The Messenger

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 83 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 83
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 83
  3. Negative: 11 out of 83

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  1. BITESCREEN
    Apr 15, 2019
    7
    The Messenger sieht zwar etwas aus wie das klassische Ninja Gaiden – orientiert sich aber eher am NES-Underdog Kabuki Quantum Fighter und dem modernen Indie-Hit Celeste. Im Hardcore-Sidescroller dasht Ihr mit Katana und Wurfstern durch flinke wie fiese Gegner und meistert dabei gut getimt Platformer-Einlagen mit Puzzle-Einschlag. Die bunten wie abwechslungsreichen Levels und deren BosseThe Messenger sieht zwar etwas aus wie das klassische Ninja Gaiden – orientiert sich aber eher am NES-Underdog Kabuki Quantum Fighter und dem modernen Indie-Hit Celeste. Im Hardcore-Sidescroller dasht Ihr mit Katana und Wurfstern durch flinke wie fiese Gegner und meistert dabei gut getimt Platformer-Einlagen mit Puzzle-Einschlag. Die bunten wie abwechslungsreichen Levels und deren Bosse sind zwar manchmal etwas generisch, dafür motiviert The Messenger durch gute Spielbarkeit, ein hohes Tempo und jede Menge Meta-Humor. Die unzähligen Anspielungen auf frühe Retrogames erreichen derweil ihren nostalgischen Höhepunkt, wenn Ihr später mit nur einem Knopfdruck zwischen 8-Bit- und 16-Bit-Grafik wechselt. Leider wird The Messenger gerade zu diesem Zeitpunkt etwas repetitiv, während der Schwierigkeitsgrad aufgrund unschön gesetzter Checkpoints etwas ausartet.… Expand
  2. SplitMind
    Nov 25, 2020
    5
    The Messenger is a game that will appeal to a niche audience that love their Ninja Gaiden crossed with Metroidvania. I thought that audience included myself, but this game has me thinking otherwise.

    The graphics and sound are true highlights of the game. The retro 2D graphics give off a SNES feel but are extremely responsive and modern. Walking into the merchant's shop for the first    The Messenger is a game that will appeal to a niche audience that love their Ninja Gaiden crossed with Metroidvania. I thought that audience included myself, but this game has me thinking otherwise.

    The graphics and sound are true highlights of the game. The retro 2D graphics give off a SNES feel but are extremely responsive and modern. Walking into the merchant's shop for the first time is a sight to behold and combined with a very compelling and memorable soundtrack means The Messenger will live in your mind for quite a while afterwards.

    After this the game took a dip for me. The first few levels were excellent. You are gradually learning skills and enjoying the learning curve as you traverse a variety of backdrops. Despite the repetitive characters, a variety of sprites and backgrounds balance these out and the boss fights in particular stand out and are always memorable.

    This is where I should mention I gave up on the game and The Underworld stage. Had this level been the last or second-last level I would have persisted to finish the game and my overall score would have been closer to an 8. By this level I had gotten quite sick of the mechanics and found the difficulty increases particularly frustrating. Being based on checkpoints means a lot of repetition when one tiny traversal keeps causing you to die, and sometimes this is a matter of trial and error rather than skill. The boss fights can be particularly masochistic as any deaths result in restarting the whole fight. To its credit, in the first few levels the game kept me coming back for me, but my patience could only last so long.

    Having discovered that I also gave up just before a crucial juncture in the game actually brought me relief rather than regret, as according to some walkthroughs on YouTube I was only halfway through the game.

    I had stopped enjoying it so I stopped playing it. That's how I am with games. I can appreciate other people love the trial and tribulation approach ala Dark Souls, so take my review as my own opinion, because there is A LOT to enjoy in this game if it's your type of game. I loved the gameplay as it was very fluid and responsive. The hitboxes were questionable at times but I can't help but find a lot of these highly-rated indie games come with a pinch of salt. I want to see indie games succeed as much as anyone as I am sick of AAA garbage, but I want to be honest about my experience with gams too.    … Expand
  3. Arklaed
    Jan 20, 2022
    3
    Graphic lag on a PS4? The horrible jump hit jump mechanic? This game is awful in every sense. Go play a balanced game with honest difficulty, like Blasphemous or HK, don't waste your time on this.
  4. matbris
    Mar 26, 2019
    10
    One of the best platformer on the console if not the best. Nice and sharp gameplay, hard but not unfaire. Will charm old and young gamer with it's crunchy humor and retro style. Il you speak french I strongly recommand you to select the "Québécois" language (most of the dialogue are clearly meant to be read in this language and it's where the humor is at it's best).

    The gameplay is    One of the best platformer on the console if not the best. Nice and sharp gameplay, hard but not unfaire. Will charm old and young gamer with it's crunchy humor and retro style. Il you speak french I strongly recommand you to select the "Québécois" language (most of the dialogue are clearly meant to be read in this language and it's where the humor is at it's best).

    The gameplay is realy similar to the old Ninja Gaiden on NES but sharper and with more moves.

    Dont' hesitate to buy it if you're fan of this genre, it's worth every penny... even more.

    P.S. : Don't look in the closet.    … Expand
  5. JonnyMenthol
    Apr 23, 2019
    9
    Abdolutely fantastic and probably the best 2d sidescrolling platformer with this style of fast paced combat ever created and not to spoil anything but it opens up into something that is even more wonderful than before when you think it is just about getting a little samey. I am knocking it down to a 9/10 for very small reasons, it edged just shy of a ten because of the late gameAbdolutely fantastic and probably the best 2d sidescrolling platformer with this style of fast paced combat ever created and not to spoil anything but it opens up into something that is even more wonderful than before when you think it is just about getting a little samey. I am knocking it down to a 9/10 for very small reasons, it edged just shy of a ten because of the late game exploration can get confusing, most of the collectible coins are ridiculously well hidden which require an online guide and while I havn't finsihed yet, I am very close, I would have prefered had they tightened things up late game an wound that stuff into mid game instead or a seperate mode from the menu instead of continued linearity, maybe a NG+ type deal as there was a point there where the game felt perfect and complete and you'll know it when you see it.
    Not much else to say on this but that if you love fast paced, skill based side scrollers you will love this. It's to Ninja gaiden what Shovel knight was to Mega man and other games like it. Top notch stuff.    … Expand
  6. WithFieryTruth
    Sep 10, 2023
    3
    I heard this is supposed to be a great Metroidvania, but then I learned the hard way that it doesn't start off that way. Your first have to play through several hours of awful, old school side-scrolling action.
    The idea is kinda cool, but it's extremely poorly executed, because they've also included many of the glaring issues that made those old games (that this was inspired by) so    I heard this is supposed to be a great Metroidvania, but then I learned the hard way that it doesn't start off that way. Your first have to play through several hours of awful, old school side-scrolling action.
    The idea is kinda cool, but it's extremely poorly executed, because they've also included many of the glaring issues that made those old games (that this was inspired by) so infuriating. Those issues include, but are not limited to:

    - Enemies respawn constantly and indefinitely.
    - You get knocked back (often into a pit) whenever you're hit by something.
    - You die instantly from various falls.
    - You take damage simply by touching an enemy's hitbox.
    - You have low HP that only lets you take a few hits.
    - There are no, or very few, invincibility frames, meaning you can get hit by several different attacks, objects and traps in succession.

    You're also punished every time you die. Not only do you respawn with depleted health; there's also a creature that starts following you around and steal all your loot for a while. Whoever thought that this was a good idea that would add entertainment value to the game is clearly delusional and should not be allowed to make decisions during game development.

    I love Metroidvanias, but having to endure all this crap just to (allegedly) reach the good stuff eventually isn't something I'm willing to waste my time on when there's so many other games out there that are great right from the getgo.    … Expand
  7. bbtothe
    Aug 11, 2023
    10
    For anyone that has recently played Sea of Stars and is wondering if this is worth it? It 100% is. This is one of the best retro inspired games of all time and an absolute treat to play.


    P.s it has one of the most memorable npcs conversations of memory
  8. Ampov
    Jan 24, 2020
    10
    Skeptical at first, but couldn't put down the controller once i started. The one who designed the levels, obstacles and enemies is a genius. I expected a simple platform, but got way more. I felt like playing a puzzle game because every time the screen changed i immediately went puzzle solving mode on how to pass to the next screen, and then the next, and the next.. It is aSkeptical at first, but couldn't put down the controller once i started. The one who designed the levels, obstacles and enemies is a genius. I expected a simple platform, but got way more. I felt like playing a puzzle game because every time the screen changed i immediately went puzzle solving mode on how to pass to the next screen, and then the next, and the next.. It is a fun-action-quest-adventure-puzzle-and-etc. game… Expand
  9. Ruzaky
    Aug 6, 2020
    10
    This game is so much fun. Music is awesome. Gameplay is super fast and tight. characters and dialogues in this is funny. Just great game overal.
  10. ghettie
    Sep 30, 2020
    10
    Definitely one of the best games of this generation. Brilliant narrative, addicive gameplay, great level design, boss fights! Soundtrack still plays in my head on loop.. MUST PLAY
  11. Crysouls
    Jul 25, 2021
    9
    Prós:
    - Lojista
    - Jogabilidade
    - Direção de arte
    - Level design
    - Dificuldade
    - Enredo/Diálogos
    - Trilha sonora

    Contras:
    - Falta variação de inimigos ao decorrer do game.

    Vale a pena? É obvio, jogo super divertido e desafiador mas não tanto ao ponto de te irritar, com uma jogabilidade muito fluida e uma transição entre 8-bits e 16-bits sensacional
  12. Bmack
    Jan 25, 2020
    10
    Hello fellow gamers! If you haven't checked this one out yet I urge you to do yourself the service of purchasing this content as it's a great product on so many levels. If you are a fan of metroidvanias, ninja gaiden, retro gaming with modern controls then there's so much to like here. Between the story, art direction, soundtrack, gameplay mechanics, challenge, there's really a lot ofHello fellow gamers! If you haven't checked this one out yet I urge you to do yourself the service of purchasing this content as it's a great product on so many levels. If you are a fan of metroidvanias, ninja gaiden, retro gaming with modern controls then there's so much to like here. Between the story, art direction, soundtrack, gameplay mechanics, challenge, there's really a lot of content to enjoy here. I fell in love with this game right within the first few cutscenes. The story is so well written, between the philosophical stuff thrown in there and the humor as well to keep things light creates a perfect balance. Characters are all fleshed out well. Level design is top notch too. Sure there can be some tricky spots when going for the many hidden items and even progressing further may pose a challenge to some, but to me it is done in a fair way that rewards the player however they choose to proceed. There's free dlc with talks of more if sales remain strong and I for one would love more content for this game that already is quite large in size. The music is super catchy to the point of being borderline infectious. I can't really find anything to be harsh on and I'm super critical of stuff so use that as a guide. I really loved this game and feel you will too if you like any of the many components it has to offer. The game is only 20$ USD at the PS store and it could've easily sold for three times that with the content and quality it has to offer. If you're not quite sure look at some videos on YouTube, but beware of spoilers. This is a game I feel will be enjoyed through many generations as the ones it took inspiration from. What are you waiting for? Go have a blast and download it today! … Expand
  13. wikgh3li4trg
    Nov 3, 2021
    10
    Fantastic gameplay, music and writing. Not usually a massive fan of 2d retro games, but this one is different. Highly recommended.
  14. Roman_LAV
    Aug 12, 2022
    8
    Это интересная аркада в духе старой школы. По модной тенденции эта классика с умеренной пародией на жанр, то есть - много юмора и отсылок. Прекрасное музыкальное сопровождение и и разнообразный игровой процесс. РекомендуюЭто интересная аркада в духе старой школы. По модной тенденции эта классика с умеренной пародией на жанр, то есть - много юмора и отсылок. Прекрасное музыкальное сопровождение и и разнообразный игровой процесс. Рекомендую
  15. miguevindiano
    Dec 25, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A beautiful pixel art, good OST, jokes that actually made me laugh and a great use of the plot to surprise the player when it goes from 8 to 16 bits. One of the best games of its year, with no doubt.… Expand
  16. KoverSamolet
    Jul 18, 2023
    9
    Such a blast of a game. I could not imagine the fun I was about to discover and dive into. Humor is sweet and compliments the game just perfect. Soundtrack is fire, hilarious. Learning curve is okay, challenging every here and there. You will have to hone your skills and adopt every move you will be gifted with. And exactly when you think you are about to beat it real game just begins.Such a blast of a game. I could not imagine the fun I was about to discover and dive into. Humor is sweet and compliments the game just perfect. Soundtrack is fire, hilarious. Learning curve is okay, challenging every here and there. You will have to hone your skills and adopt every move you will be gifted with. And exactly when you think you are about to beat it real game just begins.
    P.S. Sure wait until you discover that dark cave.    … Expand
  17. aandrade81
    Nov 13, 2021
    8
    Excelente jogo de plataforma, o mix entre os 8 e 16 bits resulta em quebra cabeças ótimos.
  18. Yojimbo2015
    Jan 25, 2023
    7
    Fun little retro 2D platformer in the Shinobi mould with a sense of humour and great music.

Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Best PS4 Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. TheSixthAxis
    May 10, 2019
    90
    Judged by its visuals alone, The Messenger is a charming retro adventure with pixel perfect platforming. Even that high praise is to do it a disservice, as the game soon opens up to be an unexpected, yet brilliant metroidvania, delivering a plot that twists, turns, surprises, and has humour to spare. Ultimately, the Messenger is one of the best indie games I’ve ever encountered. You really should play it.
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  2. Cubed3
    Apr 22, 2019
    70
    The Messenger is a unique and enjoyable 2D platformer with a strong personality and exciting gameplay, and its fine-tuned appearance on the PS4 is a welcome one. The first half of the game is worthy of unfettered praise, but the experience takes a hefty blow at the halfway point from a failed attempt at expanding the scope. This aside, it remains a lovingly conceived game and is well worth playing through on this basis, but its flaws prevent it from going down as a true classic. In light of the fact that this is the first game by Sabotage, it's fair to say that the studio's future is bright.
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  3. The Games Machine
    Mar 26, 2019
    80
    The Messenger is a great example of “old school platform”. It’s fun to play, challenging but never frustrating, with good graphics and an excellent soundtrack.
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