Full Metal Schoolgirl Review: Roguelite Action from D3Publisher and Yuke’s Hits Nintendo Switch 2
D3Publisher and acclaimed developer Yuke’s have teamed up to deliver Full Metal Schoolgirl, a vibrant new roguelite action game now available on Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam.
With a legacy rooted in cult-hit series Earth Defense Force and Onechanbara, both celebrated for their approachable, arcade-inspired gameplay, the duo’s latest offering promises to fuse fast-paced action and procedural challenge.
But does Full Metal Schoolgirl rise to the top or stumble on its way up the tower? Set in the year 2089, Full Metal Schoolgirl places players in the shoes of a cyborg schoolgirl warrior tasked with battling the corporate giant Meternal Jobz.
The game’s core sees players ascend a sprawling 100-floor tower, battling waves of foes known as the Working Dead with a combination of melee and ranged weaponry, alongside a trusty support drone.
Players can choose between two playable characters at the outset, earning currency and upgrade materials during each run, with randomized level layouts and enemy placements driving replayability—hallmarks of the roguelite genre. Much like previous titles from D3Publisher and Yuke’s, Full Metal Schoolgirl centers on its satisfying gameplay loop.
Combat mechanics are straightforward: players can sprint, unleash melee attacks, fire ranged weapons, and execute powerful Punishment Moves.
In an effort to honor its heritage, the combat system draws inspiration from both Earth Defense Force and Onechanbara, evident in its frantic action and movement.
However, as stated in several reviews, this homage is sometimes hampered by unrefined mechanics that can lead to players taking unavoidable damage from off-screen enemies. While the narrative is light, the localization and English voice acting have received praise for enhancing the game’s energetic tone.
As players progress, the tower environment introduces new hazards such as platforming challenges, lasers, and diverse enemy types.
However, one recurring criticism is the repetitive nature of the early floors, which must be replayed with each new run unless players utilize a single-use key to skip ahead—a feature some have found insufficient to prevent tedium. Visually, Full Metal Schoolgirl stands out with its bold aesthetic and colorful enemy designs.
Combat animations benefit from cinematic camera cuts, but some players have reported that these, along with lengthy load times between floors and rooms, can interrupt the pacing and contribute to frustration.
Performance on Nintendo Switch 2 has been a noteworthy concern, as frame rates can drop significantly during intense enemy encounters, occasionally falling below 30 frames per second—even though the game can reach up to 60 in less crowded scenarios.
Gyro controls are a welcome addition for Switch 2 players, though optimization remains an area for future improvement. Musically, the soundtrack sets a playful tone but lacks variety over longer play sessions.
The game supports English voice acting and includes a thematic song, which together help solidify the game’s quirky atmosphere.
Those playing the Steam version, particularly on Steam Deck, have reported better frame rates with certain graphical cutbacks, indicating potential for further optimization on consoles. Currently, Full Metal Schoolgirl is available on Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam via the Nintendo eShop and Steam Store.
The base game can be supplemented with a Season Pass offering additional downloadable content—primarily cosmetic or music-related, with more DLC planned.
Early impressions suggest the game's foundation is solid, but improvements to progression, technical performance, and load times could elevate the experience. In summary, Full Metal Schoolgirl delivers the brand of accessible, energetic action that fans of D3Publisher and Yuke’s will recognize.
While technical hiccups and repetitive elements hold it back from mainstream appeal at its launch price, its core gameplay and strong localization ensure a fun, if at times uneven, experience—for those willing to brave the tower. Version Reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2.
Review code provided by D3Publisher.
With a legacy rooted in cult-hit series Earth Defense Force and Onechanbara, both celebrated for their approachable, arcade-inspired gameplay, the duo’s latest offering promises to fuse fast-paced action and procedural challenge.
But does Full Metal Schoolgirl rise to the top or stumble on its way up the tower? Set in the year 2089, Full Metal Schoolgirl places players in the shoes of a cyborg schoolgirl warrior tasked with battling the corporate giant Meternal Jobz.
The game’s core sees players ascend a sprawling 100-floor tower, battling waves of foes known as the Working Dead with a combination of melee and ranged weaponry, alongside a trusty support drone.
Players can choose between two playable characters at the outset, earning currency and upgrade materials during each run, with randomized level layouts and enemy placements driving replayability—hallmarks of the roguelite genre. Much like previous titles from D3Publisher and Yuke’s, Full Metal Schoolgirl centers on its satisfying gameplay loop.
Combat mechanics are straightforward: players can sprint, unleash melee attacks, fire ranged weapons, and execute powerful Punishment Moves.
In an effort to honor its heritage, the combat system draws inspiration from both Earth Defense Force and Onechanbara, evident in its frantic action and movement.
However, as stated in several reviews, this homage is sometimes hampered by unrefined mechanics that can lead to players taking unavoidable damage from off-screen enemies. While the narrative is light, the localization and English voice acting have received praise for enhancing the game’s energetic tone.
As players progress, the tower environment introduces new hazards such as platforming challenges, lasers, and diverse enemy types.
However, one recurring criticism is the repetitive nature of the early floors, which must be replayed with each new run unless players utilize a single-use key to skip ahead—a feature some have found insufficient to prevent tedium. Visually, Full Metal Schoolgirl stands out with its bold aesthetic and colorful enemy designs.
Combat animations benefit from cinematic camera cuts, but some players have reported that these, along with lengthy load times between floors and rooms, can interrupt the pacing and contribute to frustration.
Performance on Nintendo Switch 2 has been a noteworthy concern, as frame rates can drop significantly during intense enemy encounters, occasionally falling below 30 frames per second—even though the game can reach up to 60 in less crowded scenarios.
Gyro controls are a welcome addition for Switch 2 players, though optimization remains an area for future improvement. Musically, the soundtrack sets a playful tone but lacks variety over longer play sessions.
The game supports English voice acting and includes a thematic song, which together help solidify the game’s quirky atmosphere.
Those playing the Steam version, particularly on Steam Deck, have reported better frame rates with certain graphical cutbacks, indicating potential for further optimization on consoles. Currently, Full Metal Schoolgirl is available on Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam via the Nintendo eShop and Steam Store.
The base game can be supplemented with a Season Pass offering additional downloadable content—primarily cosmetic or music-related, with more DLC planned.
Early impressions suggest the game's foundation is solid, but improvements to progression, technical performance, and load times could elevate the experience. In summary, Full Metal Schoolgirl delivers the brand of accessible, energetic action that fans of D3Publisher and Yuke’s will recognize.
While technical hiccups and repetitive elements hold it back from mainstream appeal at its launch price, its core gameplay and strong localization ensure a fun, if at times uneven, experience—for those willing to brave the tower. Version Reviewed: Nintendo Switch 2.
Review code provided by D3Publisher.
