In the late '00s, Nintendo’s ridiculously-popular DS handheld was a hotbed for creative, quirky games. Many developers were gleefully experimenting with the system’s trademark dual-screens, and it was in the middle of this zeitgeist that Square-Enix took a chance on a unique action-RPG titled The World Ends With You. Developed by Jupiter (and inspired by their previous Square-Enix title, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories), The World Ends With You was released in 2007 to critical acclaim, strong sales, and quickly became one of the DS’s most beloved games.

And yet 10 years later, it still hasn’t received a sequel. Other than a mobile port and a small cameo in Kingdom Hearts, the series has gone dark, and many fans feared Square may have forgotten it completely. That is, until it resurfaced in the most recent Nintendo Direct, where it was announced the game would be getting another shot on the Nintendo Switch. Titled Final Remix, this new version will contain new content and be the first time the game has appeared on the big screen. Fans were elated not only for ourselves, but also because this will likely be the best way for new players to experience the game.

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The World Ends With You (also known as TWEWY) tells the story of a Japanese teenager named Neku Sakuraba. Neku isn’t a hero or magical warrior, but rather just a recluse trying to survive a world he can’t find his place in. If I had to compare TWEWY to its contemporaries, its closest counterpart would be Atlus’ extremely popular Persona series. Much like Persona, TWEWY finds success in telling a story about normal people dealing with everyday problems in a supernatural situation.

At the beginning of the game Neku is an angsty teen without a friend or care in the world. His lone wolf attitude is challenged when he is pulled into a hellish version of Tokyo’s Shibuya’s district called The Underground and finds himself relying on others to survive. He battles with otherworldly creatures, but also with his own shortcomings. In short, Neku needs to grow up, a notion I found far more relatable than most “hero saves the world” storylines that dominated the JRPG space.

“ Much like Persona, TWEWY finds success in telling a story about normal people dealing with everyday problems in a supernatural situation.

But that is, quite literally, only half the battle. While you control Neku via the touch screen you also have to use the D-Pad to control your party member on the top screen. This chaotic combat was a point of contention for many fans, but luckily Final Remix is based on the iOS port which seamlessly condensed the battles onto a single screen. The Switch’s larger display (and updated controls) should be perfect for the game’s fast and fluid combat, allowing you to focus on mastering your personal fighting style.

That style is important, and will have an impact that goes beyond simply defeating monsters. To complement the game’s placement in Tokyo’s trendy Shibuya district, every Pin and piece of gear you can wear has a brand. Just like in the real world, the popularity of brands change over time, and wearing a popular brand will give you a boost in combat. If your preferred brand is dying out you can increase its popularity by doing well in battles.

“ Whether you are a veteran of the Underground or a first time participant, I promise it's a world worth visiting.

All of these elements, the story, the art, the combat, the music, are necessary to TWEWY’s fiery aesthetic, and each piece helps make it into the unforgettable gaming experience it is. Updated mechanics and new story content look to make Final Remix the definitive version of this extraordinary game. Whether you are a veteran of the Underground or a first time participant, I promise it's a world worth visiting.