After a 14-year wait, NEO: The World Ends with You, continues the story that first began in 2007’s The World Ends with You. However, the franchise has not been entirely dormant in the interim. Various ports, remixes, and re-releases of the original TWEWY have been released, culminating in the recent Final Remix edition of the game for Nintendo Switch, along with NEO: The World Ends with You.
Those who have yet to dive into either title should resist the urge to jump on the latest installment and instead start at the beginning of this psychic, fashion-punk saga. Even though both games feature a similar premise, structure, and stand satisfyingly on their own, newcomers might be confused by NEO’s dense worldbuilding, and will inevitably fail to completely appreciate some of the sequel’s big reveals and twists.
Playing the original game on the DS has its distinct merits, including arguably superior combat, and is highly worth the time investment. But the Switch’s Final Remix is the culmination of every remake and improved edition of the cult classic title to date. While the somewhat clunky mobile port, The World Ends With You: Solo Remix, serves as the code base for Final Remix, the game feels better on Nintendo hardware. It also boasts better load times, remixed music, and extra story content bridging the gap to NEO.
An Epic with Intrinsic Appeal
The number one reason to play TWEWY: Final Remix is the intrinsic pleasure of the game experience itself. Those who have not experienced any version of Shibuya’s Reaper’s Games before, but have fondness for Persona 5, JRPGs, or Tetsuya Nomura projects like Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy 7, should consider Final Remix a must-play. The blend of compelling combat, intriguing storytelling, and awesome character design will hit the same target.
Its story is the number one argument for experiencing the game. Admittedly, Neku’s early, emo-kid lines can be a bit cringey, and some of the slang can feel dated. But he also makes a stronger first impression than Rindo, and his disposition sets up themes that pervade the series as a whole. The plot is intriguing throughout, as players quickly meet a collection of personalities whose charm rivals some of the Phantom Thieves, and the story hits its stride long before the ensemble is finished being introduced. Like NEO, every member of the cast drips with character, and it is fun to meet those who reprise their roles in NEO.
Even though TWEWY’s controls can be a little finicky on the Switch, they are an improvement over the Android and iOS port, and the pin-based ESP battle system is still remarkably original. Furthermore, the fashion and foodie-forward character building is one of the best thematic synergies in a JRPG, which is why the system sees a return in NEO. Like NEO, Final Remix is a lengthy adventure with enough content and challenging extra features to keep players occupied for a while.
Sequential Context
Those who played a prior version of TWEWY and paid attention will be able to figure out what’s going on in NEO fairly easily. But players who want to be completely up to speed need to complete Final Remix’s A New Day episode first. The new content explicitly bridges the game’s events to those of NEO. Unlike many interquels, which can feel forced or disposable, A New Day brings more questions than it does answers, and takes some serious narrative risks.
The story involves Neku and Beat teamed up against a beastly reaper, unlike anything the good guys have encountered to date. Without spoiling everything, one beloved character dies and another is resurrected, priming the stage for some of NEO’s biggest questions and most satisfying reveals in the process. There is a tremendous thrill to be had in seeing beloved characters called back for sequels, especially when these cameos are executed as well as they are in NEO. But all that hype will be lost on new players who start out the story with Rindo.
It also must be said, TWEWY’s story is heavily dependent on pacing, characterization, and structure. While new protagonist Rindo is delightful and more immediately likeable than Neku, his character development is a slower burn. Starting the story with Neku’s adventures in Shibuya simply feels better. Finally, there is a lot of depth to be mined from a thorough playthrough of any version of the original TWEWY, and it is likely veteran players missed some intriguing details on their first go-round. Because the game’s story is so detailed, it helps to have a refresher on TWEWY lore before diving into NEO’s new waters.
The Definitive Version of a Cult Classic
The Switch version of TWEWY is dubbed Final Remix for good reason. It features improvements made in every prior incarnation of the game, improving almost every aspect of the title. Franchise fans know that the game’s funky, Shibuya rock-hop soundtrack is one of the series central draws, and Final Remix boasts more music than any preceding version of the game. Some of the remixed tracks include classics like “Calling,” “SHIBUYA,” and “Twister.”
Final Remix looks as good as it sounds too, replacing the pixelated sprites from earlier incarnations of TWEWY with the sharp, cell-shaded look from the preceding TWEWY remake, Solo Remix, which is more in line with the official art, NEO, and the TWEWY anime adaptation. Players will also get a teaser of one character’s drastic makeover, eventually revealed in full via NEO.
In addition to A New Day, Final Remix’s extra gameplay features are not to be dismissed either. There are several new pins - the game’s equivalent to spells, an optional two-player mode, and the ability to play on a big screen. Combined with other quality-of-life upgrades, Final Remix is an outstanding value proposition for JRPG fans.
While Final Remix is best enjoyed first, players who have already experienced NEO should still revisit the first game if they enjoyed the sequel. Sales of both games for the Switch could make or break the franchise’s future.
The World Ends with You: Final Remix and NEO: The World Ends with You are available now for Nintendo Switch.