Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 28
  2. Negative: 0 out of 28
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  1. May 8, 2015
    50
    Despite being impressed by its visuals and attention to detail, I hadn’t first realized how short and lacking in substance it was, and I always begrudge video games like that being released in the first place.
  2. Jan 23, 2015
    81
    The Swapper gets the upper hand as one of the best puzzle games of the last years. It's not only because of the challenges it offers, but the overall beauty the game has, both plot-wise and in it's concept. A true gift for those who enjoy the genre.
  3. Jan 15, 2015
    90
    This is a very peculiar game with an excellent gameplay and an extremely interesting plot.
  4. Sep 16, 2014
    85
    The Swapper combines smart puzzle solving with deep theme like the actual meaning of human nature and the essence of conscience. This game truly deserves your attention.
  5. Sep 4, 2014
    85
    Visually stunning and brilliant, more than one year after its original release The Swapper is still an impressive puzzle game.
  6. Sep 1, 2014
    80
    The Swapper delivers nice gameplay mechanics solid and engaging story, and good graphics... too bad that is too short.
  7. Aug 27, 2014
    88
    On console The Swapper is as impressive as always. An impressive puzzle platforming experience.
  8. Aug 22, 2014
    65
    I support sci-fi that does more than ask people to shoot aliens with futuristic guns, but there's just not enough coherence in The Swapper to put up with the split between the intriguing premise and the contrivances that surround it.
  9. Aug 20, 2014
    90
    A great puzzle experience with brilliant level design and a unique visual style. If you like this sort of game, you can't miss out on the Swapper.
  10. Aug 17, 2014
    80
    Still, despite its short length and lack of replayability, time playing The Swapper is most definitely time well spent. The clone-based puzzles are superb, while the addition of a thought-provoking narrative is the cherry on top of what is an excellent puzzle/platformer.
  11. Aug 14, 2014
    83
    95% of this game is pure excellence.
  12. Aug 12, 2014
    95
    The Swapper is a beautiful, haunting thing. It’s rare for a game to leave you feeling emotionally numb, but also satisfied by the journey. All of The Swapper’s parts operate in concert, creating a masterful puzzle platformer that deserves to be remembered.
  13. Aug 12, 2014
    80
    The Swapper blew me away. Proof that the indie game can really make incredible games. A unique experience to try absolutely, even if there is no big replay value.
  14. 80
    One of the best action puzzlers for several years, made all the better by some surprisingly distinctive storytelling and visuals.
  15. Aug 6, 2014
    100
    So many puzzle platformers suffer from issues like length and boring puzzles but The Swapper delivers on all fronts and then also adds an intriguing story with questions about morality and humanity that are incredibly interesting.
  16. Aug 3, 2014
    70
    Where a tough puzzle in Portal often has a climax that's as exhilarating as the best amusement park ride, a tough challenge here often leaves one gripped by a feeling of exhaustion, with very little catharsis for the mental effort.
  17. 70
    The Swapper couples complex narrative and mind-bending puzzles nicely. It's a short ride, but the core concept wields enough for on-the-fence gamers to consider a purchase.
  18. Jul 29, 2014
    80
    The unique cloning abilities of the mysterious Swapper device pave the way for some challenging puzzle designs and a gripping story, that sci-fi fans will no doubt love. However, you can’t help but feel that it’s all over far too soon.
  19. Jul 28, 2014
    85
    The Swapper is a wonderful puzzle game. An amazing title.
  20. Jul 28, 2014
    90
    The Swapper is a wonderful example of how a puzzle platformer should be done, challenging, but without any of the frustration.
  21. Jul 27, 2014
    80
    While some of its later puzzles are a bit too fiddly for their own good, and the overall pacing sometimes feels a little off kilter, this is still a space voyage that comes highly recommended.
  22. Jul 25, 2014
    90
    No matter the platform, The Swapper is a game that people should play. It may be a year later, but the game still stands out as one of the most creative and forward-thinking indie releases in recent memory.
  23. Jul 25, 2014
    90
    The Swapper is a masterpiece of design.
  24. Jul 23, 2014
    90
    The Swapper delivers on nearly every front. The puzzles are intelligent and challenging, the story is deep and philosophical and the visual style is incredibly unique and inventive. This is a title that is sure to satisfy fans of science fiction and platform puzzle games alike.
  25. Jul 23, 2014
    90
    The Swapper is yet another indie coup for Sony, as it is very clearly one of the best puzzle games to come out in years.
  26. 95
    The Swapper will fly under many people’s radar, which is unfortunate because with its unique take on graphics, puzzles, and narrative, they will be missing out on what I would say is the best puzzle platformer experience since Portal.
  27. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Jul 16, 2014
    85
    While it lasts, The Swapper is one of the cleverest puzzle games in recent memory, both in terms of its mechanics and philosophical plot. [August 2014, p82]
  28. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Jun 29, 2014
    80
    With a starkly powerful grasp of aesthetic and some profound artistic ambition, The Swapper's instinct for puzzle design isn't quite matched by its storytelling. But it's close. [July 2014, p.78]
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 224 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 18 out of 224
  1. May 5, 2015
    7
    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.
    A good puzzle
    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.
    A good puzzle game, with a nice atmosphere but a story too basic. The puzzles are well thought to take advantage of the "swapper" this tool that allows you to create clone and transfer your spirit/soul (choose the name you prefer) into one or other.
    The length and graphics are usual for this kind of indie games.
    I would advice this game only to puzzle games lovers, for the rest of the gamers, maybe wait for a good discount, as there is not much more in The Swapper than any other common puzzle game.
    Full Review »
  2. Aug 26, 2014
    7
    The Swapper is a very interesting title as an indie game generally, while it has one of the smartest concepts in the puzzle platformer genre.The Swapper is a very interesting title as an indie game generally, while it has one of the smartest concepts in the puzzle platformer genre. Its length and the lack of more than one gameplay ideas has left us wanting more, as they do not justify the title's price. On the other hand it's got excellent atmosphere, one of the best concepts about clones/soul and is so consistent throughout all of its aspects that makes the better AAA games.

    If you like this genre, definetely check it out, as it will control your self-centric behaviour about satisfaction through solving puzzles in the best possible way with both making you feel clever and honest.
    Full Review »
  3. Aug 14, 2014
    9
    The swapper is a traditional side scrolling sci-fi puzzler, the graphics are not mind blowing, but there not meant to be, but they are trulyThe swapper is a traditional side scrolling sci-fi puzzler, the graphics are not mind blowing, but there not meant to be, but they are truly artistic and unique. You control a device called "the swapper" which produces copies of yourself in which you use to help solve puzzles and other tasks. the amount of mystery surrounding this game is overwhelming, the atmosphere is so compelling too. Truly unique game, loving it. Full Review »