DAEMON X MACHINA for Nintendo Switch: The ultimate guide

There is something magically exciting about the idea of mechs. From modern interpretations like Pacific Rim and earlier versions like Robotech, Gundam, and even Mazinger Z, mechs have been irrevocably enticing to a specific group of people. If you are one of those people and you also happen to own a Nintendo Switch, then you're in luck. The ven diagram of mechs and Nintendo Switch collides in Daemon X Machina.

What is it?

Daemon X Machina is a mech-centric action game that released on Nintendo Switch September 13, 2019. If you have been aching to pilot your very own combat robot on your Nintendo Switch, now's your chance.

In Daemon X Machina, you play as a mech pilot living on a planet that was left devastated when a section of the moon crashed into it. As if the collision of celestial bodies wasn't bad enough, it seems that the event released a strange energy called Femto, which is causing all of the artificial intelligence on the planet to go rogue.

You are a member of the Outers, a team of mercenary mech pilots. It is up to you to defend all of humanity against the rogue AI that would love nothing more than to see all of humanity wiped out. You won't be going into this war empty-handed, however. The very same energy that turned AI on humanity gave you and your team special powers and you also have your trusty battle mechs to help turn the tide of the war.

Can you customize your character and mech suit?

Yes, you most definitely can. As you participate in missions, you'll find mech suit parts lying on the ground. You'll definitely want to gather them up and see if there's anything worth keeping. Additionally, a skill tree allows you to upgrade your character and your suite. Upgrades also make visual changes so your character will stand out from others, depending on the options you choose.

Who's making it?

Daemon X Machina was developed and unleashed on the Switch-owning public by Marvelous. This Japanese developer has been plugging away making games since 2011. While many of their titles have clearly been designed with the Japanese market in mind, you may know them from titles like Monster Hunter Stories, which originally came out on the 3DS, or the sexy beat em' up series Senran Kagura.

Just a quick glance and the history of releases coming from Marvelous tells you that they clearly like developing titles for handheld devices. With how highly rated Daemon X Machina is, it seems all this experience in the world of diminutive gaming has paid off for Switch-owning mech fans.

What is the gameplay like?

Daemon X Machina leans fairly heavily on the hack and slash experience. Combat is fast and furious. So if you are looking for a deep role-playing mech experience this might not be exactly the title you have been hoping for. Granted, this one has more of a plot than many other mech games. Just don't expect too much from the story and you won't be disappointed.

As a mech pilot, you pretty much spend your time in one of two places: your hanger customizing your mech in a multitude of ways, or out in the battle field. From upgrades to custom paint jobs, you have the ability to make your bot yours and yours alone. Once you have your mech just the way you like it, it's time to put all that work at risk by taking it out onto the field. There you will battle giant mechanized AI monstrosities or other mech pilots. As parts begin to fly, you can scavenge for weapons to use against your enemies in order to win the day.

Is it multiplayer?

Don't worry, if you have some friends that love mech combat just as much as you do, there is multiplayer. You'll have the opportunity to get together with three other friends for some co-op action either by playing locally or online.