The Count Lucanor

 Switch
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. GameCritics
    Dec 18, 2017
    90
    I can’t say much more about this little gem without running the risk of spoiling something, and since there’s absolutely no fat on these bones, giving even a little away would be a crime. However, what I can say is that this small, unassuming indie is a masterclass in tight, focused design and it delivers a wonderfully layered experience. Funny, scary, clever, and eerie in equal measure, The Count Lucanor is an absolute delight… Whether Hans finds his happily ever after nor not, this modern fairy tale is one that’s worth experiencing.
  2. Switch Player
    Oct 30, 2017
    88
    The Count Lucanor is definitely worth a place in your Switch eShop library. Comprising a castle of a range of different puzzle challenges in each room, it's like a scarier version of the Crystal Maze. Well-written storytelling also helps its case, and while it may not be long, it certainly is memorable.
  3. Everyeye.it
    Oct 29, 2017
    82
    A fascinating and entertaining game.
  5. NintendoWorldReport
    Oct 20, 2017
    80
    After getting over the fact that Hans walks too slow, I really started to get captured in the mythos surrounding the castle. The story was engaging and the puzzles were satisfyingly difficult, the only issue being it really is only a one and done experience. A worthwhile experience, but you can really only be shocked by a decapitated head surrounded by dancing goats once.
  6. Digitally Downloaded
    Nov 2, 2017
    70
    There are games that deliver horror that’s confronting and often gory, but The Count Lucanor excelled at showing a different side of fear that other studios should take cues from.
  7. Nintendo Life
    Oct 23, 2017
    70
    The Count Lucanor is a mostly enjoyable horror tale that is only prevented from being a truly great game thanks to a couple of performance issues and relatively short duration. At its best, the game offers a surprisingly rich story, intriguing (and genuinely creepy) characters and surroundings, and enjoyable puzzle-based tasks to ponder over. The candle and saving systems add to the stress imposed by the castle, forcing you to choose between being safe in the present or keeping supplies for later on (although a harder difficulty setting which provides less of these items could have worked wonders). If you’re looking for something a little bit different, this could well be the game for you.
  8. Meristation
    Oct 27, 2017
    65
    A game with a great proposal but technically fair. Performance is not what you would expect.
  9. Vooks
    Dec 12, 2017
    50
    To be clear, I didn’t hate The Count Lucanor. But I really didn’t enjoy it either. It’s a game that just feels merely mediocre in nearly every way, leaving me wishing it had more to it. There are a lot of good ideas that are just not developed to a satisfying standard, but I hope this game leads to more interesting games from these developers in the future.
  10. Cubed3
    Oct 30, 2017
    50
    The Count Lucanor is as average as it gets. The most impressive aspect is definitely the animated cut-scenes and how many different ways the story can be completed. The problem is that the whole thing is over so quickly - about as long as it takes to tell an actual fairytale. In-game pixel art fails to impress and the amateurish designs and animations undercut the story and themes as depicted in the writing and cut-scenes. Also, Metal Slug 3 is on the Nintendo Switch and runs perfectly, so there is no reason why The Count Lucanor suffers some egregious performance issues.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 25
  3. Negative: 3 out of 25
  1. fbk2l2q
    Aug 11, 2019
    9
    Grew up on old Tandy/PC games. This feels/plays like an old school game (Kings Quest/Quest for Glory). Not a tough game, really fun puzzles.Grew up on old Tandy/PC games. This feels/plays like an old school game (Kings Quest/Quest for Glory). Not a tough game, really fun puzzles. On the short side but satisfying. Pretty happy with the Switch purchase. A great retro inspired game for us classic gamers.… Full Review »
  2. nusco
    Aug 18, 2018
    8
    The Count Lucanor is a weird game. It mixes traditional European folk tales and Japanese horror, 8-bits and 16-bits graphics, adventureThe Count Lucanor is a weird game. It mixes traditional European folk tales and Japanese horror, 8-bits and 16-bits graphics, adventure mechanics and RPG feelings, grotesque gore and coming-of-ages fable tropes. Somehow, these dissonant elements combine perfectly into a few hours of interesting adventure.

    Instead of sticking to the classic point-and-click adventure formula, The Count Lucanor plays by its own rules. The core of the game asks you to tackle a large puzzle with multiple possible solutions. The curiously free-form structure leaves you almost wondering sometimes: will I be able to finish this game, even though I wasted an item on something that might not have been the best use of it? In the end, however, all the pieces click together into a satisfying conclusion. That's a trick that even higher-league adventure games rarely dare to attempt.

    The Count Lucanor is a refreshing, surprising delivery by a tiny team. I'm glad that I spent a few hours playing it.    … Full Review »
  3. IamSquid
    Jan 2, 2022
    8
    I suppose this counts as a survival horror game, although it feels a bit lighter than that name would imply. That being said, certain parts ofI suppose this counts as a survival horror game, although it feels a bit lighter than that name would imply. That being said, certain parts of this game are bleak as hell. A great little 4 hour game that's well worth the price!… Full Review »
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