This is quite a surprise for those keeping up with the game.Daemon X Machinawas originally released for the Nintendo Switch in September 2019, and later received a PC Port via Steam in February 2020. TheEpic Games Storeis finally receiving this game just under two years later, even though it was not expected to release on other storefronts. This also makes the game one of the most recent titles in Epic’s free game program.Daemon X Machinais normally at full $60 USD price when not on sale and only half off on sale, so a chance to get the superior PC port for free is one mecha enthusiasts should not pass up. This is doubly true now that both a sequel to it and a new game in theArmored Coreseries it was following up are both apparently on their way.
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What Is Daemon X Machina?
Daemon X Machinais a fast-paced mech action game developed by Marvelous, and is essentially a spiritual successor toFromSoftware’sArmored Coreseries. There is a story involving the remnants of humanity trying to survive against corrupted AIs while mercenary groups compete against each other for money and resources, but this story is widely agreed to be the game’s weakest aspect. It shares this weakness withArmored Core, butDXMunfortunately shoves a lot more of it at the player.
Those who can get beyond the weak story are greeted with a worthy successor toFromSoftware’s old mech series, as customization runs so deep that players can pick up parts and weapons mid-battle in a manner reminiscent ofNew Gundam Breaker. Even the pilot now has customization options with gameplay ramifications, giving players unparalleled freedom to tinker with their build. The mission-based gameplay makes that fine-tuning worth it, as players can find themselves squaring off against anything from a skyscraper-sized nightmare machine covered with guns to a crack squad of human-piloted mecha.
It’s fortunate that online multiplayer is another inheritance fromArmored Core, and co-op is available for certain missions. If collaboration isn’t to one’s taste, then competing to reach the top of the leaderboards might be, with the option to fight other players in duels or in two-on-two matches. To top all of this off,Daemon X Machinasupports cross-saving between Switch and Steam, andcrossplay between Steam and Epic Store copies. If a player is passionate enough about mechs to learnDaemon X Machina’s many intricacies, then they may find a new comfort game to come back to time and time again.
Daemon X Machina Might As Well Be An Armored Core Spin-Off
Daemon X Machina’s similarities toArmored Corerun deep thanks to a few key individuals who’ve worked on both IPs. Producer Kenichiro Tsukuda has a history withArmored Core, and served as a producer for several entries back inFromSoftware’s early days. Kenichiro produced forArmored Core 2,Armored Core 3, andSilent Line: Armored Core, and worked on concept design forArmored Core: Nexus. He left FromSoftware soon after that title released in 2004, but the sheer number of similarities betweenArmored CoreandDaemon X Machinaindicate he has harbored a love for the mecha series even after all these years.
Another important name on the project team is the prolific anime producer, writer, and artist Shoji Kawamori. He is best known as the creator oftheMacrossanime seriesand theDiaclonetoy line that led to theTransformersfranchise. Shoji made mecha designs for a number ofArmored Coregames, and did the same forDaemon X Machina. While these men do not have core design roles, their influence can be felt throughout the project. With both franchises seemingly continuing, now feels like the perfect time to catch up on both. Mecha fans with gaming PCs should pick up their freeDaemon X Machinacopy when it becomes available on January 27.
Daemon X Machinais available now on PC and Nintendo Switch.
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