Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 29
  2. Negative: 0 out of 29
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  1. Nov 12, 2020
    100
    From the jump, Bugsnax caught the gaming world's attention for how genuinely weird it is -- and honestly, that weirdness is a comfort when you dive into the game itself. At its core, Bugsnax is a game that's both about the joy of curiosity and the importance of a found family, all wrapped up in an adorable and addictive package that's going to inspire a wealth of fanworks and merchandise. Whether you're cataloging different types of Bugsnax, coming up with a new trap combination, or interviewing the townspeople of Snaxburg (by the way, props to Young Horses for helping teach players good interview etiquette), Bugsnax is a gaming experience that just works really well -- and it feels like the kind of game that's going to stick around.
  2. Nov 9, 2020
    90
    Bugsnax is a unique and wonderful experience, and a must-play for anyone who can get their hands on it. If you’re lucky enough to have secured a PS5, make sure you make the most of PlayStation Plus and pick up your free copy while it lasts. If not, this game is still well worth your hard-earned cash.
  3. Nov 9, 2020
    90
    Bugsnax offers thrilling gameplay with a poignant story about community and hope that continues to keep you engrossed throughout. The plethora of bugsnax are well-designed and different, allowing you to come up with various ways to catch them. and the colourful island of Snaktooth is a lot of fun to explore.
  4. Nov 9, 2020
    90
    Bugsnax is a truly unique and wonderful first-person adventure game that tugs at your heartstrings with its beautiful story. The themes of love, friendship, and overcoming adversity are not new, but the manner in which the story plays out is a sight to behold. Couple the amazing story with a tremendous soundtrack and nearly ten different biomes to explore, and this game is well worth a look this fall.
  5. Nov 9, 2020
    90
    The intriguing mysteries, colorful characters to befriend, and overall charm in everything from the voice acting to the design of the different Bugsnax makes this game a true winner. It vaguely feels like Pokémon for the new generation, and both children and adults will find a lot to love here. The controls are easy to master, the gameplay is superb, and there’s a lot to do on the reasonably-sized map. If you are what you eat, then I'm the happiest Cinnasnail this side of Snaktooth Island has ever seen.
  6. Nov 9, 2020
    85
    Bugsnax’s weird and wild adventure is a delight, introducing me to a new society and really letting me learn what makes these characters tick. Catching Bugsnax is fun and rewarding, albeit frustrating at times as well, and with 100 species available there’s plenty to find. Inconsistent difficulty levels and too heavy of a focus on experimentation soured me a bit, but those areas can’t ruin a game that succeeds everywhere else. Give this a shot and I bet you’ll be talkin’ ‘bout Bugsnax for months to come.
  7. Nov 9, 2020
    85
    With its fun story and entertaining characters, Young Horses' Bugsnax is a charming game that shouldn't be missed -- whether you play on PS4 or PS5.
  8. Nov 17, 2020
    80
    Bugsnax, without a doubt, is the most strange and unique game of 2020. One that tries to show the deep layers of social relations in most simplistic ways possible.
  9. Nov 12, 2020
    80
    Bugsnax is a game that wants to make us feel good, that seeks to be as enjoyable as possible while still entertaining us and making us think. With mystery, humor, heart, wit and creativity, the folks at Young Horses give us one of the most special titles of this final stretch of the year and an excellent addition to the PS Plus catalog for those who own a PS5.
  10. Nov 12, 2020
    80
    Sweet and occasionally salty, Bugsnax is certainly one of the PS5’s most interesting launch titles. If you look at it as a checklist game where you need to catch creatures in order to win, it wobbles: it gets repetitive, some parts are harder than they need to be and it won’t help much if you get stuck. But the sheer range of creatures on offer, and the villagers’ hidden depth, filled my time in Snaxburg with joy. It’s funny, thoughtful, inventive and warm.
  11. Nov 11, 2020
    80
    Bugsnax is not a technical masterpiece, but is full of creative ideas, fun gameplay mechanics and lots of heart.
  12. Nov 9, 2020
    80
    Bugsnax is a charming and creative game that can goes beyond its meme status by respecting the player’s intelligence with fun mechanics and an interesting plot. The game makes you think outside the box and let’s you have fun catching weird animals. I hope that after its release, everyone starts talkin' 'bout Bugsnax.
  13. Nov 9, 2020
    80
    Playing Bugsnax feels like you're clutching the giant pull switch in Dr Frankenstein's lab, the creation before you twitching beneath the white cloth, while the sunlight streams through the windows: it's a lovely day outside.
  14. Nov 9, 2020
    80
    While long loading times and occasional situations where the game’s plethora of information goes as missing as Elizabert can be annoying, Bugsnax is ultimately a wonderful experience. With one of the more unexpectedly interesting narratives I’ve come across in recent years and deeply inventive puzzle gameplay, there’s a lot to like here in a package which isn’t too short but also manages to not overstay its welcome. I made some great friends on Snaktooth Island and I think you will too.
  15. Nov 9, 2020
    80
    Bugsnax sees Young Horses building on the strange sense of humor it developed with Octodad while embracing some familiar, less adventurous gameplay hooks at its core. I let out an involuntary "aw" when I saw my first Kwookie scuttling across the ground, but the real heart of Bugsnax is its cast of lovable Grumpuses. It has great characters, an entertaining story, and all the Bugsnak catching is just varied enough to keep the experience interesting to its end. All that talk about Bugsnax over the past few months wasn't misguided: it's a flavor-blasted joy.
  16. Nov 9, 2020
    80
    More importantly, while not explicitly marketed towards children, I worry how those who do end up playing it are going to come away from this. Bugsnax has PEGI and ESBR ratings of 7 for mild violence, which I simply don’t agree with for its ending alone, and isn’t that a strange thing to have to say. Bugsnax is a pleasant little gem of a game, but I don’t think I’ve ever encountered another title that came so close to ruining it all for me so close to the finish line.
  17. Nov 9, 2020
    80
    Bugsnax is an odd combination of Pokémon, a Cabela’s hunting game, and Octodad. It’s got a lot going for it in the fun gameplay, as well as a wonderful island filled with incredible creatures to discover. I do think the ending doesn’t necessarily fit, and the backtracking is annoying, but it doesn’t make the game unenjoyable. If you want the weirdest game of 2020 that's unusually entertaining, then pick up Bugsnax. Now if you’ll excuse me, the Kero Kero Bonito song is stuck in my head again.
  18. Nov 9, 2020
    80
    Bugsnax is a relatively short title, taking roughly around ten hours or so to finish depending on if players go for full completion or not. Despite this, it contains a wonderful and charming story with the puzzles being so wildly creative it makes it fun to find and collect the many different Bugsnax.
  19. 80
    Despite early fanfare very much focusing on Kero Kero Bonito's catchy theme song, and on just how outlandish a game the initial trailer seemed to show it as, the actual fact of the matter is Bugsnax is a real success, a game chockful of charm, wit, and plenty of heart - and one that revels in its eccentric trappings and delivers a meaningful adventure that'll ensure you never quite want to leave the inhabitants of Snacktooth Island after all.
  20. Nov 9, 2020
    80
    Bugsnax may not have what it takes to be a chart-topping hit, but it does have the makings of an instant cult classic. Its goofy nature won't be for everyone, but players who take Elizabert Megafig up on her offer will be pleasantly surprised by Bugsnax's interesting gameplay mechanics and loveable characters.
  21. Nov 9, 2020
    75
    The hunt for elusive Bugsnax is an interesting tale, requiring the patience of a fisherman and the experience of a Pokemon Snap master. This is one delicious adventure, though it might be an acquired taste for some.
  22. CD-Action
    Jun 9, 2021
    70
    Bugsnax are delicious, but you have to be very creative to find a way to catch them all. The hunt itself is engaging and accompanied by quite an interesting story. However, some of the objectives are not clear enough, and while the adventure is full of funny events, it becomes boring after a while. [01/2021, p.54]
  23. Nov 9, 2020
    70
    If you are buying a PlayStation 5 with a PlayStation Plus subscription, Bugsnax will be surely worth your time considering that it will be free. Otherwise there's still value, but you may find it too easy and repetitive in its mechanics.
  24. Nov 9, 2020
    70
    It's been a while since I've played a game with a cast of characters that was so good it elevated the rest of the experience.
  25. Nov 9, 2020
    70
    A fun way to play with food and experience one of the first videogames of the next generation!
  26. Nov 9, 2020
    70
    Bugsnax is a strange concoction of elements that come together for a truly unique adventure. Finding and catching the titular creatures is great fun, but the gameplay is broken up by story beats that belie the game's simple, whimsical style. The mysterious narrative and memorable ensemble cast will keep you interested between hunting for snax, too. Despite loading screens interrupting the flow and a handful of repeated beasties, this curious game is an unusual blend of flavours that works wonderfully.
  27. Nov 9, 2020
    70
    I had a fine time on Snaktooth Island with Bugsnax, but like Young Horse’s Octodad, I don’t feel a need to return anytime soon. And that’s okay, because a launch gaming library definitely needs a pleasant, concise sort of adventure like this.
  28. Nov 9, 2020
    70
    Bugsnax is an odd and wacky experience that'll be remembered as the black swan of the PS5 launch lineup, in the best way possible. It highlights PlayStation's commitment to having a diverse catalog of games at the PS5 launch, and with Bugsnax being free on PS Plus for PS5 players at launch, there's no reason not to try it if you're a subscriber.
  29. Nov 12, 2020
    60
    The game noticeably stumbles as it attempts to more overtly address the darkness beneath its concept.
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 108 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 77 out of 108
  2. Negative: 18 out of 108
  1. Nov 13, 2020
    10
    Absolute big chungus Keanu reeves reddit moment epic game. But seriously, I’m just rating this well for the memes lmfao.
  2. Nov 16, 2020
    9
    A strange concept but story unfolds to having a surprising amount of depth. Some moments I found myself laughing out loud. A funny game worth playing.
  3. Nov 13, 2020
    10
    Bugsnax is a work of art that future generations will look back on in awh. One does not simply play Bugsnax but experiences Bugsnax and thenBugsnax is a work of art that future generations will look back on in awh. One does not simply play Bugsnax but experiences Bugsnax and then changes as a person afterwards, you will not breathe or take a **** the same after Bugsnax. When your life flashes before you're eyes you will see Filbo at the gates of heaven waiting for you. Full Review »