Dust: An Elysian Tail

 Xbox 360
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 59 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 59
  3. Negative: 0 out of 59
  1. Eurogamer Germany
    Aug 29, 2012
    70
    For years, Dust: An Elysian Tail will be a testament to what one person is able to create. But it also shows how problems in a game can sometimes be missed by the creator as well as the players.
  2. VideoGamer
    Aug 27, 2012
    70
    There are better 2D brawlers out there, better ones on Xbox LIVE Arcade in fact, but probably none prettier. And it seems like that's probably just enough to make my weird old brain smile.
  3. Eurogamer Italy
    Aug 23, 2012
    70
    Dust: An Elysian Tail is good but not great. The graphics are gorgeous, but every other aspect of the game feels like it is incomplete, or simply ruined from bad design choices. Anyway, the experience is still good enough to grant some honest fun. 1200 MP are way too much, 800 would be much better.
  5. Thunderbolt
    Aug 21, 2012
    70
    The last push and final confrontation are a union of repetition and frustration, overstaying its welcome and almost undoing the good work. Bookended by a flat beginning and ending, it's the entertaining centre of this adventure that is its strong suit.
  6. Eurogamer
    Aug 17, 2012
    70
    Dust does many things well, but it doesn't do anything brilliantly. The combat's decent, the structure invites the revisiting of old areas, and the narrative stays interesting. Taken together, these things are enough to keep you plugging away till the end.
  7. G4 TV
    Aug 16, 2012
    70
    Inconsistent, though the good tends to outweigh the bad. Missteps aside, the game is genuinely fun, and at the very least worth a try via demo. If nothing else, Dust offers an intriguing promise of things to come: if Mr. Dodrill could craft a game like this on his own, what could he accomplish with more?
  8. GameSpot
    Aug 14, 2012
    70
    Dust: An Elysian Tail periodically stumbles, but impressive visuals and enticing exploration make for a successful journey.
  9. GamesBeat
    Aug 13, 2012
    65
    Dust: An Elysian Tail is a pleasure to look at. The combat is deep and highly kinetic, but the rest of the game can't keep up with that energy. What's left is an inconsistent and sometimes boring product that doesn't live up to its potential.
  10. Eurogamer Portugal
    Sep 17, 2012
    60
    Dust: An Elysian Tail is a satisfactory game, but it is no more than a series of recycled condiments.
  11. Gameblog.fr
    Aug 24, 2012
    60
    Visually stunning, with roughly 12 hours of gameplay, Dust remains quite spectacular, especially knowing it's the work of only two people. But after a charming start, one doesn't take long to witness a gigantic shortcoming: there's no challenge whatsoever and the heroes don't benefit from any sort of evolution over the course of the adventure. The game design thus becomes void, when all you need to do is to press four buttons continuously to finish the game.

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2012
67
#67 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2012

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 165 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 128 out of 165
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 165
  3. Negative: 21 out of 165
  1. DaniloCN
    Aug 30, 2012
    10
    It is one of those games that captivates you from the moment you see it. Dust: An Elysian Tail to my opinion, is the best game to come out onIt is one of those games that captivates you from the moment you see it. Dust: An Elysian Tail to my opinion, is the best game to come out on Xbox Live Arcade to date. RPG, platform, action, a combat system that is not boring, otherworldly visuals. In short, by 1200MSP can play a game that easily surpasses many physical games that have flooded the market these days.… Full Review »
  2. Dokiir
    Aug 26, 2012
    10
    I think guillermops review has its integrity ruined by his prejudice against an art style. Which is sad, since the game has stunning art,I think guillermops review has its integrity ruined by his prejudice against an art style. Which is sad, since the game has stunning art, touching story that appeals to the younger generation as well as leaving light hearted jokes that can charm many ages of gamers. Since it failed to touch on anything else but focus on the "furry" issue they cannot get their head around, I can't really deem that a useful review. Surprised that one other person did, somewhat.

    The story really expands when you begin to do all the quests, without them, you simply will be missing out on particular chapters of the game that just make it a fuller experience. The voice acting is staggeringly good for a game made by a single man, considering his low budget and tiny team, I'm thoroughly impressed by what he has achieved here. A must buy.    … Full Review »
  3. dpsdust
    Aug 19, 2012
    10
    Game of The Year 2012!!!! I must say a few days ago I had not heard of this game but after a good review on destructoid I gave it a shot andGame of The Year 2012!!!! I must say a few days ago I had not heard of this game but after a good review on destructoid I gave it a shot and exceeded all my expectations. My favourite video game ever was castlevania dawn of sorrow but Dust just took the cake. On top of being made by just one guy the combat is incredibly refined yet challenging for a side scrolling action RPG. The only con to this game is the furries but after a few hours the stories Eastern charm grips you and easily rivals a Hayao Miyazaki anime.

    Also All the critics who hated on the music are idiots because with true surround sound it sounds amazing!

    This is the sleeper hit of video games this year and possibly ever!    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »