In The World Ends With You, players play Neku Sakuraba, a sullen loner teenager who wakes up in modern Shibuya, Japan, with no memory of how he got there and a ticking clock that tells him to complete the mission or be erased. Neku and Shiki Misaki are “Players” in a seven-day game. Players must complete “Reapers” missions within a certain timeframe or be erased from existence each day.
Collectible pins help players fight “The Noise,” animal-like creatures that corrupt people and the environment. One can activate each pin by tapping the touchscreen, sweeping the stylus, or blowing into the DS microphone. Neku fights on the lower DS screen while his partner fights on the upper. Their combat styles are different but can be combined for stronger attacks.
Players can buy clothing and PP points to improve their attacks and pins. Wi-fi contact with another DS can also provide PP. Combat is the main source. The wi-fi mini-game “Ten Pin Slammer” lets players knock each other’s pins off the board with one pin.
