Paradise Killer

 Switch
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
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  1. Pure Nintendo
    Sep 24, 2020
    70
    Paradise Killer offers more style than substance, but that’s not necessarily a fault. It’s a choice. The game’s unique characters and story are open throughout gameplay and beyond completion, tasking you with solving a gory murder through low-pressure investigations and…well, hoping you were right.
  2. DarkStation
    Sep 23, 2020
    70
    I enjoyed my time with Paradise Killer quite a bit as I do love the mystery/visual novel genre of games quite a bit. The game has a fresh look and a killer soundtrack, as well as a fairly good story with plenty to look into. As good as that might sound, I would still recommend any of the Danganronpa or Phoenix Wright titles over Paradise Killer, as the unpopulated world gets tiring to explore and back-loading all of the trials makes for some poor game pacing overall. Still, if you love the genre and are looking for your next fix, Paradise is waiting for you with open arms.
  3. NintendoWorldReport
    Sep 3, 2020
    70
    The first-person, open-world approach to a murder mystery adventure is certainly unique, but Paradise Killer is weighed down by irritating movement and a confusing story. The character names do more harm than good, and the visuals are merely serviceable. Fortunately, the soundtrack provides incredible travelling music, and it’s worth seeking out tapes to add to your collection of tracks. If you can get into the world and its mysteries and intricacies, you’ll find an experience worthy of being called Paradise. If you’re expecting another Danganronpa, this might be more of a buzz killer.
  5. COGconnected
    Sep 11, 2020
    67
    On a story level, Paradise Killer was fantastic. It could have used a lot of fine-tuning but the setting was unique, the characters were interesting, and it asks a lot of questions about morality, acceptable behaviour, the difference between truth and fact, or law and justice. It’s up to you to decide what is right, but the game is a let down in execution. The experience is a long way from video game paradise, but it has its heart in the right place.
  6. TheGamer
    Sep 10, 2020
    50
    Paradise Killer is a game that looks and sounds great, but ultimately, feels devoid of any discernable raison d'etre and actively holds itself back with baffling design choices. The developers are clear talents, and I'm truly looking forward to what they make next. Next time, though, I hope that there's a bit more there to unpack.

Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Best Switch Game of 2020
81
#81 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 32
  3. Negative: 3 out of 32
  1. Reed618
    Jan 9, 2021
    10
    I was really impressed with paradise killer. It has some danganronpa vibes to it but feels more open and there's less zany humor. It was suchI was really impressed with paradise killer. It has some danganronpa vibes to it but feels more open and there's less zany humor. It was such a pleasure to explore paradise island. It looks great on switch. I noticed some occasional pop in but it was quite minor. The art style is really fantastic so I wanted to take in every part of the world.

    One thing I loved is how I would occasionally stumble across massive pieces of the mystery. Before I knew it I was really pulled in. I found the mystery was overall well written and had some great surprises. I also love that you can start the trial whenever you want regardless of how thoroughly you've investigated and you can create a compelling argument to arrest the wrong person if you'd like.

    There's a lot of interesting lore to dig up that explains how paradise island functions. It can get quite dark surprisingly. Although this is one of the most chilled relaxing games i've played in some time. The world is so vibrant and fun to explore and the music is upbeat. I also really appreciate that you can run and unlock a double jump. There's also no fall damage and you can jump down great heights. So it doesn't feel like a walking simulator since you can travel around quite easily.

    This was a really pleasant surprise and if you're into games like danganronpa this is definitely worth a look. Easily one of my favorite games of 2020.    … Full Review »
  2. Jordie
    Sep 8, 2020
    9
    Fantastic murder mystery/ exploration game with a really unique vapourwave aesthetic.
    It was really fun to explore and piece together the lore    Fantastic murder mystery/ exploration game with a really unique vapourwave aesthetic.
    It was really fun to explore and piece together the lore and the events leading up to the crime.

    The music is excellent (I even bought the soundtrack), the characters are well written and the game has a really solid length of about 15 to 20 hours.
    It ends (no spoilers) with a fantastic court trial where you use the evidence gathered to convince the judge of the narrative you believe happened. So you can potentially accuse the wrong people and create your own ending based on the truth you believe in. Loved playing it all the way through and found myself playing long into the night. Only giving a 9 because I wish there was more. A few more puzzles and a few more places (that are hinted at) to explore. But for the price equal to a quarter of a regular boxed game, you really can't argue with the contents. Would fully recommend to any fans of the mystery or visual novel genres. If you've played Danganronpa, Zero Escape, Ace Attorney or Suda51's games, then you'll love this!    … Full Review »
  3. Tortor
    Jul 31, 2023
    10
    Completed in 15 - 20 hours.

    Stylish and incredibly creative experience. It just oozed with personality with amazing character and world    Completed in 15 - 20 hours.

    Stylish and incredibly creative experience. It just oozed with personality with amazing character and world building they sucked me right in.

    I seriously turned this on not expecting much but as soon as I got started, i seriously didn't sleep that night and absolutely suffered physically to play into the next day aiming to beat it. I just wanted to see what happened and wanted to explore.

    This game does such a good job just giving you absolute freedom to get lost and figure things out on your own. Despite just feeling sorta dropped in, the mechanics still made the investigation still feel like it had a good flow.

    Its a lot of information but it's honestly so satisfying connecting the dots on your own. I seriously was so convinced at certain points of 'oh this character doesn't seem there is anything to worry about them so I can cross them off' to 'soooooo I was wrong, they character is shady as hell'.

    Honestly the writing is just so fantastic. The characters felt like living breathing people. The world, ugh, it was just tragic and uncomfortable. I seriously got sick to my stomach at certain points because how the world was depicted just was so eerie, uncomfortable and surreal at times.

    I've never played a game like this in my life and honestly, I seriously want more games like this in my life.

    The quality of writing though is just so above and beyond what I'd ever expect in a game.

    I seriously will remember this game for a while.    … Full Review »
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