Baba Is You

 Switch
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Eurogamer
    Mar 15, 2019
    Sokoban and coding collide in this clever puzzler. [Eurogamer Recommended]
  2. Polygon
    Mar 13, 2019
    In a moment where so many games demand all of my time, a game that excels in the time it’s not being played feels audacious. [Polygon Recommends]

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Best Switch Game of 2019
54
#54 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2019
19
#19 Most Shared Switch Game of 2019

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 108 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 81 out of 108
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 108
  3. Negative: 15 out of 108
  1. LapinMignon
    Mar 27, 2019
    10
    Baba Is You is a fantastic experience for fans of the Problem-Solving Puzzle Genre. Buyer beware, however, that the game knows its niche andBaba Is You is a fantastic experience for fans of the Problem-Solving Puzzle Genre. Buyer beware, however, that the game knows its niche and sticks extremely closely to it. Those who go in with the craving of maddeningly brain-busting puzzles will have something to satiate them for quite some time. Those who do not will find nothing of value here. For those interested by this premise, I would encourage to play the game, going in knowing as little else as possible, as a puzzle experience is easily compromised by spoilers. For anyone else, I share my thoughts about this experience.

    Let me start by saying that Baba is You is a game that is not afraid to go all-in for its niche audience -- a bold decision that I have nothing but respect for. The game wastes no time selling its premise, and defining what kind of experience it is going to be. It goes through its core concepts and removes the training wheels within less than an hour. Then, it keeps things fresh by introducing new rules and mechanics within those rules to learn and master. Puzzles are presented as single-screen levels, all of which can take less than a minute to execute, but most have the potential leave the player stumped for upwards of an hour.

    Puzzles themselves are designed with a mentality of problem-solving in mind. The player is encouraged to experiment, iterate and approach things scientifically. The more the player discovers about how the rules work and interact with each others, the more likely they will be to figure how to solve a puzzle quickly. Noteworthy, however, is that most puzzles aren't so strict as to have one, concrete-bound solution. This is especially true early on, and even results in each player approaching the midgame with entirely different cognitive toolkits. No two player is bound to have the same experience with the game -- something uncommon for a puzzle game, but nevertheless a welcome trend in the problem-solving subgenre.

    The graphics may seem amateurish and questionable, but to me there is no doubt that the Lo-Fi aesthetic is a perfect fit for such a game. Every token on the puzzle grid are represented in their simplest possible form - a shape, and a color. This makes levels easy to parse, regardless of how many things are moving, transforming, and happening. Had it not been this way, it would have been easy for it to cause an over-saturation of information that would distract from the challenge. The music also employs this minimalist philosophy, with each track using a small set of instruments. The compositions are quite brilliant and enchanting, but more importantly, they are easy on the ears and can be listened to for hours.

    Baba is You isn't a game for everyone -- far from it. But if you have a puzzle game itch to scratch, then this game is one I can recommend with all my heart.    … Full Review »
  2. MelaKaden
    Mar 18, 2019
    10
    Brilliant game that really challenges your preconceptions about puzzle games.
  3. kaseo
    Mar 18, 2019
    10
    Baba is you is an incredible puzzle-game. Must have for lovers of this kind of games.
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