NightSky

 3DS
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Cubed3
    Mar 8, 2013
    100
    No guns, no damsel in distress, no witty vocal main character, but easily one of the most memorable experiences anyone will ever have on a Nintendo 3DS.
  2. Nintendo Life
    Oct 22, 2012
    100
    Nintendo fans have been waiting a long time for NightSky, and they won't be disappointed. The finished product is gorgeous, flawlessly designed and bracingly atmospheric, with perfect controls, clever puzzles, and an endlessly evolving play style that will never see you solving the same puzzle the same way twice. Hidden stars, a locked world and an advanced difficulty lend the experience significant replayability, but even if it offered only a single playthrough, it's not an experience that could soon be forgotten. At last, the 3DS eShop has its masterpiece.
  3. Nintendojo
    Nov 12, 2012
    91
    Ultimately, I may have mentioned multiple times that x or y was my favourite part, but in the end I really enjoyed everything this game had to offer.
  5. Gaming Nexus
    Dec 13, 2012
    89
    I really liked NightSky, but it's got one little flaw: the two modes (Normal and Alternative) are all there is to the game. This game doesn't seem to be made for multiplayer, but I'm surprised there's no puzzle editor, as I can only imagine what someone could create with everything in this game at their disposal.
  6. XGN
    Mar 5, 2013
    80
    What used to be an exclusive PC game, now is a great title for the Nintendo 3DS. NightSky delivers when it comes to dish up an array of levels that give you great puzzle experiences. It is an ideal game to play when you’re on your way to school or work!
  7. Pocket Gamer UK
    Mar 1, 2013
    80
    NightSky is a dream - the sort you never want to wake up from - wrapped in the most challenging of conundrums.
  8. Destructoid
    Oct 25, 2012
    80
    I would have liked to to see a little more story interspersed throughout the game, but I also respect the creative decision to keep the narrative to a minimum. Though the price may seem a little steep for a game of this complexity and length, there is no denying that NightSky accomplishes just about everything it sets out to do.
  9. IGN Italia
    Mar 10, 2013
    75
    A small, simple, smart and very well made game, perfect for portable gaming, with a really nice atmosphere and good longevity. Nothing particularly new, though.
  10. InsideGamer.nl
    Mar 5, 2013
    75
    Despite the somewhat forced feel of the mysterious vibe, Nightsky is still a good game. The ten different worlds offer a good amount of levels that need to be solved in different ways. A good combination of puzzles and skill.
  11. Gaming Age
    Oct 26, 2012
    75
    At the moment there's little on the E-Shop that feels quite like what NightSky has to offer, so I do feel like it's worth checking out, even if it's not quite a flawless experience.
  12. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    Apr 27, 2013
    60
    One for the game-starved only. [May 2013, p.78]
  13. Edge Magazine
    Feb 26, 2013
    60
    It’s accomplished and inventive, but there’s not enough to quicken the pulse, and you feel relief, rather than satisfaction, when the trickier challenges are conquered. The constant metallic clanks are the sound of a game whose nuts and bolts are fully functional, but this tin man of a game is missing its heart.
  14. NintendoWorldReport
    Oct 22, 2012
    60
    The wait for NightSky on a Nintendo platform has been long, and, unfortunately, may not have been worth it. While the graphical and aural presentation is worth celebrating, the actual gameplay comes up short, feeling like the primitive form of a much better game.
  15. Games Master UK
    Apr 10, 2013
    58
    Neat ambient tone is shattered by design confusion and physics frustration. [May 2013, p.79]
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best 3DS Game of 2012
40
#40 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2012
44
#44 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2012

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 19
  3. Negative: 2 out of 19
  1. Acesonnall
    Nov 1, 2012
    9
    Looking for a game where ambiance, simplicity, creativity, and challenge coexist? This is your title. While the price could be slightly lower,Looking for a game where ambiance, simplicity, creativity, and challenge coexist? This is your title. While the price could be slightly lower, after playing this title for a little over 2 hours (Non-stop), I still haven't finished the entire game. This game doesn't let you get frustrated so quickly either with it's ambient music and calming scenery.

    Should you buy it? If ambiance is a puzzle game appeals to you, seriously, don't hesitate.    … Full Review »
  2. steeeven
    Nov 16, 2021
    10
    This is a game that I feel sincerely grateful for. It's one of my favorite game soundtracks ever. the open ambience invites the player toThis is a game that I feel sincerely grateful for. It's one of my favorite game soundtracks ever. the open ambience invites the player to relax and enjoy a peaceful roll through silhouette beaches, forests, and caves. I've replayed this thing so many times. to me this is one of nifflas' best games: right up there with within a deep forest and knytt stories. Probably only surpassed by the bonus levels in affordable space adventures.

    And the game feels right at home on the 3ds. There's a smooth framerate on my new 3ds and the 3d effects had me thinking this game was originally developed for the handheld. The only thing keeping this from being the perfect evening game is a slightly too bright second screen that doesn't serve any function apart from occasional hints.    … Full Review »
  3. cyruszuo
    Nov 6, 2012
    10
    One of my favorite games this year.
    NightSky is a perfect game for playing at night. The simple graphic aesthetic of sundown with objects    One of my favorite games this year.
    NightSky is a perfect game for playing at night. The simple graphic aesthetic of sundown with objects simply shown in shadowy outlines turns out to be beautiful, even moreso in 3D.

    I played NightSky years ago at the IGF when it was set to be a WiiWare game. I was unimpressed at the time. The controls were using tilt, which is simply not precise enough for veteran gamers. You can accomplish SO much more with a proper controller, and when I found out that NightSky was using a controller on the 3DS, I was immediately sold.

    The game has a great sense of feeling alone, but not in a totally lonely way. You explore and adventure, solving puzzles and using technique to get through it. The sound and music are muted to further provide that sense of isolation. It's a great game to play to get away from things, unique and different from the noisy shooters and other games that are busy trying to get in your face. NightSky lets you come to it and doesn't try to fake you out or sell you. It just is what it is, and what it is, is a lovely game that no-one should miss.    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »