Incredible Mandy

 Switch
Metascore
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No score yet - based on 3 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 1 out of 3
  1. Digitally Downloaded
    Nov 11, 2019
    80
    Incredible Mandy is a great example of design by subtraction, focusing on puzzle-solving and atmosphere and eschewing mechanics which do not contribute to the developer’s singular vision. The result is a game which evokes a particularly introspective sensation in the player – if they are able to afford the game their patience and attention despite the lack of combat or narrative tension, then they will be met with rewarding puzzles and a comforting mood. If this sounds like just what you need to unwind, then Incredible Mandy will be a game you are sure to regard with fondness.

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User score distribution:
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  2. Mixed: 1 out of 1
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  1. Scarabridian
    Jan 30, 2020
    6
    I picked up Incredible Mandy on a whim because of a snippet of video showing an... incredible art style and intriguing combat. While I was notI picked up Incredible Mandy on a whim because of a snippet of video showing an... incredible art style and intriguing combat. While I was not wrong about the aesthetic; I was only partially right about the combat, which only consists of boss battles at the end of each stage. The rest of your experience is solving a number of less-than-brain-teasing puzzles with the occasional few moments to think one through or overcome it by trial and error.

    I played through the game my first time on the slightly harder difficulty; and the combat was interesting, but it definitely will not give Dark Souls a run for its money. Still, I do not think the bosses were bad by any means. As a series of fun puzzles to defeat an imposing threat, the bosses are certainly successful; and, in fact, contained several instances where I thought, "Wow, that's a really cool idea." However, clunky controls; lack of challenge; and a couple of bugs that soft-locked my game, causing me to have to reset the software and start from my last checkpoint, kept this game from being any higher for me. That said, a generous amount of checkpoints ensured I never felt a sense of tedium getting back to where I was.

    Incredible Mandy also boasts a fascinating little story dealing with the memories of a brother and sister. These memories are the main collectible, along with Zelda-esque health upgrades that afford you extra "heart containers." Most of these were not particularly difficult to find, due to the general linearity of the levels; but I did finish the game having missed a few of each type of collectible. I was momentarily compelled to replay the game in an attempt to find the remaining memories, but quickly decided I had enough of the story to piece events together. Had the gameplay been slightly more compelling, I would have resumed my session.

    All in all, Incredible Mandy is a beautiful game with a gorgeous art style, intriguing story, and interesting puzzle concepts; but lumbering controls, low difficulty, and several bugs hold it back from being exceptional.

    P.S. - Because I forgot to add them somewhere earlier... the music is subtle, yet befitting the generally calm and relaxing atmosphere; and a list of achievements does give you more incentive to replay the adventure if you're interested in that sort of thing.    … Full Review »