World End Syndrome

 Switch
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Pocket Gamer UK
    Jun 17, 2019
    70
    World End Syndrome is an absolutely gorgeous visual novel, let down by a few gameplay ideas that simply don't work.
  2. Digitally Downloaded
    May 13, 2019
    70
    World End Syndrome does more than enough as a visual novel - it's hard to put down, well written, and the art is gorgeous. I just hope people don't give up the first time, when the "bad ending" it mandatory. In hindsight it's a brilliant way to introduce the depth of choices that come after that scene, but it's the most poorly executed trick the game has up its sleeve.
  3. NintendoWorldReport
    May 20, 2019
    65
    Overall, if you are already a fan of visual novels as a whole, Worldend Syndrome will probably be successful at drawing you in. If you’re not already a fan of the genre, it isn’t likely to change your mind. Between the lengthy prologue and the slightly disappointing shift in gameplay that comes after it, Worldend has a lot of potential for its storytelling that it constantly seems to put just out of reach in order to pad out its length and starve the player of interesting information until the very last second, before repeating the same process over and over again.

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Best Switch Game of 2019

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 30
  3. Negative: 3 out of 30
  1. JolleyGood
    Jun 27, 2019
    9
    Lovely game, beautiful story and great characters. It won't be for everyone but a great experience for those who feel they may enjoy it
  2. bthaxton1990
    May 10, 2019
    10
    World End Syndrome is a visual novel that tells a story about the supernatural, murder, mystery, and romance. Playing as a character who hasWorld End Syndrome is a visual novel that tells a story about the supernatural, murder, mystery, and romance. Playing as a character who has faced a recent tragedy in his life, so you relocate to a new town and stay in your uncles mansion. During you time at this new location you will attend school and meet a slew of interesting characters. Each character has a different personality and they stayed interesting the whole play through. About 3 hours into the game, you will be given a choice, but there is only one option. Picking this one option leads to the bad ending of the game, which is nuts! and a perfect way to get players excited. Reloading your save, there is now a second option, which allows you to move forward regularly. From that point on, you will decided where you want to go each day, who you want to see, what errands you want to complete, and much more. Giving you a sense of choice that is lacking in some other visual novels. Ultimately the goal is to reach the end of the calender's and get the good ending, which will require trial and error, but the game cross saves data so if you complete a mission and then load an old save, that mission will still be completed. The visuals are perfect, as well as the sound effects. The dialogue is on point and the translators did an excellent job. The character models are unique and the ladies look great. The romance segments are interesting, and mature. Overall this is a great VN and I would highly recommend it.… Full Review »
  3. Kevandre
    Apr 6, 2020
    9
    First the Pro's- This is the most gorgeous visual novel I've ever seen. The character art is amazing and the backgrounds show more thanFirst the Pro's- This is the most gorgeous visual novel I've ever seen. The character art is amazing and the backgrounds show more than cursory effort, which isn't SUPER important but I thought it was notable for sure.

    The plot is incredible. I love telling a complete story via different routes with different characters, it's the best way to show you the full picture and this game is a master at that kind of storytelling. It had twists and turns I was certainly not expecting and there were multiple times where I shouted out during playing at certain surprises.Due to these, it's the kind of game you think about a lot afterward, connecting some dots together.

    The cons, and they're barely cons. The first, less important one- there's only a Japanese dub. That in itself isn't really a big deal, I'll just turn the voices off completely (Hearing a language I don't know just distracts me and takes me out of the experience).

    The slightly bigger con is the "gameplay." Now, when you talk about a visual novel, gameplay is almost a complete non-issue, but in this particular case I think it's worth noting in a review. Post-prologue, you go into an almost Monster Prom-esque gameplay style where you have to choose where to go and just hope that the girl whose route you're on is there. Oftentimes these interactions are meaningful and great, other times they don't mean anything. Due to this particular style of gameplay, I would not recommend playing this game without a guide to anyone, you'll just be wasting a lot of time if you don't know where to go. It's not a big deal, but I thought it was enough to remove a point. All the same..

    Overall the game was amazing. I loved the story and characters very very much and am really excited that there's a sequel coming eventually. I will be there day one for it, for sure!

    EDIT: What most reviews and things don't tell you going in is that there are some spooky parts and a couple jumpscares. It DOES happen but mostly in the prologue. If it turns you off in the prologue I'd recommend sticking with it, the game lightens up after that on subsequent playthroughs.    … Full Review »
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