ARMS

 Switch
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 843 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 550 out of 843
  2. Mixed: 129 out of 843
  3. Negative: 164 out of 843
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  1. BMO
    Sep 4, 2017
    6
    There just isn't enough content in Arms to justify the price. Although I appreciate the continuing free DLC that will come to the game in the upcoming months, it should have started with more content out the gate. The gameplay is simple enough, stretching arms to attack your opponent using a variety of different weapons you can equip before the battle, and each character has their ownThere just isn't enough content in Arms to justify the price. Although I appreciate the continuing free DLC that will come to the game in the upcoming months, it should have started with more content out the gate. The gameplay is simple enough, stretching arms to attack your opponent using a variety of different weapons you can equip before the battle, and each character has their own unique ability. However the battles do seem a little basic. In addition the way the game is designed promotes a hit and run tactic in which enemies try to wait out the clock to win. Stages are well designed, and the music is okay. I was really excited to play this game when it came out, but I completely lost interest in it, and any new content added doesn't seem to peak my interest to start playing again.… Expand
  2. m3nos
    Aug 24, 2017
    10
    an incredible game, definitely a must have for the nintendo switch, there are so many modes, and they're all very fun to play, plus, the characters are just so lovable
  3. FairyWind
    Aug 8, 2017
    2
    My apologies, but I don't like it.
    I've bought it cause it looks cool and colourful maybe something similar to Splatoon 2, but it's kinda boring.. Some people probs like it, but I like having my own character and walking around in a world. Arms doesn't give you many options.. I mean yeah playing options, but nothing like having your own character or like an online world. Wouldn't    My apologies, but I don't like it.
    I've bought it cause it looks cool and colourful maybe something similar to Splatoon 2, but it's kinda boring.. Some people probs like it, but I like having my own character and walking around in a world. Arms doesn't give you many options.. I mean yeah playing options, but nothing like having your own character or like an online world. Wouldn't recommend it if you like having more depth or your own chara, but as a party game it's probably alright. :)    … Expand
  4. rodericrinehart
    Aug 7, 2017
    8
    Got this for my daughter, who has put it a decent amount of time (maybe 40 hours already). She has enjoyed it, it seems to be good value, and I see her playing it more in the future. She's had some friends over to play it, and they seemed to really enjoy switching out and playing cooperatively while online.

    I'm not a huge fighter game fan, but I do appreciate what it does, and it is a    Got this for my daughter, who has put it a decent amount of time (maybe 40 hours already). She has enjoyed it, it seems to be good value, and I see her playing it more in the future. She's had some friends over to play it, and they seemed to really enjoy switching out and playing cooperatively while online.

    I'm not a huge fighter game fan, but I do appreciate what it does, and it is a fresh take on it. If they support Arms like they did the first Splatoon, it will have serious legs and be a tremendous value for anyone who enjoys the genre.    … Expand
  5. The_EpicGamerYT
    Aug 4, 2017
    9
    Arms is a great fighting game for everyone to pick up and play. The motion controls in this game are top-notch, even beating standard button controls in high-level play. The characters in the game are very well-made and varied and have their own unique play style. The ability to get every single arm on every fighter allows for a surprising amount of depth and strategy, which is valued in aArms is a great fighting game for everyone to pick up and play. The motion controls in this game are top-notch, even beating standard button controls in high-level play. The characters in the game are very well-made and varied and have their own unique play style. The ability to get every single arm on every fighter allows for a surprising amount of depth and strategy, which is valued in a fighting game. The online experience is amazing and a number of different modes keeps the gameplay interesting. Arms is a great game for the Nintendo Switch and is worth picking up.… Expand
  6. BGShoes
    Aug 2, 2017
    8
    Very stiff learning curve but very rewarding once you figure it out. All game modes are a ton of fun. Lack of characters, game modes and maps bring the score down a bit.
  7. Keenanu
    Jul 31, 2017
    7
    I appreciate that Nintendo is introducing a new IP with a totally new type of gameplay, I just wish there was more content or more of a sense of progression. In Splatoon 2 you gain levels, there're a few different game modes and a fully fledged single player campaign, but in Arms, there's a very basic tournament mode and multiplayer. The only thing you end up working towards is unlockingI appreciate that Nintendo is introducing a new IP with a totally new type of gameplay, I just wish there was more content or more of a sense of progression. In Splatoon 2 you gain levels, there're a few different game modes and a fully fledged single player campaign, but in Arms, there's a very basic tournament mode and multiplayer. The only thing you end up working towards is unlocking different sets of arms for all the characters and getting better at the game so that you can make it through the higher difficulties (the CPU opponents get VERY tough on the higher settings).

    I would have also loved to have learned more about the characters. I'm not asking for much, just a little more than 'this is Min Min, she works at a noodle diner'.

    I would say that this game would be worth picking up once the price comes down, just as long as there's still an online player base. Like Smash Bros., the gameplay is easier to pick up than other fighting games as there aren't any combos, but there's definitely depth there and potential for higher level of play. The game runs great at 60 fps and is very much playable in handheld mode.    … Expand
  8. Cesarhawk
    Jul 23, 2017
    10
    Una vez más Nintendo nos enseña como crear algo diferente, divertido y adictivo en un género que prácticamente había tocado techo. Un juego de "boxeo" diferente con el que pasarás muchas horas de diversión e incluso te hará sudar con su control de movimiento.
  9. LordDecky
    Jul 22, 2017
    7
    Nintendo has done it again. This game is fun to play, and its unlockables are good for replay ability. The motion controls are amazing; they are some of the best I've ever seen. Worth the money. Online is good and fast.
  10. jikflet
    Jul 21, 2017
    9
    I can't believe how fun this game is! i was curious about it when it was announced but was that kind of game i knew i was not going to buy. but later on, when i started to watch gameplay i was really into it. now, couple weeks later, i bought it and i can't stop playing! specially with family and friends. is so addictive. and you get better with every match you play. The motionI can't believe how fun this game is! i was curious about it when it was announced but was that kind of game i knew i was not going to buy. but later on, when i started to watch gameplay i was really into it. now, couple weeks later, i bought it and i can't stop playing! specially with family and friends. is so addictive. and you get better with every match you play. The motion controllers work so damn good!! i would not believe it if i wasn't playing. so accurate. and its so fun to play with them i haven event use my pro controller in this game, im not even curious abut using it at all. and more content is on the way as nintendo promised. and of free. totally recommend this game to everyone.… Expand
  11. Owb101
    Jul 21, 2017
    10
    Arms is something new and great fun! Great use of motion controls, excellent game play and challenging as well. It's easy to pick up and has depth to sink your teeth into.
  12. Angiovittadog
    Jul 19, 2017
    9
    It's this simple, sometimes you, who has played games for 2 decades like myself, start thinking you've seen everything. Then a game like ARMS pops up out of nowhere with no fanfare and you're reminded that gaming can still surprise you even in the most basic of genres. The controllers are unfortunately tricky to get hang of at first but thankfully a meaty party mode is there so that youIt's this simple, sometimes you, who has played games for 2 decades like myself, start thinking you've seen everything. Then a game like ARMS pops up out of nowhere with no fanfare and you're reminded that gaming can still surprise you even in the most basic of genres. The controllers are unfortunately tricky to get hang of at first but thankfully a meaty party mode is there so that you can have light fun while learning the deeper intricacies of the system.

    ARMS is the first Switch game that feels like it makes full use of it's feature set and a worthy addition to your collection.    … Expand
  13. Jtplaz3
    Jul 18, 2017
    8
    ARMS is a pretty nice game available on Nintendo Switch. The game offers a fun, new, innovative fighting style with its 3rd person point of view, diverse character roster, and very competitive map styles. The characters seem balanced and the mechanics of the overall game make it a fun experience to play on the go with Nintendo Switch. Online play is rather comfortable (With exceptions toARMS is a pretty nice game available on Nintendo Switch. The game offers a fun, new, innovative fighting style with its 3rd person point of view, diverse character roster, and very competitive map styles. The characters seem balanced and the mechanics of the overall game make it a fun experience to play on the go with Nintendo Switch. Online play is rather comfortable (With exceptions to rare disconnects and the occasional lag) but besides that the game is a fun experience with tons of replay-ability and mechanics that will have you on your toes, waiting for your opponent to make their move so that you can make yours.… Expand
  14. vgmkyle
    Jul 18, 2017
    0
    This is what Nintendo gets for trusting the press like Kotaku, and Youtubes, over us... the gamers who have known what they've wanted for years. SO they get another flop. ARMS is unique, and colorful -- that's all it has going for it. The mechanics are confusing as hell, and the game is restrictive. At first I gave this game a 3 but after more playing I now give it a 0. If you like ARMSThis is what Nintendo gets for trusting the press like Kotaku, and Youtubes, over us... the gamers who have known what they've wanted for years. SO they get another flop. ARMS is unique, and colorful -- that's all it has going for it. The mechanics are confusing as hell, and the game is restrictive. At first I gave this game a 3 but after more playing I now give it a 0. If you like ARMS you need help.… Expand
  15. CanadianYeti
    Jul 17, 2017
    8
    ARMS is a lot of fun. The presentation is great, and I love the deceptively simple gameplay that prioritizes quick thinking and strategy over mashing buttons. Despite this, the singleplayer campaign is completely bare-bones and the online multiplayer’s got a few kinks that need ironing out.
  16. Voodooseeker
    Jul 16, 2017
    10
    This game is soooo FUN! Do you love fighting games?, check - Do you like awesome gaming with persons around you?, check - do you like great graphics?, check - would you love to bring your game along?, check - ARMS is a new juvell from Nintendo......it's like MarioKart 8 Deluxe, just in the fighting genre......we all love it in the household............. + HEY motioncontrols, LOVE and HAILThis game is soooo FUN! Do you love fighting games?, check - Do you like awesome gaming with persons around you?, check - do you like great graphics?, check - would you love to bring your game along?, check - ARMS is a new juvell from Nintendo......it's like MarioKart 8 Deluxe, just in the fighting genre......we all love it in the household............. + HEY motioncontrols, LOVE and HAIL for the awesome small joy-cons!!!!!!… Expand
  17. ljvperalta
    Jul 12, 2017
    7
    ARMS is a fun fighting game for everyone to play. People can play locally with friends or play online.
    You can also choose characters with different abilities and customize their arms with anything you like. The game is almost a perfect fighting game for Nintendo fans. I was actually hyped when the game was released. But soon when I got the game I tried playing Grand Prix to prepare    ARMS is a fun fighting game for everyone to play. People can play locally with friends or play online.
    You can also choose characters with different abilities and customize their arms with anything you like. The game is almost a perfect fighting game for Nintendo fans. I was actually hyped when the game was released. But soon when I got the game I tried playing Grand Prix to prepare myself before going online battles. Grand Prix was actually fine if you want to play ARMS offline, but it kinda felt boring after. Local battles is also fun to play with friends but felt boring after playing for an hour. Online battles were actually amazing since you can fight in different ways like skillshot and more. After playing for a week I kinda got bored and stopped playing with it. Then I started watching others play ARMS, I felt the motivation to play again but somehow felt bored. For me, the game is actually fun to play but it seems like the ARMS is missing something for everyone to fully enjoy it.    … Expand
  18. talalrahim
    Jul 12, 2017
    10
    This is an amazing game. It looks great, the motion controls are awesome and it's a lot of fun to play. I never though I would enjoy boxing so much. Now I don't know if I will have time for Splatoon or Zelda anymore. It's soooo great!
  19. ooo77
    Jul 10, 2017
    4
    This is a good first draft but it needs serious improving. First of all: the tag team fights need to change so the two fighters aren't tethered. Helix is an absolute pain to control.
  20. MonkiReviews
    Jul 10, 2017
    8
    The game is very fun. They have many modes to play, from the Grand Prix, online, or even sports! The design of the game is very good, and the music couldn't be better. The motion controls aren't perfect, but are really fun. I could just keep playing, it is a good game.
  21. mfairhu1
    Jul 3, 2017
    8
    ARMS is the spiritual heir to what Wii Boxing started all those years ago. As far as motion controller fighting games go, this is a massive improvement in all respects. Flailing and windmilling at the screen are gone in favour of a nuanced tactical battle. Throws, blocking, jumping and counter punching are all possible. The springy coiled arms of each fighter lead to a delay betweenARMS is the spiritual heir to what Wii Boxing started all those years ago. As far as motion controller fighting games go, this is a massive improvement in all respects. Flailing and windmilling at the screen are gone in favour of a nuanced tactical battle. Throws, blocking, jumping and counter punching are all possible. The springy coiled arms of each fighter lead to a delay between throwing and landing a shot - therein lies the tactical element of learning to anticipate your opponent's likely moves. It's also possible to play the game on a pro controller, but to me this takes away the fun.… Expand
  22. Barnes1987
    Jul 3, 2017
    8
    A lot more fun that it looks. However i don't feel the urge to continue playing day after day. It's one of those games that's good for a quick gaming session. Worth a look in but not sure if it's worth full price.
  23. AlexRamosQueiro
    Jun 29, 2017
    10
    é um otimo jogo! para uma nova IP tem um grande potencial, no aguardo de novos lutadores e de mais algum possivel modo , mal vejo a hora de chegar, fora que eé quase zero lag, ainda mais que eu moro no brasil
  24. svande274
    Jun 29, 2017
    8
    I am a guy who likes a challenge in a game. But Nintendo doesn't know the difference between a challenge, and physically impossible. I really like this game, its fun, creative and great to play with friends. But the one thing I can't stand is how ridiculous the AI are after level 4. Not only are they able to predict every move you make, but the game also drops health right on top of themI am a guy who likes a challenge in a game. But Nintendo doesn't know the difference between a challenge, and physically impossible. I really like this game, its fun, creative and great to play with friends. But the one thing I can't stand is how ridiculous the AI are after level 4. Not only are they able to predict every move you make, but the game also drops health right on top of them making it impossible to K.O them. Not to mention they love to pull the grab move non stop and know exactly when to punch you literally milliseconds after you put your guard down. I myself have gotten to level 6/7 but can't even get past match 1 in it. It is so aggravating that I decided to write a review about it to ramble about how ridiculous it is. I really want to give this game a 0 but only because of the difficulty level. Besides that it is a great game to play with friends, just not by yourself or if your have anger problems.… Expand
  25. Aldeberuhn
    Jun 28, 2017
    6
    While the ARMS universe is colorful and visually appealing, there is a distinct lack of character building in this game. As a brand new IP, it's a little disappointing to see. The Grand Prix features a chain of randomly selected matches with no real context or opportunity to connect with the lives of these fighters. As a fighter game, storyline is not incredibly important, but the lack ofWhile the ARMS universe is colorful and visually appealing, there is a distinct lack of character building in this game. As a brand new IP, it's a little disappointing to see. The Grand Prix features a chain of randomly selected matches with no real context or opportunity to connect with the lives of these fighters. As a fighter game, storyline is not incredibly important, but the lack of character building is especially noticeable in this game due to its otherwise unique character designs.

    As far as gameplay goes, I find the motion controls to be terribly unreliable. For example, while trying to block a rush attack, I often end up throwing a punch instead. This ends up costing me a ton of health and sometimes the last little bit of my life. There are other strange things that happen as a result of the game not reading my motions correctly, but that is definitely the most noticeable one. Eventually, I found myself switching to the pro controller in order to be able to compete with other players. This was the best control scheme for me, but yet I still missed the charm of the motion controls. It felt like Nintendo really meant for this game to be played with the joy-cons, so to take them away, it felt like I was removing the core aspect of the game itself. However, playing with the joy-cons using motion control was not very fun either as I quickly found myself being outmatched by players using button controls like those on the pro controller.

    The wacky design of this game, using spring-like arms with missiles and other strange weapons attached, really sets it apart from other fighters. Having special abilities for each character also makes each character unique. On the other hand, there are some weapons and characters that are just clearly more powerful than others, and you'll find those particular ones being used frequently by your opponents. Meanwhile, characters like Master Mummy seem almost useless in competitive play as his two abilities include an armor effect, which can be easily cancelled out by a charged punch (something players should be using frequently anyway), and the ability to heal while shielding himself. Initially, you might think being the only character with the ability to heal would put Master Mummy near the top, but when you see how slow he regains health (the equivalent of the chip damage you receive while shielding a punch), you'll realize that it's not even worth the time it takes to get those 5-10 HP. You'll also be putting yourself at risk of being grabbed by your opponent while shielding, and that results in a massive loss of health which would take much, much longer to replenish.

    The developers will undoubtedly be working to balance things as the game continues to be played, but at the same time, there just isn't a lot to keep you coming back to this game over time. The fights were both silly and exciting at first, but the more I played, the more it felt like the same old thing over and over. Every 1-on-1 match felt just like the last, regardless of which characters or weapons were used. There are a number of different game modes, but the sports-based ones like Hoops, V-Ball, and Skillshot feel very bland. The fighting modes are much more entertaining, but the ones like 3 and 4 player free-for-all are not very fair to all players as one person usually gets picked on until they've been knocked out, followed shortly after by the person with the next lowest health. The player who avoids fighting the most usually ends up winning, and I'm just not into that kind of "win by doing practically nothing" defensive gameplay.

    All in all, if you've seen plenty of ARMS gameplay and you think you might be interested, I recommend buying the game. It's definitely a good game to pass the time until other games come out or to show to a friend who might be interested in some of Nintendo's latest ventures. I just wouldn't recommend buying it if you're short on cash and not really sure whether you would even enjoy playing it. I can't foresee it being a game that everyone will be talking about. It's a creative adaption of a boxing game, but it has many flaws. Even with more DLC added to the game, it will be hard for the ARMS IP to wiggle itself free of this boxing style of game it has pigeon-holed itself into simply by choosing the game to be centered around a group of professional fighters.    … Expand
  26. Lao3821
    Jun 27, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Divertido y un gameplay excelente,desde que lo e jugado no para de querer mas y mas, ademas tendra dlc gratis asi que la falta de contenido sera temporla… Expand
  27. GojiraSan
    Jun 27, 2017
    10
    Fun new IP from Nintendo, this has the potential to be the Mario Kart of fighters. Kinda like Splatoon is the Mario Kart of shooters. The idiots complaining about a lack of content (both critics and users) seem to forget that the same process of delivering content over time was used with Splatoon. More features/characters are coming ( FOR FREE!!!!). Another winner from the big N.
  28. chinogringo
    Jun 27, 2017
    9
    This game is fun , is the kind of fun that you get on nintendo console, its great to be play with friends or online, you can have matches again CP or another player, 1vs1 , 2vs2 , 3vsCP, i would give it a 10 if it had a campaign, but as it right now it keeps the 9. enjoy it!
  29. TheGeekLantern
    Jun 27, 2017
    9
    Un juego grandioso que debe ser compra obligada para todos los usuarios de Switch. Tiene una jugabilidad única y divertida, el Grand Prix tiene una curva de dificultad bastante bien hecha y el online es bastante bueno. Ahora bien, daré la misma recomendación que con SF2: El juego parece simple pero es bastante técnico, por lo que si no te interesa dominar al 100% un juego te van a patearUn juego grandioso que debe ser compra obligada para todos los usuarios de Switch. Tiene una jugabilidad única y divertida, el Grand Prix tiene una curva de dificultad bastante bien hecha y el online es bastante bueno. Ahora bien, daré la misma recomendación que con SF2: El juego parece simple pero es bastante técnico, por lo que si no te interesa dominar al 100% un juego te van a patear el trasero y si tu umbral de frustración es pequeño, aléjate de ARMS, porque no te va a parecer divertido.… Expand
  30. Xtc_dwarf
    Jun 26, 2017
    1
    Blind robbery for 50 quid, hardly any content not worthy of a full written review. Artificial intelligence is also over powered and multiplayer is locked. Wish I could refund this disappointment of a game.
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Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Best Switch Game of 2017
10
#10 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2017
11
#11 Most Shared Switch Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 97 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 71 out of 97
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 97
  3. Negative: 0 out of 97
  1. Jeuxvideo.com
    Jun 2, 2018
    80
    Just like Splatoon, Arms' dynamic gameplay is geared towards online multiplayer. Behind its funny and colorful looks, the game is highly technical and offers various game modes to master.
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  2. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Sep 13, 2017
    75
    At the first glance, ARMS is unimpressive: its basic roster is only 10 fighters big, and there are no convoluted combinations of buttons to activate special attacks. But that’s just how Nintendo does things – its games are always easy to pick up. So you can flail away at your leisure against AI-controlled opponents, but once you start playing with other people, you quickly realize that you need to work on your technique. [Issue #222, p.68]
  3. Wired UK
    Aug 30, 2017
    80
    ARMS succeeds both as a surprisingly complex and detailed fighting game, and one of the best examples of motion controlled gaming we've seen. Another unexpected hit for the Nintendo Switch's burgeoning library of must-have games.
    Read full review
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