One of the most interesting concepts is getting to pilot your own mech suit. Gundam, Evangelion, Eureka Seven, and more explore this idea. In the world of gaming, there is no shortage of robots, but interestingly, the "mech action" genre is more on the niche side. The most well-known mech series, Armored Core, never really went mainstream. Enter Daemon X Machina. Originally announced during Nintendo's 2018 E3 Direct, Daemon X Machina is a new mech game exclusively for Nintendo Switch. Produced by Armored Core producer Kenichiro Tsukuda, Daemon X Machina aims to be accessible for newcomers while retaining the core mech gameplay Armored Core fans love. In the end, Daemon X Machina is a great action title with satisfying mech gameplay, but needs a script overhaul.

Daemon X Machina is played from a third-person perspective. You control an Arsenal - a mech suit capable of firepower, melee combat, and more. The game is played with a mission system. Most missions will have the player battle corrupted AIs or other Arsenals in a confined area. There are the main story missions, as well as non-story ones. In the event of your Arsenal losing its health, the player character will be able to hop out. Called "Outer" gameplay, the character is capable of blasting, laying traps, and throwing grenades. Of course, the player is far weaker outside the Arsenal.

The story takes place on an Earth that has been ravaged by corrupted AIs. This happened due to an event called the "Moonfall." To combat the AIs, Arsenals were created. Piloting these suits are mercenaries working for different groups.

Robust Customization

Those who have played Armored Core will feel undaunted by the robust customization Daemon X Machina offers. For newcomers, however, there is a wealth of things to consider. From changing the Arsenal's arms to deciding which shoulder weapon to use, there are plenty of options. While not too complicated, the game could have done a better job explaining attachments and the specific stats of each weapon. As a whole, customization is vital in Daemon X Machina, and works to the game's benefit.

A cool aspect for gaining new equipment is looting fallen Arsenals. These materials will then get sent back to the hanger for the player to decide if they are worth using. At the base, there is a shop, a factory, and the lab (there's also an ice cream place for mild upgrades.) The shop could have been utilized a lot better. The factory is interesting because it's there where players can craft different weapons and armor pieces. There is a careful level of strategy because you have to own specific equipment to make stuff in the factory. The lab is where you can upgrade the Outer character, which makes the out-of-Arsenal gameplay more fun.

Epic Mech Gameplay

The older Armored Core titles have a reputation as being "clunky" today. Daemon X Machina avoids this potential pitfall with seamless gameplay. The Arsenal is smooth. While not super fast, it's not slow and comes with a handy stamina meter for quick traveling and evading enemy attacks. There are two core weapons and two backups. There is also the shoulder weapon, such as missiles. Deciding what to use in the tougher boss fights requires strategy. Sometimes though, it's satisfying to simply use assault rifles on both the right and left arms.

The gameplay can have elements of a beat 'em up at times, but is much more strategic. The Arsenal battles, in particular, can be very challenging when it's just the lone player. It's good to shoot away with standard weapons and bazookas, but it's important to not neglect a melee weapon, which can often do far more damage than a firearm. Sometimes the Arsenal battles can be frustrating, but overall, most of the fights are satisfying. Each player will have their own strategy based on their Arsenal setup, but no matter what, quick evasion is key, as well as using the terrain for cover and looking for health containers.

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Interestingly, there was one story mission where a good chunk of it focused solely on playing as the Outer. While a bit rough, it was a good idea that could have been expanded on.

As for online play, players can work cooperatively with one another. Sadly, there is no competitive play. However, Tsukuda said the game will be getting competitive action in a future update. It's a shame it wasn't ready for launch, but at least it's coming and should be a fantastic feature.

Needs A Script Redo

Daemon X Machina is about mech action, but it does put an emphasis on the story. There is a large cast of characters. A few of them are decent. Sadly, the script is full of laughably bad dialogue. It's a shame, because these characters have potential to be interesting, but are squandered by the script. There are a few characters who don't make it in the end, but it's hard to feel sad when the player didn't really care about them.

The way the story progresses is a bit odd. One mission you are teaming up with certain mercenaries, but then another you're fighting against them. This flip-flopping happens throughout the game and becomes more jarring than interesting. The story tries to have deeper meanings, but loses them in vague dialogue and uninteresting characters. The story isn't horrible, but is often less effective than it wants to be.

Rockin' Music

The soundtrack for Daemon X Machina is perfect. The rock and roll tunes help make the player feel like they are part of a cinematic experience. Oddly, the default sound setting has the music rather low, so cranking it up all the way is essential.

A Great Action Game On Switch

Daemon X Machina mostly succeeds in its endeavors. It is an accessible mech action game, with seamless gameplay and a number of customization options. The boss battles are challenging, as are the defend missions. The game isn't perfect, though. The story has some interesting ideas, but is lost in a bad script with very mediocre characters. As a whole, however, Daemon X Machina is certainly worth playing.

4 Out Of 5 Stars

A copy of ​Daemon X Machina ​was purchased by TheGamer for this review. Daemon X Machina is available now for Nintendo Switch.

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