Narita Boy

 Xbox One
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 51
  3. Negative: 9 out of 51

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  1. GamergodsFail
    Mar 31, 2021
    6
    Narita Boy prides itself in its Tron-inspired art style, story and music. I respect that, as the game excels the most in those areas, but the gameplay as a whole is a mess. I actually enjoy some of the combat, but the difficulty is painfully uneven at times, the platforming controls are clumsy and certain sequences feel poorly executed. As a hack 'n' slash, it's actually not bad at all,Narita Boy prides itself in its Tron-inspired art style, story and music. I respect that, as the game excels the most in those areas, but the gameplay as a whole is a mess. I actually enjoy some of the combat, but the difficulty is painfully uneven at times, the platforming controls are clumsy and certain sequences feel poorly executed. As a hack 'n' slash, it's actually not bad at all, but the biggest insult of all is being told its a Metroidvania and leaving disappointed by how linear it all was on the contrary.… Expand
  2. TheHonestJack
    May 27, 2021
    6
    Narita Boy has retro digi-vice style in droves and a heartfelt story, but the combat and platforming are bland, clunky, and unfun. I wanted to keep playing so i could see the Creator's wonderful story unfold, but the miserable battles and bloated NPC dialogue makes it a slog to get through.
  3. SpoonCastro
    May 20, 2021
    6
    I think this game has some pretty fun elements but it feels too self aware to be fully enjoyable. Plus there's a lot of unclear objectives, loads of backtracking, and overall pretty repetitive gameplay. Still quite a fun game but I don't think I'll be talking about it past this review.

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best Xbox One Game of 2021
6
#6 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. DarkStation
    May 24, 2021
    80
    "Style over substance" is a reflexively-bandied phrase that's diminished in meaning over time. Although I partly agree to its usage here to highlight certain gameplay flaws, I don't think that should tarnish Narita Boy's immense successes. Studio Koba designed what they knew best – reverent 80s nostalgia, inspired techno-spirituality, beautiful 2D art, & more – with a sincerity rarely seen today.
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  2. Generación Xbox
    May 11, 2021
    90
    Narita Boy is one of those adventures so good that it's hard to forget. You won't want to stop exploring its universe, thanks to fun combat and outstanding graphics. Narita Boy 2, come now!
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  3. IGN France
    Apr 3, 2021
    60
    No pixel revolution in this platformer that shines through its retro-cyberpunk vibes but not through its gameplay or narration.
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