The Messenger

 Switch
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. Cubed3
    Aug 31, 2018
    70
    Sabotage Studio proves its worth by delivering an title that pays homage to Ninja Gaiden but is actually better than its source material; one that nails both the 8-bit, and 16-bit aesthetic. The problem is that, although definitely a fun title, the way it is torn between being a pure action-platformer and a metroidvania really hurts what could otherwise be one of the year's best indies.
  2. GameSpew
    Aug 29, 2018
    70
    The tedium of the second half of the game, and the increasing frustration brought on by its level design, checkpoint system and challenging platforming somewhat sour the experience though.
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  1. Polygon
    Aug 28, 2018
    For those of us who love gaming history, and the ways it still impacts games today, The Messenger is a shaggy but lovable adventure that shouldn’t be skipped as we enter the fall games deluge.

Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Best Switch Game of 2018
25
#25 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2018
25
#25 Most Shared Switch Game of 2018

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 234 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 200 out of 234
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 234
  3. Negative: 19 out of 234
  1. Gnuphilly
    Aug 30, 2018
    10
    The Messenger is one the most entertaining, refreshing and innovative game I have played in a while. It feels like a what a triple AThe Messenger is one the most entertaining, refreshing and innovative game I have played in a while. It feels like a what a triple A production would have been in the 90s. The mechanics are simple, yet they provide for a very challenging experience when mixed together in such great levels. The story is well written, and much deeper than expected at the beginning. The characters are lovely and I found myself reading all the optional dialogues, which I never do. The visuals are gorgeous and diverse. Each level has a 8-bit and 16-bit version.

    Sabotage Studio really accomplished something by crafting a real love letter to what we enjoyed about retro games. It stands out in the sea of pale copycats by finding its own modern identity while hitting that nostalgia nerve all the time.

    From a side-scroller to a metroidvania, this game offers a depth that is unexpected. It is very polished and well-paced, offering a 20+ hours experience that is worth every penny. Highly recommended 10/10 - This should make short list for GOTY.    … Full Review »
  2. camptownrangers
    Sep 1, 2018
    9
    It's one of those games that starts out fine and just never stops getting cooler. It's unexpectedly funny and witty, lots of attention toIt's one of those games that starts out fine and just never stops getting cooler. It's unexpectedly funny and witty, lots of attention to detail, main gameplay that's just constantly fun and satisfying. Definitely stands out among the deluge of other retro indie games that this might look similar to at first glance. Highly recommended.… Full Review »
  3. VonSeux
    Sep 5, 2018
    4
    I really can't understand this point of the gaming culture where unoriginality, copycats, faux-sequels, and simply poor design gets praised soI really can't understand this point of the gaming culture where unoriginality, copycats, faux-sequels, and simply poor design gets praised so much. Enough with the nostalgia hype bubble. This game, again, is generic as 100 other games on steam, do programmers make this the sane game-maker tool or something? pfff… Full Review »
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