Dust: An Elysian Tail

 PC
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 538 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 440 out of 538
  2. Mixed: 67 out of 538
  3. Negative: 31 out of 538

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  1. Crescendo
    Jun 14, 2013
    6
    Firstly, Dust: AET is not a bad game. Beautifully crafted sprites and backgrounds, fluid animations. In these aspects, it is very similar to Muramasa for the Wii which I loved. However, it suffers from the same problems. The combat system is very, very simple which isn't bad in itself, but you don't have acess to many comobs and thelike the longer you play it, the more boring itFirstly, Dust: AET is not a bad game. Beautifully crafted sprites and backgrounds, fluid animations. In these aspects, it is very similar to Muramasa for the Wii which I loved. However, it suffers from the same problems. The combat system is very, very simple which isn't bad in itself, but you don't have acess to many comobs and thelike the longer you play it, the more boring it becomes. Items are nice and all, but not really something to think about. Just use the best thing you find. The story is cliché to the point of cringing and the characters are the most basic of archetypes with little to no depth. After all this bad talk, I have to say I still enjoyed playing it. It just could have been a much better game. Oh, and I hate the fact that this game seems to cater to furries, but I won't judge.… Expand
  2. Sinfullysweet
    Jun 13, 2013
    10
    THIS IS A MUST HAVE! The story line, the play style, everything was awesome about it. When the ending makes you actually tear up, that means that the game did it's job. You care about all the characters. I played it on the casual setting, with my laptop/gaming pc hooked up to my television using the full controller support. Flawless execution. Definitely worth the time and money. So manyTHIS IS A MUST HAVE! The story line, the play style, everything was awesome about it. When the ending makes you actually tear up, that means that the game did it's job. You care about all the characters. I played it on the casual setting, with my laptop/gaming pc hooked up to my television using the full controller support. Flawless execution. Definitely worth the time and money. So many throwbacks to other indie developers that it made me smile. So thank you game developers for a game that not only I can play but my kids can play as well, that really brings you into the story! Thank you for sharing your creativity with the rest of us gamers out here. Keep up the great work. And Can I haz real life Fidget doll please? =3… Expand
  3. Myzt0
    Jun 11, 2013
    10
    Dust: An Elysian Tail (Dust for short) makes a lot of AAA games look like Yes, the game is a 10 because not only was it created by one person, but the story... You feel so bad for "Dust" when you play the game. Yes his real name isn't Dust, but he doesn't remember anything. And no that isn't a spoiler because you get to know that the first fart minute into the game. Back to my point. TheDust: An Elysian Tail (Dust for short) makes a lot of AAA games look like Yes, the game is a 10 because not only was it created by one person, but the story... You feel so bad for "Dust" when you play the game. Yes his real name isn't Dust, but he doesn't remember anything. And no that isn't a spoiler because you get to know that the first fart minute into the game. Back to my point. The story is so immersive, the voice acting is amazing and the sound is impressive. Simply on of the best games, not just action/rpg games, but on of the absolutely best games ever, period.… Expand
  4. tufferugli
    Jun 9, 2013
    5
    i was exited to being able to play a game clearly inspired by Odin Sphere and Muramasa: The Demon Blade, but after 30 minute of playtime excitement was taken over by disappointment.
    playing dust feels wrong, it seems unfinished and flawed. there is no strategy behind the combat system.
    it's not worth time or money.
  5. Jarkfander
    Jun 8, 2013
    10
    A game I really enjoyed playing: catchy story, delightful music, charming characters. Everything a game needs.
    The 2D cartoon style is well performed and fits really well the universe, the fights are really cool too and the combat system is well though.
    I highly recommend this cheap game, it'll make you lough and cry.
  6. kdamica
    Jun 2, 2013
    6
    Dust is not a bad game. The art is high quality and everything is well-polished. However, it's also not a particularly good or interesting game. The combat and enemies are repetitive, and the story and character archetypes are almost identical to those found in so many RPGs (Quiet, noble protagonist, cutesy sidekick, sage-like mentor, flirty female characters who embarrass protagonist,Dust is not a bad game. The art is high quality and everything is well-polished. However, it's also not a particularly good or interesting game. The combat and enemies are repetitive, and the story and character archetypes are almost identical to those found in so many RPGs (Quiet, noble protagonist, cutesy sidekick, sage-like mentor, flirty female characters who embarrass protagonist, etc.).

    This is a game that executes its limited vision very well, but there was really nothing here to hold my interest. Uninstalled after a couple of hours of play.    … Expand
  7. XaoGarrent
    May 31, 2013
    10
    Take a slice of Metroidvania, take a side of Secret of Mana, throw them in a pot with a dash of Devil May Cry style combat (or perhaps an Arcsys fighter, after all dust DOES seem to wield his sword like Sol), and you've got the inspiration behind Dust. This game takes what made the greatest classics of the 16 and 32 bit era what they were and upgrades that formula with modern designTake a slice of Metroidvania, take a side of Secret of Mana, throw them in a pot with a dash of Devil May Cry style combat (or perhaps an Arcsys fighter, after all dust DOES seem to wield his sword like Sol), and you've got the inspiration behind Dust. This game takes what made the greatest classics of the 16 and 32 bit era what they were and upgrades that formula with modern design sensibilities and high definition art. As if the strong features of the actual game itself aren't enough, at a paltry 15 dollars it's an ambitious success that you'd have to be foolish to overlook, even as a budget minded gamer, and make no mistake: This is one very well executed port that feels like it belonged on PC in the first place.

    The story itself reminds us of a time when the fantasy genre in video games wasn't desperately clinging to the coattails of Tolkien or drenched in angst and J Pop style, and the gameplay teaches us the valuable lesson that designs of the past are still relevant and can be improved upon. Bright, whimsical storybook fantasy story and characters that yet manage to be woven seamlessly into a serious and perhaps tragic story are found alongside straightforward and gripping gameplay that does nothing to divert the player from the goals laid out in front of them. In short, Dust makes up a sleek and well assembled package that shows far more polish and planning than you'd expect of a big name let alone indie.

    Like Bastion or perhaps Cave Story, it's a throwback to days long gone, improving upon the strong foundation left behind in such a way that it begs the player to question why such things were ever abandoned to begin with. If this was a game you found yourself watching and waiting for on PC, make no delay in picking it up, it really is a no brainer purchase. It is a game that will suck you in, though, so be warned: You may want to put aside some time for it.    … Expand
  8. tjgiannhs8es
    May 30, 2013
    10
    The game is EXCELLENT! The story is great and combat is a lot of fun! However, the best thing in the game is the art. The game is beautiful and the work the developer has done with painting the environment, the enemies and the protagonists is OUTSTANDING! This game must be one of the best looking games I have ever played and the npcs are all voiced which is a nice and impressive touchThe game is EXCELLENT! The story is great and combat is a lot of fun! However, the best thing in the game is the art. The game is beautiful and the work the developer has done with painting the environment, the enemies and the protagonists is OUTSTANDING! This game must be one of the best looking games I have ever played and the npcs are all voiced which is a nice and impressive touch (fidget's voice is the best). I rarely write reviews but I think this game is worth it. I don't think anyone would dislike this game since there isn't anything bad in this game. And the price makes it all the more appealing. I recommend this game by all means and hope we see a new project from the developers as soon as possible ^^… Expand
  9. Shadirrasda
    May 28, 2013
    10
    I didn't think i would like this game as I'm not a storyline type of person but the controls of this game are so slick with amazing music that i just can't stop playing!
    It's a very compelling world full of vibrant colors that just pulls you in and makes you actually care about the NPCs you're trying to help without it being quests of "kill 10 boars".
    A very very impressive game    I didn't think i would like this game as I'm not a storyline type of person but the controls of this game are so slick with amazing music that i just can't stop playing!
    It's a very compelling world full of vibrant colors that just pulls you in and makes you actually care about the NPCs you're trying to help without it being quests of "kill 10 boars".
    A very very impressive game considering it was made entirely by one person!
    An absolute must-have title.    … Expand
  10. chad12420
    May 28, 2013
    10
    This game is phenomenal. Polished from start to finish. Great combat, environments, graphics, sound, and a decent story to boot. NO I didn’t make the game, some people are just too childish to admit not all reviews come from some paid scrub that comes on here to boost ratings. This game is awesome, don’t miss it.
  11. Slizarus
    May 28, 2013
    10
    Honestly, this game is beautiful, the gameplay is extremely fluid combat is very fun and the metroidvania style is really well represented in the level design. The Sidekicks are pretty funny, the Nimbat is hilarious and her often silly behavior is a wonderful choice in contrast to Dust's cool demeanor.

    This game's story is really surprising, you can run through it, jaded, and ignore it    Honestly, this game is beautiful, the gameplay is extremely fluid combat is very fun and the metroidvania style is really well represented in the level design. The Sidekicks are pretty funny, the Nimbat is hilarious and her often silly behavior is a wonderful choice in contrast to Dust's cool demeanor.

    This game's story is really surprising, you can run through it, jaded, and ignore it if you want, the gameplay is fun enough and the personal evolution of your character and his choices by themselves are worth the price of admission, but if you start paying attention you'll uncover a rich plot covering issues like Racism, the Moral Struggle of Absolute Justice vs Acceptance, and little a brother not accepting the guy his older sister likes.

    The story, 30% in, is enough to start some conversations with a friend or gaming significant other :)

    The game will get a full 10 from me because for what it's worth, I can't find a problem with it worth nitpicking, but broken down this would be my score.

    Gameplay 9
    Menus 9
    Replayability 9
    Graphics 10
    Story 10    … Expand
  12. BinarySplit
    May 27, 2013
    10
    Beautiful side-scrolling action game. Has fantastic animated dialog, interesting characters and AMAZING gameplay. My only complaint is that the ending is a bit weak and there's no New Game+ to help you get 100%. At $13, this is definitely worth it.
  13. Thegunner18
    May 26, 2013
    10
    Please, whatever you do, ignore all the trolls saying this is a bad game without giving any reasoning behind it. I don't know why you'd believe such crap in the first place anyway, but I had to get that out of the way.

    Dust is honestly one of the most enchanting and charming games I've ever played. The fact that all of this (other than the music) was made by one person just makes this    Please, whatever you do, ignore all the trolls saying this is a bad game without giving any reasoning behind it. I don't know why you'd believe such crap in the first place anyway, but I had to get that out of the way.

    Dust is honestly one of the most enchanting and charming games I've ever played. The fact that all of this (other than the music) was made by one person just makes this whole thing even more amazing than it already is. And if you're wondering about the music, then you won't be disappointed. Not by any means whatsoever. All-in-all, this proves to be perhaps *the* most captivating PC experiences I've had. The art, the music, the surprisingly dark story...everything.

    Buy this game!    … Expand
  14. JoeRosa
    May 25, 2013
    10
    The developer built the game from the ground up on pc then ported it to xbox. He then added pc settings and such. This is a solid game and has everything you could ever want from a Metroid/Vania type game.

    The combat is fast and fluid. Character stat customization. Amazing art style and graphics. Glorious music. Crafting. Exploration and adventure. You grow attached to the npcs    The developer built the game from the ground up on pc then ported it to xbox. He then added pc settings and such. This is a solid game and has everything you could ever want from a Metroid/Vania type game.

    The combat is fast and fluid.
    Character stat customization.
    Amazing art style and graphics.
    Glorious music.
    Crafting.
    Exploration and adventure.
    You grow attached to the npcs and care about what their issues are and what happens next.    … Expand
  15. KingVerity
    May 25, 2013
    10
    This game is everything you could want in an action rpg. Dust has an amazing art style with fluid, engaging combat. The music is fantastic and the voice acting is some of the best I've ever heard.

    The story line is really fresh and makes you feel very sympathetic to it's characters. Not often am I impressed by a game this much. I would highly recommend this game. A game this polished,    This game is everything you could want in an action rpg. Dust has an amazing art style with fluid, engaging combat. The music is fantastic and the voice acting is some of the best I've ever heard.

    The story line is really fresh and makes you feel very sympathetic to it's characters. Not often am I impressed by a game this much. I would highly recommend this game. A game this polished, creative and entertaining to not be played would be a crime.    … Expand
  16. kcanon112
    May 25, 2013
    10
    A great PC port with more options than most AAA titles combined, has great music and game play, and takes place in a beautiful world, it;s very cheap and I believe anyone can enjoy it.
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Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Best PC Game of 2013
66
#66 Most Discussed PC Game of 2013
79
#79 Most Shared PC Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Sep 19, 2013
    100
    Dust is energetic like a tornado. It has its artistic touch to it. This gem is like the best of the video games history, to shine upon the present days. [Issue#232]
  2. PC Gamer
    Jul 8, 2013
    79
    Highly entertaining, substantial and a visual treat but with a slight whiff of Gorgonzola in the story department.
    Read full review
  3. GameStar
    Jun 6, 2013
    79
    Quotation forthcoming.
    Read full review
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