700https://i.ur.com/Zu3xuq0.png We always get the answer Just consume play read or watch the source material instead when asked if a certain adaptation is good or not. So that means its bad right? Well most of the time the adaptation will have a hard time living up to the original due to various limitations but it doesnt always mean that adaptation=bad. And that is the case in The World Ends With You: The Animation. 700https://i.ur.com/gDPniuQ.png Animeonly watchers might feel detached about the story and the characters because theyll be introduced to us on one episode and then we get to see them go after two to three eps. They had to fit an entire 25hour game according to howlongtobeat.com into a 12episode anime so there really is no space for character development and proper storytelling. Videogame Neku is this snobby unthoughtful loner whos rude to all of his partners because of his contempt for humanity but they had to simplify his personality in the anime into this kid who just doesnt talk that much and gets along with others faster. The storys pacing is rushed and a bit off as well but Im surprised they included most of the subplot/subquests in the anime. Among other things the Reaper Creeper and Tin Pin Slammer arcs were cut off in the adaptation but theres not much of a use of that here because the original purpose of that subplot is to introduce the minigame. So for me the adjustments and cuts they made are reasonable enough. 700https://i.ur.com/FIMxWNJ.png Another thing that may probably feel off for those who havent played the game is the battles. I personally am not a fan of the constant shounen battles that dont feel different from one another because they feel empty and repetitive. Then they try to add emotion to these by making the heroes about to lose but will be saved by the Power of Friendship or something that anime like Pokemon use as their typical formula on how an episode goes. And the same formula seems to be used here as well which couldve been better if they at least give names to the moves or show that some of these moves can evolve after a certain time just like in the game. 700https://i.ur.com/UvINzOG.png But wait all of these criticisms but you didnt rank this anime subpar? Now let me geek out about the things I like about this show. When I watched the first episode Im not gonna lie I was blown away by how they executed this adaptation. The art direction isnt far from Tetsuya Nomuras original art style of TWEWY everyone is just not as skinny as they were in the game lmao and the 3DCG looks just as good and doesnt feel off compared to some anime that use 3D. Even seeing the psych pins moves like Pyrokinesis and Piercing Pillar made me smile especially when theyre battling in an anime version of Shibuya. Then I got the chills when music from the games OST like Calling Twister and Underground started playing and when I heard some of my favorite seiyuu play as the characters of this anime. I also appreciate additional stuff that wasnt originally in the game like how they added a scene of Eri buying flowers for her friend. I may be rating this higher than most people because of nostalgia and my love for the game but I honestly think The World Ends With You: The Animation is not that bad. 700https://i.ur.com/1z6SwgY.png So is it okay to watch this anime without playing the game first? Go for it if you have the time. Should you play the game? DEFINITELY especially if you have more free time. Its one of the best video games out there and Im not even exaggerating because the game mechanics are very wellthought and the OST is just superb especially if youre into Japanese rock and hip hop. If you could get your hands to a Nintendo DS or 3DS play the original DS game for full immersion but you can play that via Switch too since that ones more accessible these days.