Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 23
  2. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Sep 9, 2020
    A stylish, dreamily wrought open-world detective adventure that dances masterfully on the edge of cosmic nightmare. [Eurogamer Recommended]
  2. 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

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 32
  2. Negative: 5 out of 32
  1. 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. 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. 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 »