Laika: Aged Through Blood

 Switch
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Nintendo Life
    Feb 1, 2025
    90
    Now that the Switch version Laika: Aged Through Blood has finally arrived, it can finally join Hollow Knight, Animal Well, and Blasphemous II as a true modern classic in the Metroidvania genre. The premise and gameplay are like no other, seamlessly combining motocross gameplay with badass bullet-time shootouts that constantly feels satisfying. Chuck in one of the best soundtracks we've heard in years and maybe iron out the remaining performance hiccups, and Laika could well be an early contender for Switch GOTY 2025.
  2. God is a Geek
    Jan 30, 2025
    90
    Laika: Aged Through Blood is one of the coolest Metroidvanias I have ever played, with refreshing controls and a powerful story at its heart.
  3. ElDesmarque
    Feb 10, 2025
    85
    Laika is an intense and challenging experience that is also unique in its kind. Its original mix of mechanics, its level design, its great artwork and its intense narrative are an explosive cocktail worth tasting. But it is true that it is not a game for everyone, as its controls are not at all sympathetic to the average player.
  5. Hobby Consolas
    Jan 30, 2025
    83
    Laika: Aged Through Blood builds a genre of its own, the motorvania, which successfully combines driving, exploration and combat. Supported by a memorable story and brilliant artistic section, the game is polished diamond, but with the sharp edges of its great difficulty.
  6. Hey Poor Player
    Feb 6, 2025
    80
    Laika: Aged Through Blood can feel like a lot at times. There’s no one mechanic that on its own is an issue, but there’s so much to manage that this is a game with a very high learning curve. Still, this is a singular game that feels so unique that it’s hard to imagine players who it clicks for won’t fall in love with it.
  7. Game Rant
    Feb 3, 2025
    80
    The Switch has no shortage of excellent Metroidvania titles, and Laika: Aged Through Blood is well worth the time of any Switch owner who is a fan of the genre. But just because Laika is an easy recommendation doesn't mean that it will be to everyone's tastes, and it certainly requires a lot from the player to get the most out of the experience. For those who don't mind a steep challenge and a unique approach to the classic elements of a Metroidvania, Laika: Aged Through Blood is a worthwhile experience that immediately earns its place as one of the great modern titles in the genre.
  8. Digital Chumps
    Jan 31, 2025
    80
    Laika: Aged Through Blood from developer Brainwash Gang is a wonderful and refreshing Nintendo Switch experience. It lends a brutal narrative that leads gameplay filled with strategy and challenges. While not everyone will take to the controls, which are an important part of the experience, the challenges and strategy will keep the frustration at bay.
  9. Video Chums
    Jan 30, 2025
    80
    Laika: Aged Through Blood caters to a hardcore audience in more ways than one but those who love it will certainly love it a lot.
  10. TheSixthAxis
    Jan 30, 2025
    70
    There’s a lot to like about Laika – Aged Through Blood with its motorvania concept that absolutely delivers, offering a fresh and compelling take on the often staid metroidvania formula. Personally, the high difficulty was not for me, the grind becoming so choresome that getting the bathroom cleaned became deeply alluring. Still, if you like a serious challenge then you might enjoy Laika – Aged Through Blood. Just give it a miss if you’re playing on a Nintendo Switch Lite or in handheld more.