Despite still being classed as something of a niche genre, mech combat games have a dedicated and growing fan base.Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scionis the follow-up to 2019’sDaemon X Machinafrom developer Marvelous, and it is aiming to double down on the first game’s franticaction and customization options.
Game Rant sat down withDaemon X Machinaseries producer Kenichiro Tsukuda to discuss howTitanic Scionhas iterated on the formula its predecessor developed. He mentioned how the sequel improves its combat aspects as well as its visuals.This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Daemon X Machina Titanic Scion Takes Advantage of Newer Hardware
Q: It’s been 6 years since the first game. How are you taking advantage of newer hardware capabilities to enhance the visuals, performance, or scale of battles?
A:One of our biggest advancements is that you can now play story mode and other modes online with other people at any time. These days, many players want to play with others online in every aspect of gaming. Of course, there are those who don’t, but by making the game online compatible, those who want to play solo can turn the online mode off, whereas if it weren’t online compatible, those who want to play online would be out of luck. We also sought to bring the genre forward in its visuals. While the previous title had ananime-style aesthetic, this time we opted for a technique closer to Japanese manga, specifically Gekiga, with a splash of photorealism.
Thecharacters are more manga-inspired, while the mechs lean toward photorealism. We decided on this style after considering the preferences of a wide range of potential players, including anime and manga fans and people who played the previous game. We didn’t consider new hardware specifically since we have already developed on PC, and the number of PC gamers continues to grow. We did face some challenges with hardware limitations, however, when implementing movement which allows exploration both on the ground and in the air.
Titanic Scion’s Gameplay Loop Explained
Q: How doesTitanic Scionexpand on the core gameplay loop that was established in the originalDaemon X Machina?
A:With the larger mechs like in the first title, gameplay can be kept straightforward by focusing on combat. The core mechanics of customizing armored suits and preparing for combat remain unchanged inTitanic Scion, but since we expanded the game’s environments to be open world, we revisited every aspect of the game, including movement and exploration, not just combat. Another feature of this game is that, while armored suits themselves can be powered up or upgraded, the player character also gets stronger through skills and abilities. Player characters possess special abilities inthe world ofDaemon X Machina, and we decided to explore this aspect inTitanic Scion. These special abilities and skills increase the scope of what is possible in combat.
Q: Can you walk us through any major mechanical or combat system overhauls that returning players will immediately notice?
A:We added a number of new weapon types, greatly expanding combat options. Players can combine these weapons in creative ways to find their own unique playstyle. Additionally, players will now choose from one to three types of special weaponry known as Particle Armaments, rather than choosing three for their loadout. Along with enhanced skills, we made this change tomake gameplay more accessible.
Q: Has the customization system been revamped in any way forTitanic Scion? If so, how?
A:You can now create your own decals and emblems. There are a number of ways to have fun with this feature, like making a “team” emblem that you and your friends share in the new and improved online mode. Additionally, while not a customization feature per se, you can now carry items that boost attack power or have healing abilities, making the game more accessible for beginners.
Titanic Scion Features Plenty of New Enemy Types
Q: Are there new enemy types introduced in this sequel, and if so, how do they affect how missions are approached?
A:We added a significant number of new enemies. Some enemies from the previous game are still around too, and they’re even stronger than before. Weaker enemies drop more good equipment and items than in the first game, so the excitement of discovering new enemies never fades. Furthermore,once you defeat a boss, you no longer need to seek them in the game world for future rematches. Instead, you can use a console located in your base to fight them anytime, saving you the hassle. Of course, you can also play this mode online with friends.
Titanic Scion Focuses on Gameplay Over Story
Q: The first game put the focus on gameplay over story. Is this the same balance this time around, and in general, what should players expect from the narrative aspect?
A:We always prioritize gameplay, even over story. Each player may have their own unique priorities and expectations, but the basic premise at the heart of what we do is that players are spending their hard-earned money on our game to have fun. If we were to prioritize an interesting story over interesting gameplay, perhaps that story would be better suited to a different form of media, such as a movie, anime, or novel. InTitanic Scion, we set out to create a more straightforward story by maintaining the same depth while narrowing the scope. We have respect for various science fiction works, manga, movies, and anime. As children grow into adults, they are the ones who will shape the media of the future. This story is aimed at all generations who play games.
Q: Similarly, how familiar do players need to be with the first game’s story to understand what’s going on inTitanic Scion?
A:Players don’t need to be familiar with the first game’s story at all to playTitanic Scion. There are scenes where knowing the previous story may give you an additional perspective, but I firmly believe thatgames should be easy for newcomers to jump into, even if they are part of a series.
How Multiplayer Has Evolved
Q: Similarly, how has the multiplayer experience expanded or evolved, and what should players expect there?
A:I’ve already touched on this topic a bit, but you can play story mode and other modes with other people at any time. I think the time we share with friends old and new in the games we enjoy can become treasured memories. Also, even players new to the genre who may find the game difficult will be able to complete the gamewith the help of others in co-op. I hope those players will be able to feel their skills improving over time.
Q: For fans of the first game (and newcomers too), what would you say are the core gameplay pillars ofTitanic Scion?
A:The feeling that you may make a difference, time-shared with friends and new acquaintances, and the completefreedom of choice in all aspects of gameplay. These are the points I value most.
[END]
