DAMON and BABY

 PlayStation 5
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Vandal
    Mar 30, 2026
    72
    Damon and Baby delivers a charismatic twin-stick shooter experience brimming with imaginative lore and striking artistic personality. While the character-driven narrative eventually captivates, the journey suffers from frustratingly imprecise platforming and a sluggish opening pace. Despite these mechanical flaws and inconsistent sound design, this remains a refreshing, albeit unpolished, alternative to contemporary genre staples.
  2. INVEN
    Apr 1, 2026
    70
    Fighting game legend Daisuke Ishiwatari has made his debut in the top-down shooter adventure genre. While clunky enemy AI, hitbox issues, and lackluster sound are disappointing, the game successfully blends top-down shooting with the deep exploration of classic JRPGs and the fun of platformer adventures. I look forward to seeing further improvements through the announced update roadmap.
  3. ElDesmarque
    Mar 24, 2026
    70
    We’ve enjoyed DAMON and BABY, but we’ve also struggled with some of its more questionable choices. It’s a game with great ideas, a solid foundation, and genuinely fun moments, but it’s held back by quality-of-life issues that could have been avoided. It’s not for everyone, but if you connect with its concept, there’s an interesting adventure waiting beneath that layer of chaos.
  5. COGconnected
    Mar 24, 2026
    65
    Damon and Baby is an interesting experiment from one of the greatest developers in the fighting genre. While the game’s DNA contains strong ideas, they never evolve into anything that leaves a lasting impact. Combat is fun, but lacks the speed and style of its peers, and while combining this with adventuring is novel, it struggles to deliver something that competes in either sub-genre. The result is an experience that feels competent but ultimately underwhelming. A bold shift in direction, but one that struggles to justify itself.
  6. MonsterVine
    Mar 23, 2026
    60
    Damon and Baby has some solid qualities, such as its core gameplay and narrative/setting, but its repetitiveness and confusing map design hold it back from reaching its full potential. I think a couple of additional mechanics and a couple of gameplay tweaks would go a long way for this one, as what’s there is decent, but could be better.