Paradise Killer

 PC
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. IGN Japan
    Nov 16, 2021
    70
    While Paradise Killer seems like a detective adventure game, it’s not impossible to beat the game without solving the main mystery at all. The game’s climax plays out in a court session, which the player can engage in at any given point. But in order to unveil the true story, you will need to collect countless pieces of evidence and talk to many different characters. This means that you will need to work your way through an inconveniently designed open world, and I often found the game’s scenario hard to swallow. That being said, from quirky character design to Japan-inspired locales and a Vaporwave-like soundtrack and UI, the game’s surrealistic atmosphere is well worth a visit.
  2. GameMAG
    Oct 4, 2020
    70
    Paradise Killer is a very intriguing detective story with an interesting and deep world and well-developed characters, which suffers from a number of shortcomings.
  3. Hardcore Gamer
    Oct 2, 2020
    70
    There’s a lot to love with Paradise Killer. From the cool cast of characters, to the open-ended nature of the investigation, players will find it easy to dive in. The vaporwave visual design may not be to everyone’s tastes, but those who enjoy it will love the world on display. The biggest disappointments are that there’s not more to the world exploration aspect. It’s also a shame that the open world nature of the gameplay does not carry over into the anticlimactic trials. Even so, it’s worth taking a vacation on Paradise Island. Paradise Killer is a bold first release from Kaizen Game Works and we’re looking forward to see what they create next.
  5. Hooked Gamers
    Sep 4, 2020
    62
    All told, Paradise Killer’s open world nature with a mystery driven narrative just doesn’t work for me. The pacing was all over the place, something that is vital for any mystery. Even with interesting locations and characters, the world itself didn’t feel lived in and was frustrating to navigate. The experimental nature of this game, creative design, vast scope, and rad tone make it worth trying if you are a big mystery fan, but it may be best to skip if they’re not your thing in the first place.
  6. We Got This Covered
    Sep 30, 2020
    60
    Paradise Killer is a smart, imaginative tale supported by barebones gameplay and wrapped in a highly subjective presentation.
  7. USgamer
    Sep 3, 2020
    60
    Paradise Killer drips with endearing style and charm, but can't quite make its finale match up to its opening hours. Discovering intrigue and mystery is compelling at the start, but the good gets lost in its collectible busywork. Paradise Killer is a good option for virtual detective fanatics in need of new mysteries, but it lacks the staying power of other modern mystery giants.
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In Progress & Unscored

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  1. Eurogamer
    Sep 9, 2020
    A stylish, dreamily wrought open-world detective adventure that dances masterfully on the edge of cosmic nightmare. [Eurogamer Recommended]
  2. Rock, Paper, Shotgun
    Sep 9, 2020
    But Paradise Killer also backs the style with substance. The Syndicate’s lifestyle is supported by the mass abduction and eventual murder of normal people from our reality, who become a kind of cattle class. They’re banned from doing basically anything, placated by soft drink mascots, and give their literal blood to a cause they never benefit from.

Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Best PC Game of 2020

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 32
  3. Negative: 5 out of 32
  1. honest_rev7
    Sep 29, 2020
    4
    HYPERBOLE reviews aren't from real people.

    i got this when i read its polygon article. how this is such an amazing game, and ohmagwad dat    HYPERBOLE reviews aren't from real people.

    i got this when i read its polygon article. how this is such an amazing game, and ohmagwad dat setting and exploration and game of the year ohmagaaaawd 3 page essay ohmaGAAAAWD

    but of course, real people don't react like that or write essays on how good something is and why u shuld buy it init.

    game's vibe and brightness = psychosmatic symptoms and nausea

    *-*8_8*88**8--just so u were warned B4HAND*-*8_8*88**8--

    10/10 would rather sloppily make out with pewdiepie ok??    … Full Review »
  2. JamesOhBurn
    Dec 2, 2020
    8
    This title truly sets a new standard for detective games. Using an open-world with hidden rooms and passages to find clues in order to solveThis title truly sets a new standard for detective games. Using an open-world with hidden rooms and passages to find clues in order to solve an excellent mystery (even just on its own) was a fantastic idea and executed almost flawlessly.

    Creativity and worldbuilding oozes from this game's story, characters, and (of course) world to explore. So much so, in fact, that I fear it may be too overwhelming for the first couple of hours of a blind playthrough. I would recommend someone who has beaten this game give you, or you yourself look up, a quick backstory to the world of Paradise Killer first so that you can focus on the mystery without being busy wondering what the heck you're even playing first.

    I very much appreciated this game not holding your hand when finding clues and solving each mystery, not to mention giving the player the ability to essentially end the game anytime they wish once they are satisfied with their investigation. This really helps the journey feel like your own, since you basically choose what ending you get as well as the fates of everyone left on the island. The journey is definitely where the game's strength is, however, as the epilogue to this mystery is overall a bit underwhelming considering its grande finale.

    Absolutely worth every cent of your $20 and I can't wait for more adventures with the Investigator.

    8/10    … Full Review »
  3. D3lt4
    Jun 26, 2023
    7
    Paradise Killer, on the whole, encourages active participation in its world and immersive storytelling, placing the responsibility squarely onParadise Killer, on the whole, encourages active participation in its world and immersive storytelling, placing the responsibility squarely on your shoulders. It embraces the idea of getting lost, acquiring Blood Crystals (the in-game currency), and gathering numerous seemingly "insignificant" items, each with a brief descriptive passage. While it may initially feel inconvenient to spend tokens for fast travel and other amenities, the game provides audio hints to aid your search, so simply embrace exploration and don't fear exhausting your resources.… Full Review »
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