Play World Ends With You, The (E) Online

I first played The World Ends With You on the Nintendo DS back in 2007, a game developed and published by Square Enix. It arrived during a time when the DS was full of experimental titles, and this one stood out for its bold style and urban setting, completely different from the fantasy RPGs the company was known for.

You control Neku, a reluctant teenager forced to fight for his life in a twisted game set in modern Shibuya. The core gameplay splits action across both screens: you use the stylus to perform attacks and combos on the bottom screen, while simultaneously managing your partner’s actions with the D-pad or face buttons up top. Your main goal is to survive a series of daily missions, battling monstrous Noise creatures, completing objectives, and uncovering the secrets behind the Reapers' Game. Exploration happens screen by screen across a stylized map of Shibuya, where you can also shop for clothing and food that permanently affect your abilities. The pacing is brisk, and the difficulty can spike if you don’t master the dual screen combat. Playing it feels like conducting chaos, a rush of coordination and style that pulls you completely into its world.