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. 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.
  2. 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

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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