Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 23
  2. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Jul 14, 2017
    74
    More fine-tuning would have led to a higher score and a little less frustrating moments wouldn’t have been bad either, but after all the game makes a positive impression.
  2. Aug 7, 2017
    70
    Great logical platformer strength is mainly on delightfully drawn distressful atmosphere and fine visuals. While gameplay is not completely spotless, a number of interestingly designed puzzles makes the game a pleasant thing for anyone who likes to think.
  3. Edge Magazine
    Jul 20, 2017
    70
    A bleak meditation on the idea that the most one can do in such difficult times is to keep your head down, and keep moving. [Sept 2017, p.116]
  4. Jul 17, 2017
    70
    Black the Fall is a clever and ingenious adventure puzzle game with a dark and oppressive atmosphere, but we miss a better and more original puzzle design.
  5. Jul 11, 2017
    70
    I enjoyed my time with Black the Fall because I am a fan of these kinds of atmospheric 2D puzzle platformers that tackle heavy themes.
  6. Jul 10, 2017
    70
    It is sometimes even able to shine with its own light, succeeding in refreshing the sensations generated by a genre that in recent years has known too many emulsions and a few really original works.
  7. Jul 10, 2017
    70
    Through the stylishly muted visuals and the trappings of a Communist state on the brink of collapse, Black The Fall challenges you to escape its series of perilous puzzles in a bid for freedom from oppression. Though it will live in the shadows of its critically acclaimed peers and has a few rough edges, Black The Fall is a great addition to the puzzle platformer genre.
  8. 70
    Black The Fall has the makings of a deep and emotional retelling of life under a totalitarian communist regime. The literally dark, oppressive, and intimidating imagery combines with the music, sound effects, and mechanics to narrate scenes without using a single word, and that alone has to be respected.
  9. Aug 23, 2017
    65
    Black The Fall is a pretty good allusion to the crimes of the communist regime in Romania. The game has a rich atmosphere, but there are also some serious shortcomings.
  10. Jul 25, 2017
    65
    It all comes down to a game that, while not terrible, isn’t going to set the world on fire. We won’t be seeing any Black The Fall clones in the next few months.
  11. Jul 20, 2017
    65
    Though Black deserves credit for adding new puzzle mechanics along the way, it could’ve easily seen its 6-8 hour runtime chopped in half and still gotten its message across.
  12. Feb 21, 2019
    60
    Black the Fall is... okay. Not the worst atmospheric puzzle-adventure out there, but also very far from the top steps of the podium. A strong, oppressive atmosphere can get you places, but a game of this kind still needs a good plot, and some gameplay mechanics that are more than decent.
  13. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Sep 29, 2017
    60
    An attempt to escape from the Communist prison in Black the Fall has a plenty of strong moments and great environment design. It´s a pity, there is only a short campaign and many technical issues. [Issue#277]
This publication does not provide a score for their reviews.
This publication has not posted a final review score yet.
These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation.
  1. Jul 19, 2017
    This puzzle-platformer lives in the shadow of Playdead's Inside, but its rage against Romanian Communism is authentic and raw.
  2. For me it felt far too derivative of Inside (it was of course in development before Inside’s release, but looked awfully different), which was itself derivative of Limbo, and without the precision of either. Utterly beautiful when it remembers to be, but more irritating than fun in execution.
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 42 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 42
  2. Negative: 7 out of 42
  1. Aug 22, 2017
    8
    Black The Fall seems to be trying to be close to Inside, but in an Eastern European setting. However, it can't reach the greatness of thatBlack The Fall seems to be trying to be close to Inside, but in an Eastern European setting. However, it can't reach the greatness of that Danish masterpiece due to lack of polish... E.g. the animations of the main character have no proper transitions and feel clunky. There is no death animation. Though the art is good, and the scenery is well designed. 8/10 Full Review »
  2. Jul 13, 2017
    10
    Brilliant bleak atmosphere and sharp graphics. I love the concept of fighting against Communism and the puzzles are rather challenging, I mustBrilliant bleak atmosphere and sharp graphics. I love the concept of fighting against Communism and the puzzles are rather challenging, I must admit, especially the one that you have to rely on sound only. Full Review »
  3. Jan 10, 2021
    9
    Great Game, I loved the design, the atmosphere & the details. I really enjoyed playing it.