The Next Big Thing

 PC
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. PC PowerPlay
    Jun 9, 2011
    70
    This is a gorgeous and amusing diversion, even if puzzling feels tacked-on, rather than integral. [July 2011, p.71]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. GameOver.gr
    Apr 30, 2011
    70
    An honest and beautiful tribute to the "Old Hollywood America" and Classic Adventure Gaming, that manages to overcome its problems due to its all-around warm feeling and aspirations.
  3. Eurogamer
    Apr 29, 2011
    70
    For the most part, you're left plodding and prodding around a series of mildly engaging scenarios, wishing that a spark of wry creative genius could just kick it up a notch.
  5. Adventure Gamers
    Apr 21, 2011
    70
    These few rough edges aside, overall The Next BIG Thing is a lovingly crafted production – its sights and sounds are exquisite, the oddball characters are fascinating, and the whimsical script is epic – the nutty conversations are certain to amuse even the most dour cynic.
  6. Gamekult
    Apr 8, 2011
    70
    With its classical but efficient gameplay, The Next Big Thing is an affordable point & click, much more attractive for its funny cartoon universe and its great dubbing than its too short story.
  7. PC Gamer UK
    Jun 17, 2011
    65
    The appealing characters and occasionally entertaining puzzles can only take it so far. [July 2011, p.99]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. games(TM)
    Jul 3, 2011
    60
    Of course, any niggles relating to the quality of puzzles is alleviated somewhat by the quality of animation. [Issue#110, p.117]
    All this publication's reviews
  9. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    May 25, 2011
    60
    Visually stunning but shallow in the means of story, the new adventure from Spanish Pendulo studios is not the "next big thing" but rather a step back. [Issue#204]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. Impulsegamer
    May 6, 2011
    60
    Overall, for those wanting to scratch that point and click itch, you probably already have this game, for everyone else, The Next Big Thing features interesting characters and an interesting story and may be a good excuse to have a break from some twitch game play and simply enjoy the story of the game and flex that brain muscle.
  11. GameSpot
    Apr 21, 2011
    60
    The Next Big Thing creates a lush vision of an alternate-reality Hollywood, but its knockout visuals can't make up for its frustrating puzzles.

Awards & Rankings

86
#86 Best PC Game of 2011

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 50 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 50
  3. Negative: 6 out of 50
  1. ZombieSlayer200
    Jul 19, 2012
    10
    Great Characters, voice acting, humour, graphics, story. A fun game that's worth the price, and worth the time. Recommended for point-n-clickGreat Characters, voice acting, humour, graphics, story. A fun game that's worth the price, and worth the time. Recommended for point-n-click enthusiasts.… Full Review »
  2. GodMod99
    Jul 19, 2012
    10
    Fantastic Game, I bought mine during the summer sale. I loved everything about it. I agree completely with that other guy, it was very funnyFantastic Game, I bought mine during the summer sale. I loved everything about it. I agree completely with that other guy, it was very funny and worth the price (Summer Sale at least). An all round great game.… Full Review »
  3. Vex
    Sep 7, 2012
    4
    This is a very poorly made game. Despite the fact that the graphics are some of the most beautiful ever seen in an adventure game, the storyThis is a very poorly made game. Despite the fact that the graphics are some of the most beautiful ever seen in an adventure game, the story is mediocre, the puzzles fall short and are completely nonsensical most of the time. Pendulo Studios are responsible for the amazing Runaway series (which likely brought the adventure genre back to life) and I can't get my head around how they failed at this so badly. The writing is poor, the characters aren't memorable and there is very little captivating about the game except for amazing graphics... which is a shame because it's a waste of a massive potential that this game had. Not worth it unless you pick it up during a sale.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »