[Game Preview] - Daemon x Machina: Prototype Missions (Nintendo Switch)
Reviewer: John B.
Developer: Marvelous Inc Publisher: Nintendo Category: Action Release Date: Summer 2019
Download the Daemon x Machina: Prototype Missions demo here.
Preorder Daemon x Machina from Amazon here.
I’m a fan of the Armored Core series, and its influence definitely shows in the demo for Daemon X Machina. The combat felt almost identical to AC’s and the customization systems were pretty similar, too. The customization options in the demo are pretty limited, but I assume they will expand quite a bit for the final release. In addition to creating an Arsenal (mech), you can also create a pilot that you control between missions in your hangar. The customization options for your pilot are fairly limited as well, but hopefully some more options will be added when the game releases.
Combat, as I said, is pretty similar to Armored Core’s systems. The controls felt a little janky to begin with, but after a couple of missions I got used to everything. There is some auto-aiming and a lock-on function to assist you with attacking, which is good because the controls are kind of imprecise. If I had to aim all on my own I don’t think I’d hit hardly anything. The trigger buttons control up to four different weapons you can equip, plus you can equip spare weapons on shoulder pylons if you want. One new function is the ability to leave your Arsenal and fight with just your pilot. The missions in the demo don’t really offer any reason to do this, however. Still, it could be a pretty cool mechanic if it the final release integrated it more into its gameplay.
You can also salvage downed enemy Arsenals for one part or weapon. The only problem with that is that downed Arsenals usually have three or four salvageable items. Why can’t I salvage those too?! Grabbing loot is a staple of modern gaming. I foresee some rough choices. Or, you can just replay missions and hope the item you didn’t grab the first time drops again. There’s no limit to how many times you can replay a mission (at least not in the demo), so you can keep going until you’ve gotten all the parts you need. The game mentions that you can buy items and parts, but that isn’t included in the demo. You can use the money you accumulate to buy new cybernetic implants for your body, which change your physical appearance.
The game is pretty well-designed all-around. The graphics are sharp, if not totally top-of-the-line. The mech designs are outstanding, as are the designs of all the weapons and your character’s pilot suit. So while there are better-looking games out there, Daemon X Machina is still an awesome-looking game. The between-mission hub is pretty cool; I don’t know how many more functions will be added in the full release, but the lab, mission selection menu, and hangar menu are all well-organized and intuitive. Overall, I’m exactly as psyched for this game as I was when it was announced. My excitement level remains high. I love mechs more than I love most people I know.
Download the Daemon x Machina: Prototype Missions demo here.
Preorder Daemon x Machina from Amazon here.
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