Owlboy

 PC
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 273 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 182 out of 273
  2. Mixed: 60 out of 273
  3. Negative: 31 out of 273
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  1. turgaysenturk
    Jul 13, 2023
    7
    Though it's been a while, I can't recall all the specifics, but I do remember having a great time playing this game. It had a nostalgic charm that reminded me of classic titles, even though I can't quite pinpoint which ones. The storyline was easy to follow yet intriguing, and the gameplay was satisfactory. The challenging boss fights provided a thrilling experience, and overall, I had aThough it's been a while, I can't recall all the specifics, but I do remember having a great time playing this game. It had a nostalgic charm that reminded me of classic titles, even though I can't quite pinpoint which ones. The storyline was easy to follow yet intriguing, and the gameplay was satisfactory. The challenging boss fights provided a thrilling experience, and overall, I had a lot of fun with this game. I would definitely recommend it!… Expand
  2. ErdemCBC
    Apr 25, 2023
    8
    Gayet iyi oyun kısa ve eğlenceli, hikayesi güzel , açık dünya oyunlardan kusmaya başladığım 2023 senesinde bana ilaç gibi geldi
  3. robomartion
    Jul 28, 2022
    9
    Owlboy captures what gaming is all about - being immersed in another world. It harkens back to the golden days of getting cosy and playing Zelda.
  4. masterclock
    May 11, 2021
    8
    great start bad ending
    game starts with a really cool story and great art i was hyped to see the ending but the game makes 2 fatal mistakes 1.ending is somewhat not good since i was expecting a better and more complex story it get predictable in the end.2.the gameplay gets boring late game it was ok in the begging but it the late game it is really boring(not bad boring)puzzles are easy    great start bad ending
    game starts with a really cool story and great art i was hyped to see the ending but the game makes 2 fatal mistakes 1.ending is somewhat not good since i was expecting a better and more complex story it get predictable in the end.2.the gameplay gets boring late game it was ok in the begging but it the late game it is really boring(not bad boring)puzzles are easy the only good thing about it was boss fights those were fun

    overall what makes this game good is it's art it ROCKS and the main reason i gave it 8 not 7    … Expand
  5. Chompeldino
    Apr 9, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Me gusta mucho, la historia la jugabilidad es muy buena, volar es muy satisfactorio, les recomiendo mucho el juego, la historia, jugabilidad y personajes hacen al juego único… Expand
  6. bancandrei
    Jan 24, 2021
    5
    Absolutely beautiful graphics, but the gameplay just didn't do it for me, got bored pretty quickly. Would be absolutely forgettable if not for the art direction.
  7. RealNova
    Aug 18, 2020
    7
    The plot is nice as it is the gameplay but never revolutionary or noteworthy, it's a short story full with puzzle and platforming, which are never challeging but always rewarding, the bosses are not the best part of the game but at least they are not annoying. It is a 7/10 surely not more than that.
  8. hoanns
    Jun 5, 2020
    4
    Too many dumb bossfights, lost my interest after that . aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
  9. savvym
    May 10, 2020
    8
    Owlboy is a story adventure taking place in cloudy world with cave systems.

    Story 4.5/5 From the small owl we have a teacher who has despised us, soon enough the first problems appear and we'll coop with one of our friends. There are some surprising parts of story, turns and we'll get engaged with well done characters. It's not only serious and there are some funny moments. Lastly very    Owlboy is a story adventure taking place in cloudy world with cave systems.

    Story 4.5/5
    From the small owl we have a teacher who has despised us, soon enough the first problems appear and we'll coop with one of our friends. There are some surprising parts of story, turns and we'll get engaged with well done characters. It's not only serious and there are some funny moments. Lastly very interesting history of owls and enemies.

    Gameplay 4.5/5
    It has pretty big world, however there's no map in game. We'll be using 3 different companions and encounter challenging bosses who act in patterns. We'll have 4 different weapons or tools to beat various opponents and bosses, at some point we'll need each of them at once. There's a bonus level for finding lost creatures.

    Replay value 3/5
    This bonus mini game is quite challenging. We'll be collecting coins for special items and content which we can do after finishing main game. As mentioned, enemies are predictable once we figure out their patterns but they pose challenge at first encounter.

    Graphics 3.5/5
    Characters and environments are lively. There are traps and dangerous objects.

    How many hours?
    10-19.

    Hardware requirements?
    Low gaming.

    How difficult?
    Hard.

    Games similar to Owlboy?
    Gameplay: Yoku’s Island Express
    Graphically: Keep Me Burning

    Verdict
    8/10

    Interesting story-driven adventure. It has really cool characters and dialogues, though not voiced. Going through various cages and overcoming challenges is fun.

    Boss fights are hard at first, but every enemy is moving in same patterns. We are using our friends for solving certain puzzles or getting rid of different enemy types and obstacles. It is very well done.    … Expand
  10. SilverOrlov
    Feb 5, 2019
    10
    I would like to express my gratitude to this game studio for the OwlBoy. This game was the first in which I played, acquiring a gamepad for my PC. For me, it was a great revelation that a simple graphics platform could turn out to be a beautiful atmospheric world with a deep and interesting plot. OwlBoy gave the first impression of this genre of games. I would like to tell for people thatI would like to express my gratitude to this game studio for the OwlBoy. This game was the first in which I played, acquiring a gamepad for my PC. For me, it was a great revelation that a simple graphics platform could turn out to be a beautiful atmospheric world with a deep and interesting plot. OwlBoy gave the first impression of this genre of games. I would like to tell for people that made this game "Thank you very much for this generous gift to me as a player".… Expand
  11. NightGeisha
    Jan 2, 2019
    8
    Owlboy is a fantastic platform adventure game.
    The game is really unusual experience. An awesome platform game which leads us into a vast and rich world. It's a "breath of fresh air" in the genre and it has a very peculiar art style.
    The history is nice and the soundtrack is also pretty good. But what I like most was the awesome "retro" pixel graphic looks. Overall it's a "must have"    Owlboy is a fantastic platform adventure game.
    The game is really unusual experience. An awesome platform game which leads us into a vast and rich world. It's a "breath of fresh air" in the genre and it has a very peculiar art style.

    The history is nice and the soundtrack is also pretty good. But what I like most was the awesome "retro" pixel graphic looks. Overall it's a "must have" to any fan of the platform games genre.    … Expand
  12. SebboBastian
    Dec 24, 2018
    5
    I really wanted to like this game. But as for many others the main sellingpoint was the gorgeous pixel art.
    The things that made me to not recommend this game was:
    * The gamedesign: Boring puzzles and leveldesign. * To much dialogue: Don´t get me wrong, I love when the charaters is giving some personality, but not when I have to pause time after time to wait for the characters to say    I really wanted to like this game. But as for many others the main sellingpoint was the gorgeous pixel art.
    The things that made me to not recommend this game was:

    * The gamedesign: Boring puzzles and leveldesign.
    * To much dialogue: Don´t get me wrong, I love when the charaters is giving some personality, but not when I have to pause time after time to wait for the characters to say something none important stuffs when I am right in a good flow.
    * To much effects on the screen. Lovely pixel effects and animations but to much, makes the combat to messy. Weapons that makes the whole screen red.
    * The hit system. When the player is hit he usully hits the ground and looses so much flow in the gameplay that its just gets annoying.    … Expand
  13. ManoLima
    Sep 12, 2018
    3
    The biggest misleading advertisement I've fallen into.
    Seriously ... so much propaganda, so many positive comments ... for a simple game, annoying, boring and short.
    Idiot characters, even for children, history too ... bah, there are many games that are much better than this, what a regret. BUT THE WORST OF EVERYTHING IS THAT IF YOU LOOK FOR ANALYSIS OF THE GAME, SAY IT'S GOOD ... IN    The biggest misleading advertisement I've fallen into.
    Seriously ... so much propaganda, so many positive comments ... for a simple game, annoying, boring and short.
    Idiot characters, even for children, history too ... bah, there are many games that are much better than this, what a regret.
    BUT THE WORST OF EVERYTHING IS THAT IF YOU LOOK FOR ANALYSIS OF THE GAME, SAY IT'S GOOD ... IN GOOD, IT'S NOT GOOD NO.    … Expand
  14. Melgacius
    Jun 18, 2018
    9
    Owlboy was released recently for XBox and PS4, which made me go search in my game library to see if I already own it. I found it and spent 10 hours delighted with the game. Simply gorgeous.

    I think the introduction says it all, but I suspect you're expecting to listen a few more lines. Owlboy has been in development for almost 10 years and went almost unnoticed when it was released on    Owlboy was released recently for XBox and PS4, which made me go search in my game library to see if I already own it. I found it and spent 10 hours delighted with the game. Simply gorgeous.

    I think the introduction says it all, but I suspect you're expecting to listen a few more lines. Owlboy has been in development for almost 10 years and went almost unnoticed when it was released on PC. It is a puzzle platformer in which we solve some relatively easy puzzles to advance. Otus, our main character, sees his land attacked by pirates and creates a group of friends, consisting of characters once devalued by their peers, to try to save their world. It has to be said that it is a very well written story, with well characterized characters, each one with its own history, more or less detailed to the point that we sincerely care about all of them. Even some of the side characters or villains are extremely well represented. It's a linear story, with a small twist at the end, but very well set and explained. My only problem with the story, and not wanting to spoil it, is the final battle. In addition some of the dialogues become rather extense, although I believe that little or nothing could be excluded from the final product.
    Graphically the game was a surprise. I expected a Shovel Knight-like artstyle but the way they used the pixelart in this game, combining it with high-resolution graphics, immense details on the movements and expressions. The construction of worlds and scenarios goes far beyond the games that try emulate retro games. For example Otus does not speak but the facial and body expressions details are more than enough to perceive all their emotions and we can even imagine a whole dialogue just with them. Recently I spoke about the attention given to detail in Sea of Thieves and Owlboy is another great example of how to build a world and how to use art to do something well made.
    The game soundtrack does not disappoint and remarkably follows the tone of each. When we are quietly exploring the world the music is calm and relaxing, and when we are in a fighting section or when we need to do fast movements the music becomes more intense and dynamic. I liked the sound effects for each one of the movements and actions of the characters and even the sounds for the dialog boxes, and although nothing is extraordinary, undoubtedly a competent job was made.

    How do you play this? I tried to play it as a twin stick shooter, but at one point I got tired of it because it's so much easier to simply use keyboard and mouse. There was nothing fundamentally wrong with the configuration of the controller, but when the game reached a difficulty spike, I did not have enough skill to overcome a boss or a more demanding section, so I choose for the easier solution... change the controller.

    In this game we control Otus which as a standalone character does very little. He flies, twirls, and spins. The secret and charm of the game is that he can pick up any of his three friends and take advantage of their different abilities to progress through levels or areas that we would not have access to without them.

    Although the amount of enemies is not great, combat rarely seems repetitive because the way they appear, leads us to use different techniques to overcome them in each of those moments.
    The puzzles are relatively simple and often obvious, which means that you have the feeling that boss battles have a remarkable difficulty spike and required me numerous attempts to outcome most of them. The fact that the controls were somewhat confusing, which made me do multiple mistakes also did not help. In sections where we have time to think there was no big problem other than the frequent annoyance of picking up the friend rather than picking up an item or picking the wrong character, but during quick sequences a mistake ruins everything and in those times it becomes frequent.
    There are lots of collectibles and hidden areas that reward both exploration and the repetition of some of the areas when we gain access to new characters. Defeating enemies in a certain way also gives you access to new items.

    In a nutshell the game is this. A lovely world with characters with whom we can easily create a relationship. Graphically it managed to impress me by the way they included so many detail in the pixel art. A very engaging story. A game and also an experience that I highly recommend. Now available on all platforms, if you have the opportunity to play it do not discard this game.    … Expand
  15. SuperkenGaming
    Jun 4, 2018
    8
    Owlboy
    ridiculous heart
    Youre a young mute owl that everybody underestimates reguarded as unworthy and a disappointment by your villiage but you set out to prove yourself with your best friend geddy and take down the pirates that are out here tryna collect some relics and use their power for evil Owlboy is a very unique 12 hour long platformer like game wit ha ridiculous amount of    Owlboy
    ridiculous heart
    Youre a young mute owl that everybody underestimates
    reguarded as unworthy and a disappointment by your villiage
    but you set out to prove yourself with your best friend geddy and take down the pirates that are out here tryna collect some relics and use their power for evil
    Owlboy is a very unique 12 hour long platformer like game wit ha ridiculous amount of heart put into it.
    There is so much charm and care put into the pixilated annimations, in the characters you meet throughout your journey both in their personality and their diolog…
    this is basically a platformer where youll be flying and shooting instead of jumping..
    at first you have your best friend geddy with you..
    you can carry him and use him to help you shoot through obstacles and shoot enemies in your way as you make it through this games different levels, doing small puzzles and throwing switches, collecting as many coins as you can to spend on upgrades..
    and as the game goes on youll unlock more characters to handle other obstacles, and you can switch through these characters freely,
    The level design here starts out really charming but for me I liked the game less and less as it went on..
    levels stopped feeling like a treat to get through and more like a chore…
    they just drag on forever..
    all of them containing multiple boss fights which are the most frustrating but most satisfying aspect of this game..
    regular enemies are challenging enough.. though there are fruits you can grab to refill your health.. in boss fights theres no fruit grabbing, you gotta beat them with the health that you have at that point… all of them taking multiple tries for me to defeat… some of them making me want to stop the game.. but at the same time fair enough to make me feel like im losing because of me.. its my fault,, I can get back in there and beat this boss and once I did it was a great feeling of relief getting to continue through the level or go onto the next…
    The charm of the characters and the challenge of the boss fights waiting for me is what really pulled me through this game as after about the 2nd level things started to feel like your pretty standard platforming levels… I felt the heart draining the deeper the game got and I feel it over stays its welcome a bit…
    my biggest issue with this game though is its current stability problems…
    the game crashed on me more than 5 times.. theres one spot towards the end where if you die in that spot the game crashes every time without fail, but the most heartbreaking crash was after a hard boss fight that I was on like try number 12, I finnaly beat the boss trophy pops and crash, I have to do it all over again..
    having beat them before beating them again was nothing.. but it was still annoying..
    Owlboy is worth pushing through its crashes and late game level design just for the heart put into its story characters and world…
    it’s a shame I stopped having fun playing the game.. but I never stopped enjoying it…
    I give Owlboy an 8/10    … Expand
  16. Guishu
    Apr 25, 2018
    4
    I wanted so much to like this game, I tried so hard. I am so sorry but sincerely I couldn't bring myself to even finish it. Beautiful graphics don't necessarily make a good game. I really can't say why I didn't like this game exactly, but it was a mix of everything. First of all: Characters, most of them are boring stereotypes which would be fine if you had something to drive my attentionI wanted so much to like this game, I tried so hard. I am so sorry but sincerely I couldn't bring myself to even finish it. Beautiful graphics don't necessarily make a good game. I really can't say why I didn't like this game exactly, but it was a mix of everything. First of all: Characters, most of them are boring stereotypes which would be fine if you had something to drive my attention towards so I wouldn't care about that too much. Then the game-play; it felt bland, boring, just not what I expected I guess. I don't know how to fix this game, and that is what bothers me the most. Please do not think that because I didn't enjoy it, you won't. But it is true that this could have been so much more. The potential was there, it just falls way too short to be actually good. Maybe just not my cup of tea.… Expand
  17. jokerdeus
    Dec 29, 2017
    10
    I can't believe how beautiful this game is !!!
    On top of that, the adventure is just so sweet to do. It's never boring, always things are happening and the story goes on. Characters are really well designed and there are tons of beautiful and expressive animations.
    I absolutely love the atmosphere and the story is also good and original. To me this is definitely the best adventure    I can't believe how beautiful this game is !!!
    On top of that, the adventure is just so sweet to do. It's never boring, always things are happening and the story goes on. Characters are really well designed and there are tons of beautiful and expressive animations.
    I absolutely love the atmosphere and the story is also good and original. To me this is definitely the best adventure platformer of 2016.    … Expand
  18. hugopro4
    Dec 15, 2017
    7
    The art is beautiful, but you may find it boring if you're used to playing action loaded games. The gameplay is a bit lacking, it's not hard, not interesting, neither is it new. it feels like it's just there to have something to do while looking at the beautiful graphics and enjoying the music.
  19. aditya1101
    Oct 5, 2017
    9
    I really loved this game. The graphics are great, the OST is one of the best I've heard in a while, and the characters are excellent. My only criticism is that I never truly felt like I was able to master the controls - it never felt 100% intuitive in the way that a game like hollow knight or transistor does.
  20. SrFabricius
    Sep 13, 2017
    9
    Such a wonderful time playing this game. Like a lot of reviewers are saying, its a nostalgia trip. The controls are so delightful, the story so warm hearted. My only problem with it is kinda of short, but probably not a bad thing, it gives me the sensation of "i want it more".
  21. phildog
    Jul 14, 2017
    3
    I gave this game 3 out of ten for good reason. The game may be beautiful, but it's painful to play. Literally and figuratively. My hands hurt and the **** game-play is no fun at all. The characters blend to well into their backgrounds so much that it's often hard to see what is happening, and that just get's WORSE.

    When a game leaves you as angry after playing it as this did, its time    I gave this game 3 out of ten for good reason. The game may be beautiful, but it's painful to play. Literally and figuratively. My hands hurt and the **** game-play is no fun at all. The characters blend to well into their backgrounds so much that it's often hard to see what is happening, and that just get's WORSE.

    When a game leaves you as angry after playing it as this did, its time to toss it in the garbage and never play it again.    … Expand
  22. TikiTy
    May 30, 2017
    10
    Owlboy is a masterpiece. I started thinking this around 3-4 hours in. The pacing is fantastic, the environments are varied and never get stale. The story is deep enough and dialogue isn't drawn out so the action is never bogged down. There is also quite a bit of humor with the little penguin henchmen who work for the shopkeep. Had me laughing more than most games.
    Combat for the    Owlboy is a masterpiece. I started thinking this around 3-4 hours in. The pacing is fantastic, the environments are varied and never get stale. The story is deep enough and dialogue isn't drawn out so the action is never bogged down. There is also quite a bit of humor with the little penguin henchmen who work for the shopkeep. Had me laughing more than most games.
    Combat for the first few hours of the game wasn't very difficult though it was still very enjoyable and from then on it ramps up in difficulty. The gradual difficulty curve I found to be very smooth so no fight ever really felt out of place. There are zones where you can't just rush through or you will be punished for sure (enemies chase you outside of their screen).
    My only gripe is the "twist" in the very end is a bit silly and left me thinking a majority of this conflict could have been resolved much earlier if the characters would have communicated better.
    Great game, I played through it in one day which is very uncommon for me. The last game I spent a whole Sunday playing was Breath of the Wild and before that... who knows.    … Expand
  23. Steeldude
    Apr 27, 2017
    8
    A nice platformer with fun flying mechanics. The graphics looks nice and the sound is also good. But I had the feeling that the story could have been deeper and more characters could have been further developed throughout the game. Other than that, I recommend this title.
  24. lhmtgame
    Mar 7, 2017
    5
    Owlboy has a gentle story (I mean boring)! But there is something make me disappointed.

    The graphics were made to be pixelated, but there is no Changing Resolution Option for big Monitor.

    Game-play is just normal and poor from start to end. It does not have much tool, skill or ability to mesh with.

    You know... I've just play the game once and do not want to replay it anymore.
  25. SOLIDSNAKEN64
    Mar 3, 2017
    7
    A gorgeous nod to the 16 bit era of games. Fun Platformer that made me smile. the 8bit track is amazing and adds to the gameplay. Story was interesting enough to keep my attention. Could of used more variety in level design and enemies. I played this on PC and finished within 8-9 hours. You should definitely pick this up if you grew up in the 90s and need a hit of nostalgia or if youA gorgeous nod to the 16 bit era of games. Fun Platformer that made me smile. the 8bit track is amazing and adds to the gameplay. Story was interesting enough to keep my attention. Could of used more variety in level design and enemies. I played this on PC and finished within 8-9 hours. You should definitely pick this up if you grew up in the 90s and need a hit of nostalgia or if you just enjoy great gaming.… Expand
  26. everin
    Feb 6, 2017
    6
    TIER 3

    + Simply and obviously beautiful, with a unique world and style.
    ? Simple mechanics that are serviceable but don't feel particularly well-executed or fun.
    - Severe lack of compelling gameplay, short, and with a lot of tedious elements.
    - Massive focus on collectibles, but doesn't make back-tracking easy a lot of the time.
  27. Nathurior
    Jan 9, 2017
    9
    10/10 ign lolololololololololololololololololollolololololololololollol ol ol o lo lo l ol o lo lo lo l ol ol o lo lo l ol o lo l ol o l lo lo ll o lo l o
  28. KyleS
    Jan 6, 2017
    10
    Wonderful game with a beautiful nostalgic look. If you enjoy games like Fez and Shovel Knight you'll love this game! I wish there were a map, that's my only gripe about this game. Besides that, it's a great game. Very relaxing and enjoyable.
  29. AzurealZX
    Jan 6, 2017
    10
    Unforgettable adventure and will definetely remain a cult classic.
    Graphically, it's the best looking hi-bit game to date. It's gorgeous and it's soundtrack really fits it's visuals both in in terms of setting an atmosphere for the gorgeous world and in quality.
    Gameplay : Flying is extremely fun, level design fits the gameplay and is not cheap at all. For a metroidvania, there    Unforgettable adventure and will definetely remain a cult classic.
    Graphically, it's the best looking hi-bit game to date. It's gorgeous and it's soundtrack really fits it's visuals both in in terms of setting an atmosphere for the gorgeous world and in quality.

    Gameplay :
    Flying is extremely fun, level design fits the gameplay and is not cheap at all.
    For a metroidvania, there really isn't that much exploration but it's nonetheless fun to explore.
    It's the really open ended levels that stand out. There are usually lots of ways to tackle a screen, at certain places your path is blocked by enemies and at others by dangerous stage hazards like thorns. You decide how you will overcome the screen.
    The friend mechanic is really good and fun to use. Quickly shifting between friends and dashing across the screen because your character's pretty fast can be really fun.    … Expand
  30. Brousitch
    Dec 31, 2016
    3
    Pixel art gem, but mechanically and dynamically so un-intuitive, cumbersome and clumsy, it just cannot work for me ever. I will always put gameplay first and unfortunately among those amazing animations, parallaxes and vistas, there wasn't much of that fun and enjoyable gameplay to be found.
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best PC Game of 2016
66
#66 Most Discussed PC Game of 2016
57
#57 Most Shared PC Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 47 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 47
  3. Negative: 0 out of 47
  1. Riot Pixels
    Feb 22, 2017
    71
    All in all, it's a decent platformer worthy of your 10-20 hours of free time. But, as far as metroidvanias go, there is so much stuff to improve in the potential sequel, for example, a map, a teleport system, a bag of collectable items and lots of well-hidden secrets.
    Read full review
  2. BaziCenter
    Feb 10, 2017
    80
    In development for nearly a decade, Owlboy has somehow managed to get every single thing right. From amazing storytelling to great characters, detailed pixel-art visuals to fluent gameplay, everything in this game is just the way it should be. Easily one of the best 2D platformers ever.
    Read full review
  3. games(TM)
    Jan 27, 2017
    90
    Owlboy’s deceivingly simplistic delivery belies an enviable narrative, tourniquet-tight gameplay, and a cast you’ll fall in love with. Don’t miss it.
    Read full review
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