Mercenary Kings

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 25
  3. Negative: 2 out of 25
  1. Play UK
    May 31, 2014
    85
    Deeper than it looks. [Issue#244, p.61]
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  2. PlayStation Universe
    May 1, 2014
    85
    Despite the repetition, Mercenary Kings offers an addictive customization system and a good all-round shoot 'em up experience.
  3. Everyeye.it
    Apr 15, 2014
    85
    Mercenary Kings is an old-style shooter with interesting twists. The multiplayer mode and the weapon customization are enough to make it a really pleasant game.
  5. NowGamer
    Apr 7, 2014
    85
    Whether you're buying it outright or getting it free from PS Plus, Mercenary Kings not only provides something new to get your teeth into, but has plenty of reasons to keep coming back for more.
  6. Eurogamer Italy
    Apr 9, 2014
    80
    Mercenary Kings is not only one of the best indie games released so far this year, but also a great retro-hardcore-experience filled with tons of content.
  7. God is a Geek
    Apr 7, 2014
    80
    Like any good game in the Metal Slug-style, Mercenary Kings is by turns maddeningly frustrating and wonderfully cathartic.
  8. USgamer
    Apr 4, 2014
    80
    Despite looking and playing like a 90's throwback, Mercenary Kings adds character and weapons customization options, and a novel mission structure to create a game that feels contemporary. Its content can feel somewhat repetitive, but by the time it does, most players will have already got their money's worth.
  9. Game Informer
    Apr 2, 2014
    80
    As it is, this style of shooting action feels like it’s stretched thin over such a lengthy campaign, and some of the missions might have been more fun if I hadn’t already explored the maps so thoroughly. That tedium certainly isn’t enough for me to warn people away from such a richly illustrated tribute to the roots of the shooter.
  10. Vandal
    Mar 31, 2014
    80
    If you like 2D action and platforming games, and if you have friends to play with, this is a must have. It is not perfect, but we like its retro feeling and the content and options it adds to make it work nowadays.
  11. LaPS4
    Apr 7, 2014
    78
    PlayStation 4 was crying out loud for a 2D action game like Mercenary Kings. Addictive, co-op, tons of nods to the classics and decent length. It's like being in the arcade with a bunch of quarters in your pocket.
  12. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    May 17, 2014
    75
    Challenging, with a massive variety of gun customisation, held back by unfortunate bugs. [June 2014, p81]
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  13. PlaySense
    Apr 23, 2014
    75
    The game looks and feels nostalgic with its 2D gameplay and challenging gameplay. However, the endless grinding and re-using of level design eventually make it an incredibly repetitive and overall tedious experience.
  14. PlayStation LifeStyle
    Apr 12, 2014
    75
    A great cooperative retro action title with plenty of challenge and reward.
  15. Multiplayer.it
    Apr 11, 2014
    75
    Mercenary Kings delivers a hardcore, compelling, sometimes frustrating action platform experience, packed with plenty of missions, weapons and enemies.
  16. 3DJuegos
    Apr 4, 2014
    75
    Fast and furious 2D action side scrolling adventure which resembles the glorious 16 bit era. A bit short, but still a slick classic production.

Awards & Rankings

89
#89 Best PS4 Game of 2014
58
#58 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2014

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 231 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 81 out of 231
  2. Mixed: 79 out of 231
  3. Negative: 71 out of 231
  1. themostunclean
    Apr 2, 2014
    10
    Some younger gamers may be daunted in the early stages of this game and jump to leaving an early negative review, I explore you to stick withSome younger gamers may be daunted in the early stages of this game and jump to leaving an early negative review, I explore you to stick with it. After the gun crafting gets in to full gear this becomes one of the deepest 2-d shooters I've ever played. Maps are expansive and ripe for exploration, the difficulty is tuned just right, punishing you only for mistakes on your part and not holding your hand. Too many games today let you waltz right through without any skill, this isn't one of those.… Full Review »
  2. Dukay66
    Apr 1, 2014
    7
    Mercenary Kings may be worth your time if you can convince three of your friends to play co-op with you. It's early stages drag a bit, butMercenary Kings may be worth your time if you can convince three of your friends to play co-op with you. It's early stages drag a bit, but once you get to new locations. The game also becomes naturally funner when you upgrade weapons, armor, and when you buy mods. Mercenary Kings also benefits from having a looting system if you will, which keeps things from getting stale. It's a free game on PS Plus that should be given a chance if want something new to play. Don't expect anything to grand though.… Full Review »
  3. BigBaz24
    Apr 3, 2014
    9
    A really fun and challenging game. Brings back memories of classic 8 & 16 bit side scrolling shooters of yesteryear. An added bonus is thatA really fun and challenging game. Brings back memories of classic 8 & 16 bit side scrolling shooters of yesteryear. An added bonus is that it's free for PS Plus subscribers.… Full Review »
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