Narita Boy

 PC
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 43 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 43
  3. Negative: 10 out of 43

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  1. dynamiczero
    Apr 12, 2021
    6
    I really don't want to be harsh with this game, since it's made by such a small company and comes from Spain (my home country), no less.

    However, Narita Boy is pretty disappointing in most aspects. The combat is serviceable, it works but isn't really engaging. The main mechanic of the game is activating differently colored "modes" to kill enemies with that color quicker, but none of the    I really don't want to be harsh with this game, since it's made by such a small company and comes from Spain (my home country), no less.

    However, Narita Boy is pretty disappointing in most aspects. The combat is serviceable, it works but isn't really engaging. The main mechanic of the game is activating differently colored "modes" to kill enemies with that color quicker, but none of the bosses use the mechanic. In fact, the majority of the bosses are either easy and boring or frustrating in a badly designed way. The other part of the gameplay consists of jumping around, acquiring powerups that can only be used in very specific ways, and add nothing to the game, they're just cool ideas that aren't incorporated in any meaningful way into the gameplay. You'll constantly be talking to NPCs that have the same 5 to 10 appearances, and the dialogue is baffling. Seriously, I got into the game hoping for an engaging story about a digital kingdom, which really is my jam, but it's really badly delivered. About halfway through the game I started skipping every single dialogue because I found it really hard to concentrate on what's being explained (and I'm used to playing old-school RPGs, reading long texts is not a problem for me if they're interesting enough). The backstory of the creator was the only thing I didn't skip, and it was the most enjoyable aspect of the game.

    The final boss is probably the worst in the game, with really poor telegraphy on attacks, and being more of a big damage sponge with bullsh** moves rather than a powerful evil techno-wizard. The game ends on a high note with a big twist, but just after that you get a powerup called "Beat 'em up" and the game just ends with a "To be continued...". I guess it's a way of telling us the next game will be a beat 'em up?

    Anyways it's not awful, just frustratingly average for the potential it had.    … Expand
  2. Popof
    Apr 1, 2021
    9
    This is an awesome adventure game, not perfect but very special and unforgettable.
  3. Zer0TheHer0
    Apr 18, 2021
    0
    Can't change keyboard binds. this is unacceptable in this time and age. There is no excuse for the lack of complete key rebinding otpion.
  4. Inari_Acolyte
    Mar 31, 2021
    8
    The gameplay is serviceable; it doesn't excel at anything in particular. Combat is simple and doesn't draw me in even after completing the game. I've seen this being called a metroid-vania; this is incorrect, exploration is just unlocking a door or getting a key.
    That being said, it's powerfully stylized with a matching soundtrack. The story and writing add weight by being rich with    The gameplay is serviceable; it doesn't excel at anything in particular. Combat is simple and doesn't draw me in even after completing the game. I've seen this being called a metroid-vania; this is incorrect, exploration is just unlocking a door or getting a key.
    That being said, it's powerfully stylized with a matching soundtrack. The story and writing add weight by being rich with surreal spiritualism and technobabble. The world is beautifully realized and it feels like the art's near-flawless. This is a treat for the eyes and ears, hands-down.
    This is more of an experience than a game. If you feel what this means, then I recommend this game.    … Expand
  5. Cydentity
    Apr 1, 2021
    9
    Enjoyed this game to the fullest! Storytelling is on point, the artstyle and execution is marvelous and the gameplay is very well thought through with minor exceptions. It's a whole cyberpunk 80s synthwave experience with a soundtrack that will be stuck in your brain for a while, which will remind you of that sweet journey you just witnessed.
  6. CalAran
    Apr 2, 2021
    8
    Become one with the Trichroma to save the digital world! What happens when you mix the 80's retro, a strong inspiration in Tron, action platformer with exploration (metroidvania) and awesome both Art style and Soundtrack? Just this, and it's awesome.

    It is not perfect since some people my find a big issue the lack of a map in this kind of games, even if the path is not as labyrinthine as    Become one with the Trichroma to save the digital world! What happens when you mix the 80's retro, a strong inspiration in Tron, action platformer with exploration (metroidvania) and awesome both Art style and Soundtrack? Just this, and it's awesome.

    It is not perfect since some people my find a big issue the lack of a map in this kind of games, even if the path is not as labyrinthine as it seems, so it's not really 'that' needed. It can also be a bit too short (around 10 hours) but they are all worth it.    … Expand
  7. taijyn
    Apr 1, 2021
    8
    Awesome visuals and sound! Gameplay is good but not excellent. The set pieces in the game where very cool.
  8. Erin698
    Apr 2, 2021
    10
    A true retro treat! The soundtrack is also available on iTunes and is an absolute banger!
  9. Spectre_01
    Apr 2, 2021
    10
    This game is like a warm blanket of 80’s retro goodness that I have wrapped myself in since it was released. I don’t want it to end.
  10. Waterismayo
    Apr 2, 2021
    10
    A fun adventure filled with endearing stories, a great soundtrack, and gameplay that is hard, but never truly feels impossible. My hopes are high for a second game!
  11. Animaitor
    Apr 1, 2021
    10
    An absolute triumph on the visual and audio department. Bar non, one of the best retro indie game of this year. With an engaging story and fun gameplay, I fully recommend this gem to anyone who grew up in the 80's and has an appreciation for projects with heart.
  12. Bschaffz
    Apr 6, 2021
    9
    Narita Boy is a game I was following for quite a while ever since they debuted the first trailer. I like my indies, and when I saw this game was fully embracing the neon techno future of a world like Tron with all the retro trimmings of games like Another World, I was sold. And for the most part, it delivers! While the combat can become a bit stale later on, the world-building and generalNarita Boy is a game I was following for quite a while ever since they debuted the first trailer. I like my indies, and when I saw this game was fully embracing the neon techno future of a world like Tron with all the retro trimmings of games like Another World, I was sold. And for the most part, it delivers! While the combat can become a bit stale later on, the world-building and general story are positively dripping with atmosphere and charm. The dialogue for each group is expressive while retaining a decisively retro straightforwardness in presentation, and the characters themselves lean fully into the Digital Kingdom Studio Koba has managed to create. If you like your indie games and 80s nostalgia, don't skip this game!… Expand
  13. oorleef
    Apr 9, 2021
    8
    Great visual art. Engaging boss fights. Homeage to 80s Tron and Back to The Future. However, keyboard mapping is one of the worst I have ever seen in a video game. Controller doesn't work in the game pass version, so I had to rely on keyboard and my 27-year-old instincts. Took me 18 hours to finish, which means the game time was less than me trying over and over again. Wasn't fun. EvenGreat visual art. Engaging boss fights. Homeage to 80s Tron and Back to The Future. However, keyboard mapping is one of the worst I have ever seen in a video game. Controller doesn't work in the game pass version, so I had to rely on keyboard and my 27-year-old instincts. Took me 18 hours to finish, which means the game time was less than me trying over and over again. Wasn't fun. Even though it's very frustrating for me, I'd say it's a good game.… Expand
  14. Carvs
    Apr 3, 2021
    10
    Exceptional visuals and soundtrack. A perfect reminder of games and genres past
  15. Dco326
    Nov 21, 2021
    8
    Svidela mi se iskreno, ima problema sa kontrolama, linije texta su nekad predosadne i **** ali je bila zanimljiva sve u svemu i stvarno art je mnogooooooooooooo dobro uradjen, nekad je tezak za oci ali je stv orginalan.
  16. amralchalati
    Jul 24, 2021
    10
    I had fun playing this game! The game play, retro style and for sure the music was a top notch. I really recommend this game for 2d pixel art fans.
  17. Oppinut
    Dec 6, 2021
    4
    Visually very well done, music is great and combat feels good.

    But the story is like super boring, I started to just click the story out after 30 minutes. Then the rest of the game was really about running back and forth getting keys, killing some boss and the running again. I would say this would be a good game, if there wouldn't be like 5000 games which does the same with more content    Visually very well done, music is great and combat feels good.

    But the story is like super boring, I started to just click the story out after 30 minutes. Then the rest of the game was really about running back and forth getting keys, killing some boss and the running again. I would say this would be a good game, if there wouldn't be like 5000 games which does the same with more content internally.

    Maybe the most frustrating thing (why I ended the game) was that the player needs to run back and forth too much, but only because there is a key in the back of the dungeon and then you need to go to start to get a new key and then run back to the end.

    I think the weird and bad and maybe cryotic story to bad level design just makes this too boring to finish.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. CD-Action
    Nov 19, 2021
    65
    Narita Boy’s art direction is spectacular, and the story is fun, but the adventure itself is disappointing – shallow, repetitive and stretched out. [06/2021, p.45]
  2. Checkpoint Gaming
    May 29, 2021
    70
    Narita Boy is a surprisingly melancholic experience that puts forth a narrative exploring the power fantasy that video games provide people. Or rather more accurately, it gives the player power over their own journey as well as the skills necessary to overcome obstacles. It contrasts the beautiful and fantastical pixel world it’s created, with a very human story of hardship and grief.
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  3. GameCritics
    May 7, 2021
    65
    Narita Boy’s retro style is its main selling point. It’s almost like a documentary on the early days of videogames when their creation were labors of love and dedication from passionate geeks in a garage, not industrial products focus-tested by mega corporations. Although it falls short of being a masterpiece, it’s got more than enough appeal to come recommended to those who have a soft spot for the period.
    Read full review
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