The Messenger

 Switch
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

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  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 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 lovelyThe 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.    … Expand
  2. WarioJo
    Sep 9, 2018
    10
    Overall, easily the best game i've played for years! Everything's top notch. Can't wait for The Messenger 2 !
  3. vincentincident
    Sep 10, 2018
    10
    This game has to be on everyone's must play list! Hands down this game is the absolute best game you will play in the retro 8 & 16 bit genre. Not since Shovel Knight has a game taken all the aspects we LOVE about old school games and improved them so vastly you didn't even know it was possible, while removing all the aspects that drove us nuts! Must play for sure do NOT skip this one!
  4. Sunshadow87
    May 12, 2020
    9
    Uno de los mejores juegos retro de plataformas/acción con un toque de metroidvania.
    El juego comienza con un planteamiento lineal muy clásico a la vieja escuela, pero llegado a cierto punto, la historia y el gameplay da un giro completo, introduce nuevas mecánicas y abre el mundo completamente.
    El juego tiene un sentido de humor muy gamer, y el gameplay es extremadamente divertido.
  5. tdub154420
    Sep 5, 2018
    10
    The back tracking can be a little tedious, but I personally didn't mind it as it was a time well used to master all the abilities and upgrades. My biggest problem with the start of the game is there was just too much to the platforming. To cloud step you needed to strike an item and then jump, there was the grappling hook, and then the glide and downward strike and often times you'd needThe back tracking can be a little tedious, but I personally didn't mind it as it was a time well used to master all the abilities and upgrades. My biggest problem with the start of the game is there was just too much to the platforming. To cloud step you needed to strike an item and then jump, there was the grappling hook, and then the glide and downward strike and often times you'd need to string these together in different directions and in a moments notice. Its hard to get used to. But the metroidvania part of the game allows you that time and comfort to truly master your abilities. Once you master these abilities, the game is so incredibly fun to play. The platforming and bosses are just the right difficulty and the controls really are so tight and responsive. This is a very very good game.… Expand
  6. 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 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.
  7. Vcityrocker
    Sep 10, 2018
    10
    It seems like a lot of gamer's are saying their burnt out on the nostalgic 8/16 bit pixel art, that developers are taking the easy way out and copying older classics, but this is far from the truth with The Messenger . Now maybe you didn't grown up on the NES and don't appreciate some of the hardest, well designed, fun to return to time and time again adventures ever! or maybe becauseIt seems like a lot of gamer's are saying their burnt out on the nostalgic 8/16 bit pixel art, that developers are taking the easy way out and copying older classics, but this is far from the truth with The Messenger . Now maybe you didn't grown up on the NES and don't appreciate some of the hardest, well designed, fun to return to time and time again adventures ever! or maybe because there's been a plethora of these games recently, ,that some of these outstanding titles have been over looked and neglected. The Messenger stands on its own, sure some of us will look at it and say Ninja gaiden but once you pick it up the music HITS! and you get into the game play it simple to see this isn't some copycat or wanna be.t his is its own game with fresh solid mechanics, they may take a bit to get down but once you do...man are you a real ninja, Gliding, slashing and cloud stepping through the stages feels so good that i don't think you have to be reminded or know older games to enjoy this side scrolling plat former. the Messenger is so appealing to the eyes, This is art and great art, not simple pixel nostalgia. If you haven't played this gem i wont say much about the second half where a lot of reviews seem to think it loses its steam, but i would have to disagree. At this point your have to back track and explore to find hidden areas on the map and decipher prophecy to do this but in no way does it get boring, just a bit more challenging. I couldn't wait to open a new part of this world, to see it expand and i always felt rewarded when i did. The music in the Messenger was a treat! i don't get music from games stuck in my head all that often but it happens and oh did it with this on. i have actually turn on some of my favorite sections just to hear it the song while i did other things around the house! There is a lot that can be said about this game and has, so clearly my point outside of this The messenger being so good would be don't judge it by its style. this is a game im sure ill enjoy going back to time and time again over the years. Will you carry the scroll?.......... i did and cant wait to do it again.… Expand
  8. jeffbizloc
    Oct 8, 2018
    8
    I beat the Messenger and thought I was done only half way through! It is divided into a linear part and then a more exploring part (though I used a guide mostly here).

    Pros: - The 8 to 16 bit was pretty cool - even if graphically I couldn't always tell - Bosses were well done - Perfect amount of challenge Cons: - If I didn't have a guide I would of repeated sections many, many    I beat the Messenger and thought I was done only half way through! It is divided into a linear part and then a more exploring part (though I used a guide mostly here).

    Pros:
    - The 8 to 16 bit was pretty cool - even if graphically I couldn't always tell
    - Bosses were well done
    - Perfect amount of challenge

    Cons:
    - If I didn't have a guide I would of repeated sections many, many times versus just many times
    - A couple frustrating spots of platforming

    Cons:
    - Really not many, I suppose it was missing something (I don't know what) that would of made it a 10 for me    … Expand
  9. jmart00031
    Sep 2, 2018
    10
    A better Celeste, not as much Super Meat Boy difficulty platforming as Celeste though, with action and amazing music. The game is full of surprises too and probably longer than you think at first.
  10. touchfuzzy
    Sep 9, 2018
    10
    Fantastic game — great controls and platforming, clever story and dialogue, and fun/challenging boss fights that don’t get frustrating. It’s also really funny and clever! The soundtrack is one of the best I’ve ever heard in a retro inspired game. Good length for the price too, around 12-16 hours. Don’t sleep on this The Messenger — not just one of the best indie games of 2018, but one ofFantastic game — great controls and platforming, clever story and dialogue, and fun/challenging boss fights that don’t get frustrating. It’s also really funny and clever! The soundtrack is one of the best I’ve ever heard in a retro inspired game. Good length for the price too, around 12-16 hours. Don’t sleep on this The Messenger — not just one of the best indie games of 2018, but one of the best of 2018, period!… Expand
  11. AesopB3EF
    Sep 14, 2018
    10
    I knew I was going to like The Messenger from the moment I watched the trailer. I like ninjas. I like video games. I like video games about ninjas. What I didn’t expect from The Messenger was to be completely enraptured by it, teleporting me back to my childhood where I couldn’t get the game out of my head.

    For a week straight, it seemed like all I could think about was The Messenger.    I knew I was going to like The Messenger from the moment I watched the trailer. I like ninjas. I like video games. I like video games about ninjas. What I didn’t expect from The Messenger was to be completely enraptured by it, teleporting me back to my childhood where I couldn’t get the game out of my head.

    For a week straight, it seemed like all I could think about was The Messenger. When I wasn’t playing, I was wishing I was. If I wasn’t playing, I was listening to the soundtrack. If I wasn’t playing, I was searching for developer interviews, watching twitch streams, or simply just thinking about the world and its characters. With The Messenger, Sabotage Studios has created a modern classic that doesn’t just play immaculately, but engages the player in new and surprising ways that speaks to both the child and adult within you.

    On the surface, The Messenger begins as a fairly standard Ninja Gaiden-inspired platformer. You do sweet front flips and you cut up demons with some of the tightest, most responsive controls anyone can ask for. The story? Deliver a scroll to the top of a mountain on the other side of the land to stop those demons from destroying the last of humankind. However, it doesn’t take long before the game starts standing out on its own by introducing new mechanics and some great writing. If you’re at all interested in what I’ve said so far, I’d just go play the game and stop reading. The Messenger is meant to surprise and catch you off guard and while I’m not going to specifically spoil anything, I do want to dive a little deeper into the game.

    The Messenger really starts to shine by showing its personality and the motto of developer Sabotage Studios, “retro aesthetics with modern game design.” The game looks absolutely gorgeous with some of the best pixel art out there and the music is equally awesome. Playing the game is a dream, but The Messenger also had me looking forward to every new level to see the artwork and hear the next track. Amazing NES aesthetics? Check.

    Beyond the aesthetics, your ninja will evolve as you play with some handy upgrades that push his abilities from rookie ninja to grand master. Exploring the environment will net you time shards that you can use in the shop to purchase a wide range of upgrades from shurikens to new attacks to health upgrades. Each upgrade feels impactful and worth the purchase. Other upgrades come as you progress through the game like the Wingsuit, which lets you slowly glide over chasms or ride gusts of air vertically. Even for someone like me, who explored every nook and cranny and unlocked every upgrade well before the end of the game, I never was bored with the gameplay because mastering both the character and the levels were so much fun.

    And speaking of the shop, The Messenger’s shopkeeper is just as important (and frankly, more memorable) as the main character. The shopkeeper is the game’s main way to give flavor text to the environments, present some backstory, tell stories, and dole out a heaping helping of comedy. He’s my favorite character of the year. Maybe he’s a woman actually? I don’t know. But I love him. Without going into any spoilers, I just will say that the game’s writing is commendable. The game seamlessly walks the line of being philosophical and satirical while never ceasing to be flat-out entertaining. It’s the main reason why I feel like the game pulls off what so few games, or any other media, accomplish: speaking to both the child and the adult within you. Playing the game felt like going back in time, but hearing the story and listening to some things the shopkeeper says really spoke to the man I am today.

    The Messenger is a game that sets out to play with your expectations. Just when it feels like your NES adventure is about to come to a close, the game turns into something new and fresh, giving you a whole new experience to play on top of what was already a solid game. I would love to sit and chat about every aspect about The Messenger but that’s not what this review is meant for. I’ll leave you with this; The Messenger is one of the best games I’ve ever played. Period. And all I want to do is go back to playing it a hundred more times. See ya!    … Expand
  12. Psico32
    Sep 9, 2018
    10
    El juego es demasiado genial, superó por demas las expectativas. El humor es excelente, el gameplay fluido, la musica espectacular, el estilo retro es un detalle muy bueno. Tuvo un par de caidas de FPS pero nada grave, a lo ultimo el tendero pierde un poco de personalidad y al abrir el cofre verde incluso carece de dialogo o felicitacion alguna, es lo unico que no me gustó mucho. Uno deEl juego es demasiado genial, superó por demas las expectativas. El humor es excelente, el gameplay fluido, la musica espectacular, el estilo retro es un detalle muy bueno. Tuvo un par de caidas de FPS pero nada grave, a lo ultimo el tendero pierde un poco de personalidad y al abrir el cofre verde incluso carece de dialogo o felicitacion alguna, es lo unico que no me gustó mucho. Uno de mis indie favoritos, ultra recomendado, genial para rejugar e incluso intentar speedrunning… Expand
  13. Deckard2
    Apr 13, 2019
    9
    You're a ninja, you've been given a scroll and have a banging soundtrack to kick ass too........lets go save the world.

    I knew limited information about The Messenger before diving in and damn am I glad I took a gamble. This game rocks. From its epic chip tune soundtrack to the simple but effective gameplay 'The Messenger' will keep you hooked until you reach its conclusion and reveal    You're a ninja, you've been given a scroll and have a banging soundtrack to kick ass too........lets go save the world.

    I knew limited information about The Messenger before diving in and damn am I glad I took a gamble. This game rocks. From its epic chip tune soundtrack to the simple but effective gameplay 'The Messenger' will keep you hooked until you reach its conclusion and reveal what the message you are carrying is all about.

    Without giving too much away, which arguably may have already been revealed to you if you have seen any trailers for the game, the game is split into two halves. The first half, a traditional platformer and the latter half a metroidvania. Utilising some clever gameplay mechanics and a dynamically changing soundtrack I couldn't wait to jump back in each time and start kicking ass all over again. The writing is very clever and never afraid to poke fun at itself which made the story that much more enjoyable. Please keep an eye out for the sarcastic shop keeper.

    The one criticism which has been raised in other reviews and I accept it too is that the pace slows a tad at the mid point. Its very easy to fall off the band wagon at this point but I'm very glad I stuck it through.

    An indie gem and a standout title for 2018. Now go and deliver that message.    … Expand
  14. DartAnok
    Feb 4, 2020
    10
    One of the best platformer I ever played. On my Nintendo Switch this is one of the best game in my collection.
  15. Gavino
    Jul 4, 2020
    8
    This game is extremely entertained in all ways. At the forefront, of course, is the hilarious writing which deserves all the praise in the world. I was going through the adventure if only to see what new wacky dialogue the Shopkeeper would have in store for me next. Though in reality there was more keeping me engaged than the writing. The graphics and the sound are phenomenal, and the factThis game is extremely entertained in all ways. At the forefront, of course, is the hilarious writing which deserves all the praise in the world. I was going through the adventure if only to see what new wacky dialogue the Shopkeeper would have in store for me next. Though in reality there was more keeping me engaged than the writing. The graphics and the sound are phenomenal, and the fact they had to go through and make two different sets of the whole game is just breathtaking. If there's anywhere the game struggles even a tad it's the end, because it just feels like it ends without any of the problems really having time to be solved, and you don't get to know the final boss much in the first place.… Expand
  16. Alkimesto
    May 30, 2022
    9
    Really fun platformer in Ninja Gaiden style with metroidvania twist. Its have some stupidly hard segments but overall difficulty well balanced, and level design are good. Game is not cheap, but it takes like 16 hours to beat if you try to find all secrets
  17. Zombiemouse
    Jun 1, 2019
    10
    If you own a Switch, and don't own The Messenger, you seriously need to reconsider what you're doing with your life.
  18. drlowdon
    Jan 3, 2020
    8
    The Messenger is an independently developed 2d action-platform title. The game opens with a village of ninjas being attacked by a Demon King, starring defeat in the face a legend known as the "Western Hero" appears. He hands a scroll to one of the surviving ninjas, appointing him as "The Messenger" and telling him to deliver it to the top of a mountain in order to save the last of mankind.The Messenger is an independently developed 2d action-platform title. The game opens with a village of ninjas being attacked by a Demon King, starring defeat in the face a legend known as the "Western Hero" appears. He hands a scroll to one of the surviving ninjas, appointing him as "The Messenger" and telling him to deliver it to the top of a mountain in order to save the last of mankind.

    These 2d indie platformers are ten and penny these days but The Messenger is a cut above the rest. There are a couple of difficulty spikes, but for the most part the learning curve is brilliantly managed (something that can’t always be said about this genre) with new actions and controls being steadily introduced throughout. The level design is excellent throughout, and thanks to the precise controls, offers a good challenge without ever becoming too frustrating. A neat little twist, which I won’t spoil, also helps to mix things up just as the game may have started to become repetitive meaning that at less than £10.00 this is an absolute bargain.    … Expand
  19. DrChocolate
    Apr 23, 2019
    10
    One of the best platformers in the modern era. A game that starts off like Ninja Gaiden and becomes Castlevania through the use of new and clever game mechanics. A real treat for those who want a retro-style game with excellent level design and an innovative ability scale.
  20. guatoman
    Nov 18, 2018
    8
    metroidvania style. very well done, interesting story and gameplay. only flaw is the use of b button to fly, very frustrating. everything else is ok
  21. thryce3
    Oct 12, 2021
    10
    I heard nothing but praise for this game but held off for a really good sale. Finally bit the bullet and I couldn't be happier. One of the reasons I delayed was that I heard it was really hard. A lot of these 8bit throwback type games really try to hit that old-school difficulty. I just don't have the temperament or desire to play and replay punishingly difficult games anymore.I heard nothing but praise for this game but held off for a really good sale. Finally bit the bullet and I couldn't be happier. One of the reasons I delayed was that I heard it was really hard. A lot of these 8bit throwback type games really try to hit that old-school difficulty. I just don't have the temperament or desire to play and replay punishingly difficult games anymore. Thankfully, while it is challenging, it's not overwhelming and the checkpoints are fair. (i just finished the free DLC and it's brutal, but that's another issue). What I had no idea about was just how funny the game is. There's a lot of clever and often hilarious meta-humor.
    Great action and platforming in an entertaining retro package. I can't really think of any major flaws    … Expand
  22. krulemuk
    Sep 5, 2023
    10
    The Messenger is the best indi game I have played so far and easily the best game of 2018.
  23. metachirrup
    Dec 24, 2019
    10
    Probably one of the best indie games every made. It takes a bit of time to build up its core mechanics, which might be boring for some initially, but when you think you know what the game is all about - BOOM another dimension. The story telling is also very funny and memorable. I wasn't a fan of the music initially as I was used to the complexity of the Shovel Knight OST but it's perfectProbably one of the best indie games every made. It takes a bit of time to build up its core mechanics, which might be boring for some initially, but when you think you know what the game is all about - BOOM another dimension. The story telling is also very funny and memorable. I wasn't a fan of the music initially as I was used to the complexity of the Shovel Knight OST but it's perfect match for the gameplay with some outstanding tracks.… Expand
  24. Jax360
    Dec 7, 2018
    9
    the best indie game in 2018.

    Presentation. 8/10
    Graphics TV. 7.5/10
    Graphics Handheld. 8/10
    Music. 9.5/10
    Controls. 10/10
    Fun-factor. 9.5/10
    Score. 9.5/10
  25. Bullish
    Feb 28, 2019
    8
    This game was great, but like its ridiculous story, it just went overboard when there was no need.

    + the in game mechanics are **** fantastic, the ability to jump after landing a hit on anything was pure genius + the music, oh lord is the music solid + the boss fights are a blast - the story was unnecessarily complicated (sky giants? what?) - the little fables got tiresome - my    This game was great, but like its ridiculous story, it just went overboard when there was no need.

    + the in game mechanics are **** fantastic, the ability to jump after landing a hit on anything was pure genius
    + the music, oh lord is the music solid
    + the boss fights are a blast

    - the story was unnecessarily complicated (sky giants? what?)
    - the little fables got tiresome
    - my biggest flaw with the game is that it turned into a Metroid-Mania 1/3 of the way through. The game was literally perfect going left to right, fighting bosses at the end of each level. Then, out of nowhere, all that ends and you have to go searching for small holes. Hated that they did that.    … Expand
  26. jikflet
    Sep 9, 2020
    9
    Amazing game. Beautiful pixel art. the first two hours of the game, I though it was just a fund platformer, but then the game opens into something huge and fantastic . one of the best indie platforms / metroidvanias I've seen.
  27. Drastic_drugs
    Nov 20, 2018
    10
    Fantastic old school game!!! 20/10!!! I hope we'll see Messenger 2 next year!
  28. nusco
    May 20, 2022
    8
    An 8-bit side scroller that takes a few twists and turns before turning into a mixed 8 and 16 bits metroidvania adventure. Yes, it's a weird game.

    CONS: RAW AROUND THE EDGES: From the core mechanics to the levels, some parts of The Messenger are way better than others. That handmade feel is charming in its own way, but it grows old as you keep playing. IT GETS WORSE AS IT GOES:    An 8-bit side scroller that takes a few twists and turns before turning into a mixed 8 and 16 bits metroidvania adventure. Yes, it's a weird game.

    CONS:

    RAW AROUND THE EDGES: From the core mechanics to the levels, some parts of The Messenger are way better than others. That handmade feel is charming in its own way, but it grows old as you keep playing.

    IT GETS WORSE AS IT GOES: The game starts very strong. After the main plot twist, however, it sets on a descending path of disappointing challenges, excessive backtracking, and disappointing bosses. Collecting all the power seals was a particular disappointment for me.

    WILD DIFFICULTY SWINGS: The difficulty is where the "amateur" origin of the game is at its most jarring. The game is never too hard–just quite frustrating at times. Some bosses (including the last ones) are pushovers, and some platforming challenges will leave you wondering what the whole point was. On the other hand, the unrefined mechanics turn some sequences into tedious button mashing marathons that are heavily dependent on sheer luck.

    PROS:

    A HEARTFELT GAME: Even at its rawest, The Messenger still gives you good vibes. It's clearly a labour of love from a small, dedicated team. I had to add one point to my rating just because of The Messenger's sincerity.

    VERY ADDICTIVE: I had a lot of fun with this game for a few hours. Even the last third of the game, that I criticised, couldn't drive me off. I simply couldn't stop playing until the end.

    IT WILL MAKE YOU SMILE: The continuous fourth wall breaking might be cliche, but it does elicit plenty of smiles. The writing is witty and lively, but the game never takes itself seriously–and that attitude makes you feel part of it.    … Expand
  29. capedavenger
    Oct 7, 2018
    10
    Oh I love this game. I never had a console as a kid, so I was always hoping to find a game that I can really dig into. I had a lot of missteps along the way, but Messenger finally delivers for me. It has that retro feel, but yet it's a really well made, contemporary experience. Can't say I've beaten it yet, but I'm on my way!
  30. FluffySpartan
    May 11, 2023
    9
    Really good game! Loved the shopkeeper, fun gameplay and nice Design. Can't wait for a second game.

    Also watch out for their new game sea of stars, demo was good.
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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

Critic Reviews

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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. FNintendo
    Nov 26, 2018
    90
    The Messenger pays tribute to gaming classics in a fun, involving and memorable way that will get players to quickly enjoy the experience and get the most of its hilarious plot and marvelous audiovisual environment. This is all reinforced by its in-game transition from an 8 to a 16-bit environment, which might seem a bit confusing at first but will easily be seen as an integral part of the game.
    Read full review
  2. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Oct 29, 2018
    75
    There's a lot to love and appreciate, but the sum fell short of greatness for me. [Issue #36 – November/December 2018, p. 18]
  3. Gaming Nexus
    Oct 23, 2018
    90
    Packed with clever story surprises and dynamic, richly-constructed gameplay, The Messenger is both a tribute to and affectionate pastiche of 8 and 16-bit game design, storytelling and nostalgia. It belongs in every Switch owner’s eShop library.
    Read full review
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