Never Alone

 PlayStation 4
User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 235 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 77 out of 235
  2. Mixed: 127 out of 235
  3. Negative: 31 out of 235

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  1. Tubey
    Nov 30, 2014
    5
    Arrrgh... I got roped into buying this game by Eurogamer, and... it's a nothing title. Complete nothing. A by the books platform puzzler that is pretty to look at but lacks depth in a big, big way.

    Yes, it's atmospheric, but that means nothing if it has nothing in terms of game play. I could look at The Scream by Edvard Munch if I wanted an atmospheric visual without gameplay. It's    Arrrgh... I got roped into buying this game by Eurogamer, and... it's a nothing title. Complete nothing. A by the books platform puzzler that is pretty to look at but lacks depth in a big, big way.

    Yes, it's atmospheric, but that means nothing if it has nothing in terms of game play. I could look at The Scream by Edvard Munch if I wanted an atmospheric visual without gameplay.

    It's also very easy. It's difficult to get puzzle platformers right in terms of difficulty, but every puzzle is just so obvious as to take away any semblance of intrigue.

    There are much better titles out there, and whilst I applaud this indie title for getting the setting absolutely spot on, it's proof that gameplay is king.    … Expand
  2. FriedConsole
    Apr 13, 2015
    7
    A lot like Valiant Hearts in that it is trying teach you stuff in a puzzle platformer but the puzzles aren't as interesting and there is a lot of real boring platforming and running away from stuff.
  3. BaronMonaco
    Jan 6, 2016
    6
    I played this game thanks to the PS+ subscription but I'll review it like if i bought it as is no longer available for free.

    Never Alone is one of those game that is more concern by its purpose than it is with its gameplay. Then yes you'll learned a lot about an original culture, the game has cute graphics that match its chara design. For an indie game the technical side is pretty good.    I played this game thanks to the PS+ subscription but I'll review it like if i bought it as is no longer available for free.

    Never Alone is one of those game that is more concern by its purpose than it is with its gameplay. Then yes you'll learned a lot about an original culture, the game has cute graphics that match its chara design. For an indie game the technical side is pretty good.

    The story without being amazing is, like already said, a true discovery of this people culture with a very nice atmosphere but it will only last about 3 hours which is way too short for the 15€ asked.

    And at least if those 3 hours were intense it would compensate the length but not the puzzles and the platforming is so simple you'll just walk through each level and take the few collectibles scattered across.

    There's not much more to say, it's cute and interesting, but not very interesting and very short. If you want to play it I suggest to wait for a big discount.    … Expand
  4. JokeRPro12
    Apr 26, 2015
    6
    Beautiful game with a powerful story yet an un-fulfilling gameplay, while it works for the most parts usually the gameplay brakes when trying to control both characters at the same time. it collectible videos however are quite good offering a unique look at the Northern culture. Fun Enough to play once but not at full price [6.5/10]
  5. dubloon7
    Apr 20, 2015
    6
    I was intrigued for a while before playing this because of the aesthetics and tone of the game. Playing thru at first I enjoyed it, but soon enough into it I had become too frustrated with the clipping glitches all throughout the game. I had to quit playing even before finishing this game because the glitches were too prominent. I do enjoy the backstories and videos found throughout theI was intrigued for a while before playing this because of the aesthetics and tone of the game. Playing thru at first I enjoyed it, but soon enough into it I had become too frustrated with the clipping glitches all throughout the game. I had to quit playing even before finishing this game because the glitches were too prominent. I do enjoy the backstories and videos found throughout the game, but dislike the game as a whole since the videos were more content than the actual gameplay.… Expand
  6. Popan
    Apr 13, 2015
    7
    This is honestly a really good game with a great historical value. It also gives background info on certain things as well. My only problem is that as good as it is the gameplay is kind of boring.

    Art/Graphics:9
    Gameplay:6
    Value: 10(free for PS Plus in April 2015)
    Story:9
    Quality;9
  7. The_Garays
    Oct 13, 2015
    7
    Never Alone was the first indie genre game I played and I enjoyed it, but once I kept playing different titles I saw that my opinion on it was evolving, so I waited for a while to write this review.

    It's a game that has a very elaborate art design, it provides players a nice storyline and a very rewarding BS. You keep unlocking information about the Alaskan natives culture, those videos    Never Alone was the first indie genre game I played and I enjoyed it, but once I kept playing different titles I saw that my opinion on it was evolving, so I waited for a while to write this review.

    It's a game that has a very elaborate art design, it provides players a nice storyline and a very rewarding BS. You keep unlocking information about the Alaskan natives culture, those videos have a fascinating narrative, the stories captivate you, It almost felt like bed time when I was five and my grandpa read me stories.

    On the other hand, the gameplay is very poor, puzzles and riddles are very simple and they can be solved very quickly. I belive that if the difficulty was just a bit higher it would've been an 8 score game, anyway I enjoyed it and it was free for my PSN Plus, so... win win :)    … Expand
  8. XxJoseManuelxX
    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
  9. Lion7
    May 7, 2015
    5
    This is what I want from free indie games on PS Plus. I actually don't want them, but this was good enough to not only get me to download it, but play it for a few hours and not feel that I've wasted time and HDD space. It's a game with a unique premise, good artwork, and a nice story foundation. With all that... it's still only as good as a "free" indie game can be. Which isn't all thatThis is what I want from free indie games on PS Plus. I actually don't want them, but this was good enough to not only get me to download it, but play it for a few hours and not feel that I've wasted time and HDD space. It's a game with a unique premise, good artwork, and a nice story foundation. With all that... it's still only as good as a "free" indie game can be. Which isn't all that special on a PS4.

    GAMEPLAY: I find most indie games boring as they rehash the 2D Sidescrolling Puzzle-Platformer tropes. Sadly, Never Alone's gameplay falls into that hole. Working together and using both the girl and the fox is a neat design choice, but the AI is downright awful at times. If you can get a second player, do that, and the game suddenly becomes a cute and charming little puzzle-platformer.

    Never Alone is an indie game that avoids committing indie game sins. No "pixel art/retro style" as an excuse for bad graphics. No "minimalist design" as an excuse for a lack of story. It's good as a free game, but don't pay out the $15 unless you wish to support the developers. It's not $15 worth of good gameplay.    … Expand
  10. elMorseman
    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    … Expand
  11. GrumpyReviewer
    Dec 2, 2014
    4
    I love indie games and I give this 4 because I know the people behind this game have their hearts in the right place. The problem is that, unfortunately, the game is bad. The story is interesting as it give us an opportunity to learn about a whole culture and they had a great idea in their hands (not original, mind you): you control a girl and a fox through a series of easy puzzles andI love indie games and I give this 4 because I know the people behind this game have their hearts in the right place. The problem is that, unfortunately, the game is bad. The story is interesting as it give us an opportunity to learn about a whole culture and they had a great idea in their hands (not original, mind you): you control a girl and a fox through a series of easy puzzles and clunky platforming. The gameplay is boring, the "fighting" is almost broken and, at one point, I was getting so mad at them for failing so much that I was actually amused to see them losing to the bad guys. I don't recommend this game. It can not be only about a concept, it must entertain. And Neve Alone doesn't. Bad, mediocre game that aims too high but falls flat on the ground.… Expand
  12. owhi
    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.    … Expand
  13. thehenman
    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 .
  14. joaopontesvaz
    May 11, 2015
    5
    Graphics: 5.5 Sound: 6.5 Gameplay: 6.0 Fun/Story: 5.0

    Repetitiveness, boring and unpolished game. When it starts it carries some good ideas and seems it will be a great game but it just doesn´t happened. Lacks a wonderful and variety of art.
  15. Grigann
    May 11, 2015
    4
    Pretty standard puzzle platformer, with some nice atmosphere and graphics. Unfortunately the controls are just bad and there is just not enough things to do in this game.
  16. Kanazawa
    Sep 6, 2015
    2
    That was terrible. No fun, no interesting story, about an hour in game play, terrible ledge mechanics, common glitching, etc. Just a bad game. I'm glad it was free or I'd be mad.
  17. Mhlcc
    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
  18. paidforitall
    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.
  19. montecarlo
    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!    … Expand
  20. FozzyTheForger
    Apr 19, 2015
    5
    Had I not gotten this for free from Sony, I would have completely missed it. That would have been.. sad?

    See, as a piece of art and a somewhat interactive story telling device, I think it's quite exceptional, as it is outstandingly well made. I loved the 'cultural insights' I would get for every twenty or so yards I walked my two very, very cute characters. There is more and more to    Had I not gotten this for free from Sony, I would have completely missed it. That would have been.. sad?

    See, as a piece of art and a somewhat interactive story telling device, I think it's quite exceptional, as it is outstandingly well made.

    I loved the 'cultural insights' I would get for every twenty or so yards I walked my two very, very cute characters. There is more and more to do as you progress, but it's a very basic game. It is no more a game than, say, Valiant Hearts was/is. Was that a good game? Meh, it felt like Metal Slug on Valium. Valium Hearts. I loved the photos and the procedurally unlocked text, but would not recommend it as a basis to gain insight on the World War One.

    So, I find it hard to score this as a game, because the game component is so very minuscule. Does it serve as a story/history telling device? Maybe, I would have to step back, watch all the non-interactive exposition and come back to judge it differently. Maybe as that, it would get a 9 or even a 10? It is not categorized in 'history book', though. It is categorized as a video game. Too bad.

    Is it suitable for children? Again, I would have to watch all the 'cultural insights' first, see what they teach and tell me before I would be willing to let the kids have a go at it.

    If you've ever owned a dog, or if you're just a human being, things will inevitably touch you when you give this one a spin. Does that make it a good game? Nope.    … Expand
  21. Kinokee
    May 10, 2015
    5
    Simple platforming and too many clipping issues. Stupid AI. Inconsistent rates of movement. The game was alright up until the last couple levels until the problems became more apparent. The last two levels were just downright awful and ruined the entire experience for me. If you want to make a game to tell a story, don't try to add so much bad crap that no one wants to play.
  22. Drekassn
    Feb 27, 2015
    5
    This was very much "just okay". The fox dynamic was cute, but the controls were very clunky and the "story", if you can even call it that, was meh at best. It felt like it was trying to be artistic and deep, but it honestly didn't feel much like that at all, really. I mean, I'm not just some plebeian who doesn't appreciate artsy games or anything--I've played Journey and Flower and criedThis was very much "just okay". The fox dynamic was cute, but the controls were very clunky and the "story", if you can even call it that, was meh at best. It felt like it was trying to be artistic and deep, but it honestly didn't feel much like that at all, really. I mean, I'm not just some plebeian who doesn't appreciate artsy games or anything--I've played Journey and Flower and cried at them both, but this just left me feeling kinda nothing.

    Eh. It really wasn't a -bad- way to spend two hours, but it really wasn't great.    … Expand
  23. brightonrover
    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
  24. Turbodowg
    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.
  25. adamkynaston
    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
  26. Winterhawk200
    Apr 27, 2015
    5
    Average.
    Story was average, game was average.
    Controls were ok. The AI seemed pretty stupid and caused some fustration as when the AI was in control of the second character it would sometimes cause your death for no reason then it would run straight to it's death off a cliff or something. I also found some issues with moving threw objects (spirits) you were supose to interact with    Average.
    Story was average, game was average.
    Controls were ok.
    The AI seemed pretty stupid and caused some fustration as when the AI was in control of the second character it would sometimes cause your death for no reason then it would run straight to it's death off a cliff or something.
    I also found some issues with moving threw objects (spirits) you were supose to interact with causing death, then for it to work fine on a second try.    … Expand
  27. mediaglitch
    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
  28. alexmanea
    May 27, 2015
    3
    This seemed like a pretty nice game. The gameplay was nice and the story was nice. I closed the game and decided to play it again the next day, but when I opened the game I discovered that I had to start a new game for there was no "continue". I started cussing and I deleted the game. What a shame...
  29. dacritic82
    May 1, 2015
    5
    I got this game for free with my PS+ subscription. I guess the only way it's worth playing is if you also get it for free and have someone to join in. It has a nice story but everything else in it is just dull.
  30. Kargun
    May 12, 2016
    6
    Como documental funciona bastante bien, pero como plataformas es un poco justito. A pesar de que la idea pionera de mezclar documental con videojuego es una buena premisa no creo que este juego la lleve a cabo de manera adecuada.
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Awards & Rankings

75
#75 Best PS4 Game of 2014
50
#50 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2014
71
#71 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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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. Mixed: 11 out of 25
  3. Negative: 1 out of 25
  1. GameCritics
    Jan 16, 2015
    70
    Despite my frustrations with some unfair aspects of the gameplay, I found Never Alone to be incredibly compelling.
    Read full review
  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]
See all critic reviews »