Fez

 PC
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 1220 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 702 out of 1220
  2. Mixed: 234 out of 1220
  3. Negative: 284 out of 1220

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  1. Redz0ne
    Oct 26, 2018
    5
    It's okay. The initial concept was clever, and made for some rather interesting game-mechanics... But it felt a bit like a novelty and once that novelty wore off, it got kinda boring.

    I wasn't able to finish the game because I just couldn't really get myself amped up enough to care about finishing. So, maybe I'm missing out on something big and wonderful, but I just couldn't work myself    It's okay. The initial concept was clever, and made for some rather interesting game-mechanics... But it felt a bit like a novelty and once that novelty wore off, it got kinda boring.

    I wasn't able to finish the game because I just couldn't really get myself amped up enough to care about finishing. So, maybe I'm missing out on something big and wonderful, but I just couldn't work myself up enough to do it.

    That said, as a puzzle-platformer, it was decent. Not necessarily the GOAT, but decent enough. I wouldn't suggest buying it unless you can get it on sale, or you really, REALLY love puzzle-platformers.    … Expand
  2. houjo2000
    Jan 26, 2016
    2
    The gameplay is tolerable enough, and the gimmick is a decent idea. unfortunately the graphics and background noise make the gimmick more annoying than anything- if the graphics meshed perfectly with the gimmick this game would easily be a 5. And I should note the low score isn't that the graphics look bad- for a 2D platformer in a retro style it's colourful and has a nice style. It's justThe gameplay is tolerable enough, and the gimmick is a decent idea. unfortunately the graphics and background noise make the gimmick more annoying than anything- if the graphics meshed perfectly with the gimmick this game would easily be a 5. And I should note the low score isn't that the graphics look bad- for a 2D platformer in a retro style it's colourful and has a nice style. It's just that there's a lot of clutter that interferes with the gameplay.

    Of course, it'd still only be a 5, so where else does it lose out? It's dull.

    The game itself isn't interesting, and that's problematic. The best feature of platformers is they get you into the game right away, you don't waste a lot of time and they don't have parts that drag on. Or if there were, there would at least be something filling it up like an interesting story. This does the opposite of all of that.

    Backtracking, large lulls where nothing happens, constant stretches of just walking- I could go on, but ultimately it comes down to this.

    Fez is not an entertaining game. I play games to be entertained, unfortunately for this one, the only entertaining thing that happened was the creator having a public meltdown, but I'm not going to give the game extra points for that.    … Expand
  3. Gloone
    Aug 25, 2014
    5
    Style over substance. The game combines a retro style with some beautiful scenes to create a lovely visual experience. The music - probably the best feature of the game - accentuates this, combining retro video game music with warm, ambient synths. The overall aesthetic affect is powerful. Unfortunately, this is where the clear creative vision ends. The story starts strongly enough, andStyle over substance. The game combines a retro style with some beautiful scenes to create a lovely visual experience. The music - probably the best feature of the game - accentuates this, combining retro video game music with warm, ambient synths. The overall aesthetic affect is powerful. Unfortunately, this is where the clear creative vision ends. The story starts strongly enough, and there is some witty and quirky dialogue, but this quickly fades away into nothing. The only reason for this seems to be laziness on the part of the developers - the game is clearly crying out for a good story, and there is abundant opportunity for populating the world with interesting characters with interesting dialogue, but there is a total absence of these things. Lastly, but most importantly, the gameplay. This is the least focused aspect of all. The central mechanic to the game involves rotating the 2D word by 90 degrees to see it from different angles. It is clever and original, and has huge potential for some clever puzzles and gameplay elements. Regrettably, this potential is completely unattained, and asides from a couple of simple uses of the mechanic which you quickly get used to, it is really just used as a stylistic element rather than an integral part of the gameplay, so that the game really just becomes a very bland platformer. It seems that the developers were either too incapable or lazy to turn the mechanic into an actual game, or else they simply failed to recognise its potential and focus on it. Instead, rather bizarrely, the gameplay slowly descends into obscure puzzles involving code breaking or noticing obscure parts of the environment. None of these puzzles are well-designed or enjoyable, and a number of them are downright bad. All in all, I did initially enjoy playing this game purely as an aesthetic experience, rather like the experience of peacefully observing a painting, so I can't give it a very low score, and you should give it a try if you are into that kind of thing. However, once you have had enough of the sensual experience, stop playing, as its artistic merits are woefully unmatched by its merits as a game. For this reason I can't give it a high score either. A score of 5 therefore seems appropriate.… Expand
  4. micic00
    Oct 29, 2015
    7
    Interesting concept and that's about it. Nothing was done with it. No story, no real puzzles for anyone above 10 years old, no challenge whatsoever, weird map though and great sounds and music. Recommended to try it out and for your kids. It blew my mind every time I rotated screen from 2d into 3d (or another 2d) and it adds great feeling. But that's about it. Should be expanded upon.
  5. Brosman
    Sep 12, 2013
    8
    Great puzzle game and is incredibly original. Just genuinely fun to play. Sad to see its score getting effected because of the 360 versions problems..
  6. LordrinD
    Sep 12, 2013
    9
    Taking a new spin on 2D platforming, indie game developer Phil Fish has woven a world that is so stunningly simple yet sublime to explore. The 3D rotation mechanic, the core feature of the game, seems straightforward at first but continues to dazzle and amaze at the bizarre affects it can achieve on a fundamentally 2D landscape. Unfortunately, with no other major game mechanics this canTaking a new spin on 2D platforming, indie game developer Phil Fish has woven a world that is so stunningly simple yet sublime to explore. The 3D rotation mechanic, the core feature of the game, seems straightforward at first but continues to dazzle and amaze at the bizarre affects it can achieve on a fundamentally 2D landscape. Unfortunately, with no other major game mechanics this can get a little old a little quickly, but is largely salvaged by the game's quirky zone-to-zone designs accompanied by a phenomenal chiptune reminiscent soundtrack by Disasterpeace.

    The only real complain I can register towards the game is how the platforming and puzzles seem to clash. Much of the early game consists of traveling through the overworld. Once one had that complete, they would eventually need to decode hieroglyphics in order to solve a jumble of sometimes maddeningly obtuse puzzles (one optional puzzle in the game has yet to be fully solved by anybody in the entire world). Because of this many platformers might be stymied by a sudden onslaught of puzzles in late game, where puzzle seekers may be exhausted by the continual platforming to get places.

    Nevertheless, this unusual combination of gameplay along with the novel mechanic of a 2D world manipulated by a third dimension can leave for a very unique experience. A definite triumph in the indie industry, Fez shows us how simple yet enjoyable game mechanics can be enough to craft a memorable gaming experience.    … Expand
  7. josefc
    Oct 20, 2013
    9
    I really like the concept of the 2d 3d mix and Fez pulls this off very well. The art and music is fantastic, very peaceful. My only problem with Fez is the plot and the length of the game. Within an hour I got bored of the game with no real end in sight. Having some kind of progress bar to show how long left till the end would help relieve boredom with the occasional "Wow, I'm gettingI really like the concept of the 2d 3d mix and Fez pulls this off very well. The art and music is fantastic, very peaceful. My only problem with Fez is the plot and the length of the game. Within an hour I got bored of the game with no real end in sight. Having some kind of progress bar to show how long left till the end would help relieve boredom with the occasional "Wow, I'm getting really far into the game now!"… Expand
  8. Hunnoycombe
    Jan 21, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This negative response, by an army of internet **** to this game just because the maker of the game cracked under the pressure of an army of internet **** is... sad, to say the least. This game is a stroke of genius, and while it certainly has its flaws ( a lot of the puzzles just appear recycled in the later stages) these are few and VERY far between. Lets start with the gameplay; i have heard a lot of people on the steam reviews criticise this game for being overly simply... then you look at their playtime; 20 minutes sometimes... wow. This game, while it looks it at first, is not a game to be taken lightly. what appears to be a small, relatively linear cube filled world turns into a sprawling universe, complete with intricate level design, sound design and a seemingly endless list of puzzles... for Christs sake, this guy made a entire language, code and timeline simply for one game. The non-existence of a death penalty perfectly suits the pace of the game, as does the lack of any enemies. This game is one to be played in many many short sessions.
    Moving on, graphics and aesthetic;...SPOT ON, PHIL! from the unique design of every block to a quick brown fox jumping over the lazy dog, and then to the character Gomez (the fez bearer) everything is fantastic just to stare at, to say nothing of interacting with it.
    all in all, this game has an overwhelming amount of content that is well worth the five year wait.
    If i was allowed, i would give this an 11    … Expand
  9. razmataz5000
    Aug 4, 2014
    7
    Fez in theory is a great idea. You take a retro sort of feel, and literally put a spin on it. And for the most part, Phil Fish did a great job. I enjoy the game, but it is a little slow paced for my taste. With that said, everything else is pretty nice. The graphics, the sounds, the controls. It was all good, I just found myself bored after a while.
  10. pesho_one
    Jan 9, 2015
    3
    What a pretentious piece of game this is. It certainly shows that big effort was put into it. But the end result was totally not satisfying for me. It's not that I don't like puzzles, I do (to a normal extend)...
    I realized early in the game that there was some "master" plot behind this strange symbols and that there is hidden alphabet and numerical system. In the same way that I realized    What a pretentious piece of game this is. It certainly shows that big effort was put into it. But the end result was totally not satisfying for me. It's not that I don't like puzzles, I do (to a normal extend)...
    I realized early in the game that there was some "master" plot behind this strange symbols and that there is hidden alphabet and numerical system. In the same way that I realized when I was playing Riven nearly two decades ago. But in the good game you feel inspired to discover it all, while in this one, you are going to feel bored. I can guarantee you that at some point you are going to leave this game alone, because it just don't appeal to you anymore. And this moment will probably be in the first 5 hours of it. Give yourself a favor and don't waste your time, there are much more engaging and fun indie games out there. Leave this over-hyped example of a really smelly brain fart alone.    … Expand
  11. artimis
    Mar 20, 2017
    10
    This is a really amazing game! its cute, got fun gameplay, fun puzzles, full of hidden secrets, got about 30 hours of gameplay in and i really enjoyed it! worth trying out!
  12. EmperorGruunn
    Aug 21, 2016
    10
    A fantastic game that has an impressive amount of depth for its few mechanics. The game does a great job of building its world and teaching you everything you need to know through subtlety.
  13. shootinstah
    Aug 14, 2017
    7
    I really like games that take you in and allow you explore vast areas, and FEZ pleases that love of mine pretty well, the atmosphere of the game is beautiful, great sprite-work, and calm ambiance. The game is kind of a collect-a-thon of sorts, you just jump around hills and help yourself by switching your view from 2D to 3D, a neat mechanic but nothing too special. For something like thatI really like games that take you in and allow you explore vast areas, and FEZ pleases that love of mine pretty well, the atmosphere of the game is beautiful, great sprite-work, and calm ambiance. The game is kind of a collect-a-thon of sorts, you just jump around hills and help yourself by switching your view from 2D to 3D, a neat mechanic but nothing too special. For something like that it could've been done more interestingly, like with, uh, actual threats. The game might be boring to some without much to do besides finding stuff in some areas and looking for new places, although I think its just find. It's pretty overhyped but its just a decent indie game and not much more.… Expand
  14. Shawndroid
    Feb 26, 2018
    5
    It's a great concept for a game, with a neat 3D mechanic. However, if you don't have consistent time to learn the geography of the world it's pretty hard to get from world to world.
  15. Gillfinnfish
    Apr 11, 2020
    7
    A good game who's hubris stops it from being great. The gameplay is initially amusing and the aesthetic endlessly charming, but towards the end becomes unreasonably unfair. It's fun but doesn't want you leave satisfied.
  16. dakoslug
    May 1, 2013
    10
    Amazing game. PC gamers who love platform games will love this game. When I first started playing I feel in love with the world. It's an amazing puzzle game and it does not cost that much at all. GET IT.
  17. Libertardian
    May 3, 2013
    7
    It's a solid "Yet Another Indie Puzzle-Platformer", but it's puzzle design suffers from "Cleverer Than Thou" syndrome. Many puzzles rely entirely or mostly on the player's ability to figure out various alphabetic, numerical, or input code systems. The much-hyped perspective shifting gameplay doesn't really play out that much in the actual puzzle solving.

    It is possible to complete the    It's a solid "Yet Another Indie Puzzle-Platformer", but it's puzzle design suffers from "Cleverer Than Thou" syndrome. Many puzzles rely entirely or mostly on the player's ability to figure out various alphabetic, numerical, or input code systems. The much-hyped perspective shifting gameplay doesn't really play out that much in the actual puzzle solving.

    It is possible to complete the game without spending time on the cipher systems, if you feel like figuring out all the puzzles yourself. Full completion will most likely require consultation with GameFAQs.

    Worth a buy if you're willing to deal with infrequent, albeit harmless crashes (unless you're on Intel hardware, in which case don't bother) and the biggest douchebag developer on the planet.    … Expand
  18. TheAwesomer
    Jul 9, 2013
    10
    Fez is an amazing story. The game mechanics are very fun and intuitive, the art is eye meltingly beautiful, and when is comes to a soundtrack, this is one of the best I have ever heard. This game is a Solid 10/10
  19. c0dem0nkey
    May 14, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. its always see a game with a different idea than just a shooter and it's really a platformer the a concept amazing visuals are breathtaking. I think the game plays really solid and as experience no other game can copy… Expand
  20. agsotonuk
    May 9, 2013
    10
    I wasn't sure what experience to expect, but for the little money you pay for it on Steam you are rewarded with a beautifully imagined game world.

    Simple yet taxing on the brain, it really is a work of art. The outstanding soundtrack completes the immersion and you quickly understand why this game is so highly rated. The guy who created this and fellow contributors who helped    I wasn't sure what experience to expect, but for the little money you pay for it on Steam you are rewarded with a beautifully imagined game world.

    Simple yet taxing on the brain, it really is a work of art. The outstanding soundtrack completes the immersion and you quickly understand why this game is so highly rated.

    The guy who created this and fellow contributors who helped complete the magic are genius and we NEED these kind of people to thrive and succeed. The PC version plays in HD and is arguably the best version. So far the game runs stellar and I have had no problems with crashes running on Windows 8 64 bit and a ATI HD 7850 graphics card with 8GB of system memory.

    Based on my experience, I would urge you to buy a copy immediately without hesitation.    … Expand
  21. Rayiner
    Jun 1, 2013
    10
    I was waiting for this one for about 2 years since it has ralsed on XBOX. This game has awesome art, soundtrack and story. I don't really think that there's any bad aspect. And yes, it uses a lot of memory and CPU but it's not that bad at all.
  22. Balithras
    Jul 25, 2013
    5
    The 30 first minutes are fun. And then it is always the same... jump, rotate, jump, rotate, jump... This game is not that bad, it is an interesting concept. In fact I was expecting more a puzzle game like portal (even in 2d) than a platform game. Because in the end, this is just a platform game with a simple rotate feature (yes you can look for riddles in the game but I guess that mostThe 30 first minutes are fun. And then it is always the same... jump, rotate, jump, rotate, jump... This game is not that bad, it is an interesting concept. In fact I was expecting more a puzzle game like portal (even in 2d) than a platform game. Because in the end, this is just a platform game with a simple rotate feature (yes you can look for riddles in the game but I guess that most players wont pay attention to those).… Expand
  23. magikwizard
    Jun 23, 2013
    10
    Fez is a love letter to classic gaming. Every bit of this game is detailed down to the last pixel. Fez is full of secrets and puzzles that make you think. Yes the game has a few minor glitches but when is any game perfect. It is amazing to see that Phil Fish was able to release this game to pc where it belongs and Microsoft for wanting $10,000 just to patch it. Designing games is not easyFez is a love letter to classic gaming. Every bit of this game is detailed down to the last pixel. Fez is full of secrets and puzzles that make you think. Yes the game has a few minor glitches but when is any game perfect. It is amazing to see that Phil Fish was able to release this game to pc where it belongs and Microsoft for wanting $10,000 just to patch it. Designing games is not easy and for this to be Phil's first project shows that FEZ 2 will be even better.… Expand
  24. violentine
    Oct 11, 2013
    6
    Fez is all about beautiful bright colored pixel art and great retro-ish music but unfortunately I can't praise the gameplay. Fez is a 2D puzzle platformer with an unique twist that let's you "change your point of view". This means that the world is in 3D but you can look at it from one side at a time. This allows for great puzzle elements but get's stale quite quickly, after all there'sFez is all about beautiful bright colored pixel art and great retro-ish music but unfortunately I can't praise the gameplay. Fez is a 2D puzzle platformer with an unique twist that let's you "change your point of view". This means that the world is in 3D but you can look at it from one side at a time. This allows for great puzzle elements but get's stale quite quickly, after all there's just a little that you can do aside from jumping and there are only few collectables and even those are only for completionists since they offer no new mechanics to the game. For me it feels that all the effort has been in developing this neat trick of 2D/3D but it's not enough to carry the whole game.… Expand
  25. Armormew
    Oct 1, 2013
    5
    This game is decent, but not fun to play after about 5 minutes or so. The dimensional switching idea is nice, but that alone fails to make the game worthy of one's time.
  26. BizzyB
    Jun 9, 2013
    10
    This is probably the most aesthetically pleasing platformer of all time. The pixel art paired with the awesome soundtrack create a great gaming experience. This game was well worth the wait.
  27. nsuper1
    Jul 22, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. this game is really cool especial the game play really fluid actually a awesome history graphic for a indi game actually awesome but the change of view principle was really estrange after you manners it… Expand
  28. Nauseam
    Sep 16, 2013
    3
    Another overrated indie "retro" lazy platformer game. Gameplay is based on a gimmick and is very easy, no penalties. When you're stuck just rotate and now you aren't stuck. This 2D/3D gameplay merge has been done before.
  29. JimCorbett
    Nov 23, 2014
    6
    A pretty good puzzle platformer that suffers from confusing level design, rather plain visuals, and the unfortunate aspect of having an absolutely terrible developer.
  30. praxisseizure
    Aug 13, 2013
    9
    I can't do this game quite the justice it deserves. It is crescent fresh, absolutely gorgeous and charming! I won't spoil the mechanics but they will twist your mind in unheard-of ways. The story and world interaction made me all fuzzy inside. The sound deserves a great system cranked way way up. I wish all games sounded this good. Not only the sound effects but the music, so odd andI can't do this game quite the justice it deserves. It is crescent fresh, absolutely gorgeous and charming! I won't spoil the mechanics but they will twist your mind in unheard-of ways. The story and world interaction made me all fuzzy inside. The sound deserves a great system cranked way way up. I wish all games sounded this good. Not only the sound effects but the music, so odd and otherworldly, just divine. Oh and talk about tough puzzles. There are plenty.

    The only disappointment was after about 70% the way through it just got repetitive. I never actually finished it but it's one of those games where when you come back after a hiatus, there's a metric ton of enjoyment awaiting you.

    One hint. Don't jump ahead, play it through in its proper sequence. (which is tough to figure out at first) It's much much more satisfying.

    8/10 but gave it a 9 for bravery, charm and sheer imagination.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best PC Game of 2013
43
#43 Most Discussed PC Game of 2013
34
#34 Most Shared PC Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. PC PowerPlay
    Jun 23, 2013
    100
    A masterpiece by any measure. [July 2013, p.89]
  2. PC Gamer UK
    Jun 19, 2013
    90
    A gorgeous puzzle-platformer that's both a treat for the eyes and a thorough workout for the mind. [July 2013, p.82]
    Read full review
  3. PC Master (Greece)
    Jun 5, 2013
    85
    The variation of the broken-down elements of the game is such that, if you miss two or three of the dozens of screens of the game, you will have missed on something special and unique. [June 2013]
See all critic reviews »