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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. Hawkmoon
    Jun 16, 2017
    4
    The art style and premise of the game are good and I enjoyed them. However, you need to beat the game on Lv4 difficulty to access the online features, and while levels 1-3 are perfectly manageable with some practise, Lv4 suddenly ramps up the difficulty to infuriating degrees. It made for a really irritating experience.
  4. 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.
  5. SirRandallGames
    Jun 18, 2017
    0
    This hands down is the worst game Nintendo has ever released. For one the controls are horrible. It doesn't matter if you use motion controls or not. The game has modes that are stupid like 3 free for all. People love to spam moves. You can use two back to back avoiding the cooldown. The only awesome part of this game is the mini games. Like volleyball is the best this game has to offer.This hands down is the worst game Nintendo has ever released. For one the controls are horrible. It doesn't matter if you use motion controls or not. The game has modes that are stupid like 3 free for all. People love to spam moves. You can use two back to back avoiding the cooldown. The only awesome part of this game is the mini games. Like volleyball is the best this game has to offer. Stay away from this game. This game is so unbalanced it's not funny. I am a huge Nintendo fanboy and this game is the worst thing Nintendo has ever made. This game will die off once splatoon 2 hits out. Want a good competitive gameplay? play splatoon. The people calling out others for not getting used to the learning curve is a bunch of crap. The controls are bad nothing can fix that.… Expand
  6. 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
  7. DaFynestRican
    Jun 18, 2017
    0
    ARMS is the most fun I've had with a motion-controlled game in a long time, and one of the best new IPs to come from Nintendo this side of Splatoon. The quirky characters, catchy tunes and great graphics combine to make a very memorable experience for those who put the time in and learn the nuances. Trust me, the controls work! Anyone who complains about them just wasn't able to get pastARMS is the most fun I've had with a motion-controlled game in a long time, and one of the best new IPs to come from Nintendo this side of Splatoon. The quirky characters, catchy tunes and great graphics combine to make a very memorable experience for those who put the time in and learn the nuances. Trust me, the controls work! Anyone who complains about them just wasn't able to get past the learning curve. They become second nature after an hour... or ten lol. Online makes things interesting by switching up the events within the pool of players you're grouped with. I'm eagerly awaiting the new DLC characters and extra features!… Expand
  8. Noishe
    Sep 18, 2017
    0
    Worst game I've ever played in the last year. I wouldn't pay 10 dollars for it and this game's existence is proof that stores should allow returns. Annoying music, poor controls. Notice the sob stories in the 8 9 10 score ratings where people say give it a chance, i don't understand why people don't like it. Read between the lines and avoid this "game".
  9. AwesomeCakester
    Nov 10, 2017
    7
    ARMS is a really fun and energetic game the also looks at the fighting game genera in a new way. Though I feel a series like Super Smash Bros. has done that in a way, ARMS does it in a less traditional way. Character are super interesting to look at and play, with stages presenting as much personality as the fighters them selves. The game encourages you to play with the Joy-ConsARMS is a really fun and energetic game the also looks at the fighting game genera in a new way. Though I feel a series like Super Smash Bros. has done that in a way, ARMS does it in a less traditional way. Character are super interesting to look at and play, with stages presenting as much personality as the fighters them selves. The game encourages you to play with the Joy-Cons separately, and it works pretty well. Punching and grabbing feels very satisfying but moving and guarding feels a bit clunky. You can use the Joy-Con Grip or the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller if you choose to which work as well, but I feel you do loose that satisfying feel of throwing punches for pushing the triggers to punch. Over all this game has a lot of potential and has been receiving updates, new stages and new characters. Nothing to take too seriously but it's an over all fun fighting game that you can get a kick out of with some friends.… Expand
  10. Sakamoto_San
    Sep 11, 2017
    5
    En general es muy malo, tiene poco contenido, su campaña es un modo arcade, y los mini juegos no tienen sentido los metieron solo para rellenar no aportan nada al juego, es un buen experimento pero si saliera un Arms 2 seria un NO definitivo.
  11. Cittadel
    Mar 31, 2018
    5
    First of all, I love Nintendo for launching new franchises! Sometimes a new franchise turns out perfectly fine and becomes a new cult classic, like Splatoon, but in some cases it might have been better if the developers of the game took a few more years to develop it, which is the case with ARMS. ARMS has a lot of potential and shines through its own unique, colorful Nintendo-style -- butFirst of all, I love Nintendo for launching new franchises! Sometimes a new franchise turns out perfectly fine and becomes a new cult classic, like Splatoon, but in some cases it might have been better if the developers of the game took a few more years to develop it, which is the case with ARMS. ARMS has a lot of potential and shines through its own unique, colorful Nintendo-style -- but the gameplay fails in quite a lot of ways. The game promotes its motion controls capability quite a lot, which I understand, because who doesn't love motion controls? But for me the Joy-Cons were incredibly inaccurate and defending myself almost always turned into attacking the enemy. After a few matches I decided to put my Joy-Cons in the Joy-Con grip, which worked a little better for me, but took away the fun factor of the game.

    Besides the problems with the controls, the game just feels unfinished. It's really lacking and there isn't really a lot to do. I found myself getting bored pretty quickly. Some gamemodes even don't add anything to the game at all, like Basketball, which is nothing more than grabbing your enemy and watching an automated movement hrow him/her in the basket.

    I enjoyed ARMS mostly for its style and I appreciate the fact that Nintendo has the courage to develop new franchises, but ARMS doesn't do it for me. It feels like it needs a few years more of development. If there will ever be a sequel to this game, Nintendo must look further into gameplay possibilities.    … Expand
  12. 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
  13. Dreonas
    Nov 4, 2017
    5
    Pros:
    - 2v2 is fun.
    - The diversity of the modes and minigames is ok - Up to this point, the DLC is free Cons: - Besides Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, this one of the few multiplayer games that the Switch offers. This game will be easily forgotten in the future as soon as other multiplayer titles come. - Characters are unbalanced. It feels like Ninjara is the only useful fighter in the    Pros:
    - 2v2 is fun.
    - The diversity of the modes and minigames is ok
    - Up to this point, the DLC is free

    Cons:
    - Besides Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, this one of the few multiplayer games that the Switch offers. This game will be easily forgotten in the future as soon as other multiplayer titles come.
    - Characters are unbalanced. It feels like Ninjara is the only useful fighter in the game.
    - This game wasn't meant to be playable for 4, it's confusing and complicated. Imagine playing PunchOut! for 4.
    - There's no story, it's just a bunch of people fighting in a championship. That's all.
    - After realizing that Twintelle is the only fighter with real arms, you discover that this game is an amputee showdown. Creepy.

    I recommend to buy it pre-owned.    … Expand
  14. Kick454
    Apr 19, 2018
    5
    Fun for 5 minutes, then gets obnoxious. This is the first game I ever wanted a refund on to be completely honest.

    Mix: = Characters: They're alright. The backstories are cool and all, but... = Multiplayer: The only fun part about the game honestly. = Music: The music isn't that bad to be honest. It's a shame the songs aren't even memorable aside from the main theme (like another game    Fun for 5 minutes, then gets obnoxious. This is the first game I ever wanted a refund on to be completely honest.

    Mix:
    = Characters: They're alright. The backstories are cool and all, but...
    = Multiplayer: The only fun part about the game honestly.
    = Music: The music isn't that bad to be honest. It's a shame the songs aren't even memorable aside from the main theme (like another game I know...)
    = Grand Prix: The only good thing about singleplayer to be completely honest.

    Bad:
    - Controls: They suck. BADLY. Also, yes, I know I can change them now, but that isn't enough to pull me back into the game.
    - Singleplayer: It's atrocious, especially for a Nintendo game.
    - Fun and Replay Values: The game is at rock bottom in terms of fun and replayability in my opinion.

    Overall, ARMS is barely able to warrant a 5/10 from me. Try again next time, Nintendo.    … Expand
  15. FeineZ
    Nov 22, 2017
    3
    For me, the game was fun for maybe one or two hours, but but the gameplay gets pretty stale and repetitive, and it's not really something you can put hundreds of hours into, well for me at least. Didn't enjoy this game
  16. loic01
    Mar 7, 2018
    7
    Une jolie innovation de Nintendo qui font de ARMS des vrais K-O aux joueurs, des K-O de joie de le découvrir et de se défouler en mode surréalsite mais plus drôle que les autres jeux de combat de Nintendo. Pour ceci ce serait un 10/10 mais j'hôte deux points pour le jeu qui est trop court et un autre car le mode histoire pas assez développé pour moi. Continuez à améliorer ce jeu NintendoUne jolie innovation de Nintendo qui font de ARMS des vrais K-O aux joueurs, des K-O de joie de le découvrir et de se défouler en mode surréalsite mais plus drôle que les autres jeux de combat de Nintendo. Pour ceci ce serait un 10/10 mais j'hôte deux points pour le jeu qui est trop court et un autre car le mode histoire pas assez développé pour moi. Continuez à améliorer ce jeu Nintendo et çe sera un 10 certainement! 7/10… Expand
  17. MrSlim
    Mar 22, 2018
    6
    It's simply mediocre at best, a game needs to have 3 important points to be really good-

    A story: Arms doesn't need a story, like most Nintendo experiences. Good gameplay: Arms is quite fun for the first 1-5 hours, but it gets very stale overtime Re-play ability: this game has little-to no re-play ability, it's the same thing over and over again Now for the smaller but still    It's simply mediocre at best, a game needs to have 3 important points to be really good-

    A story: Arms doesn't need a story, like most Nintendo experiences.

    Good gameplay: Arms is quite fun for the first 1-5 hours, but it gets very stale overtime

    Re-play ability: this game has little-to no re-play ability, it's the same thing over and over again

    Now for the smaller but still important points-

    Good graphics: yes, this does have amazing graphics, but (as of March 2018) Nintendo has done that non-stop since the launch of the switch...

    Lag: I experienced no lag (at worst, a slight Frame rate drop)

    Character/Stage design: The characters and stages are amazing, and I love them, min-min and helix are great example of this, they are so different... this is really what pushed me to making this a 6, over a 4 or 5.

    Overall, it's an ok video game, it's fun to play with friends when they come over, and sometimes to take on the go... but, aside from the great graphics, frame rate, and character/Stage design it got stale quick... I could recommend this to young kids (7-9 esc) if they had a Switch of course... Not a horrible game by any means, but no where near a great one.    … Expand
  18. Gikloner
    Dec 18, 2020
    2
    This game is the worst choice for spending your free time. The "innovative" control system is a piecr of **** that make me mad. And there is not any content and things that give you interest to stay at this game. This project is only an advertising of nintendo switch features.
  19. WakingDawn96
    Nov 27, 2019
    8
    The game isn’t perfect by any means, and has its issues and flaws, but it is surprisingly fun if you give it a chance as just a fun party game.
  20. SirSoil
    Feb 28, 2020
    4
    Arms is a unique fighting game with terrible controls and weird design choices. The presentation is great with great usage of music and style that make the game stand out, however as cool as the characters look most of them feel the same. The places you battle in are good but don’t offer much, so are the extra modes they are fun but really go down of how boring they are to play them again.Arms is a unique fighting game with terrible controls and weird design choices. The presentation is great with great usage of music and style that make the game stand out, however as cool as the characters look most of them feel the same. The places you battle in are good but don’t offer much, so are the extra modes they are fun but really go down of how boring they are to play them again. However the biggest problem is the controls and gameplay, they feel so unresponsive and bad they don’t feel satisfying they are so lame and slow all you do is camp and attack or doge. Yes it’s fun but it can get super boring sometimes, also the way to get customization is kinda cool but it starts to bore out as you go so is the online it’s good but you get board waiting of a match. Arms is a unique concept with great ideas but fails to execute some and succeed to do some features justice at some points. (Medicore 2/5) Play It If Your A Fan Of Weird Unique Games… Expand
  21. MagicMikey
    Aug 22, 2020
    2
    not a fan on how it controls. I think it's a cool idea but it's just wasn't a game for me
  22. F3T1W
    Aug 21, 2021
    3
    One of the 3 switch game sellers, there is very little content on the case and all the hope is that the game, in theory, can only pay off in co-op
  23. TGious
    Oct 17, 2021
    4
    A fun concept with very little gameplay. Arms can be fun for a short period of time, but the lack of modes and characters gets stale quickly. Multiplayer is fun with motion controls, and is the highlight of the game. You will be lucky to squeeze 10 hours out of this game, and for the price point, I can not recommend it.
  24. Kalcool12
    Nov 21, 2022
    2
    | A Disappointment |

    There's nothing to the game. It's a brawler with a fun premise, but nothing expanding that premise. It has the same game modes as every other brawling game, with a tourney mode and online gaming, and small other mini-games so that it makes you think this game is worth $60 bucks when it's not. I think the style of fighting is unique, and it's very fun to play at    | A Disappointment |

    There's nothing to the game. It's a brawler with a fun premise, but nothing expanding that premise. It has the same game modes as every other brawling game, with a tourney mode and online gaming, and small other mini-games so that it makes you think this game is worth $60 bucks when it's not.

    I think the style of fighting is unique, and it's very fun to play at first. However, the game gets easily repetitive and there's not enough variety that warrants the game to be worth its value.

    There's not much more to say about the game, much like the game itself.

    Unique concept, but not enough to give it its own title. However, I will say that this is one of the best uses of the motion controls the Switch has to offer.    … Expand
  25. Nintendist
    Jul 2, 2022
    10
    this game is so good. i love the combat system and love all the characters here
  26. Miguel22
    Jul 1, 2020
    8
    Es un gran juego, innovador, competitivo y divertido, y una campaña con una dificultad bastante elevada, sobre todo si lo pones a nivel 7, aunque no le pongo más de un 8 por cosas en el modo online, que los modos sean al azar, se vuelve aburrido debido a que lo único que puedes hacer es desbloquear puños, cuando los tienes todo, o subes al rango máximo en competitivo o no tienes nada másEs un gran juego, innovador, competitivo y divertido, y una campaña con una dificultad bastante elevada, sobre todo si lo pones a nivel 7, aunque no le pongo más de un 8 por cosas en el modo online, que los modos sean al azar, se vuelve aburrido debido a que lo único que puedes hacer es desbloquear puños, cuando los tienes todo, o subes al rango máximo en competitivo o no tienes nada más que hacer.… Expand
  27. chocapic
    Oct 28, 2017
    9
    Personalmente, este es para mi el mejor juego de lucha de la historia. Los joycons funcionan a la perfección, es extremadamente divertido y difícil, te d ala libertad de jugar con mando también, siguen sacando nuevos personajes, bastantes modos de juego, no es muy caro. En fin, obligatorio si tienes una switch
  28. EliKW
    Nov 6, 2017
    7
    Arms was an okay game with average game play and just enough tricks to keep you playing. The game has a relatively limited character list with few ways to spice things up. There are multiple game modes, but those grow stale after like 3-4 matches. It really isn't a must-have for the Switch, but if you have the cash to spare, you can buy it, but it will keep you captivated for just a short while.
  29. DrLuciusFOX
    Nov 27, 2017
    9
    I was never huge into fighting games but I'm having a surprisingly good time with Arms, and the constant updates and new characters keep the game feeling new and alive. I'd recommend to everyone, with only the warning that it's a game that's better played with friends than alone.
  30. UberGames
    Dec 24, 2018
    5
    A fun, adrenaline fueled fighter, or at least that was what it used to be. The game seems to have shot itself in the foot when it added badges as a mechanic. Every single badge spews out so much money. I wouldn't have a problem if you didn't have to spend money (virtual) to unlock the huge arsenal of arms. Where as before, earning arms was a reward, it's simply an option here, as you willA fun, adrenaline fueled fighter, or at least that was what it used to be. The game seems to have shot itself in the foot when it added badges as a mechanic. Every single badge spews out so much money. I wouldn't have a problem if you didn't have to spend money (virtual) to unlock the huge arsenal of arms. Where as before, earning arms was a reward, it's simply an option here, as you will never run out of money thanks to the badges. This ruined the progression system of the game, and was ultimately what killed it.… Expand
  31. funnelcakemylad
    Nov 21, 2018
    5
    I am going to be honest, when I first bought this game I had fun for the first couple of rounds... then a few days later I notice all the variety had left the game. It's a creative idea, but not the best. The lack of content is what drove me away from it. I am a lonely lad who doesn't have friends over all that much, so a single player mode would've been great. Instead, well, it's justI am going to be honest, when I first bought this game I had fun for the first couple of rounds... then a few days later I notice all the variety had left the game. It's a creative idea, but not the best. The lack of content is what drove me away from it. I am a lonely lad who doesn't have friends over all that much, so a single player mode would've been great. Instead, well, it's just Multiplayer, and Online. And a Grand Prix mode which is just a more boring version of Smash Bros.' classic mode. You can't even play online if you don't have Nintendo's paid membership. If it had more content, this could have been a great game. But... it doesn't. That's what ruined the game for me.… Expand
  32. SuperSlothTime
    Apr 12, 2019
    9
    A fun way to make a boxing game with a unique idea. You can hit your opponents with your fist that act like springs and can unlock new arms to add to your characters. The arms have different effects to them as well. The cast is an odd bunch with their own stages. As much as i like the list of characters i wish they had more. Its a fun game and great with friends.
  33. xiekaidream
    Nov 17, 2021
    7
    刚买ns时候玩的 体感挥拳还是挺爽的 但是网战各种被虐 又不想用按键 就弃了 单人模式要是做的有趣点就好了 没有剧情
  34. RabidSavage
    Jul 19, 2018
    10
    A fun and unique game game that has potential to revolutionize the fighting game genre. I've spent hours playing the game in just a few days that I've had it. There's so much depth to it, that I can't wait to really get into the meta game.
  35. Criti-Wise
    Aug 16, 2018
    7
    When I got Arms for my switch, I was really happy when I was playing for the first time, but it honestly gets kind of repetitive because of the fact that mainly all I can do is punch others. Sure, there's some other things, but they still require punching. For me, there's not very much reason to get back to playing this game.
  36. TheGameIsALie
    Oct 5, 2018
    8
    ARMS é um jogo que, apesar de parecer simples, pode se tornar profundo à medida que é jogado cada vez mais. Com características técnicas e artísticas muito bem executadas e um sistema de controles de movimento surpreendentemente responsivo, é um jogo essencial para qualquer proprietário de um Switch.
  37. Moby_Samus
    Nov 15, 2018
    10
    This game is actually quite great. One of the best new ips in recent years, with a lot of focus on their unique fighters, their quirks and personal playstyles.
  38. greninjaX
    Dec 1, 2018
    9
    I kind of wish this had a more substantial single player mode like splatoon does, but other than that, this is another great new Nintendo game that I hope gets many sequels for years to come.
  39. gonzar25
    Dec 7, 2018
    10
    It’s difficult to describe just how good ARMS is. The best analogy I can come up with is that it is to fighting games what Splatoon is to third-person shooters. ARMS is a bright, colorful, and welcoming game. Newcomers can easily hop in and enjoy most of the matches and modes available. Meanwhile, the more dedicated will find themselves developing complex strategies based on characters andIt’s difficult to describe just how good ARMS is. The best analogy I can come up with is that it is to fighting games what Splatoon is to third-person shooters. ARMS is a bright, colorful, and welcoming game. Newcomers can easily hop in and enjoy most of the matches and modes available. Meanwhile, the more dedicated will find themselves developing complex strategies based on characters and ARMS loadouts and captivated by the opportunities to challenge others online.… Expand
  40. Steelhead
    Jul 26, 2019
    9
    There is much more to ARMS than meets the eye - what seems like a relatively simple, silly boxing game is actually hiding a surprising amount of depth underneath. The sheer number of different possible combinations of characters and ARMS can provide TONS more variety than its 15-character roster lets on. The diligent online community is constantly pushing the metagame, and there is a wholeThere is much more to ARMS than meets the eye - what seems like a relatively simple, silly boxing game is actually hiding a surprising amount of depth underneath. The sheer number of different possible combinations of characters and ARMS can provide TONS more variety than its 15-character roster lets on. The diligent online community is constantly pushing the metagame, and there is a whole world of replay value even after clearing all of the single player content the game has to offer. The online experience is generally better in quality than, say, Smash, though I would put its online capabilities on par with those of Splatoon 2.

    Being the first fighting game of its kind, however, there are a few things ARMS could stand to improve on. The only primary issue that comes to mind is the way the game is balanced, with certain ARMS being vastly better than others, and some ARMS even becoming downright obsolete with the existence of ARMS that essentially do the same job but better.

    All in all, ARMS may even qualify at this point as a hidden gem on the Switch, going strong still into 2019 and beyond.    … Expand
  41. VideofulJoe
    Dec 17, 2019
    9
    Un juego grandioso con una jugabilidad única y divertida, el Grand Prix tiene una curva de dificultad bastante bien hecha y el online es bastante bueno. 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.

    Lo Bueno:    Un juego grandioso con una jugabilidad única y divertida, el Grand Prix tiene una curva de dificultad bastante bien hecha y el online es bastante bueno. 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.

    Lo Bueno:

    - Una idea interesante con una buena ejecución.

    Lo Malo:

    - Hizo falta una mayor cantidad de modos de juego.    … Expand
  42. Soup1217
    Dec 7, 2019
    8
    The game lacked content at launch but the game gained a lot of great free dlc and is an absolite joy, I really do hope far a sequel.
  43. trainconductor7
    Dec 7, 2019
    6
    SUMMARY/CONCLUSION: In short, ARMS is a game with great franchise potential that suffers from trying too hard to be unique and forgets what makes a game fun in the process. In the end, what is a great idea has some good meaty gameplay, beautiful visuals and character design, but the execution is quite frankly, short-sighted. The single player content offers a quick and limited dopamineSUMMARY/CONCLUSION: In short, ARMS is a game with great franchise potential that suffers from trying too hard to be unique and forgets what makes a game fun in the process. In the end, what is a great idea has some good meaty gameplay, beautiful visuals and character design, but the execution is quite frankly, short-sighted. The single player content offers a quick and limited dopamine hit, and the replayability at higher difficulties does a better job of pushing the player away than embracing them in with some fun fair challenge..

    CONTROLS: The controls are relatively tight, but between the various control methods, it suffers from quite literally offering different strengths and weaknesses. In a meta that favours grabbing for example, people who use the joycons can perform grabs on their opponent and curve their hands in opposite directions, broadening the grab's range substantially. The cannot be done with a controller, and as such, to no surprise the vast majority of the top 100 players use Joycons. That is simply bad game design as accessibility should not affect gameplay performance.

    ART: This is a pure home run. The character designs, art style, world building, soundtrack, and plethora of unlockable concept art and badges are a feast for the eyes and imagination. There simply isn't much more to be said. These are characters who hold up and deserve to live on through Super Smash Bros with the others.

    GRAND PRIX: The game's online is fun, and the honest truth is that you'll get far more enjoyment from it than you will with Grand Prix. This is because as the difficulty scales up, the fact of the matter is that the AI is not designed to be a better player, it's just designed to react faster. Inhumanly fast. Reacting so quickly you'd swear the AI was predicting movement to a tee. Blocking your attacks without flaw, retaliating faster than any human would in natural gameplay, and only being hurtable during extremely small and intended windows that feel less like fighting strong CPUs and more like fighting AI designed to make you rage quit. It's the greatest flaw of the game. Compared to high level AI of other fighting games, the AI in this game don't adhere to the laws the player has to obey. They quite blatantly break it, and couple all of the perks of joycon controls (like the wide grip grab) with the extreme decisiveness of an AI so sure of itself that it doesn't even feel fun to win. It simply feels like you've somehow conned your way through it. This is painfully prevalent in levels 5, 6, and 7 Grand Prix.

    OTHER OFFLINE CONTENT: The game's other content is relatively dry unfortunately. I found myself having the most fun from the "GET ARMS" game mode above all things, and unfortunately for that, it's a literal pay-to-play mode. The volleyball and basketball styled game modes are gimmicky, and if not for the online and grand prix modes forcing it upon the player, would easily be forgotten as insignificant to the greater player experience.

    ESPORTS: This game had its shot as an E-sport, and was pushed by Nintendo for a time. As a spectator sport, the game suffers from being confusing and relatively boring to observe. Most of the time it's just a constant exchange of long range punches, blocks, and hopping around. Unlike 2D fighters that broadcast the information of both players simultaneously and in clear view, the irony of ARMS is that by fighting primarily at a long range, thanks to the long character limbs, it's hard to truly get the visual data of more than one character at a time. As such, you'll find viewer statistic drop off quite quickly for all except the die-hard fans. Which as of writing this, aren't many left.    … Expand
  44. Oldskoolberk
    Jun 15, 2020
    7
    Arms is an excellent game. It really displays what the Switch can do. The characters are strong and unique. Control is excellent top to bottom. Graphics fits into the Nintendo mold (very colorful). But what really killed this game for me there was no storylines and missions. I am that person who needs some kind of motivation in the game to play. It does not do that here. Had theyArms is an excellent game. It really displays what the Switch can do. The characters are strong and unique. Control is excellent top to bottom. Graphics fits into the Nintendo mold (very colorful). But what really killed this game for me there was no storylines and missions. I am that person who needs some kind of motivation in the game to play. It does not do that here. Had they built in some sort of storyline into it you are talking one of the top ten games on the Switch without question.… Expand
  45. fanmadeendings
    Feb 15, 2022
    8
    Colorful, quirky and very polished. The online component worked well for me and my friend. I like it a lot!
  46. Keeb999
    Jul 23, 2020
    6
    This one's fine, but easily forgettable. The entire game boils down to a western shootout but with the ability to block and motion controls. It won't last long before it gets boring, but it has charm, I'll give it that, and makes for something fun to break out and play with your friends and family at a get-together or something.
  47. The_Squib
    Mar 30, 2020
    7
    Arms is a really great, unique game. It has beautiful graphics with an amazing score and great character designs, but the gameplay gets boring after a week! It has little replayability to it and its learning curve is huge for the market it was targeting, not bad, but not great.
  48. Sb068
    Jul 20, 2020
    6
    New ip so new ideas I'd say it's a good party game but if you're looking for a good story mode this isn't it
  49. Gastly67
    Jul 19, 2020
    10
    Desde la llegada de MIN MIN al plantel de Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, al segundo dia me opte por comprar el juego de ARMS, y sinceramente me impresiono el juego. Es sumamente divertido, el online es sin duda lo mejor del juego, sus coleccionables, personajes y modos de juego son bastante buenos. Me arrepiento de no haberle dado su chance a principios desde que salio el juego. NO DECEPCIONA
  50. Jopawho
    Aug 18, 2020
    8
    Jeu de combat très cool,la maniabilité est plutôt correct les personnages sont sympas, rien à dire de plus c'est un bon jeu
  51. Willyboyou
    Dec 8, 2020
    6
    Arms could have been an incredible Nintendo game. it has a roster of charming characters, a creative gameplay mechanic which changes the fighting game genre to something original, and a fun world. However, as much as I want to adore ARMS, the gameplay is too simple and gets stale very fast and lacks any sense of story to accompany its fantastic characters.
  52. Vinivitorioyo
    Mar 24, 2023
    8
    Adorei muito esse jogo. Queria bem mais suporte da Nintendo. Achei que poderiam ter adicionado outros personagens. Ainda que por dlc paga. Nunca tive problema de conexão e problemas com partidas online. Pra mim foi uma experiência ótima. Poderia ter mais conteúdo off-line.
    Pra uma franquia iniciante foi surpreendente.
  53. Parco8
    Mar 4, 2022
    6
    I didn't actually like the way they managed the competitive. The game has good surely ideas but maybe not exploited so well. I would have preferred a bigger amount of arms and a story that could be deepen even better. However there are great bases for a good sequel.
  54. MaddoxWhite
    Apr 24, 2021
    6
    Not enough to do. Though, it's FULL of potential. Weird how Nintendo gave up on this so fast.
  55. LeifLInden
    Jun 20, 2022
    5
    An excellent fighting game with great motion mechanics and characters is let down by a lack of content. The production quality is great, with design, sounds and visuals all of typical Nintendo polish. If you are just looking for a multiplayer game, this might be good enough value, but it shouldn't be a full priced Nintendo game.
  56. firuthyfuranko
    Dec 20, 2022
    8
    Very Nintendo, a fighting game but it's completely different to any fighting game, good game.
  57. Robospy1
    Jun 28, 2023
    8
    Arms is a strange but fun multiplayer game that I played a lot when it came out. If you are looking for a fun game to play with a friend, this is a great choice.
  58. Toffeltrasa
    Jan 15, 2022
    6
    Fun gameplay, but it sucks that Nintendo let this game die so fast. It gets stale pretty fast.
  59. Lil_Caucasian
    Jan 29, 2022
    7
    Fun fighting game but ultimately lacking content. This probably only came out when it did because of a lack of software in June of 2017. The free updates were nice, but I had already stopped playing by the time they were coming out.
  60. zorohatesrobin
    Feb 20, 2022
    7
    There are a lot of good things about this game, like Twintelle's ass... I mean the graphics. Yes, graphics. There are also a lot of modes and Twintelle's great ass... I mean a lot of different characters. If you play not on the buttons, but wave your hands, the game becomes an excellent gymnastics. And Twintelle has a great ass...
  61. Charles072
    Mar 4, 2022
    8
    Absolutely this is a good game in 2017 but it seems outdated in time passed by
  62. lttrev5
    Jul 2, 2023
    3
    Game is terrible. Dont buy it. Its worth like $5 tops. We played this for a few hours and im good with not playing it ever again. Its one of those games.
  63. trinovatic
    Nov 27, 2022
    7
    Divertido y muy entretenido, no confiaba tanto pero necesitaba juegos para la switch.
  64. Yallahs9
    Feb 2, 2023
    10
    Este juego lo recomiendo sobretodo si tienes un hermano menor o un hijo ya que es muy divertido jugar de a dos
  65. Sonkisfast
    Apr 10, 2023
    7
    ARMS is a good game. In concept. But in execution, it was somewhat poor. Though I do enjoy this game, the gameplay is the worst thing about it, which is the most important thing. The OST and Graphics are very good, though. The real shining star, however, are the characters. Each character is filled to the brim with personality, just by design alone!
    I would recommend this game if you have    ARMS is a good game. In concept. But in execution, it was somewhat poor. Though I do enjoy this game, the gameplay is the worst thing about it, which is the most important thing. The OST and Graphics are very good, though. The real shining star, however, are the characters. Each character is filled to the brim with personality, just by design alone!
    I would recommend this game if you have money to burn, or if you just want a cool fighting game!    … Expand
  66. gietergeit
    May 15, 2023
    7
    it is a game that has weird controls and boring designs but i don't know why but i really like the gameplay
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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

All reviews »
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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