Metascore
64

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 16
  2. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Dec 3, 2014
    75
    Although the foundation for a great online twin-stick shooter has been laid with Secret Ponchos, it's going to need more content and a meatier core mode to really keep people interested -- until then, I think the game will struggle with keeping some of its community.
  2. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Jan 26, 2015
    70
    An entertaining distraction needing more variety for true longevity. [Feb 2015, p79]
  3. Jan 12, 2015
    70
    A good shoot-em-up just different with a bunch of new things for the genre.
  4. Dec 17, 2014
    70
    Secret Ponchos is a small project yet noteworthy. Unique in its mechanics from isometric shooter, offering rich gameplay and processed. Dynamic and highly tactical, goes perfectly with the nature of the competitive multiplayer game.
  5. Dec 17, 2014
    70
    It's the spaghetti western style that really shines here, while a solid gunplay delivers some interesting standoffs. It's a shame that overall the content is really thin, and will end in a matter of a few hours.
  6. Dec 16, 2014
    70
    Secret Ponchos is well worth falling for, if only because playing as The Killer and using cover for a speedy reload is the closest a game has ever come to depicting the first Metal Gear Solid boss fight from Revolver Ocelot's perspective.
  7. Dec 10, 2014
    70
    Secret Ponchos is a tough but enjoyable arena multiplayer shooter that could be fun and interesting game for only a short time due to lack of content. Give it a chance if you’re looking for something different though.
  8. Dec 10, 2014
    70
    Fun multiplayer twin stick experience. Interesting selection of main characters and well suited arcade battles, but lacks in the options and game modes departments.
  9. 70
    Secret Ponchos is a refined, intricate twin-stick shooter rooted in the Old West that, for those who enjoy simple, yet tactical, online battles, will stand on its own for a time to come.
  10. Dec 5, 2014
    70
    Abnormally complex and pretty for a twin-stick arena shooter, Secret Ponchos throws you into the deep end and demands you figure things out for yourself, usually while under heavy fire. Stick it out, however, and the real fun starts to shine through.
  11. Dec 4, 2014
    67
    Even though once you get to know how it works it's fun, the first impression isn't too positive, since it feels chaotic and confusing. Also, we would love to have more content to add variety to the experience.
  12. 60
    Even though it's light on variety and replay value, Secret Ponchos still works as an excellent foundation for a potentially addictive and uniquely artistic online twin-stick shooter.
  13. Dec 21, 2014
    60
    The potential is there, but as of now there's not enough content and not many players on the servers.
  14. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Feb 7, 2015
    50
    There's some serviceable twin-stick multiplayer shooting under the cowboy fancy dress, but sadly it's below some glaring technical problems, too. [Feb 2015, p.95]
  15. Dec 17, 2014
    50
    With only alternative costumes available to buy at launch, the hope is that more content will be added further down the line. For now, though, unless you’re already a PlayStation Plus subscriber, you’re better off hanging up your six shooters.
  16. Dec 15, 2014
    50
    Despite debuting as part of PlayStation Plus' Instant Game Collection, the barren lobbies and long matchmaking times tell you everything you need to know about the state of Secret Ponchos. No one wants to play a laggy, imbalanced, and punitive multiplayer-only game, even if it's free.
User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 108 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 108
  2. Negative: 23 out of 108
  1. Dec 4, 2014
    10
    I played about 200+ Hours of Secret Ponchos. And i can tell you guys this Game is so much Fun if you get with some People and play it on aI played about 200+ Hours of Secret Ponchos. And i can tell you guys this Game is so much Fun if you get with some People and play it on a Different Lvl then some of the people who started playing the game just for 20 Minutes. *rolls eyes* So anyways this game kept me hooked for so long just because its addicting every match can be different ! So anyone who enjoys Fighters, Competitive Twin Stick Shooters and just a Great Jolly Good Time play this Gem and Support it :)! Full Review »
  2. Dec 7, 2014
    8
    This game satisfies the craving for a MOBA-like experience on console. I been really wanting an isometric PVP arena game, and this certainlyThis game satisfies the craving for a MOBA-like experience on console. I been really wanting an isometric PVP arena game, and this certainly did not disappoint. Gameplay is fast, fun and fluid. Your performance is make or break based on how well you can strategize your next killer moves in the fly. Characters are unique and have pretty good balance overall.

    The biggest problems right now are with lag and matchmaking. There is often buggy game-breaking lag which causes some enemies to zig-zag across the map at blazing speeds and still kill you. Matchmaking is also inconsistent: either you get placement in a match quickly, or it never happens. I also had problems with being separated from my friends in the lobby. There should also be a way to stay in the same lobby at the end of the match.

    Overall, great game, but needs some more work on the backend.
    Full Review »
  3. Dec 13, 2014
    10
    Awesome game I've been playing non-stop since i got it free and got my friends hooked on the early access for PC since they don't have PS4. ByAwesome game I've been playing non-stop since i got it free and got my friends hooked on the early access for PC since they don't have PS4. By far one of the funnest games I've played in a long time. The matches are generally about 2 mins long which lets you play a bunch of matches quickly. 8 player free for all is chaos lol just sneak around and steal kills for the most part. But where its at is 2v2's especially if you have a friend.
    Twin stick shooter at its best. Dead Nation my fav Co-op twin stick. Secret Ponchos my Fav twin stick PVP shooter.
    Full Review »