed.
  13. SusanW
    Jun 24, 2008
    9
    I am a hard core final fantasy lover but even I'll admit that TWEWY is a refreshing game. The learning curve isn't as steep as it sounds, the visuals are great, I love the techno soundtrack, and its nice to see a RPG that is neither sci-fi nor ancient/au/extreme fantasy. The ONLY thing I didn't like about the game is the fact that the clothes you buy, which are so important I am a hard core final fantasy lover but even I'll admit that TWEWY is a refreshing game. The learning curve isn't as steep as it sounds, the visuals are great, I love the techno soundtrack, and its nice to see a RPG that is neither sci-fi nor ancient/au/extreme fantasy. The ONLY thing I didn't like about the game is the fact that the clothes you buy, which are so important in the game, don't actually effect the way your character looks. Hope they change that for the sequel.… Expand
  14. VincentD
    Jun 7, 2008
    9
    Once you get past the minor flaws the game has, The World Ends With You proves to be one of the best games on DS. The quirky and lovable characters, intriguing story, and frantickly-addictive gameplay push this game over the top to become the powerhouse of JRPGs. There is just so much ground-breaking material here. If the bonus missions don't keep you coming back for more, the story will.
  15. StephaneJ.
    Jul 23, 2008
    9
    Brilliant J-RPG! The innovative combat system is the main feature of this gem, and it works superbly. With a lot of items and weapons (well, pins) to collect and try, the incentive to keep playing is very strong. The story is the only small let-down, probably more to the tate of orienta(-minded)l gamers, but that shouldn't stop you from trying this solid title.
  16. PeterF.
    Aug 4, 2008
    10
    One of the most innovative and impressive RPG's in years.
  17. Ryan
    Apr 18, 2008
    9
    Highly original game and brilliantly executed.
  18. DanA.
    Apr 23, 2008
    9
    The World Ends With You can be summed up with a few words we've been hearing for the past decade or two when referring to Square-Enix. They've done it again.
  19. Willis
    Jun 11, 2008
    10
    I LOVE LOVE LOVE this game. Beat it about a month ago and am STILL playing it. Visually, it kicks butt. The stoyline/talking parts do get a bit long winded, but the game play and addictiveness makes up for it. Screw FFs, this is the winner.
  20. AdamF.
    Jul 24, 2008
    9
    despite taking a ton of new ideas at once, TWEWY manages to avert disaster and emerge as one of the coolest and most enjoyable handheld games in ages. The electronica music is also a great idea, and the writing is either very well done or so ridiculously over-the-top that it's funny (see Sho Minimamoto, AKA the Grim Heaper). Some games are fun, but TWEWY is just cool.
  21. Joh'nzJ.
    Apr 17, 2008
    10
    Cool control system.
  22. [Anonymous]
    Apr 22, 2008
    10
    The game is amazing, with catchy music, and an intriguing storyline with several plot twists. I'd consider this the best RPG on the DS to date. The unique gameplay mechanics are also amazing.
  23. kingsqeerel
    Apr 23, 2008
    10
    One of the best RPGs I've ever played, everything about is unique, I am totally immersed in the game.
  24. ChrisR.
    Apr 24, 2008
    10
    This is exactly what was needed to push RPGs to the next level. Fresh setting, a plethora of new ideas on top of new new, yet strange and maybe too challenging, combat system. Please bring that franchise to the stationary consoles, squenix!
  25. SeanR.
    May 11, 2008
    10
    Fantastic stuff-- very intuitive stylus controls, and a nice nod to lefty gamers or off-hand stylus users in that the ABXY buttons act as an emulated d-pad.
  26. Ashe
    Jun 18, 2008
    9
    The best game for the DS so far. Wonderful characters, engaging story with twists, and innovate gameplay. A truly refreshing game to play that I cant get enough of. Square Enix has done it again and proves they can make amazing games not tied to their main franchises. A must have for any DS owner.
  27. JoeS.
    Aug 4, 2008
    9
    This is an excellent game that puts a great new twist on RPGs. The use of the two screens is a bit tricky to get used to at first, but once you do you'll enjoy it so much more. It keeps your eyes constantly moving and your fingers constantly twitching. There will never be a battle that you could complete in your sleep like most other RPGs where the battles become repetitive menu This is an excellent game that puts a great new twist on RPGs. The use of the two screens is a bit tricky to get used to at first, but once you do you'll enjoy it so much more. It keeps your eyes constantly moving and your fingers constantly twitching. There will never be a battle that you could complete in your sleep like most other RPGs where the battles become repetitive menu clicking. The storyline is also great and will keep you guessing all the way to the end. I highly suggest this game to anyone that enjoys the RPG genre.… Expand
  28. LudwigV.
    Mar 18, 2009
    10
    WHen I first read about this game, I was skeptical about the game style. But when I started playing, I couldn't stop!!!! This is one of those games that makes you think "this must be what Nintendo had in mind when designing the touch screen". The story pushes you to play and play and play... to find out what happens next. The music is not the usual enviromental music... you are WHen I first read about this game, I was skeptical about the game style. But when I started playing, I couldn't stop!!!! This is one of those games that makes you think "this must be what Nintendo had in mind when designing the touch screen". The story pushes you to play and play and play... to find out what happens next. The music is not the usual enviromental music... you are listening a Pop/Rock/Hip-Hop CD all the time! You can even start the game, and leave the DS open just to hear the music.… Expand
  29. EricL.
    Sep 9, 2009
    10
    This is the Best game I have for my DS, and one of my favorite games all together. The story is full of suprises, and I dig the comic book art style. I also thought it was cool how the dialougue is thick with slang. The music is sounds really good on the DS because this is probably the only handheald game with more than one song that has vocals, and the it is perfectly fitting like in Jet This is the Best game I have for my DS, and one of my favorite games all together. The story is full of suprises, and I dig the comic book art style. I also thought it was cool how the dialougue is thick with slang. The music is sounds really good on the DS because this is probably the only handheald game with more than one song that has vocals, and the it is perfectly fitting like in Jet Set Radio Future. The combat is really good, and varied, too, and I love how I can adjust the difficulty and my level midgame so I could earn rare pins. I also like how there are no random battles, and how they can be strung together for more exp, and how enemies are not overly agressive (though still challenging), allowing the player to look between the top and bottom screens without worrying too hard about the character out of sight being attacked. This game is awesome, that's all there is to it.… Expand
  30. RyanH.
    Dec 20, 2008
    10
    One of the best game I've played in years! I was a little hesitant to picking it up- the screenshots online looked a bit iffy, but, hey, it got great reviews. It was worth every dollar! The day I bought it, I played for eight hours strait- the longest I've ever played a handheld straight. The art is pretty, the music sounds great, and you will find yourself emotionally attached One of the best game I've played in years! I was a little hesitant to picking it up- the screenshots online looked a bit iffy, but, hey, it got great reviews. It was worth every dollar! The day I bought it, I played for eight hours strait- the longest I've ever played a handheld straight. The art is pretty, the music sounds great, and you will find yourself emotionally attached to the characters. This game will not leave you any regrets.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best DS Game of 2008
2
#2 Most Discussed DS Game of 2008
4
#4 Most Shared DS Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 59 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 59
  3. Negative: 0 out of 59
  1. GamePro
    90
    The briskly moving plot and the unique battle system adds up yet another winner for Square Enix. [May 2008, p.82]
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  2. Thunderbolt
    90
    As far as handheld RPGs go, it doesn’t get much more original than this.
    Read full review
  3. Nintendo Power
    90
    Thw World Ends with You may not have a big name like "Final Fantasy" or "Kingdom Hearts" attached to it, but it certainly deserves the same kind of success. [May 2008, p.87]
See all critic reviews »