User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 235 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 77 out of 235
  2. Negative: 31 out of 235

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  1. Oct 9, 2016
    8
    Never Alone is a puzzle-platformer video game by Upper One Games. Swapping between an Iñupiaq girl named Nuna and her Arctic fox companion, the player completes puzzles in a story based on Alaskan indigenous stories told in eight chapters.

    + Beautifully Animated
    + Coop
  2. Feb 23, 2015
    9
    What a charming and delightful little game this is!
    Despite a couple of niggling little issues such as lack of movement while aiming and the occasional mistimed jump, where the game can be a tad sluggish, it's a true delight to play.
    It's a simplistic 2d puzzle platformer and to some that's a turnoff but don't miss this game if you like a gentle and charming tale, I got lost in this
    What a charming and delightful little game this is!
    Despite a couple of niggling little issues such as lack of movement while aiming and the occasional mistimed jump, where the game can be a tad sluggish, it's a true delight to play.

    It's a simplistic 2d puzzle platformer and to some that's a turnoff but don't miss this game if you like a gentle and charming tale, I got lost in this game for some 3-4 hours chiefly due to the atmosphere, storytelling and style. If you're getting tired of AAA titles banging their drums at you and fancy a change of pace and a bit of heart in a game, give Never Alone a go, it's worth it
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  3. Apr 13, 2015
    10
    For me, as xwlemi man there is nothing more powerful or beautiful in the world other than my culture. This interactive story is not an expression of my own people. However, it is beautiful thing to see an indigenous story being expressed through this medium in utter perfection and brilliants. The depth and beauty nearly left me in tears of awe, the language was not heard but felt. TheFor me, as xwlemi man there is nothing more powerful or beautiful in the world other than my culture. This interactive story is not an expression of my own people. However, it is beautiful thing to see an indigenous story being expressed through this medium in utter perfection and brilliants. The depth and beauty nearly left me in tears of awe, the language was not heard but felt. The spiritual reality of this story somehow managed to transcend the oral tradition into a masterpiece of indigenous wonder. Never Alone, deserves a category of its own for there is nothing like it.. there no other creations to compare it to.
    Granted this game is not for everyone. For those who are not indigenous people the depth, beauty, and brilliants will no doubt escape you. The gameplay is immersive and is a means of sharing a story and a reality, it never fail at this function. I cannot apologies for including such a deep grained bias in this review, for my culture or "bias" is what makes me who I am. "I am because we are, we are because I am." It is a rare thing within any medium for our indigenous culture and worldview to be translated with respect, integrity, and with the same beauty as an elder sharing a story. This comes as close as possible to that translation. Words give this piece of work little justice... I can only compare it to hearing another tribes song.. that song is not your own. But you can feel the spirit that goes into that song, you know it comes from a similar heart and mind, the power and beauty of that song does not escape you. This game is the same way, a song that is not my own..but it comes from a similar heart and mind, and, its power and beauty is felt each and every minute. This review will not make sense to many of you, but if it did this game is worth your time.
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  4. Nov 30, 2014
    9
    Excellent indie game. Very emotional game with good graphics and superb storytelling. There are minor technical issues but i forgot about them soon enough. If you enjoyed valiant hearts you will like this as it has a simelar history telling aspect to it. Very nice .
  5. Nov 22, 2014
    10
    This game is both remarkably beautiful and fills a unique niche in the video game world by celebrating a rich culture we know very little about. The care with which the beautiful story unfolds and the narrative which rests on actual stories adds a totally riveting dimension to the play. I hope the producers do more of this type of game because this one is truly unforgettable and deeplyThis game is both remarkably beautiful and fills a unique niche in the video game world by celebrating a rich culture we know very little about. The care with which the beautiful story unfolds and the narrative which rests on actual stories adds a totally riveting dimension to the play. I hope the producers do more of this type of game because this one is truly unforgettable and deeply moving. Get it! Expand
  6. Nov 21, 2014
    10
    Most interesting game I've played in a while. A breath of fresh air. If you are bored of the same old thing, or if you want your games to teach you something, give Never Alone a try. You won't be sorry.
  7. Nov 26, 2014
    10
    It's going to be a Never Alone Thanksgiving!

    When I first saw Never Alone back at E3 I knew I was going to love it, and it didn't disappoint. I've played at as the girl, the fox and several times as co-op and the experience just keeps getting better. The thing I love most about this game is how the puzzles seem difficult at first and there are several different but subtle combinations
    It's going to be a Never Alone Thanksgiving!

    When I first saw Never Alone back at E3 I knew I was going to love it, and it didn't disappoint. I've played at as the girl, the fox and several times as co-op and the experience just keeps getting better. The thing I love most about this game is how the puzzles seem difficult at first and there are several different but subtle combinations to solve each one.

    Games are a big part of our Thanksgiving tradition...can't wait to share this with the fam!
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  8. Dec 2, 2014
    8
    A pleasant title and well worth £10. The graphics/sounds and gameplay are very good. It's great fun playing local co-op (haven't played alone). There are some frustrating elements, which I can imagine are a real pain playing alone, but generally the difficulty level is quite low and shouldn't be at all challenging for seasoned gamers. But this is mostly about the story and, whilst short,A pleasant title and well worth £10. The graphics/sounds and gameplay are very good. It's great fun playing local co-op (haven't played alone). There are some frustrating elements, which I can imagine are a real pain playing alone, but generally the difficulty level is quite low and shouldn't be at all challenging for seasoned gamers. But this is mostly about the story and, whilst short, it is very enjoyable. Expand
  9. Apr 16, 2015
    8
    A beautiful and mesmerising game. The art style is enchanting. The gameplay is fluent and interesting and the story is memorable and distinct. For a free game on ps+ it's a must you check it out.
  10. Nov 28, 2014
    9
    Another point in the "original, fantastic storytelling" column. Not quite the emotional impact of Supergiant's Transistor, but the music and story are beautifully told. Most importantly, this shows that cultural interests and sensitivities can be built effectively through gaming as a primary medium. Can you imagine having children in the deep south play this kind of game that addressedAnother point in the "original, fantastic storytelling" column. Not quite the emotional impact of Supergiant's Transistor, but the music and story are beautifully told. Most importantly, this shows that cultural interests and sensitivities can be built effectively through gaming as a primary medium. Can you imagine having children in the deep south play this kind of game that addressed racial tensions common in the USA? This could be the start of something amazing. Expand
  11. Nov 21, 2014
    9
    What a breath of fresh air this game is. You can see our full review on or YouTube channel. Here's a little indy title that made me remember what its like to play a good co-op game with a friend. The controls and graphics are great and the music or ambiance fits well into the whole experience. I say experience because that's what it is. with the story line of the game in conjunction withWhat a breath of fresh air this game is. You can see our full review on or YouTube channel. Here's a little indy title that made me remember what its like to play a good co-op game with a friend. The controls and graphics are great and the music or ambiance fits well into the whole experience. I say experience because that's what it is. with the story line of the game in conjunction with the documentary that comes with the game you finish the game a little smarter. It rare that you find a game that is fun but teaches about the rich culture of a people race as well. The only down side of the game is how short it is but I guess it just leaves you wanting more. Expand
  12. Mar 30, 2019
    8
    This is a little gem of a game. It's not a AAA game by any means, but it's a small game with a small story about a small girl (and her fox). It's compelling though, and I loved it. You should look at it as if it's a story more than a game.

    Some people say it's a shallow game. And they are right up to a certain point. In between the various chapters or scenes you get to learn about Inuit
    This is a little gem of a game. It's not a AAA game by any means, but it's a small game with a small story about a small girl (and her fox). It's compelling though, and I loved it. You should look at it as if it's a story more than a game.

    Some people say it's a shallow game. And they are right up to a certain point. In between the various chapters or scenes you get to learn about Inuit culture as well. I really liked these short interview-like intermissions.

    The real bonus for me was being able to play together with my son who controlled the fox. It's a compelling story with enough interaction, platforming and storytelling. The atmosphere is amazing, the sound effects are really good as is the music. It's not perfect and the difficulty isn't high. Although at some points there is a sudden spike in difficulty, it's never impossible or frustrating. To be honest, I found it very relaxing to play this game, apart from the parts of the story that were more exciting.

    Recommended!
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  13. May 7, 2015
    8
    It's a fun little game, WAY better with a second player. I got annoyed going it alone, but it really works with a second person. It's a cool experience, very refreshing, and learning a little along the way was surprisingly well done.
  14. Sep 9, 2018
    8
    This is a cute game. I played it co-op with my son who's a much better gamer than I am. I played the fox and he played the girl. It's a pretty standard platformer with a few puzzles and challenges, so nothing really outstanding. It mostly works well, though there were a couple of odd glitches that weren't fatal. The cultural background of the game is very strong, although we did not payThis is a cute game. I played it co-op with my son who's a much better gamer than I am. I played the fox and he played the girl. It's a pretty standard platformer with a few puzzles and challenges, so nothing really outstanding. It mostly works well, though there were a couple of odd glitches that weren't fatal. The cultural background of the game is very strong, although we did not pay too much attention to it yet. The art style is wonderful.

    I had a lot of fun carrying on like a fox, but the second half of the game is less interesting for the fox. In co-op play, the better player should definitely be the girl.
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  15. Sep 19, 2019
    8
    Хорошая короткая игра-платформер про инуитов и песца. Со вставками из истории инуитов. Под конец, правда, скучнее уровни, затянутые.
  16. Sep 11, 2022
    8
    Quick background on me the reviewer, I tend to like single player games that is heavy on narrative the most. I also play a lot of racing games and use to play multiplayer games in my high school days but now that it's hard for me and my friends to find a good time to link up so now it’s rarer for me to get into a multiplayer game. Up to try any genre of games and sometimes I find somethingQuick background on me the reviewer, I tend to like single player games that is heavy on narrative the most. I also play a lot of racing games and use to play multiplayer games in my high school days but now that it's hard for me and my friends to find a good time to link up so now it’s rarer for me to get into a multiplayer game. Up to try any genre of games and sometimes I find something new that I didn't think I'd like. I own a PC (built by me), Xbox One X, Xbox Series X, PS3, PS4, PS5, and a Switch. I prefer Playstation due to their focus on narrative games. For scoring, I’ll be using the Gameinformer review scale and of course influenced by my personal opinions.

    (8) Very Good. Innovated, but perhaps not in the right choice for everyone. This score indicates that there are many good things to be had, but arguable so.

    A simple platformer that teaches you about an Alaskan Native tribe. Graphics/art, and message makes it worth the try. It’s a short game but the story will help you learn about an old culture by swapping you between a girl named Nuna and an Arctic Fox as a companion. They work together to solve simple puzzles and create a partnership. You’ll leave the game feeling like you learned something as well as being entertained for 5-6 hours.
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Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 25
  2. Negative: 1 out of 25
  1. Jan 16, 2015
    70
    Despite my frustrations with some unfair aspects of the gameplay, I found Never Alone to be incredibly compelling.
  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Jan 13, 2015
    50
    Sadly, pretty looks and sweetly-edited shorts can't mask the lack of inspiration at its mechanical core. [Jan 2015, p.94]
  3. Edge Magazine
    Jan 9, 2015
    60
    A fragile container for a tale of such inestimable value, and what ought to be universally welcoming instead must be approached with caution: come expecting revelation on an emotional level, not a mechanical one. [Jan 2014, p.121]