Below

 Xbox One
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 30
  3. Negative: 3 out of 30
  1. CGMagazine
    Dec 25, 2018
    90
    Below is a punishing dungeon crawler, mixing elements from roguelikes, Dark Souls and survival games to create an often painful, yet oddly enticing action-adventure game.
  2. We Got This Covered
    Dec 20, 2018
    90
    Although it has a tendency to frustrate, both in terms of design and execution, Below offers a compelling adventure set in a mysterious world that's just begging to be explored.
  3. SomosXbox
    Dec 20, 2018
    85
    Below presents a very evocative proposal, with a captivating atmosphere and a multitude of secrets to discover. It is a difficult game to recommend to everyone because its absence of information is not accessible from the beginning and takes place in a slow progression. Even so, we have a roguelike exploration adventure with Zelda inspiration and a very original design.
  5. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Feb 27, 2019
    80
    A special experience for a certain type of gamer. Try it if you're brave.
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Edge Magazine
    Feb 1, 2019
    80
    If Below is a game about the single-minded pursuit of a shape, about making your descent at all cots, it is also a test of your ability to find time for appreciation or understanding along the way. [March 2019, p.104]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Gameblog.fr
    Jan 24, 2019
    80
    Below is a quite convincing Rogue-lite with good visuals and great music, despite the lack of tutorial and narration, and a progression that can be very tough and frustrating.
  8. God is a Geek
    Jan 2, 2019
    80
    Despite its frustrating refusal to teach you even the basics, Below’s sense of discovery is as good as anything already out there, and its gameplay is as deep as its name suggests.
  9. Attack of the Fanboy
    Dec 17, 2018
    80
    Worth the wait, Below is a Rouge lite that doesn't hold your hand and asks you figure out the rules of this world on your own. It makes for a fulfilling, albeit difficult journey.
  10. Generación Xbox
    Dec 28, 2018
    77
    Quotation forthcoming.
  11. MondoXbox
    Dec 25, 2018
    75
    Below is a unique game, masterfully blending elements from different genres to create a compelling mix where exploration and experimentation make much of the game's charm. Some design choices, like the survival elements and permadeath mechanics, can often make it more frustrating than challenging or satisfying. But thanks to its pros and its unique visual style, it's a game we suggest everyone should try.
  12. Jeuxvideo.com
    Dec 20, 2018
    75
    Below is an experience where survival and exploration are the keys to success in a narrative and well-polished environment. Unfortunately, the roguelike aspect is sometimes too repetitive, and the lack of visibility messes with the pleasure that we take.

Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2018
9
#9 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2018

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 62 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 62
  3. Negative: 24 out of 62
  1. Xbox_Alive
    Dec 17, 2018
    8
    The presentation side of the game is absolutely incredible in my opinion because both the visuals and sound design give the gameplay so muchThe presentation side of the game is absolutely incredible in my opinion because both the visuals and sound design give the gameplay so much character. I love the freedom you get it the gameplay because discovering things all on your own is not only satisfying but rewarding as well. Each different mechanic plays a big part in the grand scheme of things and when they all come together it really does deliver a fantastic experience to you. In terms of content the game has a lot for you to sink your teeth into and the content is varied and has depth to keep you intrigued throughout. Crafting in the game actually feels unique and important and also adds to the overall survival elements within the game. There’s a few technical issues every now and then which can take away from your experience at certain moments and the game may get a little tedious after a while due to the game’s slower-pace style. Below had been in development for a long while, but thankfully it has finally made its way to the Xbox One. For the most part it was well worth and reminds me a bit of games like ICO, so the wait as well worth it, but it isn’t perfect either. That being said it gets a great deal more right than it gets wrong and when in full flow the game takes you on one amazing journey. At its core, the game is all about survival but there are also other mechanics in play as well. Each mechanic in the game plays an important role and I’m pleased to say that they’ve all been done well. Crafting feels as important as it should be and the freedom the game gives you is very refreshing. While the freedom is very nice, it does add to the overall difficulty of the game though which can be slightly unforgiving. The technical issues don’t help matters either, but thankfully these are very few and far between. Despite these issues Below still gets a two thumbs up from me though because it immerses you fully in it's world and it doesn’t let go even at the slowest points. Your adventure is always fulfilling and fans of the genre will love what Below brings to them. It's fun, original and worth the price of admission.… Full Review »
  2. gabrielpina4
    Dec 14, 2018
    0
    You can't save the game
    You die after one trap hit
    You have to start from the very beginning if you die. Zero explanations of mechanisms    You can't save the game
    You die after one trap hit
    You have to start from the very beginning if you die.
    Zero explanations of mechanisms of gameplay. Unless this game gets a huge update its definitely not worth it.
    Also no story at all i have no idea what i was doing 2 hrs in the game so i just got bored i found no point in continuing i was super hyped because it looked so amazing and new and fresh i was totally digging it but once you start playing yourself you will quickly find many many issues that just kills the mood of enjoying the game. Not worth at least not yet this feel like a game in alpha mode more so then even in beta or final code. It doesn't feel like a finshed product at all.. and because of that i can already tell how many bad reviews this will soon get when everyone was hoping for something amazing and being instead a massive let down.
    I really hope the developers can fix alot of these issues with an update    … Full Review »
  3. whynogoodgames
    Dec 14, 2018
    10
    This is a nice little dungeon exploration game a lot of people are complaining it’s to difficult it does require patience but so does theThis is a nice little dungeon exploration game a lot of people are complaining it’s to difficult it does require patience but so does the souls series. Definitely not for everyone but a great example of the genre… Full Review »
See all user reviews »