In 2019, lightning was caught in a bottle with the seriously cool mech game Daemon x Machina. For years, it enthralled Nintendo Switch and PC owners alike, with its huge customization angle and bad-ass action. So, of course, a sequel was inevitable – and for more platforms, at that. Enter Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion, which takes a more engaging open-world approach as you seek revenge on outer space oppressors.
The game is packed with all sorts of customization options. So much, in fact, that you may even tinker with your formula long after you’ve perfected it. The range of weapons – both melee and long-range – are impressive. Plus you can use secondary tools as well. This makes the combat quite thrilling, even though it takes a bit to warm up. (You gotta build up that mech, you see.)
Once you do, you’ll find great exploration themes and a story that, though slightly hokey, holds up well. That said, some characters could’ve used a little more fleshing out. Oh, and the menus can take a bit to navigate through, especially with customization. You’ll figure it out, though.
Throw in some splendid visuals (well, not bad on Switch 2) and some impressive metal music and you’ve got a mech that holds its own. Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion has some problems to overcome, but, essentially, it delivers a smooth performance. Fans of the first will want to dive right in. And, hey, if you’re a newcomer, you won’t mind that new mech smell either.
Enter the Daemon x Machina
Like its 2019 entry, Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion offers its own twist on the mech theme. It works a bit differently than the Armored Core series, but, for the most part, remains just as indulging. That’s mainly because of its grand-scale customization.
See, over the course of the game, you’ll pick up stuff. Whether you dig through hidden chests or scavenge fallen enemies, you’ll find all sorts of goodies. These include minor stuff like guns and blades. But as you continue over your journey, you’ll unlock tools of bad-assery that would make a henchman blush. It’s here that Titanic Scion really opens up, especially as you make your way back to the stars.
One thing- the menus. They’re everywhere. You’ll have to get used to navigation in order to be a pro here. Once more, worth it, just be ready for that.
Now, onto the story. There is one here, mainly out of revenge for being struck down on a planet by evil overlords. They’ve got your friend, so, yeah, you want to hustle back there and get revenge. But you need to level up to do so; and the local help doesn’t mind assisting you with that task.
There are times that the characters are a bit on the weak side, with barely anything to say. But for the most part, they contribute to the story and keep it moving. But, really, you can skip a good portion of it and get into the action, if you prefer.
And what action it is. The game has a vast open-world to explore. And though it takes a little while to get around (even with fast access locations), you’ll find plenty to do. Roving patrols, scavenging hunts, and so forth. You’ll barely get bored here, since there’s ground to cover.
But once you get into the combat, it’s a gem. The feeling of your mech is absolutely smooth, right down to the dodging and up-close strikes. Of course, you can hit from afar if you prefer, with a range of cool weaponry. I prefer a mixture of the two, because, well, that’s the best kind of mech action.
The game also supports online multiplayer with up to three people, in case you feel like taking some squad mates along. I would’ve preferred a versus mode akin to Virtual On, but this isn’t bad in the least. Especially if you have friends as tech savvy with mechs as you’ll likely be.
Titanic Scion can take a bit to get to the “good stuff,” as it were, when it comes to weapons. And the boss battles are so epic, they make the regular encounters look like old news. But as a whole, the sequel comes through on every front it can. Stick with it and you’ll find customization from the heavens, combined with hellishly good combat. Dig in, mech fans.
How’s the Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion Presentation?
Now let’s get to the presentation. We’ll start with the visuals.
On the PlayStation 5, Titanic Scion runs at a smooth 60 FPS, for the most part. It does dip slightly here and there, but performance on the whole is rock solid. Plus the mechs and characters (well, most of them) look great. And that open world really shines on that particular platform.
Now, on the Nintendo Switch 2, it also looks good. And, yes, the idea of owning the full game on cartridge is definitely a dream come true. That said, the frame rate is cut down a little to keep up performance. It’s still a winner, but just don’t expect that buttery smooth approach like other consoles have.
As for the audio, it’s good. The voice acting can range up and down in quality, especially with some corny boss characters. But it’s still quite consistent and never gets boring. The sound effects are really cool as well, especially with the explosions. On top of all that, the music is the stuff of metal dreams. You may encounter some head-banging opportunities over the course of your mech fight. That’s really the best kind of soundtrack to have.
I prefer the PS5 version overall, though the Switch 2 version is handy with on-the-go skirmishes. You can’t really go wrong either way, and I’m sure Xbox and Steam follow suit.
Learning the Ways of Machina
How you approach Daemon x Machina: Titanic Scion depends on two things. Your love for mechs, for one, and if you really got into the first game that much. Obviously the former will make it a cinch to adapt to a game such as this, but the latter may have you wondering about the story. The good news is, even if you’re not necessarily in neither of these groups, there’s still something to enjoy. Keep in mind, though, that it can take time.
That said, Marvelous’ First Studio strikes yet again with a mech game that fires on most cylinders without missing a beat. And having the game complete on a Switch 2 cart will no doubt make it a best-seller, as it should be. I look forward to diving back into this world and seeing what kind of mech destruction I can serve up. Who wants to join?
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Marvelous for providing review codes! The game is available now for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X and PC/Steam!
Want more mech combat for your buck? Check out our review of Custom Mech Wars!
