The World Ends with You: Final Remix

While this classic role-playing game (RPG) gets lots of new content and upgraded visuals, the convoluted controls ruins the experience for anyone other than fans of the game. The World Ends with You: Final Remix provides a chance for players to play through the classic RPG that was initially released a decade ago on the Nintendo DS. The game has evolved in the jump from the DS to the Switch. Some changes, such as the revamped high definition visuals and the addition of an entirely new chapter, are meant to add some extra flair to the experience. The drop in/drop out local co-op is also a nice touch, allowing friends to do more than just watch the action while also lightening some of the burden of combat. These are great additions to the original game and bring something fresh for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Other changes, though, like the game's completely revamped control scheme, are born out of necessity. Since the Switch lacks the dual screen format of the DS and the touchscreen isn't accessible when the system is docked, The World Ends with You: Final Remix adds support for the Joy-Con controllers. Unfortunately, using the Joy-Con is anything but natural. You essentially use the controller as an onscreen pointer, though with less direct interaction than you get with the touchscreen. Trying to activate the different powers in combat is a clunky mess. Early on you might win battles, but you'll have no idea how you did it. In time, you can adjust to the controls and start to get more effective, but it's extremely frustrating until you do. The touchscreen controls are much more responsive and will likely wind up being your preferred method of play, but even it takes some getting used to. If you're willing to commit to it, though, and if you've got the patience to deal with that steep learning curve, The World Ends with You: Final Remix still has a lot to offer and retains its cult status as a unique and entertaining RPG.