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75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: From the renowned development studio WayForward Technologies, Inc. comes Yars Rising, a 2D action adventure exploration of one of Atari’s richest, and best known classic titles. In WayForward’s experienced hands, the Yars franchise becomes an expansive mystery solved through 2D platformingFrom the renowned development studio WayForward Technologies, Inc. comes Yars Rising, a 2D action adventure exploration of one of Atari’s richest, and best known classic titles. In WayForward’s experienced hands, the Yars franchise becomes an expansive mystery solved through 2D platforming action.

    Take control of the young hacker Emi Kimura, who is hired by a mysterious patron to infiltrate the shadowy QoTech corporation. Run, jump, sneak, and hack your way through challenges as you slowly unravel a complex secret shrouded in intrigue.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 10
  2. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. 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. 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. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

See all 10 Critic Reviews