Bleed

 Switch
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. God is a Geek
    Mar 15, 2018
    80
    I’m glad this has such a great portable conversion because it is absolutely worth playing if you enjoy those pickup and play experiences like Super Meat Boy. It even has video capture to share those epic moments.
  2. Cubed3
    Jan 16, 2018
    80
    What Bleed lacks in play time, it makes up for with one of the most fluid control schemes to grace a platformer. Wryn's triple jump allows for a flow of movement that encourages dodge heavy, bullet hell style level design. Coupled with a well implemented bullet-time mechanic, stages require quick reflexes to complete, especially when taking rank into consideration. While the main story takes less than two hours to complete, unlockables, Arcade mode, and higher difficulties keep Bleed a highly addictive, and highly replayable, experience.
  3. NintendoWorldReport
    Jan 2, 2018
    80
    Bleed mostly does a good job of making the most out of its relatively simple design, with the time slowing mechanic resulting in a unique feel that sets it apart from other run and gun games. The checkpoints and upgrades, as well as variable difficulty settings, make it very accessible in a way you don’t always see in this genre. Bleed is yet another compelling indie experience on the Switch eShop.
  5. Nintendo Life
    Dec 19, 2017
    80
    Bleed does a great job of providing a balance between brains and brawn, finesse and firepower.

Awards & Rankings

84
#84 Best Switch Game of 2017

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 18
  3. Negative: 2 out of 18
  1. chosen0ne
    Sep 22, 2021
    9
    Great arcade shooter! Love the replayability of this title. It's not terribly long, but I loved it. Incredible that it was done by only 1Great arcade shooter! Love the replayability of this title. It's not terribly long, but I loved it. Incredible that it was done by only 1 developer!… Full Review »
  2. nusco
    Jul 14, 2020
    8
    Note: I played the "Bleed Complete Bundle", that includes "Bleed" and "Bleed 2". This review covers both games.

    The Bleed games are all    Note: I played the "Bleed Complete Bundle", that includes "Bleed" and "Bleed 2". This review covers both games.

    The Bleed games are all about striking a balance. They're packed with action, but the levels are so short, that you have plenty of chances to put down your Switch and take a breath. They're hard enough to be fun, but easy enough to avoid frustrating you. And finally, you might argue that they lack substance–but they're both so short, that they'll be over way before they start feeling repetitive. And if you're looking for a steeper challenge, they offer many opportunities to replay through the levels, in search of a better score, or using the unlockable characters. The hardest difficulties and characters offer more than enough challenge even for the most hardcore action fans, and there is even a one-life mode for the masochists out there.

    Bleed is a one-hour long game with seven short levels, a whimsical storyline, and plenty of boss battles–usually two or more per level. Its core idea is a limited bullet-time mechanic, coupled with an air-dash move. The two mechanics together allow you to navigate bullet hellish situation in slow motion, while unleashing a decent diversity of weapons on a number of cartoonish foes.

    Bleed 2 takes the formula of the first game and pumps it up to eleven, especially when it comes to boss battles. The entire game borders on a boss rush–a sequence of boss fights interleaved by short non-boss sections. The fights are varied enough to hold your attention throughout, and in the last levels I had to take frequent breaks, because the action (in Hard mode) proved intense enough to make my hands cramp on a Switch Lite.

    If you like some light-hearted action, Bleed and Bleed 2 are a bundle of unassuming, straightforward fun. You could easily play both games to completion in a single sitting, but I tried to dose the fun through a few days, in between other games. I'll certainly pick up the games again for some couch co-op action when I get friends over.    … Full Review »
  3. AllySky
    Sep 20, 2018
    7
    I ended up playing the second one first, but now I see why this game got a sequel. While Bleed 2 is better in several ways, it was just anI ended up playing the second one first, but now I see why this game got a sequel. While Bleed 2 is better in several ways, it was just an improvement. Bleed is what started it all and deserves a try just for that, as I would recommend it.… Full Review »
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