Daemon X Machina Review: Mech Combat Shines on Nintendo Switch

Daemon X Machina Review: Mech Combat Shines on Nintendo Switch When Marvelous unveiled Daemon X Machina as a Nintendo Switch exclusive, it immediately caught the attention of mech action fans worldwide.

Directed by Kenichiro Tsukuda, renowned for his work on the Armored Core series, Daemon X Machina launched globally on September 13, 2019, bringing a high-octane, anime-inspired approach to the thriving action game library of the Nintendo Switch.

Utilizing Unreal Engine 4, the game promised a fusion of breathtaking visuals, detailed customization, and fast-paced battles, all optimized for both docked and handheld modes. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity fights for survival following the catastrophic Moonfall event, Daemon X Machina thrusts players into the boots of an Outer—a new recruit for the elite mercenary group known as the Reclaimers.

After AI technology, once humanity's hope for rebuilding, is corrupted by the mechanical foes called the Immortals, an unending war erupts between humans and machines.

Your role as an Arsenal pilot is to confront these rogue AIs and fight alongside or against other human factions vying for territorial dominance. Players are first introduced to Four, an AI liaison bridging communication between Orbital, the governing force, and the Reclaimers.

This encounter marks the start of a journey filled with intricate lore, a large cast of characters, and deep mech customization.

While the introductory hours can present a steep learning curve due to extensive terminology and a dense narrative framework, the commitment to world-building by Marvelous is undeniable.

The developer sought to enrich the player experience with detailed backstory, though it may occasionally feel overwhelming to newcomers. Gameplay in Daemon X Machina centers on piloting Armored Arsenal suits, with extensive options to modify weaponry, armor, and auxiliary systems.

Players tackle a variety of Offer Missions to progress the main story and Free Missions for additional rewards.

The combat is both thrilling and strategic: you can unleash a barrage of firearms, missiles, and special powers fueled by the mysterious resource Femto.

Health is managed by recovering at scattered VP Recovery Tanks, while strategic loadout choices are constrained by a memory system, ensuring balance and customization variety. One of the standout features is the depth of the loot and upgrade system.

After each mission, players earn weapons, credits, and new equipment, all sortable by parameters like damage and effective range.

However, as your arsenal expands, identifying the optimal gear can become cumbersome, suggesting that a weapon ranking system could enhance accessibility. Beyond combat, players can engage in equipment development, body modification for permanent stat upgrades, or even visit the in-game Ice Cream Parlor, which offers temporary buffs and collectible rewards.

Visual presentation is another highlight; the distinctive art style, drenched in reds and dynamic lighting, ensures Daemon X Machina stands out among Nintendo Switch titles.

The game runs smoothly in most situations, with only occasional drops in frame rate during chaotic battles. Despite these strengths, Daemon X Machina is not without flaws.

Progression in weapon upgrades and core missions can feel sluggish, and the variety in mission objectives sometimes falls short, leading to occasional repetition—particularly in extended play sessions.

Additionally, multiplayer is limited to cooperative missions, as the main story remains a solo experience. Nonetheless, Daemon X Machina delivers one of the most visually impressive and mechanically rich experiences available on Nintendo Switch.

The expertly crafted mech combat, combined with an energetic soundtrack and robust customization options, firmly establishes the game as a must-try for fans of the genre.

While the narrative complexity and some gameplay pacing issues hold it back from perfection, Marvelous and Kenichiro Tsukuda have succeeded in creating a memorable, thrilling action adventure unique to Nintendo’s hybrid platform.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Marvelous X Daemon X Machina Kenichiro Tsukuda Unreal Engine 4 Immortals Reclaimers Arsenal