"The gaming equivalent of "It's a Wonderful Life""

Wow... I've never written a Gamefaqs review... which will probably become apparent shortly.

I deeply enjoyed this game and I would talk about the nature of the gameplay and how deep and involving it is. But, that's not what got to me about the game.

Ever seen one of those movies that you just can't get out of your head? I'd use an example like the Shawshank Redemption. One that extends beyond the time you spend with it. Stuck with it in your head.

Welcome to Shibuya. You're a player in a game with an importance beyond that of the Olympics and russian roulette. You have 7 days.

And that's it. End of story dissection right there. Because as revolutionary as the gameplay is. I felt TWEWY's story is what kept me going into the game. Yes it has an unparalleled depth involving Pin levelling up. Yes it has a hugely customiseable setup. If anyone has the same setup of clothes, pins and general gaming experience, you're a liar. But unique gaming experiences are a dime a dozen in this business. Add RPG to that and it's essentially meaningless.

But join Neku and his comrades on a journey. A journey to where... you have to find out for yourself. If even one person asks themselves "What the hell is that deluded amateur reviewer talking about?" and then goes to their local store and buys the game. I've spent my time well. Maybe they'll try and get their friends to buy it. Even if only for the odd game of "Tin Pin Slammer" (which is far more addictive in multiplayer than it has any right to be).

But I implore you, try this game out. Get to the 6th day. If you still don't care, I'm genuinely sorry. As a gamer, I can only compare this game to Shadow of colossus and ICO. But by no means in terms of gameplay. Remember that bit at the start about the "Stuck in your head"?

As a fanboy, I would have never thought I'd use those games as a point of comparison. But I was wrong. I loved this game. And I'm a cynical guy. Having just quit a career in games testing, this has reaffirmed my faith in the medium. (And no I'm not trying to show off, it's just the dream isn't all it's cracked up to be)

Check it out, as a cynical man who doesn't bother with a whole lot, it made me want to.

Forgive my fanboyness and my general lack of detail about the game. I just want you to discover it as I did. Without any knowledge of it. Maybe just one fanboy rant. I have to apologise that this game is less of a "how the game works" and more of a "please try this game". Not a really a review.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

(LEAST DETAILED REVIEW EVER!!!)

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 04/23/08

Game Release: The World Ends With You (EU, 04/18/08)