Afterimage

 PlayStation 5
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. Noisy Pixel
    Apr 25, 2023
    90
    Strayed Lights is a strongly designed action adventure bursting with a melancholic atmosphere that is easy to get wrapped within. Additionally, the terrific boss battles, gorgeous presentation, and interpretive yet emotional narrative showcase how lovingly crafted this whole experience is. Even when considering potential issues one may have, like the low difficulty level, you’ll likely find yourself having a good deal of fun regardless. Strayed Lights is exceptional for a debut outing, and I’m eager to see what Embers works on in the future.
  2. PSX Brasil
    Apr 25, 2023
    90
    Afterimage has all the elements of a great metroidvania. More than that, it's also a game with excellent graphics and setting, which undoubtedly makes it one of the best games recently released in the genre.
  3. Attack of the Fanboy
    May 3, 2023
    80
    With a more than 26-hour runtime, Afterimage kept me hooked to my seat as I ventured through the beautiful world with elegantly designed creatures and battles everywhere I turned. For the price of entry — Afterimage is one of the best Metroidvanias I have personally ever played.
  5. But Why Tho?
    Apr 25, 2023
    80
    Afterimage is a truly beautiful experience, one worth taking the time to enjoy. There are some frustrating moments like a lack of clarity in direction or forced moments of experience grinding, but a compelling story and fascinating world kept those from ruining the experience.
  6. GameSpew
    Apr 25, 2023
    80
    Sure, Afterimage has plenty of flaws. It’s a little too difficult at times. Its choice to lock fast travel behind a rare potion is frustrating. And it’s all too easy to feel like you’re at a dead end. But despite its issues, it has kept us coming back for more. This is a beautiful metroidvania with a huge, impeccably-designed world that begs to be explored. Whether you’re a long-time metroidvania fan or enjoy action RPGs, Afterimage is well worth pouring some time into.
  7. Hey Poor Player
    Apr 25, 2023
    80
    Despite its excessive backtracking and hard-to-follow story, Afterimage is hands-down the most enjoyable Metroidvania I’ve played since Hollow Knight. With an engrossing world to explore, superb combat, and a plethora of fun abilities to master, it’s a game that’s almost impossible to put down once it gets its hooks in you. Even if you feel like you’ve had your fill of Soulslike Metroidvanias in recent years, you owe it to yourself to make time for Afterimage.
  8. New Game Network
    May 18, 2023
    71
    Afterimage looks fantastic, plays well, and is a ton of fun in its best moments. However, the lack of direction in its large world leads to constant pathfinding annoyances. In a genre filled with great titles, it's a solid option but one that doesn't truly stand out.
  9. Gamer Escape
    Apr 25, 2023
    70
    So long as you don’t compare it to the more standout entries in the genre, Afterimage deserves some consideration from fans who devour this kind of experience regularly. The gameplay is best described as solid, the difficulty skewed towards those who like their games leaning towards From Software’s catalog, and a presentation that stands toe to toe with other indie games. Does it find itself as legendary as other games in the genre? Not really, but it’s at least worth your time if you’re looking for a new Metroidvania to devour this year.
  10. Push Square
    Apr 25, 2023
    70
    Afterimage does enough to stand out in a genre that is quickly becoming overcrowded, with its surprisingly deep combat and excellent visual design. It doesn't reinvent the wheel but will likely find a loving home in the hands of Metroidvania enthusiasts.
  11. TheGamer
    May 10, 2023
    60
    Playing Afterimage, then, is a lot like going to a congested airport. It offers you the chance to visit a ton of interesting destinations. But, getting to them can feel like waiting through a long TSA line only to find out you're missing essential paperwork. Yeah, I want to see Naples, but maybe not that bad.
  12. God is a Geek
    Apr 25, 2023
    60
    Afterimage looks great and is fun enough to play, but it's a bit lacking in creativity and makes some questionable design decisions.

Awards & Rankings

87
#87 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2023

User Reviews

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User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 3 out of 14
  1. kosvar17
    May 11, 2023
    9
    beautiful game,great combat,balanced difficulty. Took me 50 hours for everything and loved it.for the price its a steal...i hope more peoplebeautiful game,great combat,balanced difficulty. Took me 50 hours for everything and loved it.for the price its a steal...i hope more people discover this game.… Full Review »
  2. Daolli
    May 3, 2023
    8
    This beautiful looking game could be a hidden gem. The graphics and tight controls in combat and plattforming are superb. There is a hugeThis beautiful looking game could be a hidden gem. The graphics and tight controls in combat and plattforming are superb. There is a huge varied world to explore with a lot of different enemy types, so it doesnt bore you like many other Metroidvania do. Music is also very good. But there are some questionable design decisions that don’t fit into this otherwise beautiful Metroidvania game. And the story is confusing.… Full Review »
  3. Ramoten
    Jul 22, 2023
    10
    The amount of work that was put into this superbly balanced hidden gem - even in the overcrowded metroidvania genre - is astounding. GameplayThe amount of work that was put into this superbly balanced hidden gem - even in the overcrowded metroidvania genre - is astounding. Gameplay is tight, varied and satisfying, both in and out of combat. Enemy and boss variation rivals SOTN, and speaking of the later, had it not been for Hollowknight and Soldiers, this would be the best representation of the genre since 1997. Insanely beautiful sound and visuals too. "Nonsensical story"? Maybe.. But who really cares when all other aspects of the game come together so beatifully. Most underrated game of the year? Very likely.… Full Review »
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