El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron

 Xbox 360
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 52 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 52
  3. Negative: 9 out of 52
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. wesker2012
    Mar 1, 2013
    5
    I love the unpredictable, trippy, ethereal artsyle and simplicity of this game along with the amazing soundtrack and voice narration. The downfalls of the game are its repetitive combat. If the combat was more fleshed out, the game would be a lot more fun to play and one of my favorite games. It had the potential to be one of the best games ever. Still an interesting playthough even thoughI love the unpredictable, trippy, ethereal artsyle and simplicity of this game along with the amazing soundtrack and voice narration. The downfalls of the game are its repetitive combat. If the combat was more fleshed out, the game would be a lot more fun to play and one of my favorite games. It had the potential to be one of the best games ever. Still an interesting playthough even though a lot of the time feels like more of a chore than a game.… Expand
  2. drlowdon
    Jul 16, 2013
    6
    When people discuss whether or not video games can be considered an art form there are invariably two titles that come up, namely Ico and Shadow of the Colossus. Now, I wouldn’t rate El Shaddai as highly as either of those Playstation 2 classics but when it comes to purity of vision it is must surely rank amongst the most visually stunning and unique games available on any console.

    Of    When people discuss whether or not video games can be considered an art form there are invariably two titles that come up, namely Ico and Shadow of the Colossus. Now, I wouldn’t rate El Shaddai as highly as either of those Playstation 2 classics but when it comes to purity of vision it is must surely rank amongst the most visually stunning and unique games available on any console.

    Of course all this is pretty worthless if the gameplay isn’t up to par. Here it is mixed bag meaning that despite a few poor design choices, El Shaddai is also pretty fun to play in places. The combat for example, that at first seems fairly simplistic, quickly reveals its depth despite the fact that virtually every attack uses only the X button whilst the ‘Book of Enoch’ inspired storyline makes a welcome change from the usual uninspired video game plots.

    El Shaddai does let itself down somewhat during both its 2D and 3D platforming sections with controls that simply aren’t precise enough for the difficulty of certain sections. Despite the fact that you restart instantly from the point at which you died I found myself frustrated by this on a number of occasions. Aside from acquiring the odd new weapon or special move the gameplay itself also evolves very little from the start to the finish of the game but, while this certainly won’t be to everyone’s taste, I for one will always have time for a title that is willing to differentiate itself from the crowd.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2011
38
#38 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 44 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 44
  3. Negative: 2 out of 44
  1. Xbox Achievements
    Nov 15, 2011
    77
    El Shaddai has its frustrations and annoyances making it something of an acquired taste, but if you can get a feel for the rhythm-based hack and slash gameplay, and if you find the game's eclectic and achingly beautiful art style as arresting as we did, then you'll be in for a divine treat that's unlike anything you've played before.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Nov 9, 2011
    80
    It's a pity that a game with such phenomenal and unusual visuals has such simple game mechanics, being a simple slasher that uses just one attack button and offers a limited array of enemies. [November 2011, p.70]
  3. Gamer.no
    Oct 27, 2011
    40
    El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron could have been a well executed mix of action and platforming, with a unique and artistic look. The combat system is interesting at first, but turns out to be too monotone and simple. With better combat mechanics and a more interesting story, it would have more to offer than simply good looks.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »