Today sees the launch of Daemon X Machina, which has perhaps unintentionally become of the most intriguing Switch releases this year.
We say that because the last few months have been quite the rollercoaster for the game and developer Marvelous Entertainment. Back in February, a demo was released with the intention of gaining player feedback; plenty of players took the time to give it a go, but the reaction wasn't exactly positive.
Since then, changes have been made to satisfy fan requests, and the game has absolutely seen a significant turn for the better. Despite this, there seems to have been a general, 'put-off' kind of vibe surrounding the game ever since, and we suspect that a lot of the initial hype may have deteriorated.
So, to settle it once and for all and see if we've got the wrong end of the stick here, we're throwing things over to you. Feel free to chuck a vote in our poll and stick around to see the results as more votes come in - are you picking up a copy?
If you're interested, we found the game to be pretty enjoyable when playing it for review, even if it does feel quite repetitive at times. You can read our full thoughts here (including why we think you should try out the new and improved free demo), but we've got a snippet for you below:
At its core Daemon X Machina is a solid mech action game that controls well and gives the player a generous helping of customisation options. Its mission structure can get repetitive, and its plot is so difficult to grasp it may as well be soaked in grease, but as long as you’re willing to put up with these and get through its initially bewildering array of gauges and icons you should have a good time with it.
Thanks to anyone who took the time to vote! Feel free to share any additional thoughts with us on this one in the comments below.
Comments 106
Not into mech games
mate it launched on the same day as borderlands 3, aint a chance in hell lmao
I'll get it whenever it's 50% off. It's interesting but far from a must play.
Sorry but there's just too much else to get. If this had released first quarter when it was suppose to in it's current state then I would probable already own it.
Not for me, just not my type of game.
Can't see it selling too great to be honest but hopefully it makes the game devs a tidy profit as they have gone about making it the right way and introduced the world to those lovely looking Hori joy cons which I will be getting.
Played for two or three hours earlier, having a lot of fun so far. Loving the gyro aiming.
I wanted to try this but then Fire Emblem Three Houses happened. The new demo couldn't even keep my attention for more than a minute after starting the game. I hope I can pull myself away for Zelda next week
Tried the latest Demo yesterday, meh, not for me I think
The first "demo" didn't convince me, but then again I seem to have been one of the few people on the planet who understood it was a (pre-alpha) prototype (it was even called "Prototype Missions" not demo") meant to get player feedback to enable the developer to meet customer demand better. It was never meant as representing what the final game would be like, but rather an early impression to build upon with gamer feedback. It is unfortunate that this very commendable approach was misunderstood by so many...
Me, the earliest trailers had already convinced me: The art style was just fresh, the music rocked and the cumulative talent plus Nintendo involved intrigued me from the start. So even though the prototype was awkward I was optimistic that it would eventually become something special, maybe not a must-buy, but well worthwhile.
The new (REAL) demo convinced me: There is something about the feeling of piloting those Mechs that let's me come back for mission after mission, even though the presenation is nowhere near Astral Chain levels and certainly lacks. Looking forward to receiving the full game today. I'd say: give this one a chance. It might not look like much on video, but it "feels" just right.
Not even a wishlist item yet. I welcome another distinct IP in Nintendo's first-party library, but the premise and gameplay are a low priority for me. Currently one of those "maybe somedays" that start low on the list and keep sinking deeper under the weight of various fantasies, witchers and other mirage sessions piling up above.
I cannot answer the poll as none of the options available relate to me.
I liked what I have seen at the reveal a year ago but since then the game lost its interest (gameplay and storywise) and now that reviews are in I am pretty sure I will never be bother to buy it
It’s a niche game sandwiched in between a big run of far more popular genres and franchises. It isn’t for me, but having Diversity on the Switch (especially in Nintendo published games) is never a bad thing.
Sorry too many games and it didn't make the shortlist. I'm still playing Fire Embem and Astral Chain. I've got Link's Awakening, Luigi's Mansion and Pokemon on order. I'm sure I'll come back for it at some stage, I like the look of it.
Too many better games coming in the next few weeks I'm afraid
I'm definitely interested. I'm just waiting for a better cost. I think the game is good, but not $60 good. $30-40 is a good cost for it. But I do like the game in general.
I'm getting it as soon as I get the chance
I really like the new demo, the art style is awesome and the music is extremely cool too.
I've never liked mech games but I'm liking this one. This game is getting bashed way too much. It's a pity because is not as bad as people say, not even close.
Getting it at some point, but I still need to pick up Astral Chain first! It seems we're diving head first into rapid fire game release season, my wallet needs a Xanax.
I'm still interested, but I'm not in any rush to get it.
No because I just have too much to actually play right now between Three Houses, SMT and Astral Chain with Links Awakening and Dragon Quest on the horizon. Hopefully somewhere down the line though
I did buy it in the end as the demo convinced me enough that it had potential. The LE is sitting next to my desk. Still, someone has to be sat down and made to explain the reasoning for releasing it today. Astral Chain, Borderlands 3, Links Awakening remake; how did they think this was gonna be a good time to release?
Pretty fun. I recommend it for those who like mech action.
My hype for this was always very tempered from reveal. The first demo crashing on me as soon as the gameplay started didn't help.
I'm going to wait until next year and see how many people are still talking about it then.
I want it...
But I also want luigi’s mansion 3, ring fit, zelda, astral chain, and pokemon.
Also the next mario and sonic olympics looks like a series best.
Mech games seem to have a difficult time finding the right mix of gameplay versus story. It is even more curious considering how popular the Transformer movies were apparently.
This sentence is one I disagree with:
"Today sees the launch of Daemon X Machina, which has perhaps unintentionally become of the most intriguing Switch releases this year."
It is not intriguing in the slightest, in my opinion.
Wasn't interested. Tech demo was dreadful. Played the new demo and had a blast. Will be getting ASAP.
mine just arrived, but the devs did release it at the most stupid time
I was somewhat interested when it was announced, but unfortunately there are too many other games coming out now for it to hold my interest.
This game is sadly doomed to fail, first it releases on the same day as borderlands 3 second marvelous have been copyrighting reviews and gameplay footage on YouTube and claiming the ad revenue.
I played the demo today, I found it much better than the first demo, easier to control and may pick it up but with all the game coming out soon it might be December or sometime next year during a lull for games which interest me.
I'll be picking this up next year when the price drops and there is the 2020 game drought. There are too many games coming out this year now, Its a shame as I do really like the concept and gameplay.
I could be wrong, but to me, the whole thing just looks so... generic. Like, if it were a GamePass title on the Xbox I could give it a try, for but $60, I'm afraid it's not gonna happen for me.
Looking for it since the first trailer was out. The first demo was a little disappointment, but after playing it at Gamescom and the second demo last week I'm all in again, and I pre ordered it months ago for just 38€.
It's great! I've been playing all morning!
I'm tempted to get it but i'm a bit bothered there isn't a "i'm planning to get it but later when I have more ressources" since i'm already tapped from other upcoming releases but would very much consider getting it in either October or December ^^;
A machine of godly powers to... tear off a road sign. chuckle
I am not really into these type of mech games so no, I won't be getting it, but I was never planning on getting it anyways.
Will wait for a heavy discount and then definitely pick it up.
it helps that I have zero interest in Zelda. Though this, Astral Chain, and DQ11S (on top of Gears and Borderlands 3) means September is a stupid busy month
It's sad to see how many people wrote the game off just from the first demo. The whole point of that demo was that the game was not complete and they wanted feedback. I feel like those people should at least play the second demo before coming to a conclusion.
My GameStop didn't get stock in and won't be in till Monday. Going to collect it next Friday with the switch lite
I think they could've sold more copies if they didn't released any demos.
I’ve never NOT wanted the game, but the shear amount of games out this month, and my having to choose between them rather than buy them all, moved this one lower on the list. I will get it, just not this month. Probably next.
Played the demo and didn’t like it.
When it was first announced, I was really interested and all over any news they released about it. Then I played the first demo, and found it clunky and cumbersome and only mildly entertaining.
I read about the latest improvements, but haven't tried the latest demo yet, but the reviews that I now see pop up everywhere aren't very hopeful, so even though I'll probably still get it at some point anyway, I'll more than likely wait until it's a bargain bin title.
How about "Yes", but not right now, because not every game is either only hype or trash and there are games (like Daemon X Machina), which I'm interested in, but not necessarily need to buy it asap. 🙄
I skip astral chain to get daemon x machina..wohoo..
As the resident game otaku (ha ha) I'm picking this up over the weekend along with the hori split grip joycons. The prototype demo played better to me than the ps2 era armored cores so with the feedback it has improved greatly. In my opinion though still not as good as Gundam Federation Vs Zeon on ps2 which I still enjoy today but again Gundam is a legendary IP and this is brand new so the comparison is not really fair in that regard.
I'll wait for a sale. The reviews I've heard say that the story drags,interupts and is boring. I'll be the judge of that though...I'm boring I interrupt people and i prattle on...
Was interested, but IGN's review put me on the fence. I think I'll wait for a sale.
I quite liked the demo, but still on the fence since so many great titles are coming out at the moment.
Won’t be buying this right now because Link’s Awakening comes out next week. I’m saving up for that. But I would like to give this game a shot. Just gonna wait for a sale.
I've been starving for a new Armored Core game for over 6 years now and this game, from the initial trailer to both demos, scratches an itch for mindless mech combat and endless customization that I've been waiting for! The package will hopefully be waiting for me when I get home and I'll be playing all weekend.
No, I’m not. Is every game getting a poll about who is playing the game? If so, then, great, if not (which we all know is the case), then why not ?!?
was interessted at first because it looked similar to XCX but the first demo really turned me off
I'll try the demo but if I do decide to get it, it won't be for a good while.
I loved the new demo, if you like this type of game try it out.
I played some of the new (actual) demo last night in handheld. Moved some HUD elements around; pretty awesome that’s an option. I’ll try again at lunch hopefully. I’m thinking it’s neat, but I’ve gotta get 2x Zelda and amiibo next week, so DxM May wait if I even decide to get it. Plus I’m still playing FE3H and Astral. And SNES. And Kirby.
The demo made me walk away. Paying $60 for this while Zelda is coming out next week? They have shot themselves in the foot with this release window.
Yes I got the special edition already.
Its not for everyone thats for sure, but for me its awesome
im getting for sure plus the devs are listening to players feedbacks so i expect they are working on new content and more improvements as well to make the game even better.
I might pick it up but it’s a lower priority I wanna play Spyro, Astral Chain, Sinking City, Call of Cthulhu and several other games way more.
@Fokkos I just have to say it your avatar is just so cute.
I liked the PS and PS2 era Armored Core games, tempted by this one, but simply cannot spare the time right now!
FE3H, Astral Chain, and Marvel Ultimate Alliance pre-empted this, I never finished Hollow Knight, and the release schedule in Sept and Oct is full of indies and a couple of AAA releases I want (Sayonara Wild Hearts, Untitled Goose Game, Ghostbusters, Luigi's Mansion 3, not to mention Witcher 3, you know the story).
It pains me, but mech running and gunning will have to wait.
As a Mecha fan I had to get this! The first demo dissapointed but I didn't loose fsith and the final game is better in every way! Great fun and tons of action
I will be getting it and those sexy controllers but just not right now and it's nothing to do with the game, there are simply too many other incredible games that have come out lately. I've got ten sealed games at home and probably as many digital ones not played.
I love mech games and I got a voucher intending to get it, but I figure I should try the demo first considering all the other stuff coming out. I'll probably get it in the end....
na, sticking with Borderlands 3.
That is what my cousins playing online and already bought Iceborne and CodeVein so this month is already expensive.
I'll see by Black Friday if on sale.
At £50 and a score of 7 something doesn't add up. I haven't read the complete review but have played the first demo.
Maybe the review took a point off because the game was poor value for money. Otherwise a seven suggests waiting until the price is lower. Maybe £30.
What about if you didn’t like either demo? I can sense the newer demo is better, but that didn’t convince me it had changed enough for me to want it
Where's the option for 'the second demo still put me off'?
No I will not be
I might get this eventually if I like the demo. There are too many games coming out that I want for the next while, plus I need to at least somewhat control my like of shame....
Nope. Was never interested in it.
@JunkRabbit They put "Prototype Missions" in the title to soften any backlash in case people didn't dig it. They wanted to get a read from people since everyone had pretty much stop talking about it by Feb and figured they could tweak little things if need be. Far too late in the game's development for it to be a pre-alpha build at all, that was a beta. Then, the reaction to the demo ran from "fine to ugh". They then most likely pushed this back to Sept from something like early summer (cannot imagine this week is it's intended release date). So maybe you're one of the "few on the planet" that got tricked into thinking that demo wasn't a beta at the same so you'd still preorder the game even if the demo felt bad. Picking up the game on lunch even though I'm pretty sure I'll regret it. I like how the people involved came across in the Treehouse Presentations so I want to give it a try.
@rushiosan And Astral Chain was like 2 weeks ago. Diff than a mech game, but scratches some of the same generalized itches someone might have wanted for Daemon. Positive this was meant for early June or July, but then people hated that embarrassing first demo.
@GrandScribe Wait for Spyro to get discounted. You can't even play the first game (on the "card") without downloading part of it (2 and 3 are full downloads as I'm sure you know).
I'm loving the prologue demo. (Never got around to playing the first one.) I'll probably grab it at some point, but I have too many games in my backlog right now.
Eventually. It's going to be a victim of a crowded September. I might wait till Christmas since that's probably when I'll have time to actually play it!
I will be getting it but not at this precise moment since I’m still playing Astral Chain, SNES Switch Online and Super Kirby Clash along with some other games on mobile like Pokémon Masters and Dragalia Lost. I never did play the first demo but I do like the prologue demo, especially after I spent an hour just creating my character
This gaming season have been quite bountiful.
I haven't played mech games but I definitely plan on getting into my PS3 backlog to play the zone of the enders games cause those look really fun, but this one I'm playing the 2nd demo and it's still as boring as the 1st one. It just feels very repetitive especially when you try melee combat. The one thing I still find very cool is the upgrades that not only make you stronger but make slight changes to your appearance.
It was interesting when first announced, but the demos put me off a bit and after seeing the reviews I just can’t justify $60 for it, especially since I just got Fire Emblem Three Houses and Astral Chain, those will occupy me plenty for a long time. Maybe if I find it used for $20 in a year or two I might pick it up then.
I do enjoy me some giant robot action, so, yes!
Kinda hope we get some Gundam games and Xenoblade Chronicles X sometime soon.
Orbital edition came in today, it's massive
Will add it to my wishlist, the game looks great and if it gets repetitive could switch to another game and come back to it. Feel like I should play Starlink first though.
I hope it does well but it's not for me. I'm not a fan of mech games in general.
Only games I'm looking forward to are Zelda and Luigi's Mansion. Astral Chain looks interesting-ish but I'll probably skip it.
Yup, definitely buying it, just not right away.
Nope. I was glad that there was a demo. I've played it and decided it wasn't for me.
Impatiently waiting for Zelda: Link's Awakening now
It's too expensive at the moment for the "level" of game it is (have to make decisions within my finite games budget). I think reviews are averaging the same as your review score roundabout? Also, other games are on the way that are higher on my priority list even before the reviews came out.
Maybe will get once it is discounted sometime down the line. 😊
Of course I already have it and love it! who do the hell do you think we are!? Switch owners!
I want it..but I 'm broke.
I had this pre-ordered but I ended up cancelling it after the demo. It isn't because of the gameplay because I was actually having some fun with that, but it's everything else. The story and the dialogue was just awful, I gave it a chance but I quickly found myself skipping it because it would just carry on and they had all these ridiculous and campy characters that were honestly just kinda cringy IMO.
That and the graphics really didn't do much for me, I don't like the use of colors and everything about it seems to be kinda straining and tiring after a while. Basically it's the art style and the story that turned me off the game, it's a shame because I could see how it could be fun. I might pick it up sometime if they discount it, I just don't think it's worth buying at full price.
The horrible frame rate put me off when playing the demo. The game is so choppy that it's near unplayable at points. The frame rate issues are even present in the trailers, so it clearly hasn't been fixed.
I got mine erlier today.
The Orbital Limited Edition 😜
I want it, but it’ll have to wait.
I am loving this, the gameplay the art style, everything!
I was interested at first and the demo didn’t turn me out off by any means but after reading enough reviews and hands on I realized it’s really not my thing (too “hardcore”).
went to gamestop and apparently i got the last one which means its selling out really fast.
I want this cause I wanted Armored Core type games for years now. Astral Chain can go guzzle mud for all I care.
This... This I want, and will get tomorrow.
This is essential for me! Anime, mechs, big gun action all done in a cell shaded style by veteran Japanese developers? Can’t believe how spoilt Switch owners are now
@JunkRabbit I love your descriptive opinion on the game. Makes me want to give it a go myself.
@8bitSquid I think 'doomed to fail' is an exaggeration based on a Western market bias. I'm in Tokyo at the moment and it's sold out physically everywhere.
It's a day-one purchase for me! I pre-ordered it and my surprise buy was Astral Chain because it lived up to the hype. Both games deserve the much needed love!
I think it looks great so I'll probably get it. I still haven't gotten Astral Chain but I suppose I can get two games back to back. One problem I don't have is that I'll be too busy with Link's Awakening or Borderlands 3. I honestly have zero interest in either of those games.
I'm getting all switchgames #hbg
Have the CE ordered. Should be here next week.
@Dpullam
Thanks. Well, there IS the current demo. My advice: Jump in and see if it is for you. As far into the game as I am missions are on the short side, which is a joy rather than a con for me (Astral Chain is the better game by far, but the long missions can be strenuous and aren't ideal for shorter play sessions). You'll find the full beginning of the game in the demo, with six story missions (can't be repeated) and two free missons (can be repeated), more than enough to get the picture.
I really think that this game has it where it counts: in how the mechs handle and how combat feels. It's cool and a blast somehow. Then there's the Loot Shooter (light) aspect of the game: Collect new equipment from defeated enemies on the battlefield and upgrade your Mech to your liking and play style. And that keeps me coming back, even if everything considered the game does have its shortcomings in other areas.
The first demo put me off. The second one wasn't much better. It's too confusing for me.
Def hyped about this game!
@EvrgrnCmln Yeah, I saw the news about it, I am glad I was very wrong about it, I played the first demo and the second and really enjoyed it and plan on buying it in a month or so.
At the time of me making my comment, all I was hearing was the negative aspects of not the game itself but Marvellous and how they were treating videos made by youtubers and obviously I was a bit premature in my comment.
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