The Messenger

 PC
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 197 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 142 out of 197
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 197
  3. Negative: 17 out of 197

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  1. bitxo
    Jan 21, 2019
    10
    For its price and game length, The Messenger offers an outstanding experience. Great fun, challenge, sense of humor, tight controls, incredible music... it doesn't lack content or drags on repetition at any point. Don't even bother with those hateful reviews of users who got the game for free on Twitch, tried it for 5 minutes and gave it low score. You gotta have a taste for retro themedFor its price and game length, The Messenger offers an outstanding experience. Great fun, challenge, sense of humor, tight controls, incredible music... it doesn't lack content or drags on repetition at any point. Don't even bother with those hateful reviews of users who got the game for free on Twitch, tried it for 5 minutes and gave it low score. You gotta have a taste for retro themed games, but if that's your case, this is a game to love, not quite at the same level as Shovel Knight, or Dead Cells, but not far away. The Messenger is one the best indie games of 2018.… Expand
  2. somedude14
    Nov 21, 2019
    8
    Tight controls, great graphics and an outstanding soundtrack. I have mixed feelings about the Metroidvania twist. Yes, it feels like shameless padding at times, but it also changes the games genre from an action-platformer to more of a puzzle-platformer, which has plenty of positive moments in itself. Boss fights are well done and a lot of fun, zones are varied and interestingTight controls, great graphics and an outstanding soundtrack. I have mixed feelings about the Metroidvania twist. Yes, it feels like shameless padding at times, but it also changes the games genre from an action-platformer to more of a puzzle-platformer, which has plenty of positive moments in itself. Boss fights are well done and a lot of fun, zones are varied and interesting (especially the final one), the Picnic Panic DLC is free and great, what more can you ask for there?… Expand
  3. Colinob32
    Dec 23, 2018
    10
    Game is great you CAN rebind keyboard so keyboard controls are re definable, the story is interesting, and the game play is outstanding. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys games of this style.
  4. GiggioToth
    Mar 9, 2019
    10
    The floor is lava!
    After you masterizes the jump skills you'll never want to touch the floor again, the level design is your magnum opus. I really love every moment of this game, thank you to the developers.
  5. Pepsiisgood
    Oct 24, 2019
    10
    So much fun to play with this game. The boss battles are unique and the Messenger's humour is literally awesome and funny. The controls are smooth and there's so much to do in this game. The story is 10h+, New Game+, DLC, and collectibles. Definetely worth to play with
  6. GregLobstery
    Jul 15, 2020
    9
    Hilarious dialogue, swanky soundtrack, game over all really fun to play too. The Shopkeeper is still an absolute chad. The free DLC was really good too, this game is so good.
  7. Haeder
    Aug 12, 2020
    10
    This game is a hidden gem, That I didn't know existed.

    Especially the final boss.
  8. PlayerFoxy
    Sep 18, 2020
    10
    jogo que joguei ele ja zerei e vou zerar a dlc bom dms gráficos bonitinhos e jogabilidade melhor com controle mas mt bom tmb no teclado
  9. Darktalon
    Sep 12, 2018
    10
    This was one of the greatest 2D platformers I have played. And it is a really funny game too, like really great job with that! Great balance of gameplay and storytime if you want to talk to the shop keep.
  10. Melgacius
    Dec 17, 2018
    9
    PROS:
    - exceptional controls and game mechanics;
    - humor;
    - shopkeeper;
    - storytelling;
    - propper nostalgia.

    CONS:
    - during an hour or so the backtrack seems pointless.

    It's really a masterpiece!
  11. Snyx
    Feb 4, 2019
    9
    Great game! The gameplay is smooth and difficulty is well balanced. Graphics and music are sublime and the numerous bossfights are awesome. The story and writing are very clever and filled with meta jokes and wisdom.
  12. TheGameIsALie
    Dec 13, 2018
    9
    The Messenger é um jogo que, apesar de ser uma homenagem a grandes clássicos, deveria ser jogado por todos. Tem pouquíssimas falhas e todos seus aspectos são muito bons. Sua arte é lindíssima, sua trilha sonora é excepcional, seu level design é o melhor possível e seu gameplay é intuitivo e ótimo, mas não inova tanto quanto o desejado.
  13. chrispaulmhd
    Sep 3, 2018
    10
    Almost through the game. An amazing game that lives up to the likes of Celeste and moreso Shovel Knight because it is more combat driven. The game has levels but turns into a metroidvania, with a sprawling map later in the game. It is an interesting mechanic, and along with the 8-bit to 16-bit changing mechanic, this game has more than enough original game mechanics to add to theAlmost through the game. An amazing game that lives up to the likes of Celeste and moreso Shovel Knight because it is more combat driven. The game has levels but turns into a metroidvania, with a sprawling map later in the game. It is an interesting mechanic, and along with the 8-bit to 16-bit changing mechanic, this game has more than enough original game mechanics to add to the platformer genre. Because of this, and what it has done to advance platforming mechanics in general. This game deserves nothing but a 10.… Expand
  14. JayTurmel
    Sep 10, 2018
    10
    I bought this game on Steam on the release date and didn't regret it a minute. It's a pure blast to the past. I completed it and will do it again.
  15. folgin
    Sep 4, 2018
    8
    The Messenger is a retro gaming inspired rollercoaster ride. You never quite know what turn it’s going to make next. It’s a shame that one of those turns is not very enjoyable and even leads to a worsening of the general gameplay. It picks things back up once you get into the final sequence, but it can be excruciating to get through the latter third of the game to get there. On the otherThe Messenger is a retro gaming inspired rollercoaster ride. You never quite know what turn it’s going to make next. It’s a shame that one of those turns is not very enjoyable and even leads to a worsening of the general gameplay. It picks things back up once you get into the final sequence, but it can be excruciating to get through the latter third of the game to get there. On the other hand, the first two-thirds of The Messenger is an absolute blast that stands a cut above many of the classic titles that inspired it. Despite the fact that it may not be worth experiencing in its entirety, the majority of The Messenger is an incredibly entertaining and joyous experience. It combines retro and contemporary design philosophies in spectacular fashion which makes it easy to recommend to anyone with any appreciation for the side-scrolling action platformers of days past.… Expand
  16. FrostormNidhegg
    Mar 23, 2020
    9
    Отличный платформер в духе 8 и 16 битных игр. При этом, конечно же, игра имеет гораздо больше механик, чем игры той эпохи. Выглядит отлично, причем и в режиме 8 и в режиме 16 бит (тут есть переходы от 8 к 16 битам, при этом все спрайты меняются, и во второй половине игры еще и локации частично меняются. Тут это сюжетно обосновано). Музыка очень хороша. Есть юмор, и он тоже отличный. ЕстьОтличный платформер в духе 8 и 16 битных игр. При этом, конечно же, игра имеет гораздо больше механик, чем игры той эпохи. Выглядит отлично, причем и в режиме 8 и в режиме 16 бит (тут есть переходы от 8 к 16 битам, при этом все спрайты меняются, и во второй половине игры еще и локации частично меняются. Тут это сюжетно обосновано). Музыка очень хороша. Есть юмор, и он тоже отличный. Есть сюжет и персонажи, за которыми интересно следить (хотя это платформер, и персонажи эти с сюжетом вообще не напрягают, они наоборот помогают отдохнуть от уровней). Боссы отличные, особенно фиолетовый голем магический, он просто прекрасен в плане боя с ним, ну и дизайна визуального. Единственный минус - некоторые боссы и некоторые места уровней ну очень сложные. Я понимаю, что раньше игры были сложными, и Гонец в этом плане проще их, но хотелось бы иметь возможность как-то себе упрощать прохождение. Итого, имеем игру, сделанную по мотивам классики игровой, с отличным визуалом, игровым процессом и музыкой. А еще ее в Эпик гейм стор раздавали бесплатно. Если кто не играл - крайне рекомендую, игра очень хороша… Expand
  17. Nero63
    Jul 30, 2020
    10
    everything about this games screams classic to visuals from 8 bit graphics to the 16 bit graphics looking awesome. don't get me started on the music because they are just as amazing as graphics every song fits every level and time period. the game essential split into types of gameplay your standard run and kill to the metrovania style of game play and the games pulls them off really well.everything about this games screams classic to visuals from 8 bit graphics to the 16 bit graphics looking awesome. don't get me started on the music because they are just as amazing as graphics every song fits every level and time period. the game essential split into types of gameplay your standard run and kill to the metrovania style of game play and the games pulls them off really well. its a must have game.… Expand
  18. juanfrandegea
    Sep 15, 2020
    8
    No es tan difícil como lo parece, quizá si lo sea conseguir todos los coleccionables pero se puede hacer. Lo he disfrutado mucho, conversaciones divertidas, luchas con bosses interesantes y la promesa de un nuevo juego que ya quiero probar.
  19. DreadStorm
    Jul 30, 2019
    10
    The Messenger лучшая из последних платформеров за последнее время.
    Юмор на высоте, перемена 8-бит на 16-бит это что-то новое! История просто захватывает. Геймплейная часть просто неподражаемая. Музыка - как в лучших играх Dendy. Побольше бы таких. Рпг - часть тоже продуманная.
    Сказать что это просто игра - трудно и не уместно!    The Messenger лучшая из последних платформеров за последнее время.
    Юмор на высоте, перемена 8-бит на 16-бит это что-то новое! История просто захватывает. Геймплейная часть просто неподражаемая. Музыка - как в лучших играх Dendy. Побольше бы таких. Рпг - часть тоже продуманная.
    Сказать что это просто игра - трудно и не уместно!
  20. paulvanjaf
    Jul 7, 2020
    9
    i grew up playing this kind of games in the NES, the same feeling of difficulty as the classics, but with all the things that make great those games. nice humor, incredible music with that retro nostalgia. but the CONS are that after finishing the first part of the game, playing in the alternate world, seems a little bit repetitive or pointless. if only there were a lot of bosses more withi grew up playing this kind of games in the NES, the same feeling of difficulty as the classics, but with all the things that make great those games. nice humor, incredible music with that retro nostalgia. but the CONS are that after finishing the first part of the game, playing in the alternate world, seems a little bit repetitive or pointless. if only there were a lot of bosses more with higer difficulty, mayby impposible one, would habe had the 10. but in general it a great game to play on the weekend with a couple of beers… Expand
  21. Babutto
    Feb 26, 2023
    9
    Pros.:
    - Great characters and dialogues.
    - Great idea of platformer then mutating into mild Metroidvania. - Weapons - not many but effective. - Mechanics mostly are intuitive. - So many Easter Eggs about previous franchises and games (Ninja Gaiden, Battletoads at least). - Friendly to achievement seekers. - Special secret areas. Cons.: - I hated that "hit" jump. Why didn't do    Pros.:
    - Great characters and dialogues.
    - Great idea of platformer then mutating into mild Metroidvania.
    - Weapons - not many but effective.
    - Mechanics mostly are intuitive.
    - So many Easter Eggs about previous franchises and games (Ninja Gaiden, Battletoads at least).
    - Friendly to achievement seekers.
    - Special secret areas.

    Cons.:
    - I hated that "hit" jump. Why didn't do normal double jump? Because of that some seal areas are quite annoying.
    - Phantom and Muse - I found these names quite lame for the characters. But it's personal thing.

    The game is awesome. Buy and play :D    … Expand
  22. joel_tdl
    Jan 20, 2020
    8
    La siguiente reseña fue publicada originalmente en 3djuegos:

    Todo lo que Celeste presumía de ser. JUGABILIDAD: Muy buena jugabilidad, muy simple pero eficaz. Un nivel de dificultad medio-alto pero con una curva de aprendizaje muy bien balanceada. El juego utiliza un sistema de vidas y checkpoints a la antigua, los primeros podemos ampliarlos mediante un árbol de habilidades muy muy    La siguiente reseña fue publicada originalmente en 3djuegos:

    Todo lo que Celeste presumía de ser.

    JUGABILIDAD:
    Muy buena jugabilidad, muy simple pero eficaz. Un nivel de dificultad medio-alto pero con una curva de aprendizaje muy bien balanceada. El juego utiliza un sistema de vidas y checkpoints a la antigua, los primeros podemos ampliarlos mediante un árbol de habilidades muy muy básico, pero que es un buen añadido; los segundo se sienten cada vez más escasos.

    Los niveles están bien diseñados y son bastante buenos, aunque los mas avanzados abusan del "debes conocerlo de memoria porque un simple error te hace perder", no es malo en sí mismo pero sí se percibe una diferencia con los niveles iniciales.

    Los enemigos son poco variados, no hay mucho que decir ahí. Los jefes son excelentes, me han gustado mucho.

    Finalmente les diré que es un juego MUY GRACIOSO. Los diálogos de los personajes y algunas animaciones son muy divertidas. Tiene un sistema de "castigo" cada que pierdes que está lleno de carisma, tal vez el juego pretende hacerte enojar pero en lo personal yo pensaba "!ay! si es cierto"; además es un buen añadido a la jugabilidad.

    GRÁFICOS:
    El estilo de arte es muy agradable, totalmente clásico en el mejor de los sentidos. A la larga la paleta de colores puede resultar un poco molesta, pero ayuda a la experiencia retro del juego.

    SONIDO:
    Es excelente. Cada nivel y Boss está ambientado por una pieza de estilo retro, es decir: adictiva y muy emocionante. Recuerda los inicios de Megaman, y eso debe ser un honor para cualquier desarrollador.

    INNOVACIÓN:
    Es un juego en sí mismo pero no hay que engañarnos: es también un homenaje.    … Expand
  23. Miotke
    Dec 1, 2019
    8
    Very Cool                                                                                      
  24. LegoMacman
    Dec 9, 2019
    9
    The game is excellent, almost perfect I would say. Very good soundtrack. Graphics that change from 8-bit to 16-bit a great balcony, the shopkeeper's stories are all great, especially the last one.
  25. LuanV
    Feb 12, 2021
    9
    The Messenger no geral não inova em praticamente nada, porém, ele realiza com maestria aquilo que se propõe: ser um jogo de plataforma de ninja bem humorado. Os controles são muito precisos, as mecânicas apresentadas apesar de não serem inovadores, são extremamente divertidas e funcionais, a dificuldade está no ponto certo, o level design é perfeito, a história e as conversas são escritasThe Messenger no geral não inova em praticamente nada, porém, ele realiza com maestria aquilo que se propõe: ser um jogo de plataforma de ninja bem humorado. Os controles são muito precisos, as mecânicas apresentadas apesar de não serem inovadores, são extremamente divertidas e funcionais, a dificuldade está no ponto certo, o level design é perfeito, a história e as conversas são escritas de forma genial e os gráficos e trilhas sonoras são genuinamente muito bons. Ainda por cima há uma DLC gratuita onde acrescenta um novo mapa, novos cenários, novos bosses, novas trilhas e uma ponta solta para continuação.

    Recomendo fortemente para quem curte um bom jogo de plataforma e metroidvania.    … Expand
  26. IronO
    Jan 15, 2020
    10
    i love the messenger so much i love the music so much. the bosses are so good and fun to figth.
    if you havent playd it go do it
    100000 out of 100000

    p.s the shopkeeper is the best charcter in the game
  27. Snemannen
    Feb 9, 2020
    10
    This game has wonderful characters, nice story , very good gameplay and a marvelous soundtrack! This is just a great retroinspired game!
  28. lorem
    Mar 31, 2020
    8
    The Messenger is not just another 8-bit platformer game that pays tribute to the old gaming industry. This game actually has an interesting story, full of humor, and innovative game mechanics.
  29. Modax19
    Apr 14, 2020
    10
    Possibly the best recent 2D side-scrolling game I have played. (the other contender is Shovel Knight) This is like the ideal Sega Genesis game I wish I could have played as a kid. I almost cried tears of joy the first time I reached the 16bit world.
  30. Aditelis
    May 3, 2020
    9
    The Messenger is amazing and provides hours of fun! I only wish there were more games like it.
  31. a_light
    Dec 19, 2021
    9
    perfecto gameingo. so funninger. mustingo playinger. best platformerinho. muy bien
  32. Luigichief
    Feb 18, 2021
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It is a game that takes advantage of the best of the old games bringing some more modern and better mechanics.

    Gameplay is the charm of the game, it is very fluid and fast. It also has several checkpoints and its penalty when dying and just go without receiving money for a while, original, good and functional. The level design is very good and has a very nice progression. The first half of the game is completely linear, but out of nowhere the game sank a bit for me, it went from a hack & slash platform to a Metroidvania (which I like a lot less in general). The exploration of most items through the prophecies was really boring, but the new linear areas / areas and boss fights are still very good.

    The story begins with a very simple premise but expands a lot. When the game seems to be getting lukewarm, you arrive at the temple of the 3 wise men (or something) and that 'time-skip' and the graphics are in 32 bits. Then we found out that everything is cyclical and gives a really cool twist, changing the gameplay more to Metroidvania. All the lore in the world and that story of the Messengers that appears before entering the 'final dungeon' is very interesting.

    The dlc despite having a much inferior history it has a very good gameplay and more challenging than the main campaign in general.

    Good old style soundtrack.

    It has quite satires of the classic 8, 16 and 32 bits.    … Expand
  33. vialenso
    Jul 20, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Perfect! I think this game is one of the best pixel ninja games, It's really remind me to old school Ninja Gaiden games on NES.… Expand
  34. Oshiri_Maeda
    Nov 5, 2020
    9
    GOD, IT'S SO GOOOOOD!
    It seems just nice, simple and short at the beginning. However, after 5-6 hours you realise this game is so much more than just a simple platformer! 22 hours (with DLC) of pure joy :D
    Simple, but challenging; perfected gameplay mechanics, great music, humour and awesome design!
  35. BobbyTarantino
    Aug 8, 2020
    8
    a man goes to the doctor. says he's depressed. he says life seems harsh and cruel. says he feels all alone in a threatening world where what lies ahead is vague and uncertain. the doctor says "the treatment is simple. the great clown pagliacci is in town tonight. go and see him, that should pick you up." the man bursts into tears. he says "but doctor... i am pagliacci."
  36. Black_S
    Feb 28, 2022
    10
    For any fan of NES and SNES games. Old School by this meaning. This is your must-buy. Perfection.
  37. Marco_1UP
    Sep 24, 2020
    10
    este juego es asombroso la musica es una de las mejores que escuche no me esperaba que cambiara de 8 bits a los 16 este juego al principio pense que no iba a ser la gran cosa pero resulto ser asombroso las mecanicas divierten bastantre hacer parkour todo el tiempo el personaje es algo genereico hast que sae transforma o cambia de aspecto con ese genial sombrero un gran juego
  38. SamiReyiz
    Mar 10, 2021
    10
    This game is really complete. Songs sense of humor storyline dialogues and the most important gameplay. I think this game is master of indie games
  39. yertre
    Feb 6, 2021
    10
    For the price, this game is unbelievably good. The platforming is challenging, the music and story are great, but the game's humour is what sells it. It's much more light-hearted than I expected, but it was a welcome surprise. The indie market is rather oversaturated with retro styled platformers, but this one really stands out. I don't think it's a 10/10, but I'll give it one anyway.For the price, this game is unbelievably good. The platforming is challenging, the music and story are great, but the game's humour is what sells it. It's much more light-hearted than I expected, but it was a welcome surprise. The indie market is rather oversaturated with retro styled platformers, but this one really stands out. I don't think it's a 10/10, but I'll give it one anyway.

    The game's up there with Dead Cells and Shovel Knight. What else can I say?    … Expand
  40. VooDoo1349
    Jun 9, 2021
    10
    ..........Nice Platformer..........
    ..........Awesome Metroidvania.........
  41. Zeneko90
    Jun 2, 2022
    8
    Nettes. Spiel es hat echt viel Spaß gemacht. Mehr davon! Nicht zu lang, nicht zu kurz. Genau richtig.
  42. Asspull
    Jan 28, 2023
    8
    good game . I can feel the respect . I like the way it changing music version .the walkthrough is smooth and satisfied .

Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Best PC Game of 2018
54
#54 Most Discussed PC Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. CD-Action
    Jan 9, 2019
    80
    It’s a tribute to the original Ninja Gaiden released in 1988, so the game obviously borrows a lot from genre’s progenitors, but it also adds a lot to the mix and its platforming mechanics are superb. Even though it gets less exciting in the second half, I have to recommend it. [11/2018, p.73]
  2. GameOver.gr
    Sep 14, 2018
    75
    Creating both an 8-bit and 16-bit aesthetic is a genius idea and a very meta way for depicting the world in the past and future eras. It’s also commendable that Sabotage introduced a clever alternative to the usual double jump function we usually see in the platform genre. Though it’s filled with charm and highly competent gameplay it’s marred by exhausting backtracking (even for the genre), few enemy types and a lack of challenge.
    Read full review
  3. Eurogamer Italy
    Sep 13, 2018
    80
    Devolver Digital and Sabotage Studio propose a game that could innovate its genre.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »