Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is a follow-up to Marvelous‘ 2019 anime Armored Core stylish mecha combat action game, adding a dash of modern flair to the genre’s staples. The long-awaited sequel is poised to take the foundation of its predecessor and expand it dramatically, evolving its former design in meaningful ways. Moving from the original’s mission-based structure to a vast, open world, Titanic Scion promises a grander scope, deeper customization, and a welcoming jumping on point for newcomers and a compelling continuation for returning fans. These promises translate to moments of pure, thrilling spectacle, but they sometimes buckle under the weight of uneven execution and lacking design choices.
The core gameplay loop remains a highlight, now sporting more form-fitting Arsenal suits encasing player pilots as they partake in the fast-paced, balletic combat. Never does blitzing around the battlefield, laser sword in-hand and vibrant thrusters engaged, fail to enthrall. The customizable mechs don’t waste any time stealing the spotlight, showing off their significant changes. Players fight in a faster, more agile form that allows for more immediate manuevers. Initially, the adherence to light and medium suits gives the combat a strong sense of speed and precision, with a focus on fluid, responsive movement. But don’t worry, the game still delivers on the core fantasy of piloting giant mechs. After a certain point, pilots gain the ability to don heavy armor, which offers up bulky, devastating mechs that change up the strategic approach to engagements. This dual-combat system adds a layer of tactical depth, allowing the freedom to switch between a light, quick-footed skirmisher and a powerful, lumbering juggernaut. It all blends together to create high-octane, lightning-fast action that occasionally leaves the camera playing catch-up.
“Mech” It Your Own
Customization is a cornerstone of the Daemon X Machina experience, and Titanic Scion elevates this all-important system. The sheer number of weapons, body parts, and equipment available is sure to satisfy, enabling players to creatively (and stylishly) personalize their playstyle. Experimentation is encouraged, as four weapons can be equipped at a time (not including the shoulder-mounted armaments), in addition to arms, legs and the plating itself. Each choice changes the feel and flow, adding importance to the player’s selections. The game’s loot system, while bloated and burdened by cumbersome menus, reinforces this. Picking pieces off fallen foes can yield desired gear, or simply the hundredth duplicate. This depth of customization extends beyond the mech, reaching the pilot themself with a respectable set of character creation tools. At it’s core, Daemon X Machine: Titanic Scion is a game that respects and rewards player expression, whether that be through decals or heavy weaponry, ensuring form and function are given equal consideration.
The narrative and open-world designs both fall flat in their respective forms. They share the sense of untapped potential and are, at times, shallow. The story opens with an explosive intro, full of chaos, panic and sacrifice before our protagonist plummets to the planet below the space station wherein all the aforementioned action takes place. Here, they join up with a resistance group to fight their former employer, and many colossal threats. The inconsistently paced tale weaves in characters adhering to the usual anime tropes, making for multiple instances of stilted conversations and heavy exposition. On the environmental front, the open world design might seem intriguing on paper, but the space isn’t utilized adequately, leaving excessive dead space in what could have been a mecha Monster Hunter experience. Dashing from one objective to the next reveals how barren much of the game is, which makes such travel boring and tedious. More isn’t always better.
The Friendship Factor
Fortunately, the multiplayer experience has received a solid upgrade. The ability to tackle the main story and epic boss battles with friends is a fantastic addition that balances out the blandness of the world. The allusions to Monster Hunter only become stronger as friends dive into online co-op to team up against the enemies roaming the vast environments. This is especially true when taking on the Immortals, massive mechanized creatures. It’s here that Titanic Scion reveals its main lure to convince players to return session after session. Slashing and shooting at all manner of mechanized and organic beasts alongside friends is a real joy at times, even with the noted deficiencies. The thrills gained from multiplayer sessions are almost to break past its lesser parts, giving a glimpse to how close to greatness the overall experience is.
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is a sequel that looks to evolves the series, but stumbles while doing so. The blend of high-speed combat, deep customization, and inviting multiplayer may be enough to entice long-time fans who might more easily overlook its faults. The lackluster narrative and sparse open world sit in contrast to the high points, dragging down the overall experience. But beyond its lesser parts, there’s a core that is strong enough to partially shine through.
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion Review Verdict
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion: Marvelous looks to expand the scope and scale of Daemon X Machina with Titanic Scion, a goal it only partially realizes. Strong combat and customization are undermined by cumbersome systems, an uninteresting narrative and vacant environments. It may primarily do one thing well, but it does it well enough to keep the weight of its lesser parts from crushing the experience. – Joshua
[Editor’s Note: Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion was reviewed on PC, and a copy was provided to us for review purposes.]
