Bugsnax

 PlayStation 5
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
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  1. Video Chums
    Nov 16, 2020
    74
    In Bugsnax, the bugs are snacks and that's quite cool. Beyond that, its relaxing open-world objective-based gameplay is solid for winding down with after a long day but it doesn't really have much else going for it.
  2. Hobby Consolas
    Nov 11, 2020
    72
    Bugsnax in a narrative adventure with some interesting ideas, an unforgettable cast of characters, lovely designs and a great script... that fails as a showcase of PS5 technical power, with come trial and error loop in its gameplay that can be frustrating at times.
  3. SpazioGames
    Nov 23, 2020
    70
    Bugsnax's story is a step backward for Young Horses, but the gameplay mechanics are a true triumph in terms of brilliance.
  5. Push Square
    Nov 23, 2020
    70
    Bugsnax delivers a good time regardless of platform, but it excels on PS5. It benefits from much shorter loading sequences, improved performance, and the DualSense's unique features. All this makes for a more enjoyable excursion to Snaktooth Island. If you play Bugsnax at all — and you absolutely should — do it on PS5.
  6. Jeuxvideo.com
    Nov 22, 2020
    70
    Bugsnax will leave a lot of players behind because of its hunting mechanics sometimes lacking in precision, or even by its assumed childish side and its strange artistic direction.
  7. IGN Japan
    Nov 12, 2020
    70
    With a repetitive quest structure, too many loading screens, and a sense of humor that might not be for everyone, Bugsnax is not a game with the universal appeal its cutesy characters might suggest. That being said, the game’s absurd world and creatures are utterly charming and unique, and the wide variety of bug-catching mechanics are exactly the kind of evolution I had been hoping Pokémon would make for at least 10 years now.
  8. GameSkinny
    Nov 10, 2020
    70
    Bugsnax is memorable for its writing, world, and creative premise, but its more gamified elements somewhat spoil a delicious meal. Bugsnax isn't the best version of the game it could have been, but it's still a really fun adventure.
  9. Game Informer
    Nov 9, 2020
    70
    Young Horses has created a silly but heartfelt story and adventure game, but the creature-capturing gameplay never really hits its stride.
  10. Everyeye.it
    Nov 9, 2020
    67
    Bugsnax is a fun and light adventure, suitable for a young audience but able to intrigue even the most grown up players.
  11. Gamer.no
    Nov 23, 2020
    60
    While the concept behind Bugsnax is fun and whimsical, the game comes up short in its execution. Hunting for the many different types of walking food begins as a charming exercise, but quickly devolves into a slow grind as you work to find out which of the game's many tools will solve the next tedious puzzle.
  12. GamesBeat
    Nov 9, 2020
    60
    As cute and clever as its creatures are, the puzzles just aren't deep or interesting enough. Still, I don't dislike Bugsnax.
  13. Metro GameCentral
    Nov 9, 2020
    60
    An ambitiously odd game that has an innovative take on Pokémon style gameplay and features some of the most intriguing characters of the year - but is rarely as much fun as it should be.
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In Progress & Unscored

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  1. Mashable
    Nov 16, 2020
    It's a lovely little puzzle game with a darkly relatable underbelly, driven by a story that distills modern society and the human experience of 2020 into a colorful parable. A video game can't save us from ourselves, but maybe talkin' 'bout those bugsnax can get us part of the way there.
  2. Vice
    Nov 10, 2020
    One of the highest compliments I can pay Bugsmax is that when the game warned me I'd hit a point of no return in the story and I'd no longer be able to complete any unfinished side quests, I panicked because I really wanted to finish them. Could I find a way to delay my review? Hmm. Sadly, my deadline for writing this piece, written in the midst of pandemic and election, meant that wasn't an option—I had to push forward. And so, reluctantly, I did.

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2020
9
#9 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 396 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 268 out of 396
  2. Mixed: 70 out of 396
  3. Negative: 58 out of 396
  1. Xvatch
    Nov 13, 2020
    10
    Miyazaki's most ambitious title ever released, a completely new level in the souls-series which is a gaming marvel. Fans have waited so longMiyazaki's most ambitious title ever released, a completely new level in the souls-series which is a gaming marvel. Fans have waited so long on Bugsnax after a year and a half of no news nearly at all since the trailer in 2019. Hollowing fully, and questioning if the game even exists. It is a surreal experience for the community. But the surreality is in the game itself and with how incredible it is with the collaboration of legendary author George RR Martin. The voice acting, theme and script is incredible and on-par with any massive, legendary title. Fromsoft have taken a whole new initiative in an open-world with wandering bosses, politics, economy and covenant controlled regions or areas. In the verticality, brutality and atmospherics of the souls identity still masterfully in place. 330 hours in, and still feel like so much to do. They have absolutely won GOTY. Combat has sword play like Ghost of Tsushima but with heavier oof similarly to Dark Souls 1, but with Bloodborne's ferocity, axe-play like God of War and some of Sekiro's deflecting mechanics! Ooooh some of the best movement mechanics I have ever seen too. All the souls titles have seemed to come together and create the most in-depth game From has put out. Boss design is phenomenal and have carried on this the innovative, bizzare/horrifying and monstrous concepts. Some bosses wander well outside their 'scripted' locations and have very intelligent AI which is often terrifying. Such as rare behaviours where a boss climbs away and ambushes you later in an inconspicuous place. Most compelling is the illusive Glaive Master Hodir, the fights, mostly this one. Reduced me to tears, no film, nor game has ever done this to me.… Full Review »
  2. Skimaskgamer
    Nov 13, 2020
    9
    Pretty fun downtime game or maybe family game enjoyed trapping some of the wild and unique BugSnaxs! And since i got it for free with PS+ evenPretty fun downtime game or maybe family game enjoyed trapping some of the wild and unique BugSnaxs! And since i got it for free with PS+ even better !… Full Review »
  3. djsponge10
    Nov 13, 2020
    10
    Very fun game it turns from a hilarious and fun game to a serious and edge on your seat game lots of unexpected twists 100% need to try
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