Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 10
  2. Negative: 3 out of 10
  1. Mar 26, 2019
    80
    If you are looking for an interesting top-down shooter with some fresh mechanics, something with a pen-and-paper art aesthetic, or you just have a soft spot for a good, old-fashioned western, 12 Is Better Than 6 is a good title to consider. It’s mix of face reaction with stealth setup can turn the tides from calculating to chaotic at any moment, keeping you on your toes.
  2. Mar 5, 2019
    80
    The first thing you will notice is the art style and what a brilliant art style it is. Look beyond that and here lies a game that is not only addictive but also super fun to play, too. It is just a shame that the thrill I had during the first few hours, didn’t carry over into the later hours of the game, as it does get a tad repetitive as you make your way through. Having said that, I didn’t feel like I ever wanted to stop playing. Every time I died, I just had to have one more go. Considering Nintendo fans don’t have Hotline Miami to fire-up on their Switch, 12 Is Better Than 6 cocks its gun and shoots its way up towards the top as one of the best in its genre. You don’t want to miss out.
  3. Apr 5, 2019
    75
    12 is Better Than 6 provides quick, intense battles coupled with a great soundtrack and visuals. I had an enjoyable time in the Wild West – much more than expected. A few tweaks could go a long way, but as it is, I highly recommend this game to anyone looking for something unique in the twin-stick genre.
  4. 75
    The monochromatic look is great and the splashes of blood really help to elevate it. The story is likewise interesting, with fun and engaging characters. I came across a few frustrating levels, but these were rare and, at the end of the day, made me really appreciate the fun I had been having.
  5. Mar 10, 2019
    75
    Taking small things from the most classic novels and movies of the American western, this title manages to make you feel like a gunslinger in a lawless country. Its artistic section is outstanding, but it has a very short duration.
  6. Apr 1, 2019
    70
    12 is better than 6 is a frantic, top-down shooter with a lovely pen and paper visual style.
  7. 50
    Dialogue is poor, cliched and uninteresting, so after an hour or so the only thing really pulling you through is the cool black and white, hand-drawn aesthetic, and the excellent soundtrack. The gameplay does a lot to make up for the shortcoming of the overall package, and it’s fun to jump into for quick sessions, but with each death and each mindless conversation with one-dimensional characters, it gets harder to find reasons to keep going.
  8. Apr 8, 2019
    40
    12 is Better Than 6 has good combat and a great art style, but is held back by technical issues, unpredictable AI and some odd design decisions. The issues hamper the gameplay and, whilst there is a story, it's entirely forgettable and delivered in awkwardly written dialogue. It's probably best to stick this game's obvious influences.
  9. Mar 11, 2019
    40
    On Switch, 12 is Better Than 6 is much more of a Mexican let down than a Mexican stand off. It sure had some potential as a far west hand drawn Hotline Miami but issues like frame rate dropping, protagonist stuck near some walls or very disappointing A.I. make it a game that can be hard to enjoy. Too bad.
  10. Apr 5, 2019
    20
    Considering Hotline Miami is a widely available and far superior game, why anyone would want to play 12 is Better Than 6 is beyond me.
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. Sep 22, 2021
    9
    The art style and feel of it are top notch. I loved this game and got several hours of enjoyment out of it. The only problem I had with itThe art style and feel of it are top notch. I loved this game and got several hours of enjoyment out of it. The only problem I had with it was it was a bit short and figuring out which level you wanted to replay was a little confusing. Overall I recommend this game to anyone who loves twin-stick shooters and old west styles! Full Review »
  2. May 24, 2019
    8
    This game is great fun. You should play this more for its art style, music and game mechanics than the story since its not that engrossing .This game is great fun. You should play this more for its art style, music and game mechanics than the story since its not that engrossing . If you're interested in a quick shooter game that can get challenging (but not impossible) to pass the time in short bursts this is the game you should get. It does get a little repetitive if your play session is long. But the quick shootouts mixed with a little bit of stealth elements keeps you on edge. It does not dissapoint for the price at all. It's well worth it. Full Review »
  3. Mar 13, 2019
    7
    12 is Better Than 6 is a worthy addition to the Switch's digital library, and is perfect for the system's portable, pick-up-and-play12 is Better Than 6 is a worthy addition to the Switch's digital library, and is perfect for the system's portable, pick-up-and-play mentality. You can blaze through a few levels in a matter of minutes, or put a good hour into the story. It's a very challenging game and some cheap deaths get frustrating, but the quick restart nature doesn't make it feel that way. So if you're all “red-deaded” out and are looking for a fresh take on an old genre, you can't go wrong with this game. Full Review »