The review embargo for Marvelous Inc.'s latest mech-action title, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion, has lifted, revealing a mixed reception from critics just days before its official launch. The game currently holds a score of 70 on Metacritic and 71 on OpenCritic, with only 52% of reviewers recommending it.
Performance Concerns Dominate Critical Feedback
A significant portion of the criticism is directed at the game's problematic optimization, which reviewers found particularly troublesome on the Nintendo Switch 2. Beyond performance issues, some journalists also noted unimpressive graphics and a weak, unengaging storyline. Many felt that despite its potential, the game struggles to maintain a consistent technical standard across platforms.
Strengths Found in Combat and Customization
However, it's not all negative. Reviewers widely praised the game's dynamic combat system, which offers thrilling mech battles and a satisfying sense of power. The extensive customization options for mechs also received high marks, allowing players to create unique arsenals and tailor their playstyle. The fun three-player cooperative mode was another highlight, with the entire campaign being playable with friends, adding significant replay value.
A Look at Specific Review Highlights
Outlets like Loot Level Chill gave the game an 85/100, lauding its dynamic mech combat and rewarding world exploration, despite acknowledging a weaker plot and repetitive early-game enemies. Final Weapon, rating it 80/100, called it a worthy successor that improves upon the original with an engaging story and a vast weapon system, noting its role in filling a gap in the single-player mech genre.
Mid-range scores, such as NintendoWorldReport's 70/100, pointed to an interesting premise and good customization, but found the world often felt lifeless due to repetitive missions and significant performance drops. Concerns were also raised about cross-platform co-op potentially worsening performance. Gamereactor UK and Nintendo Life both awarded 60/100, with Gamereactor enjoying the co-op but finding too many problems overall, including jarring performance spikes and a dull story. Nintendo Life highlighted flexible and fast combat but criticized widespread performance issues, poor controls, low-resolution textures, and a primitive plot, suggesting the game needs several patches to reach its full potential.
Cubed3, with a 50/100 score, found it difficult to recommend due to a terrible story, weak characters, and low performance, especially on Switch 2, despite praising the depth of customization and combat. They suggested that only dedicated mech fans willing to play co-op might find enjoyment, hoping Marvelous Inc. will make significant post-launch improvements.
What This Means for Players
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is set to launch on September 5 for PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch 2. While the game offers promising elements like deep customization and exciting co-op mech action, prospective players should be aware of the widespread performance concerns and mixed opinions on its story and graphics. A demo is available for those who wish to experience the game firsthand before making a purchase. Players hoping for a smooth experience might want to wait for potential post-launch patches to address the reported technical issues.
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