Yars Rising

 Switch
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Shacknews
    Sep 10, 2024
    90
    I’ve gone on too long at this point, but I kind of want to just keep gushing! Yars Rising looks like a bunch of wacky stuff that shouldn’t work. Yet when it comes together it’s a blast for nearly its entire runtime. It’s WayForward at its most self-indulgent, but that turns out to be a great gaming experience that extends into a sweet, clever, little love letter to Atari’s classic library in a way that feels fresh and unique. The way Yars' Revenge, as the core of this concept, is woven throughout what from the outside seems like a totally unrelated kind of game is a constant source of dopamine. And while the stealth is kind of a dud, the action and exploration on the Metroidvania side is top notch, especially with all the neat and unusual powers you get to play with. Yars Rising is a big surprise, and one of the most memorable games I’ve played in 2024.
  2. Pure Nintendo
    Sep 16, 2024
    85
    Yars Rising is a terrific platformer. It features satisfying puzzles, shooting elements, a fast-paced and humorus story, along with a clever integration of a classic Atari game. Apart from some annoying loading screens, this is absolutely a game worth checking out.
  3. Siliconera
    Sep 15, 2024
    80
    I appreciate what WayForward did with Yars Rising, as it incorporates the source material in some cool ways while doing something entirely new. It’s a solid Metroidvania, and bringing in Yars’ Revenge gameplay for hacking can be entertaining. I just feel that even with the unusual approach to hacking, some design elements and decisions feel a bit bland. It’s enjoyable, but I’m not entirely sure it’s very memorable.
  5. TouchArcade
    Sep 11, 2024
    80
    While the argument can rage on about whether or not this made sense conceptually, there’s no doubt the game itself is enjoyable. I don’t think the finest in the genre have much to worry about, but if you’re looking for a Metroidvania game to sink your teeth into over the course of a weekend or so, you won’t have a bad time with Yars Rising. And who knows? Maybe they follow up on this once or twice and it all feels natural.
  6. Nintendo Life
    Sep 10, 2024
    80
    Yars Rising is an ambitious interpretation of a classic Atari 2600 game that resoundingly succeeds in appealing to both newcomers and veterans alike. The Metroidvania structure is good enough on its own, but when combined with the awesome Yars' Revenge-inspired hacking minigames, you've got an experience that feels wholly unique while being great fun from start to finish. Some of the characters may prove to be a bit irritating, and the final boss is a massive letdown for us, but overall this is a great effort from WayForward.
  7. Starbit
    Oct 29, 2024
    70
    The relatively straightforward way with which the map develops leaves less room for exploration, and sometimes the characters' vocalized dialogues become too omnipresent, but Yars Rising does a good job when it comes to its action and retro-inspired moments, as well as with keeping us motivated to unlock and develop our characters' abilities in a true metroidvania fashion.
  8. Gaming Age
    Oct 17, 2024
    70
    All in all, I’d definitely recommend giving Yars Rising a go, especially if you enjoy Metroidvania style games in general. It won’t be the best one you’ve played in the genre, but it’s a good time throughout despite some annoying sequences that slow down the action. It also has a great soundtrack featuring a number of notable synthwave and game music artists like Megan McDuffee, FLOOR BABA, Chiyoko Yamasato and many more. I definitely enjoyed my time with it, and I think you will too.
  9. Impulsegamer
    Sep 20, 2024
    65
    Yars Rising is a non-rebellious Metroidvania with satisfying gameplay and cheesy dialogues. The game doesn’t have a mind-blowing plot or innovative mechanics, but it provides fun – and this in itself is enough to get your interest.
  10. The New York Times
    Sep 16, 2024
    65
    With its remake of 1982’s Yars’ Revenge, Atari hopes to prove the company is changing with the times. But beyond the one-dimensional secondary characters, the Metroidvania is repetitive to the point of being banal.
  11. IGN Italia
    Sep 10, 2024
    65
    Yars Rising blends metroidvania and retro with mixed results. Appealing graphics and nostalgic tributes don't offset basic level design and repetitive mechanics. A decent adventure that fails to leave a mark, suitable for genre fans seeking an accessible but uninnovative experience.