Narita Boy

 Switch
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Switch Player
    Apr 9, 2021
    70
    Narita Boy is a neon-infused 80s fever dream, casting you as the hero of a microscopic digital system. The aesthetic and audio presentation nails this vibe. Just don’t expect engaging combat or a coherent story.
  2. GAMINGbible
    Mar 29, 2021
    70
    It might obviously borrow from the likes of Tron and Another World, Superbrothers and even Ready Player One (the old-school pop-culture nods become comparatively exhausting), but there's just enough here that feels forged anew, born of fresh imagination rather than successful precedents, to give Narita Boy an edge over a lot of other titles in its genre. Digital stores across computer and console formats aren't exactly lacking in side-scrolling, pixel-art action-platformers - but this is one worth finding time for, pulsating as it does with promise that actually, largely, delivers.
  3. Nintendo Insider
    Mar 31, 2021
    60
    Not many games have quite stumped me with opposing thoughts in the same way as Narita Boy has, as I constantly questioned myself over what kind of lasting impression it gave me. On one hand, the visual and audio beauty of it all stayed with me for days, while on the other hand, I couldn’t shake off how everything was all clouded over by gameplay that never quite reaches its full potential.
  5. IGN
    Mar 29, 2021
    60
    Narita Boy's extraordinary style and presentation is let down by hollow exploration and one-note combat.

Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2021

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 33
  3. Negative: 6 out of 33
  1. Zenek73
    Jul 11, 2023
    10
    It's soooo goood game! I remember C64 and even played on older computers. And I'm not big fan of pixelart BUT this game has GREAT soundtrackIt's soooo goood game! I remember C64 and even played on older computers. And I'm not big fan of pixelart BUT this game has GREAT soundtrack and excellent graphic! Really...… Full Review »
  2. ophone
    Jun 4, 2023
    7
    In general a nice game with an interesting story.
    The main thing I miss though is that you can't switch the movement controls of the    In general a nice game with an interesting story.
    The main thing I miss though is that you can't switch the movement controls of the protagonist to the directional pad, which makes controls floaty and rather imprecise for a 2D game.    … Full Review »
  3. Nikopro245
    Nov 19, 2022
    7
    A solid 7. No more no less. On the positives the graphics and soundtrack are super cool and very unique.

    However, it is very linear and quite    A solid 7. No more no less. On the positives the graphics and soundtrack are super cool and very unique.

    However, it is very linear and quite flat in terms of the gameplay, uninspiring even if the story itself has heartfelt moments.    … Full Review »
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