Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 14
  2. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. One for the game-starved only. [May 2013, p.78]
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Games Master UK
    Apr 10, 2013
    58
    Neat ambient tone is shattered by design confusion and physics frustration. [May 2013, p.79]
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 19
  2. Negative: 2 out of 19
  1. 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. 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. 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 »