Blackthorne

 Game Boy Advance
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
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  1. Cheat Code Central
    50
    What at first hints to lots of gameplay depth turns out to be a waste of time as the game reveals itself to be a basic action adventure game with platform and shooter elements. For what it is it's not bad but it's really nothing special.
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  2. Deeko
    35
    It doesn’t have the magic that the old Mario games did; it doesn’t capture the fun and excitement found in Sonic the Hedgehog. It doesn’t have the same elements that create that euphoric rush that screams nostalgia in the hearts of a generation of older gamers.
  3. Game Informer
    80
    There aren't many thinking-man's action games like this on the GBA. [Dec 2003, p.187]
  5. Game Over Online
    70
    Ultimately, there is about a day's worth of gameplay in Blackthorne, and even on a Sunday, a good player could finish and still probably fit in church, lunch, dinner and maybe even football.
  6. GameSpot
    70
    Despite the fact that its graphics leave something to be desired, Blackthorne's gameplay and atmosphere are just as satisfying as they were on the Super NES nearly a decade ago.
  7. GameSpy
    60
    Its pace is often slow, almost to the point of being sluggish, but the game's story which is revealed both through in-game conversations and cinematic, between-level cutscenes (it is a Blizzard game, after all) definitely helped to pull me into the game despite the frustration I felt with its controls.
  8. GameZone
    72
    The ambience of the game just sets the mood perfectly with its darkness and oppression.
  9. IGN
    75
    As fun and challenging as the game is, Blackthorne is a finite design that's much shorter than Blizzard's previous two games. Once players make it through the adventure, there's nothing more waiting for them.
  10. Nintendo Power
    60
    The play control is stiff and nonresponsive, making it difficult to succeed in challenging situations. [Nov 2003, p.152]
    All this publication's reviews
  11. Nintendojo
    79
    While comparing BlackThorne to the classic "Prince of Persia," it's obvious that it isn't as good as the revolutionary title. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean it isn't an overall good game.

Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2003
75
#75 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. otaru1921
    Nov 4, 2013
    5
    This game kinda plays like Prince of Persia, but doing running jumps is hard because the controls aren't that responsive.

    I got frustrated    This game kinda plays like Prince of Persia, but doing running jumps is hard because the controls aren't that responsive.

    I got frustrated and stopped playing this game around Level 12 because you needed to do 3-4 Perfect Running Jumps at a late part of the level and any mistake would make you die, making you do a long level all over again.
    Since I was not at the end of the game and I knew levels would get harder, I stopped playing because it was too bothersome to have to redo the entire level because you misjumped one time.

    Also combat is kinda horrible and annoying, you kinda have to tank shots to get double hits on enemies at late game and you can't really outsmart the enemies if there are 2 of them on the same row. Overall I didn't like the combat at all.    … Full Review »
  2. AdamM.
    Dec 4, 2003
    8
    I remember this game from when it released on the old nintendo. It was the best sidescrolling action game I played that year and now playing I remember this game from when it released on the old nintendo. It was the best sidescrolling action game I played that year and now playing it again on the GBA I'm reminded why. Sure it's no Prince of Persia but then again it wasn't trying to be no what the reviewers think. I love the little drone things and the way you have to think your past each screen as much as you have to fight. A good effort from what was then a rookie studio and still a good game.… Full Review »
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