The Denpa Men: They Came By Wave

 3DS
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Universo Nintendo
    Oct 7, 2012
    90
    The "Denpa" Men: They Came By Wave is a good example of the best of the eShop.
  2. Nintendo Life
    Sep 27, 2012
    90
    The cumbersome title and suspicious cuteness of The Denpa Men: They Came By Wave may scare off a few gamers, but those who give it a chance will find themselves immersed in a genuinely creative and surprisingly challenging world. The animation is charming and smooth, the soundtrack passively gorgeous, and the experience long and rewarding.
  3. Everyeye.it
    Jan 7, 2013
    85
    The Denpa Men: They Came by Wave is a fresh and fun RPG.
  5. Destructoid
    Oct 23, 2012
    85
    While The "Denpa" Men may not be complex or particularly innovative, it offers more than enough content to keep fans of classic RPGs busy, all wrapped up in a strange and charming one-piece pajama jumpsuit.
  6. Nintendojo
    Sep 27, 2012
    83
    Denpa Men: They Came By Wave probably won't win any awards for originality, but its parts, cobbled together from its RPG brethren, make up a quirky whole that boasts its own personality.
  7. Eurogamer Italy
    Jan 14, 2013
    80
    The Denpa Men: They Came By Wave is one of the finest game in the eShop. It's funny, engaging and we hope it will be the first step of a new wave of digital products for 3DS.
  8. Eurogamer
    Jan 9, 2013
    80
    Even if you haven't got the commitment to play the game the way it's meant to be played, mind, there's still a lot of fun on offer here. The Denpa Men is characterful, challenging and genuinely charming.
  9. Cubed3
    Jan 2, 2013
    80
    Offering far more value for money than what may first appear, The Denpa Men's overall variety may be in question, yet it does provide an excellent starting point for newer players as well as something a little different for veterans.
  10. Pocket Gamer UK
    Dec 5, 2012
    80
    Don't be put off by The Denpa Men's silly name - this is a great dungeon-crawler with some carefully considered ideas packed in.
  11. Modojo
    Oct 11, 2012
    80
    While not the most advanced RPG in the world, it manages to entertain through its AR mechanic, the desire to uncover new Denpa Men and the constant leveling. Definitely one of the quirkiest, most unique titles on 3DS, by far.
  12. Cheat Code Central
    Oct 5, 2012
    80
    It's the perfect example of a bite-sized JRPG.
  13. GamingXP
    Jan 21, 2013
    77
    The support of augmented reality is nice and collecting many different Denpa Men makes fun. If you're keen on exciting dungeons every now and then as well, The Depna Men may be just the game for you.
  14. Vandal
    Dec 18, 2012
    75
    Its proposal is, indeed, weird: capturing Denpa Men through Wi-Fi hotspots. However is a great RPG, a nice surprise recommended for the fans of the genre looking for new experiences.
  15. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    Mar 3, 2013
    72
    RPG fans will find lots to enjoy. [Feb 2013, p.85]
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  16. Meristation
    Dec 19, 2012
    72
    There is nothing especially wrong about Denpa Man: the gameplay mechanic are OK, and as a dungeon crawler is not a bad one. But the lack of risk makes the game just 'another dungeon crawler' and not a pretty good one to recommend without doubts.
  17. Multiplayer.it
    Jan 8, 2013
    70
    The Denpa Men winks at the earlier Dragon Quest or Pokémon, but it's kinda out of place here and there. Filled with content, levels to grind and dungeons to beat, it might appeal nostalgic players looking for a truly challenging RPG.
  18. DarkZero
    Oct 3, 2012
    70
    Still, it's a cheap RPG that is well worth the asking price.
  19. NintendoWorldReport
    Oct 8, 2012
    65
    The Denpa Men could be considered "old school" in this way, a quality that may make the downloadable game an appealing distraction to some, but its surplus of unchanging RPG content drags on the novelty of the experience with time. Like any crayon, The Denpa Men quickly becomes dull.

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best 3DS Game of 2012
25
#25 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2012
33
#33 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2012

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 38
  3. Negative: 5 out of 38
  1. RadioJoNES
    Oct 4, 2012
    10
    This game is pretty fun and original, and with the cheap price of $10.00, it is easily worth purchasing considering the amount of fun I hadThis game is pretty fun and original, and with the cheap price of $10.00, it is easily worth purchasing considering the amount of fun I had and how much time I've spent playing this game.… Full Review »
  2. makkot
    Feb 1, 2013
    9
    Wonderful. Its the best example of how to pack a DL game. Great balance between longevity and gameplay for 8 bucks. I personally find amazingWonderful. Its the best example of how to pack a DL game. Great balance between longevity and gameplay for 8 bucks. I personally find amazing the way the party is managed, and the AR function to get new Denpa is great great great. Difficulty is on the wild side, but with some escercise the Denpa grow up strong, always leaving the battle on a high level anyway. One of the best 3DS games year 2012.… Full Review »
  3. raidendaigo
    Oct 9, 2012
    9
    Get this game, get it now! Fun, silly and full of character(s). Well worth the price and then some. Great pick-up and play with quick action.Get this game, get it now! Fun, silly and full of character(s). Well worth the price and then some. Great pick-up and play with quick action. The choice between play styles makes this game a fit for anybody, with Dragon Quest 9 like battles. The denpa men themselves are not as diverse as other collection RPGs but they have more abilities and head/face-shapes then would be expected. Such a great time occupier.… Full Review »
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