Sagebrush

 Switch
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Pure Nintendo
    Sep 9, 2019
    95
    Sagebrush pulls you into the life of a cult by forcing you to follow the story of someone who survived one. Perfect Heaven – and its impact on its members – feels organic and like cults that have lived in times before it. Its pixelated animation style gives you the feeling that you’re exploring the ruins of someone’s memory and the tragedy that followed.
  2. Cubed3
    Aug 26, 2019
    80
    Strictly as an adventure-type videogame, Sagebrush is as simplistic one can get. As an experience, though, it's an unforgettable journey to the bizarre world of religious fanaticism, and, more specifically, suicide cults; one with an incredibly immersive, hair-raising atmosphere, in great part courtesy of its incredibly fitting, 32-bit era visuals, and minimalist approach to sound. If a fan of short, narrative-driven, psychological thrillers, this is a must-buy.
  3. Nintenderos
    Dec 9, 2019
    72
    Sagebrush is a title with a very attractive story that stands out in all its sections. If you like titles that create a good atmosphere from beginning to end, even if it lasts only a few hours, do not hesitate to play this game.
  5. Switch Player
    Aug 29, 2019
    70
    Sagebrush is a short narrative-driven experience that uses storytelling to great effect. Set on the site of a horrific mass suicide, players learn the story of the Perfect Heaven cult’s rise and demise at the hands of founder Father James.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. adventuranter
    Jan 24, 2021
    8
    Sagebrush is a diamond in the rough, exhibiting conceptual genius but screamingly lacking polish. As an atmosphere-heavy, plot-drivenSagebrush is a diamond in the rough, exhibiting conceptual genius but screamingly lacking polish. As an atmosphere-heavy, plot-driven horror/mystery 1st person adventure, it is at once thrilling and compelling, with creepy twists on a familiar cult massacre narrative and a progressive day-to-night transition that greatly heightens the mood. The storyline is quite linear, but that's not uncommon in point-and-click adventure games. The real problems lie with the clunky item detection, which forces you to aim awkwardly at the screen all the time, but also with some minor lapses in atmospheric storytelling. The mines section appears particularly lifeless without any ad hoc music or SFX and there's a bothersome clownish quality to the cult leader's characterization that impairs the game's overall aura of menace. Graphics are dated, but that's hardly a problem considering that Sagebrush is both a dramatic and visual throwback to 1990s America. The playthrough, however, is quite short, with very little replay value. Just think of it all as an immersive foray into a very clever B-movie, dim the lights and plug in your earphones for a couple of hours to really embrace the enthralling experience of going back there. To a place of misguided fate and torturous penance, of which the game offers a worm-ridden but distinctly cathartic slice.… Full Review »
  2. adpaskhughes
    Aug 25, 2023
    5
    A walking simulator with some point-and-click elements thrown in. Essentially this comes down to whether you find the story compelling (IA walking simulator with some point-and-click elements thrown in. Essentially this comes down to whether you find the story compelling (I didn't) and like the look of it; the 32-bit graphics weren't attractive to me, and in fact find that they actually hinder the gameplay elements that are there.… Full Review »
  3. JAG7
    Aug 23, 2021
    8
    Good game! Interesting story! Religious cults are horrible! They mess people’s minds! The game takes you there into the state of mind of whatGood game! Interesting story! Religious cults are horrible! They mess people’s minds! The game takes you there into the state of mind of what happened and why.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »