Metascore
65

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. CD-Action
    Dec 7, 2021
    80
    Although Never Yield is a fun auto-runner with a great soundtrack and a valuable message (it gracefully brings up the subject of racism without being pushy), it feels like a short experiment rather than a full-fledged game. [07/2021, p.61]
  2. May 19, 2021
    80
    It’s decidedly short but irrefutably sweet. Sure, it’s not perfect, but it’s a great example of why short games can still be worthwhile. And even though there are some awkward design choices, such as not being able to play specific stages at a whim after beating the game, that’s not enough to diminish how fun it is. I honestly hope this is just the first in a long series. Cause I’m curious about who Wally is and why he has such powers. Here’s hoping Neil Jones has more fast-paced stories to tell in the immediate future.
  3. May 19, 2021
    75
    Never Yield is a slick package. Once I raised the game's difficulty, the fantastic soundtrack, fun world, and engaging gameplay made it an experience I've enjoyed playing through a couple different times. Especially on Switch, it’s a game worth seeking out if you can. While it may have some minor stumbles, I found it a worthwhile run.
  4. Jun 2, 2021
    70
    Aerial_Knight's Never Yield proposes an interesting interception of concepts between a sidescroller and an endless runner, and it works great. With its demanding but fair gameplay mechanics and a surprisingly elaborate plot for a short indie title, the game also boasts a good use of the camera and an exquisite soundtrack. The only things that could make Aerial_Knight's Never Yield much better would be a multiplayer and online component, as well as a longer lifespan.
  5. 70
    The short runtime might limit some of the appeal of Aerial_Knight’s Never Yield, but even as someone who is decidedly not a speedrunner, I greatly enjoyed my ride through this action movie adventure. Even without online leaderboards, it’s a game designed for speedrunning. The distinctive look and feel make it stand out overall. If you’re looking for a dope, stylish runner, look no further than this never-yielding game.
  6. May 24, 2021
    65
    Aerial_Knight's Never Yield is a visually striking and entertaining 3D runner that, despite being great to enjoy anytime, is monotonous, short, and has little content. A shame, since it had the potential to become one of the most important indie games on Nintendo Switch.
  7. May 28, 2021
    60
    A few odd design decisions prevent Aerial_Knight’s Never Yield from growing into the action-packed blockbuster it yearns to be. While the title finds its footing once you’ve unlocked its speedier and more difficult game modes, it’s a bit of a slog to get there. For those willing to put in the effort to get to that endless runner’s high, there’s a slick experience to be found here. Although less patient parkourists might want to look elsewhere.
  8. May 19, 2021
    60
    Aerial_Knight's Never Yield is very obviously a passion project that's had a ton of love poured into its super stylish aesthetics and excellent soundtrack, however, it's also one that's rather sorely lacking in the gameplay department. Wally's runs through this futuristic take on Detroit needed more in the way of challenge and variety in order to keep things interesting — more obstacles, more twists and turns and opportunities to show off your skills as you improve and take on higher difficulties. As things stand, this is one slick looking and sounding game that just doesn't manage to provide an incentive to keep playing for very long.
  9. Oct 11, 2022
    50
    What starts off a fun runner, Aerial_Knight’s Never Yield quickly devolves into a bland and repetitive experience. Whilst the colours are bright and the music loud, the lack of replayability or extra modes doesn’t leave it a leg to stand on.
  10. May 20, 2021
    50
    Never Yield is an impressive technical achievement from solo developer Neil Jones in many ways – and the soundtrack is undoubtedly superb – but as a game it simply doesn’t come together.
  11. May 19, 2021
    50
    Aerial_Knight’s Never Yield doesn’t do anything to stand out as an auto-runner, an already congested genre. While the soundtrack is incredible and the visuals are stylish, the gameplay lacks any sense of fun, creating an almost mindless experience through its 2-hour runtime. The game’s features almost hinder the experience removing the challenge or tension from the stages. Unless you’re aiming to dominate the leaderboard, this is one auto-runner that is all eye-candy with no substance.
User Score
tbd

No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 2
  2. Negative: 1 out of 2
  1. Dec 17, 2021
    7
    This is one of those titles where I'm a bit torn in terms of how I feel about it. Starting with the positive Never Yield absolutely has styleThis is one of those titles where I'm a bit torn in terms of how I feel about it. Starting with the positive Never Yield absolutely has style to spare from its terrific soundtrack to its colorful visuals to its somewhat weird-but-cinematic story. Putting all of those elements together you're absolutely sucked in for a bit as you drink it all in, steadily applying your somewhat limited repertoire of moves to new situations to deal with a variety of threats. However, I also think there's a point where you'll realize that for all of the production value it brings to the table, underneath it all the actual gameplay itself is quite simple. With that in mind, whether you'll enjoy the game will revolve around what you're looking for. If you want to feel a bit like you're playing through a movie of sorts (with the total length being roughly the same) you'll likely dig it a ton, if you're looking for rewarding gameplay you'll likely find it unsatisfying. Credit to the lone wolf developer for making something so polished, but I'd very much recommend getting a taste of what it has to offer from the available demo before making your decision.

    https://www.nindiespotlight.com/2021/05/mini-reviews-may-20th-edition-nintendo.html
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