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. Zer0TheHer0
    Aug 1, 2023
    0
    Good at beginning, it becomes incredibly frustrating and irritating after a certain point.
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. Haeder
    Aug 12, 2020
    10
    This game is a hidden gem, That I didn't know existed.

    Especially the final boss.
  9. 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
  10. skohl
    Jun 30, 2019
    7
    Another gorgeous retro pixel art platformer. It has a large variety of detailed levels with great music.
    Gets a yellow rating from me for two reasons: 1) inconsistent difficulty, the majority of the game is so easy you barely have to think, but one specific challenge room at the end of the game (the last one you need) made me extremely frustrated. The bosses also become easier as you    Another gorgeous retro pixel art platformer. It has a large variety of detailed levels with great music.
    Gets a yellow rating from me for two reasons: 1) inconsistent difficulty, the majority of the game is so easy you barely have to think, but one specific challenge room at the end of the game (the last one you need) made me extremely frustrated. The bosses also become easier as you progress which makes it feel anticlimactic.
    Reason 2) is the backtracking. There are 'points of no return' in some levels, which close you off from backtracking and instead force you to warp out, backtrack to the entrance of the level, and play it over again from the start. Combine that with the too-easy gameplay that sometimes lapses into frustration, and you have tedium. The only other flaw I'd point out is that the story does not take itself seriously at all, which makes me as a player not take it seriously either.    … Expand
  11. 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.
  12. JonsGone
    Apr 10, 2019
    7
    Lacks a little something.
    Soundtrack is great but nothing more.
    Story is great but nothing more.
    Gameplay is fine.
    Metroidvania elements underexplored.
  13. 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!
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. pianoguy13
    Jan 12, 2022
    0
    Fantastic 2d platformer/action game. It's not quite the level of polish and perfection that Celeste and Katana Zero are, but it's still an incredible game, with very satisfying gameplay and abilities. One thing with many lesser 2d platformers I see is that they tend to increase difficulty by added cheap tactics and unfair elements to the obstacles. I loved how Messenger was prettyFantastic 2d platformer/action game. It's not quite the level of polish and perfection that Celeste and Katana Zero are, but it's still an incredible game, with very satisfying gameplay and abilities. One thing with many lesser 2d platformers I see is that they tend to increase difficulty by added cheap tactics and unfair elements to the obstacles. I loved how Messenger was pretty straightforward, and you'd know what to expect with everything just by briefly observing it. Every success was earned, and every failure was my fault. If I knew how to clear something, and timed it correctly, I could do it every time without fail.… Expand
  17. willmckasson
    Sep 7, 2018
    3
    Average game controls, average retro graphics. Annoyingly challenging at times for no reason to be able to advance the story/game (lava timed jumping death room, chased by dragon for minutes on floating clouds). Traversing any part of a level your avoiding laser beams, spikes, instant death pitfalls and that dunce quarble whos just a knock off of the Whammys from press your luck. NotAverage game controls, average retro graphics. Annoyingly challenging at times for no reason to be able to advance the story/game (lava timed jumping death room, chased by dragon for minutes on floating clouds). Traversing any part of a level your avoiding laser beams, spikes, instant death pitfalls and that dunce quarble whos just a knock off of the Whammys from press your luck. Not too mention theres like a dozen enemies in the game. Very repetitive and boring seeing the same enemies every two steps. Turns into a wanna-be metroid style game but again, every other area has pitfall deaths and getting from A - B is not fun, its work. Ditch instant death. Ditch "quarble", get better item progressions or more useful items. Plant a seed, get a thistle, get a candle to light up a dark area??? So glad i fell through a hundred instant pit deaths to do a 3 item quest to find a candle to go to another poorly designed same enemies, same layout dungeon. An even better one is when you find Ruxxins staff and think its going to be something awesome maybe a new power, but you need to find the amulet first, then you get the amulet find out it just activates a warp..... they both dont do anything cool it was just an errand so you can teleport to yet another poorly designed, enemy repetitive fail zone..... Lame, whack, lazy.

    A mild saving grace was a slight plot twist that was kind of fun but they could have done more. The boss battles are fun and just challenging enough to make you want to win. It brings back some rememberberries looking like Ninja Gaiden too.

    All in all The Messenger was a promising overhyped retro 2-d metroidvania platformer that falls short really everywhere. A Jack of some trades and definitely didn't master anything.

    This game is a perfect reason of why i download before i buy. Waste of hard earned money. Check out shovel knight for examples on how to do a platforming 2-d sidescroller correct. OR check out axiom verge. A great example of what a metroidvania game should be like, and it doesn't have instant death pitfalls. Both are much better games in every way.    … Expand
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. omerulas25
    Oct 16, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game would have been better when you killed that red monster, but when it continued it got really awful.… Expand
  21. 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
  22. VonSeux
    Nov 17, 2019
    4
    This is generic as it gets. It's basically Shovel Knight with Ninja Gaiden as playable character. The game is super easy so it may be fun for someone unacquainted with (real) nes games. Some backgrounds are pretty.
  23. 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
  24. Relkad
    Sep 5, 2020
    7
    It can get boring pretty easily but the humor and the music keeps you going.
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. Pmstz
    Jan 30, 2023
    7
    Very nice.

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
  28. 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!
  29. Leo_Manzano
    May 6, 2022
    7
    Working...........................................................................
  30. nitorita
    Jul 15, 2020
    6
    A decent game that looks and plays like one you'd find on the SNES. However, that's also probably where it's lacking, since you can't lower modern expectations to match the expectations of a game released in the 90's.

    This game is interesting in the beginning as you're learning it, but once you're a few bosses in, you start to feel the urge to simply rush to the end. The ordinary    A decent game that looks and plays like one you'd find on the SNES. However, that's also probably where it's lacking, since you can't lower modern expectations to match the expectations of a game released in the 90's.

    This game is interesting in the beginning as you're learning it, but once you're a few bosses in, you start to feel the urge to simply rush to the end. The ordinary monsters aren't challenging since you can button mash them, and the early bosses aren't particularly special either. There are some areas that are a bit clunky to get through, which slows down progress.

    The game as a whole is split into two parts. The first part is a linear platformer that lasts about three hours. The second is a Metroidvania where you search through past areas for some "music notes." Unfortunately, by the time you're done the first part, you'll likely be burned out from the game and want to quit. It's extremely hard to justify playing the second half, since it is a super long fetch quest that involves grinding money and doesn't offer any bosses throughout until its eventual completion. I lost the will to continue on with the game after trying this part out for a little.

    This game is enjoyable only in short bursts. It isn't a memorable game, doesn't have replay value, and never tries to "go the extra mile," but some of the bosses are enjoyable. This game easily felt like it lasted three times longer than the actual time I put in. Since the second part of the game is extremely boring though, I cannot recommend this game.    … Expand
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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
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