Pony Island

 PC
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. games(TM)
    Apr 14, 2016
    70
    Clever, unique, inventive but brief and repetitive. [Issue#172, p.91]
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In Progress & Unscored

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  1. Rock, Paper, Shotgun
    Jan 5, 2016
    This is such a treat, and I fear that the (perfect) name will mean too many people look past it. I love that it’s not mocking anything in particular when it apes early 90s arcade games, and yet feels like it’s mocking the entire universe at the same time. I love that it feels cruel, yet I couldn’t make a good argument to justify why, especially when half your time is spent jumping about a magic pony. So trust me, pick this one up.

Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Best PC Game of 2016
71
#71 Most Discussed PC Game of 2016
100
#100 Most Shared PC Game of 2016

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 260 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 161 out of 260
  2. Mixed: 62 out of 260
  3. Negative: 37 out of 260
  1. Zimbardo
    Jan 11, 2016
    6
    In Pony Island you're trying to escape from an evil videogame by completing puzzles (really just variations of one puzzle). Although the gameIn Pony Island you're trying to escape from an evil videogame by completing puzzles (really just variations of one puzzle). Although the game had the premise and potential to go off the rails and be awesome... it kinda just points to the 4th wall and pokes it... and keeps poking it in case you didn't get it the first time. In fact if you've seen the trailer on its Steam page then you've pretty much experienced 80% of this game.

    At the time of my review this game is getting critical praise and I have no idea why. The idea of playing with the 4th wall has been done before in gaming, and one of the most interesting things that occurs in the game hearkens back to 1998's Metal Gear Solid (see Psycho Mantis). I guess videogame critics love games that they can complete and review in a 2 hour period while pretending that they've engaged in something "intelligent". In fact look at me I'm writing a critique of the critics (that's "unexpected!") and by acknowledging this I've broken the 4th wall (how "intelligent"!).

    I'm giving it a 6 because it isn't bad... but don't believe the hype.    … Full Review »
  2. HuckingAwesome
    Jan 7, 2016
    10
    An incredible experience. Funny, creepy, baffling, and engrossing, Pony Island is an experience that everyone should have. I don't want toAn incredible experience. Funny, creepy, baffling, and engrossing, Pony Island is an experience that everyone should have. I don't want to spoil everything, but at $5 on Steam, this is a steal. Give it a try, and give the Devil his due.… Full Review »
  3. Noole
    Jan 15, 2016
    5
    Incredibly simple gameplay and visuals, it's something you'd expect from a browser game from 00's. The high scores it's getting is becauseIncredibly simple gameplay and visuals, it's something you'd expect from a browser game from 00's. The high scores it's getting is because it's "breaking the 4th wall". Thing is, you need to establish the 4th wall before breaking it, and Pony Island breaks it withing 5 minutes and then keeps repeating the same tricks until the end. Gets really boring and predictable very fast. Nothing smart about shouting "Look at me, I'm a game and I'm aware of it". Comparing it to Undertale and The Stanley Parable is a joke, those games are in a different league.… Full Review »
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