Narita Boy

 Switch
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

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  1. Popof
    Apr 1, 2021
    9
    An incredible adventure game, it is not perfect but it is very special and unforgettable.
  2. CalAran
    Apr 2, 2021
    9
    Become one with the Trichroma to save the digital world! What happens when you mix the 80's retro, a strong inspiration in Tron, action platformer with exploration (metroidvania) and awesome both Art style and Soundtrack? Just this, and it's awesome.

    It is not perfect since some people my find a big issue the lack of a map in this kind of games, even if the path is not as labyrinthine as    Become one with the Trichroma to save the digital world! What happens when you mix the 80's retro, a strong inspiration in Tron, action platformer with exploration (metroidvania) and awesome both Art style and Soundtrack? Just this, and it's awesome.

    It is not perfect since some people my find a big issue the lack of a map in this kind of games, even if the path is not as labyrinthine as it seems, so it's not really 'that' needed. It can also be a bit too short (around 10 hours) but they are all worth it.

    Also, digital world needs a physical version to be properly saved :P    … Expand
  3. 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 soundtrack and excellent graphic! Really...
  4. KetchumAlmond
    Apr 6, 2021
    9
    I've only been playing this game for one day now, but wow. Been waiting for this for a couple years now, and the trailers sold me on the amazing character animations, unique designs, and techno 80s throwback aesthetic. I read some negative reviews recently so I was fully prepared to not enjoy the game but it is so enjoyable and it's kept me smiling the entire time. There have been a fewI've only been playing this game for one day now, but wow. Been waiting for this for a couple years now, and the trailers sold me on the amazing character animations, unique designs, and techno 80s throwback aesthetic. I read some negative reviews recently so I was fully prepared to not enjoy the game but it is so enjoyable and it's kept me smiling the entire time. There have been a few moments so far (no spoilers, but they involve transformations) where the game completely surprised me with awesomeness. The visuals in this game alone are worth the price of admission, the dialogue is lore-heavy yet clever and funny, and the music... holy crap, the Synth Bard's theme is incredible, as is the western theme in the desert. I could go on, the only drawbacks so far are the lack of a map and some ambiguity in where to go at certain points, but I see those as just part of the puzzle solving, and it hasn't gotten to the point of frustration. I would also like to be able to backtrack and replay certain moments, which doesn't seem possible so far. That being said if you're looking for a game that's a work of art, this is absolute eye candy and an enjoyable ride through a retro-futuristic fantasy world.

    Update: I finished the game yesterday, and would still give this a solid 9/10. I'm baffled by all of the negative reviews. This runs really smooth on the Switch (I know other versions had some bugs that made certain levels impossible, but I only experienced one minor glitch in my Switch playthrough which made a boss easier, so I didn't mind). If you're on the fence about this and dig the aesthetics, absolutely give it a shot! It's super fun, and I only wish there were more levels.    … Expand
  5. alza2
    Jul 24, 2021
    9
    Blew my mind. I love the game. few hiccups

    + Story + Feels good to play + Music! + Gorgeous visuals + Boss fight + Good understanding of Japan + Variety of enemies + Varieties of environments (does not copy classic and deja-vu stages) Original ideas + Power-ups a all useful and varied - Finding keys to open doors * 100 - Requires to have a grown up with 8bit games in the 80s and know a    Blew my mind. I love the game. few hiccups

    + Story
    + Feels good to play
    + Music!
    + Gorgeous visuals
    + Boss fight
    + Good understanding of Japan
    + Variety of enemies
    + Varieties of environments (does not copy classic and deja-vu stages) Original ideas
    + Power-ups a all useful and varied

    - Finding keys to open doors * 100
    - Requires to have a grown up with 8bit games in the 80s and know a bit of code to fully appreciate the subtlety of the dialogues (happily that's my case). If not that's not a problem
    - cannot backtrack to find the optional items

    I love this game    … Expand
  6. TomMonday
    Jul 29, 2022
    5
    Bought this one for $8.50. That’s about what it’s worth. Trippy platformer with excellent pixel graphics and great music and immersive atmosphere. The experience of playing the game, however, feels a little flat. Essentially, you’re just a Tron clone running around collecting keys and slicing up red monsters with a sword. Worse, constant backtracking through the same beautiful environmentsBought this one for $8.50. That’s about what it’s worth. Trippy platformer with excellent pixel graphics and great music and immersive atmosphere. The experience of playing the game, however, feels a little flat. Essentially, you’re just a Tron clone running around collecting keys and slicing up red monsters with a sword. Worse, constant backtracking through the same beautiful environments makes the revolutionary visuals seem less special. If you’re a fan of beat-em-ups and retro games, Narita Boy might be worth your time. But by the end, I found myself speeding through the endless exposition to get to the predictable ending. WARNING: Be sure to turn on the soft light filter setting, or the blurry visuals will give you a major headache.… Expand
  7. TPsy1007
    Aug 24, 2021
    7
    I’m about an hour and a half into the game, so I’ll probably edit this once I finish it. I’m not a huge fan of game plots being too complex, but understanding what’s going on does matter and I find the whole story of Narito Boy incredibly hard to understand. There are too many branches in the plot all bunched together it almost gives me a headache just reading through its dialogue. WhereI’m about an hour and a half into the game, so I’ll probably edit this once I finish it. I’m not a huge fan of game plots being too complex, but understanding what’s going on does matter and I find the whole story of Narito Boy incredibly hard to understand. There are too many branches in the plot all bunched together it almost gives me a headache just reading through its dialogue. Where the game excels for me is in its visuals. I absolutely love this style of pixel animation plus the obvious 80’s retro environment. The combat is simple with basic hack n slash moves so don’t expect anything amazing from it. I’m enjoying it so far but we’ll see how it goes.… Expand
  8. 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 flat in terms of the gameplay, uninspiring even if the story itself has heartfelt moments.
  9. Terrax
    Mar 20, 2022
    9
    So problems first, the slow roll of abilities makes early combat kind of slow. This isn't quite a metroidvania so don't go in expecting so, it is more of a linear platformer beat'em up.

    That out of the way, it is absolutely a masterpiece to me. I have never played a '80s based game that nails the music. This has Real Disco. Banging pop. Unfortunately some sick tracks are sequestered to    So problems first, the slow roll of abilities makes early combat kind of slow. This isn't quite a metroidvania so don't go in expecting so, it is more of a linear platformer beat'em up.

    That out of the way, it is absolutely a masterpiece to me. I have never played a '80s based game that nails the music. This has Real Disco. Banging pop. Unfortunately some sick tracks are sequestered to very small portions of the game but when it goes it goes hard. Checkpoints kind of mediate the flow of the game, it should really reset after most big fights but usually you'll string a tough combat into losing the next one. In spite of this middle to late game combat is very engaging. I'm not big on beat'em ups but this game cleverly covers it up and ultimately gives you satisfying mainstay power ups and really cool single-two time use setppiece upgrades. The game isn't super hard but it will definitely be challenging if you're like me and don't expect the game's true genre. In short, I expected a metroidvania, I was happily introduced to a cute and cool brawler with a glamorous sense of style. The story is opaque at first but makes sense as you go on. The kind of reverse reveal makes it a unique narrative that is basic but has a unique flair that makes it more interesting as it is doled out periodically.

    Please give this game a shot. I can hardly imagine how amazing this studio will be after learning a few lessons from this release. While not perfect it is definitely entertaining and engaging.    … Expand
  10. Erin698
    Apr 2, 2021
    10
    A true retro treat! The soundtrack is also available on iTunes and is an absolute banger!
  11. MisterFlink
    Apr 3, 2021
    10
    Loved the style, the music, the characters and enemies design... all wrapped up with a charming story told step by step that engages the player to keep playing until the very end. Also, provides a decent challenge with its combat system for those looking for some action!

    I don't have bad words for this game, definetely my GOTY.
  12. Jimenezjc
    Apr 3, 2021
    8
    Complex but nice and satisfactory story, beautifully designed, astounding soundtrack and almost perfect gameplay. Great first work from Studio Koba.
  13. PanNindyk
    Apr 6, 2021
    10
    Take the best elements of classic cinematic platformers (like "Another World" or "Flashback"), mix it up with fantasy/sci-fi movies from the 80s and spice it up with a bit of Japanese culture - that's what "Narita Boy" is like.
  14. 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 protagonist to the directional pad, which makes controls floaty and rather imprecise for a 2D game.
  15. Keif_mn
    Jul 10, 2022
    10
    This game is criminally underrated here! It’s so good. Such an amazing and immersive experience.

Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

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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. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Oct 6, 2021
    75
    When I first saw Narita Boy, I thought it was too good to be true. Three of my favorite things Ð Tron, beautiful 2D animation and weird indie games Ð all in one package? Somebody pinch me! Overall, the game mostly delivers on that trifecta, but some of it made me sleepy. Thankfully, it ends with the promise of a souped-up sequel in a whole new genre. Here's hoping this modern digital boy is on to bigger and brighter things. [Issue #53 – July/August 2021, p. 22]
  2. COGconnected
    May 5, 2021
    88
    I had a blast with Narita Boy. It’s not perfect, but what is? Indeed, it started slowly, though, it doesn’t take long before you’re capable of exhilarating feats. And the ending is brilliant, paving the way for a sequel that will seemingly be an entirely different genre. Whatever that may be, I’ll be there, at the front of the line. It’s up to you to save the world. So get to it.
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  3. CGMagazine
    Apr 30, 2021
    80
    Narita Boy is visually stunning and packed with great ideas; but for everything it does right, you can see how it could’ve done better.
    Read full review
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