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Daemon X Machina

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Daemon X Machina
Item: Daemon X Machina
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Simulation, Vehicular, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableSep 13, 2019

PlatformNintendo Switch, PC

DeveloperFirst Studio, Marvelous First Studio

Overview

Daemon X Machina is a third-person action-shooter game in which players; represented by their avatars called Outers, pilot highly customizable mechs known as Arsenals on missions to suppress various mechanized foes. Choose and equip your Arsenal with a multitude of weapons, obtain more from downed enemy Arsenals, and swap them on the fly to suit your strategy in the face of ever-changing threats.

Elsewhere

6.4

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

68%

Negative (0-49)

25%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Daemon X Machina are quite divided. Some critics, such as Digital Chumps and GamingTrend, appreciate the interesting world and premise of the game. They mention that the story is set in a post-apocalyptic future where mercenaries pilot customizable mechs to defend their territory and fight off the Immortal menace. Additionally, Switch Player highlights that the story unveils competing human consortiums vying for power, which adds depth to the narrative. These positive aspects of the story provide a solid foundation for the game's plot. However, many critics express negative opinions about the story of Daemon X Machina. CGMagazine and Game Revolution criticize the lack of depth and elaboration on the scenarios and world-building lore. They feel that the plot is confusing, overly dramatic, and needlessly complicated. Game Informer and Metro GameCentral go even further, describing the story as incoherent, filled with meaningless babble, and absurdly uninteresting. These criticisms suggest that the storytelling and execution of the plot in Daemon X Machina leave much to be desired. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a negative view of the story in Daemon X Machina. The confusing and convoluted nature of the plot, coupled with uninteresting characters and unintelligible storytelling, are major points of criticism. Critics like DarkStation, GameSpew, and Forbes express disappointment with the story, finding it lacking in sense and implementation. While there are a few positive aspects mentioned by some critics, the negative opinions regarding the story's execution and overall impact on the game's experience seem to outweigh the positives. This suggests that the story of Daemon X Machina may not be a strong selling point for the game, with its focus primarily on high-octane action and mech customization.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on Daemon X Machina's story. Some praise its post-apocalyptic world and intricate narrative, while others slam it for being confusing and uninteresting. The consensus leans towards negativity, with many criticizing its lack of depth and coherence. The story may not be a strong selling point, as its focus on action and customization overshadows its weak storytelling.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

28%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Daemon X Machina are varied, but there are several positive aspects that stand out. Many critics praise the customization options available for the player's Arsenal, with CGMagazine, Game Revolution, and Gaming Age highlighting the deep customization system that allows players to create unique loadouts for different missions. The combat mechanics are also highly regarded, with critics like Game Informer, Metro GameCentral, and Softpedia describing the combat as fun, rewarding, and fluid. The controls are generally seen as intuitive, with PC Gamer noting the generous aim assist that makes it easy to pick off smaller enemies. The sense of movement and control is also praised by VGC and Video Chums, who appreciate the smoothness and responsiveness of the gameplay. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. One common criticism is the lack of mission variety, as noted by DarkStation and Forbes. They mention that while dueling with enemy mechs can provide exciting gameplay, the repetitive nature of taking out AI forces and the simplicity of the fights can become tedious over time. GameGrin and GameSpew also mention the repetitive nature of the missions and the lack of enjoyment they found in the gameplay. Another criticism is the overwhelming nature of the gameplay, with GameGrin and Attack of the Fanboy mentioning that the mechanics can feel confusing and the game doesn't ease players into them effectively. Wccftech also mentions that the combat can be boring or frustrating, except when facing large boss mechs. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Daemon X Machina has its strengths and weaknesses. The deep customization options, fun combat mechanics, and intuitive controls are praised by many critics. However, the lack of mission variety, repetitive gameplay, and overwhelming mechanics are seen as drawbacks by some. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment seems to be positive, with critics like Digital Chumps, GameCritics, and My Nintendo News highlighting the enjoyable aspects of the gameplay. The game's mix of RPG and mech hack and slash elements, as mentioned by GameGrin, also adds to the overall appeal. Ultimately, while there are some flaws, the positive aspects of the gameplay seem to outweigh the negatives, making Daemon X Machina an engaging experience for fans of mech combat games.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Daemon X Machina gameplay. Positive aspects include deep customization, fun combat mechanics, and intuitive controls. However, criticisms include lack of mission variety, repetitive gameplay, and overwhelming mechanics. Overall, while some flaws exist, the game's strengths like customization and combat outweigh the negatives, making it an engaging experience for mech combat game fans.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

65%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Daemon X Machina are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for its striking and visually appealing aesthetics. CGMagazine, Game Revolution, GameSpew, God is a Geek, PC Gamer, Forbes, Metro GameCentral, and Video Chums all commend the game for its beautiful graphics and visual design. They highlight the game's use of vibrant colors, cel-shaded effects, and anime-inspired art style, which contribute to an immersive and visually pleasing experience. The mecha designs are particularly praised for their detail and style, with AusGamers specifically mentioning the evolving mechs and real-time cutscenes as standout visual elements. The PC version of the game is also lauded for its improved graphics, higher resolution, and smoother gameplay, as mentioned by CGMagazine, Game Revolution, GameSpew, GamingTrend, Noisy Pixel, and Softpedia. However, there are some criticisms regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Daemon X Machina. GameGrin, GamingTrend, Attack of the Fanboy, Game Informer, Gameplanet, and Worth Playing express concerns about certain aspects of the visuals. These critics mention issues such as lackluster character creation options, confusing HUD, overly busy visuals, dull levels, and models that may appear undetailed or blurry at times. Additionally, GamingTrend and Gaming Age point out the limited graphics customization and absence of mouse support in menus, which may hinder the overall visual experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Daemon X Machina offers a visually appealing experience with its striking art style, vibrant colors, and detailed mecha designs. The game's graphics are praised for their beauty and the way they capture the sense of action and intensity that the game aims for. However, there are some shortcomings in terms of certain visual elements, such as character customization and level design, that may detract from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the majority of the critics agree that the game's visuals are visually impressive and contribute to an immersive and enjoyable gameplay experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics praise Daemon X Machina for its stunning graphics, vibrant colors, and detailed mecha designs, creating an immersive and visually appealing experience. While some critics express concerns about issues like character creation options and busy visuals, the game's overall visual impact is widely acclaimed. Despite some shortcomings, Daemon X Machina delivers on its promise of captivating visuals that enhance the gameplay experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple critics regarding the sound design and music of Daemon X Machina, it is evident that there are several positive aspects highlighted. Critics such as GameSpew, God is a Geek, Noisy Pixel, Screen Rant, AusGamers, Gaming Age, Softpedia, Switch Player, Video Chums, Wccftech, and Worth Playing all express positive sentiments towards the soundtrack and sound design of the game. They praise the soundtrack for being enjoyable, thumping, bombastic, effective, heavy rock and metal, epic orchestral arrangements, and excellent. The sound design is also commended for adding intensity, contributing to the frantic atmosphere, making it easier to follow the story, and being impressive. These positive comments indicate that the sound design and music of Daemon X Machina have been successful in creating an immersive and engaging experience for players. However, there are a few negative opinions expressed by critics such as Forbes, Gameplanet, and My Nintendo News. Forbes mentions that the music is a mixed bag, with the backend music being decent but the gameplay score being forgettable. Gameplanet criticizes the voice acting, stating that it frequently punctuates the otherwise praised soundtrack and sound effects. My Nintendo News also mentions that some characters' repetitive and talkative dialogue diminishes immersion. These negative comments suggest that there may be some inconsistencies or flaws in certain aspects of the sound design and music, particularly in terms of the gameplay score and voice acting. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side. The majority of critics appreciate the soundtrack and sound design of Daemon X Machina, highlighting their enjoyment, contribution to the atmosphere, intensity, and fitting aesthetic. The positive comments from critics such as GameSpew, God is a Geek, Noisy Pixel, Screen Rant, AusGamers, Gaming Age, Softpedia, Switch Player, Video Chums, Wccftech, and Worth Playing outweigh the negative opinions expressed by Forbes, Gameplanet, and My Nintendo News. Therefore, it can be concluded that the sound design and music of Daemon X Machina have generally been well-received by critics, enhancing the overall experience of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics mostly praise Daemon X Machina's sound design and music for being enjoyable, intense, and immersive. Positive comments highlight the soundtrack's epic orchestral arrangements and the sound design's contribution to the game's atmosphere. However, a few critics criticize aspects like the gameplay score and voice acting for being forgettable or disruptive. Overall, the majority of critics appreciate the game's audio elements, with positive feedback outweighing the negative opinions.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

44%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Daemon X Machina are quite varied. DarkStation praises the game for its fully-voiced cutscenes and dialogue vignettes, which allow for a rapid-fire characterization that quickly establishes the personalities of the characters. This positive feedback is further supported by God is a Geek, who states that the voice acting is generally good, despite some cheesy writing. Additionally, Worth Playing highlights the Japanese version of the game, noting that it features some of the best mecha voice actors and further enhancing the overall quality of the voice acting. On the other hand, there are several critics who express negative opinions about the voice acting in Daemon X Machina. GameSpew criticizes the English voice overs, describing the dialogue as inane. Gameplanet and Metro GameCentral both go a step further, labeling the voice acting as terrible. VGC takes a particularly harsh stance, describing the voice acting as instantly irritating, dull, and embarrassing, with voiceovers that match. These negative criticisms suggest that there are significant flaws in the delivery and execution of the voice acting, which may impact the overall immersion and enjoyment of the game. Taking into account the opinions of the various critics, the overall consensus on the voice acting in Daemon X Machina leans towards the negative side. While there are positive aspects, such as the fully-voiced cutscenes and vignettes that help establish character personalities, the negative feedback from GameSpew, Gameplanet, Metro GameCentral, and VGC cannot be ignored. The criticisms range from inane dialogue to terrible voice acting, with some critics specifically mentioning that the writing and general narrative are messy. However, it is worth noting that God is a Geek and Worth Playing offer more positive perspectives, highlighting the generally good quality of the voice acting and the presence of notable actors. Ultimately, the mixed opinions suggest that the voice acting in Daemon X Machina may not meet the expectations of all players, and it is an aspect of the game that may polarize opinions.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Daemon X Machina. While some praise the fully-voiced cutscenes and good quality acting, others criticize the English voice overs as inane and terrible. Overall, negative feedback outweighs positive, with some critics finding the voice acting instantly irritating and embarrassing. The general consensus leans towards the negative side, highlighting flaws in delivery and execution that may impact the game's immersion and enjoyment.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Daemon X Machina, the majority of critics praised the game across all gaming platforms. Starting with the PC version, DarkStation and GamingTrend both highlighted the smooth and optimized gameplay, with GamingTrend specifically mentioning that the game runs smoothly even on less powerful laptops. PC Gamer also commended the game for running smoothly on a decent rig and offering higher frame rates compared to the Nintendo Switch version. Furthermore, Game Revolution and Noisy Pixel found the PC port to be stable with no bugs or optimization issues, and Noisy Pixel specifically mentioned the highly optimized nature of the game. On the other hand, there were a few criticisms regarding the technical performance of Daemon X Machina on the PC. GameSpew initially encountered low resolution and audio issues, but these problems were resolved after restarting the game. While these issues were resolved, it does indicate that there were some technical hiccups with the PC port initially. However, overall, the negative feedback regarding the technical performance on PC was minimal compared to the positive opinions. Turning to the Nintendo Switch version, Softpedia and Switch Player both noted that the game runs smoothly with no frame drops. Switch Player specifically mentioned that the issues raised in the initial demo were addressed, including a stabilized framerate. However, ZTGD highlighted some technical issues with models and frame rate on the Switch console. Despite this, the negative feedback regarding the technical performance on the Switch was outweighed by the positive opinions. In conclusion, the overall consensus among the critics is that the technical performance of Daemon X Machina is very good across all gaming platforms. The PC version, in particular, received high praise for its smooth and optimized gameplay, with critics like God is a Geek considering it the definitive edition. While there were some initial technical issues with the PC port, they were resolved, and the positive feedback outweighed the negatives. Similarly, the Nintendo Switch version was commended for its smooth performance, with the issues raised in the demo being addressed. Despite some technical issues mentioned by ZTGD, the majority of critics found the technical performance on the Switch to be satisfactory. Overall, the technical performance of Daemon X Machina received positive feedback from the critics.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praised Daemon X Machina's technical performance on PC and Nintendo Switch, highlighting smooth gameplay and optimized performance. While some initial issues were noted on PC, they were quickly resolved. The Switch version ran smoothly with only minor criticisms. Overall, critics agreed that the game's technical performance was very good on both platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

28%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Daemon X Machina are varied. Several critics highlight the positive aspects of the game's replayability. CGMagazine notes that the online multiplayer modes and cooperative and competitive gameplay add replay value. GameCritics praises the game for its replayable multiplayer content and numerous story and side missions. Noisy Pixel mentions that the game rewards players with new parts and upgrade materials, allowing for deep customization of mechs, and offers additional modes such as co-op and online battles. God is a Geek also acknowledges the game's build diversity and multiplayer options for replayability. These positive opinions indicate that Daemon X Machina provides players with various modes and customization options that encourage replaying the game. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the repetitive nature of the game. DarkStation mentions that after finishing the story and grinding through free missions, the lack of mission variety becomes an issue. PC Gamer agrees that the missions can get repetitive, but still finds the action entertaining enough for fans of giant mech combat. Forbes also states that while missions can be played multiple times for extra rewards, they are repetitive. Game Informer criticizes the game for poorly explaining the customization of the arsenal and limiting the sense of progression, which could hinder replayability. Video Chums adds that replaying missions for credits and equipment can become monotonous. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Daemon X Machina offers some positive aspects for replay value, such as online multiplayer modes, deep customization options, and numerous story and side missions. However, there are concerns about the lack of mission variety and repetitive gameplay. While some critics find the action and customization enjoyable enough to encourage replaying, others feel that the game's limitations and repetitive missions may hinder long-term engagement. It is worth noting that the opinions of the critics are mixed, with some praising the replay value while others express reservations.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on Daemon X Machina's replay value. Some praise its multiplayer modes and customization options, while others criticize its lack of mission variety and repetitive gameplay. Overall, the game offers positives for replayability, but concerns remain about its long-term engagement.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

30%

Mixed (50-79)

66%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Daemon X Machina, it is clear that there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. Starting with the positives, many critics praised the gameplay and customization options of the game. CGMagazine states that the PC release is the best way to experience the game, particularly for fans of the Armored Core series. Digital Chumps highlights the rewarding experience of upgrading the Arsenal and gaining new weapons and equipment. GameCritics considers Daemon X Machina as one of the top mech games available, offering great value and gameplay. Noisy Pixel also commends the smooth gameplay, highly stylized visuals, and deep customization options. Additionally, Pure Nintendo mentions that the game has a visually appealing style and Softpedia notes that the feeling of controlling a huge mech is well-executed. On the other hand, there are several criticisms raised by the reviewers. DarkStation mentions the lack of mission variety and thin gameplay, which limits the long-term appeal of the game. Game Revolution acknowledges narrative issues, while Game Informer states that Daemon X Machina fails to deliver on gameplay, story, and feels out of step with recent innovations in action games. Metro GameCentral criticizes the repetitive missions, uninspired mission design, and dire storytelling. Worth Playing mentions that while the game is a decent fill-in for the Armored Core series, it is not quite as good as the franchise's highs. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there are positive aspects such as enjoyable gameplay, customization options, and smooth combat, there are also negative aspects such as repetitive missions, uninspired storytelling, and lack of long-term appeal. Some critics, such as GamingTrend and My Nintendo News, consider the PC version to be the definitive version of the game. However, there is a general agreement that Daemon X Machina may appeal more to fans of the mecha genre or Armored Core series, rather than having mainstream appeal.

TL;DR

Daemon X Machina offers enjoyable gameplay with customization options and smooth combat, but falls short with repetitive missions and uninspired storytelling. Critics are divided, with some praising the PC version as the best way to experience the game for fans of the mecha genre, while others find it lacking in long-term appeal. Ultimately, the game may cater more to enthusiasts of the Armored Core series than a broader audience.

CRITIK

Reviews

133 reviews found

GamingTrend

Feb 13, 2020