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. IsaacC
    Jan 9, 2010
    10
    Excellent music and stroyline, one of the most innovative battle systems i've seen, even if it can cause some fustration for new players. A completely immersive world that keep you begging for more and one of the few games that has a true incentive to keep playing after the main storyline finnishes.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  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. 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.
  7. PeterF.
    Aug 4, 2008
    10
    One of the most innovative and impressive RPG's in years.
  8. Joh'nzJ.
    Apr 17, 2008
    10
    Cool control system.
  9. [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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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!
  12. 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.
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. KayinM.
    Apr 17, 2008
    10
    A truly unexpected experience, this action RPG gets perfect marks for using the various NDS controls to their full extent. With a unique (from a western gamer point of view) and interesting real world setting, fitting music, and a solid visual style to pull it all together, the World Ends With You should be an easy contender for best new franchise RPG regardless of platform.
  18. DoomDeadly
    Apr 21, 2008
    10
    Absolutely excellent game, from the varied game play, to the amazing story and music. If you own a DS and have a bit of time to invest, there's no reason not to pick this up.
  19. NekuS.
    Apr 25, 2008
    10
    Pretty much the best DS game out there. Tons of features, including a risk-and-reward battle system with tons of attacks to use, a compelling story, amazing graphics and a beautiful soundtrack to go with it. What more could you want?
  20. KyleS
    May 19, 2008
    10
    This is one of the great games out for the ds right now. A interesting plot, great use of the DS touch screen, and long enough to play on a road trip, but fun enough to play for short bursts. a definite Buy, for any DS owner.
  21. GabrielaA.
    May 23, 2008
    10
    Awesome game!
  22. AnonymousMC
    May 23, 2008
    10
    This is an amazing game. The story is one of the best and will keep you interested until the end. The gameplay is fun and fresh. The soundtrack is unique (and I thought pretty cool). Sure, some of the pins aren't that great and the game can sometimes have trouble telling your strokes apart, but that's what sub slots are for(you'll understand eventually). This does NOTThis is an amazing game. The story is one of the best and will keep you interested until the end. The gameplay is fun and fresh. The soundtrack is unique (and I thought pretty cool). Sure, some of the pins aren't that great and the game can sometimes have trouble telling your strokes apart, but that's what sub slots are for(you'll understand eventually). This does NOT detract from the experience. You will not find another game like this anywhere. Trust me, it's good.… Expand
  23. 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.
  24. William
    Jul 27, 2008
    10
    This funnest, freshest, and my innovative game I've played for a long time. It seamlessly blends all of the DS features into the gameplay. It is challenging for a game veteran, and yet inviting for a game novice. It has great replay value, and even has fun wireless multi-card play.
  25. 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.
  26. Yownage
    Nov 13, 2009
    10
    So it will be known on the Internet for all time: This game was sex. The sole reason I still have a DS.
  27. 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
  28. gm101
    Mar 29, 2012
    10
    A year ago, I had zero interest in this game. But when it was revealed characters from the game will be appearing in Kingdom Hearts 3D, my curiosity of the gamme grew. So I finally got it, and I loved it! Great story and characters! A must have for anyone who owns a DS!
  29. PilkingtonMedia
    Oct 17, 2010
    10
    I am quite suprised at just how many negative reviews this has been given, its 10 too much, quite possibly one of the ost innovative, original, compelling and attractive games you will ever have the sheer pleasure of playing, well worth the current £13 price tag.
  30. andrix10
    Dec 23, 2012
    10
    This game is way too awesome to even review, if you don't own this and Ur RPG fan and u have a Ds, u should should drop everything and just go buy the game
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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

All reviews »
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]
    Read full review
  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 »