Sunset Overdrive

 Xbox One
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1530 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,162 out of 1530
  2. Mixed: 162 out of 1530
  3. Negative: 206 out of 1530
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  1. TheQuietGamer
    Jun 11, 2016
    7
    Bright and colorful, "Sunset Overdrive" brings a very different type of apocalyptic open-world game to the Xbox One. Unique flourishes and a very playful sense of humor keep things enjoyable in the face of some gameplay deficiencies. The most notable being repetition.

    If you want personality this game has it in spades. The punk rock style, sharp writing, and sarcastic humor do a lot to    Bright and colorful, "Sunset Overdrive" brings a very different type of apocalyptic open-world game to the Xbox One. Unique flourishes and a very playful sense of humor keep things enjoyable in the face of some gameplay deficiencies. The most notable being repetition.

    If you want personality this game has it in spades. The punk rock style, sharp writing, and sarcastic humor do a lot to boost the fun you'll have with it. The vibrant, colorful graphics give gamers a wildly different open-world apocalypse to explore.

    As far as the gameplay goes it's all very solid. Movement is key to survival and the emphasis on rail-grinding and bouncing around make the game part platformer. Chaining together grinds and bounces all while not touching the ground builds up your style meter. Doing so gives you some boosts to help you out in combat. While a touch slow, these traversal mechanics are one of the best parts of the game.

    Combat feels a little more traditional. The effect the platforming elements have on it do make it more uniquely tinged, but not even that and some crazy weapons can make up for the rather standard combat scenarios. Boss battles are the only ones with real flash and the whole thing is really easy. So easy that I never really spent any time modifying my character's "Amp" load out, which are powers designed to give you boosts in certain areas. I just picked the ones that I was originally given and found that those worked well enough.

    After a while it just starts to feel like going through the motions even as new enemies are added to the fray. That's not to say there isn't any life here though. The basic combat encounters are still fun and the game packs several exciting scenarios throughout.

    Where the game really stumbles is in it's repetition. It's not hard t notice that you are doing the same things over and over again. The game puts new twists on things here and there, but rarely actively changes things. It kept me from really diving into the side-content much. A shame given that Sunset Overdrive has a lot of content to keep you busy for a while.

    While it's not an amazing, must play game, it is still a good one. Sunset Overdrive is still worth checking out for it's sense of humor, style, and colorful graphics if it peaked your curiosity. Elements like it's platforming and combat might fall a bit short in some areas, but there is plenty of craziness and hilarity going on to keep you engaged at least until the credits roll. If it really manages to sink it's teeth into you, there's plenty of side-content to keep you coming back.

    7.5/10    … Expand
  2. Ecto1
    Oct 28, 2014
    7
    I'm a massive Insomniac fan, so buying this was always going to happen. Despite Insomniac lowering the bar with their recent releases (Full frontal assault, all 4 one etc)

    After playing the game it is really fun and arty as you would expect from Insomniac, these are par for the course. You can also expect a well made game with a lot of polish, nothing is broken and everything fits    I'm a massive Insomniac fan, so buying this was always going to happen. Despite Insomniac lowering the bar with their recent releases (Full frontal assault, all 4 one etc)

    After playing the game it is really fun and arty as you would expect from Insomniac, these are par for the course. You can also expect a well made game with a lot of polish, nothing is broken and everything fits really well together. There are also some other things that come with Insomniac that you can expect. The game was blurry and jaggy which is not surprising as my favorite Insomniac games on the PS3, being the Ratchet and Clank Future series, were also blurry and jaggy. Its probably Insomniacs AA that they use. Its not a deal breaker, but it detracts from the amazing art in the game. So does the pop-in, but again, not deal breaking.

    Other than that, my only gripe is that the missions are repetitive, and Insomniac have the nerve to crack 'jokes' about this repetition. That left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth.

    Other than that the game is great and tons of fun. If you have an Xbox One, I'd say go get the game now. If you don't have and Xbox One, then this game shouldn't be the reason you buy one... If it is, then at least get Halo MCC and Forza Horizon 2 to sweeten the deal.    … Expand
  3. penemue
    Nov 5, 2014
    7
    I played through approximately 50% according to the game itself, and it is good, however it's best not to let your hype take over when reviewing a game. I've played most every Insomniac game made and it's good but not one of the best.

    The gameplay is too repetitive, this comes from the open-world style missions being mainly fetch quests go here kill this, or go here get item. However    I played through approximately 50% according to the game itself, and it is good, however it's best not to let your hype take over when reviewing a game. I've played most every Insomniac game made and it's good but not one of the best.

    The gameplay is too repetitive, this comes from the open-world style missions being mainly fetch quests go here kill this, or go here get item. However there are some good bosses that are thrown in the mix, and some interesting missions that break the mold a little bit like chasing after a monorail. The other reason is because it's an open world the layout never really changes, if the entire world was black and white all over and you only had gameplay to tell the difference between one area from the next you couldn't, as the way you jump, grind and traverse does not change from area to area, lacking any real platforming challenge or involvement makes it feel again, repetitive. Then there is enemy types, there are a few, but not nearly enough, they also seem to be only slightly modeled after being ripped straight out of Resistance 3, I did enjoy the leveling up system for the guns though, similar to R&C. The writing was sometimes a terrible experience, really an example of trying way too hard and being in your face and paying out games without realizing it's paying itself out, that's the problem, if it said to itself that it was tropey and cliche it would be funny but it doesn't ever do it, it just acts like it's different to all other games, when it's not. The game itself does have some funny witty moments, under it all though.
    The art style is nice and varied for the locations and environments but the character models look... strange when close up, but the customization is good however. The music though is pretty generic and nothing really stands out. This is a good example of a good game, it's not doing anything so new or exciting to be called great, and far out from excellent, but it is damn good at what it offers; an open world game with gameplay you would expect and maybe only a little more.    … Expand
  4. OutATime
    Jul 26, 2016
    7
    In my opinion, Sunset Overdrive is a good game and can be fun if you are looking to sit back and have a bit of fun for a while, but those looking for more depth may be disappointed.

    The game can be repetitive at times but can also be mindlessly fun, which is welcome if your in the mood.
  5. Achtlos
    Jan 7, 2015
    7
    This needed to be better to silence PS4 fanboys.

    This game is funny, childish, and repetitive. It looks good, frame rate is great and controls are slick.
    You'd be hard pressed to dislike it.. All it's shortcomings are not enough to make this a bad game.
    The multiplyer really needs to allows story mode coop.
  6. northernlad
    Nov 4, 2014
    7
    Amazing art style love it the game itself was good i dont know about replay value after a while quests did feel abit a to b but on whole the world and setting is top notce would love to see it on ps4 in 1080p couldnt resist the game is in my opinion the best on the xone
  7. Beancurd86
    Oct 28, 2014
    7
    This game has some bad user reviews because of Xbox one haters. Please don't listen to their reviews. Sunset overdrive is an good game. It's story is funny and just pure awesome, it customization is awesome, it's weapons are awesome and it's just the most AWESOMEPOCALYPSE you could find.
  8. popnlochness
    Oct 28, 2014
    7
    Sunset Overdrive is a weird game for me. Not because of its story line or its graphics, but because I "really" want to like it, I "really" want to love it. I want another good exclusive on my Xbox One because my Dead Rising 3 is getting really lonely. I have played Titanfall and Forza Horizon 2 and I love Horizon 2, but this just didn't make the cut. It is along the path of Titanfall whereSunset Overdrive is a weird game for me. Not because of its story line or its graphics, but because I "really" want to like it, I "really" want to love it. I want another good exclusive on my Xbox One because my Dead Rising 3 is getting really lonely. I have played Titanfall and Forza Horizon 2 and I love Horizon 2, but this just didn't make the cut. It is along the path of Titanfall where it just doesn't do ENOUGH to warrant a purchase. Graphically I love the style, and colours that the game manages to explode out of the screen, but where it takes notes from Infamous and Crackdown, it also takes notes from rail shooters and timed event games.

    I might come back to Sunset Overdrive eventually, and I might love it after it lowers down in price so I can pick it up, but my review copy just didn't do the Xbox One justice. I can't really handle the lame mission structure and holo characters. I can't really grasp why I need to always be moving on Rails or else I will die or lose points. It is too much like a game for children with attention problems. If you love it, good for you, it is perfectly fine to enjoy the game, but for me, it isn't worth 70 dollars.    … Expand
  9. SydTheDog
    Oct 29, 2014
    7
    As an all rounder of gaming and not a fanboy that rates everthing 9's or 10's just to get a metacritic high score for the fanboy console of choice I found this game actually quite fun to play but after a good few hours of gaming I just started to find it a bit repetitive not saying it's a bad thing but for me I felt myself just grinding through it (excuse the pun) doing the same old sameAs an all rounder of gaming and not a fanboy that rates everthing 9's or 10's just to get a metacritic high score for the fanboy console of choice I found this game actually quite fun to play but after a good few hours of gaming I just started to find it a bit repetitive not saying it's a bad thing but for me I felt myself just grinding through it (excuse the pun) doing the same old same old just to get the game over and done with.… Expand
  10. CheezeWuz
    Nov 14, 2014
    7
    Not bad, kinda repetitive but I had fun playing it, but I will say the game does lake in the online department... such as game modes... and no co-op....I would have liked co-op (story co-op)
  11. Tobi_Whatever
    Nov 13, 2014
    7
    This game would really benefit from being a bit faster and using less real life references.
    It's also by no means innovative. It really felt like a Ratchet and Clank game.

    That said, I still had my fun playing it. Just don't expect any depth.
  12. Crongdyne
    Nov 17, 2014
    7
    Sunset Overdrive is a brilliant and challenging fast paced action game, I bought it 3 days ago and I must say we needed a bit of originality in the gaming market with all this over-hyped "ultra realistic " fps and ripoffs of the same three games.
    Certainly the quests are a bit repetitive but still enjoyable and funny. The combat system is good after you understand how to aim, in games so    Sunset Overdrive is a brilliant and challenging fast paced action game, I bought it 3 days ago and I must say we needed a bit of originality in the gaming market with all this over-hyped "ultra realistic " fps and ripoffs of the same three games.
    Certainly the quests are a bit repetitive but still enjoyable and funny. The combat system is good after you understand how to aim, in games so fast you can't put a real aim system because soon you'll get overwhelmed by swarms of enemies running against you.
    I also bought the season pass and hope for good dlcs to come out.    … Expand
  13. CaptainDahl
    Nov 26, 2014
    7
    This is the first game that has made me proud of my Xbox One purchase. It has some extraordinary art and keeps you smirking with it's hilarious antics. I can best describe this game by mixing Deadpool, SSX and Tony Hawk. Unfortunately, after about 12 hours of game-play, it starts to become evidently repetitive and shows no new tricks for the final chapters of the game. If you areThis is the first game that has made me proud of my Xbox One purchase. It has some extraordinary art and keeps you smirking with it's hilarious antics. I can best describe this game by mixing Deadpool, SSX and Tony Hawk. Unfortunately, after about 12 hours of game-play, it starts to become evidently repetitive and shows no new tricks for the final chapters of the game. If you are looking for an interesting cartoon that has simple mechanics then this would be the pick, but look elsewhere if you are searching for a challenge.… Expand
  14. adidab14
    Jul 29, 2015
    7
    I was pleasantly surprised by this game. It looked kind of bland and just did not get me excited from the onset. Seemed like a myriad of other forgettable titles to launch a console. However, I really enjoyed this game. It's like dead rising on steroids. It's delightfully funny, looks gorgeous and the gameplay, movement and combat, is really smooth.
    On the downside it is pretty darn    I was pleasantly surprised by this game. It looked kind of bland and just did not get me excited from the onset. Seemed like a myriad of other forgettable titles to launch a console. However, I really enjoyed this game. It's like dead rising on steroids. It's delightfully funny, looks gorgeous and the gameplay, movement and combat, is really smooth.
    On the downside it is pretty darn repetitive. You pretty much just go from place to place doing the same thing over and over. If you like it, which I did, it's not that bad but if the gameplay doesn't get you hooked off the start, it's probably not going to get much better for you. Also, the guns and customizations just don't do enough to make me want to go out of my way to try them all. Once I found a combo that worked for me, I just stuck with it. They all pretty much seemed the same or vastly underpowered so I never bothered with a lot of them passed a quick trial period. Lastly, the game is a little too easy. It's pretty hard to die in this game and in the occasion that you do, there is absolutely no punishment. You just respawn and go about your business. I'll admit, this is pleasant for a bit but really limits the challenge that the game can offer. I breezed through everything other than skill challenges where I needed a high score or something.
    Overall, I enjoyed it. It's a lot of fun to just whomp everything in your path in such a gorgeous setting. You will get sick of it pretty fast but it's worth a look.    … Expand
  15. Darkmegacyber
    Apr 12, 2016
    7
    El juego es interesante pero no engancha del todo. Tiene un sistema de combate bueno, buena musica, graficos mas o menos. Es como una mezcla de jet set radio y cualquier shooter.
  16. Dragonfly44
    Oct 23, 2018
    7
    It’s relatively fun. Not the most addicting game, but its fun. Good graphics, I suppose. It doesn’t have likeable characters or very many fun missions, but it’s not bad. That’s pretty much the best way to describe this game “It’s not bad, kinda fun”

    Rating - 69%
  17. AbueLaKoO
    Jun 25, 2020
    7
    Un juego que me sorprendio, desenfrenado y alocado, muy divertido en lineas generales, banda sonora bastante decente y gráficos que han envejecido bien. Peca bastante en las secundarias, ya que están bastante vacías de contenido y en ocasione se puede volver repetitivo.
  18. Justareviewer21
    Jul 19, 2020
    7
    It’s a really fun game with good mechanics and regular story, but really fun
  19. goodgriff33
    Dec 25, 2022
    7
    Answer: 75 characters is between 10 words and 19 words with spaces included in the character count. If spaces are not included in the character count, then 75 characters is between 12 words and 25 words.
  20. wesker2012
    Oct 31, 2014
    6
    Sunset Overdrive is a game I really wanted to like as the style and the focus on fun really appealed to me. The game is like a mix of Dead Rising and Tony Hawk. So if you like those games, you would probably enjoy this game. The problem for me was the game was insanely repetitive from the very beginning of the game. Most of the game is running and jumping from mission to mission, placeSunset Overdrive is a game I really wanted to like as the style and the focus on fun really appealed to me. The game is like a mix of Dead Rising and Tony Hawk. So if you like those games, you would probably enjoy this game. The problem for me was the game was insanely repetitive from the very beginning of the game. Most of the game is running and jumping from mission to mission, place to place which gets old fast since we've already done this in many sandbox games. Also, there is way too many tutorials that keep interrupting the flow of the gameplay. Everytime I'm getting excited to play, another tutorial interrupts the game. This would be tolerable if the rest of the game was worth it, but the shooting aspect of the game just feels like busywork. The things I liked about the game was the style and the different kinds of weapons you could get. Overall though, the humor fell really flat and was very juvenile. I think this game would appeal to younger gamers. Its not a bad game, but if you've played this style of game before, this one doesn't really bring anything new except the art style.… Expand
  21. Scottixboy
    Oct 30, 2014
    6
    Sunset Overdrive is not a game for me, but that doesn't mean it is a bad game, it has great color, great mechanics and pretty average music. But I found myself constantly wishing I had better mobility, I constantly felt like just grinding everywhere was more of a restriction than a mechanic. The amount of times I'd rather just scale a wall like in Assassins Creed, or run up a wall like inSunset Overdrive is not a game for me, but that doesn't mean it is a bad game, it has great color, great mechanics and pretty average music. But I found myself constantly wishing I had better mobility, I constantly felt like just grinding everywhere was more of a restriction than a mechanic. The amount of times I'd rather just scale a wall like in Assassins Creed, or run up a wall like in Prototype is unbelievable,this game wants to send you on a wild grind chase to just scale to a building top, it is a real frustration-fest, it may be stylish, but after the 20th time this happens, you are really fed up of the way the game looks and just want to scale the frigging building without all the **** The story is pretty weak and the overall mission structure is pretty generic for an open world game, there are some pop culture references that make an appearance, but they are simply that, a reference and sure you'll be like "heh, that was a thing in Breaking Bad", But a reference isn't a substitute for original comedy and Sunset Overdrives comedy is pretty weak. But this game does one of the most irritating things a modern game can do for the first hour of gameplay, the hand-holding, the tutorial limitations, my god they are frustrating, ALL I wanted to do was run around and kill **** but the damn tutorials just never stopped. Do this, do that, equip this, equip that, suck this, suck that. LIKE SERIOUSLY. I've played a Video Game before, all you literally had to tell me was how to grind, that is IT, the rest could be quite easily taught through gameplay. the modern gamer isn't a moron. Lastly is the day 1 DLC, it isn't available for purchase yet, but over 10 items from the game are locked behind a pay-wall out of the box, it looks like some sort of Pre-Order or Season Pass bonus, either way, it is sick to buy a game and to already have a large amount of content locked away from you, content which was likely included on the disc, Overall I'd say that a lot of people will enjoy this game, but it simply isn't for me, I don't like the movement, the music is not of my taste, the hand-holding is just plain ridiculous.and the day 1 DLC is just depressing.… Expand
  22. whalepudding
    Aug 30, 2016
    6
    This could of been a great game. I have to say that I had a blast playing this for the first 10 hours, but it lost it's appeal very quickly. Visually, the game is fantastic. It's bright and unique, and it makes a nice change from most big title games which usually have depressing settings. The combat was really fun at first: Grinding, wall-running, jumping from building to building, allThis could of been a great game. I have to say that I had a blast playing this for the first 10 hours, but it lost it's appeal very quickly. Visually, the game is fantastic. It's bright and unique, and it makes a nice change from most big title games which usually have depressing settings. The combat was really fun at first: Grinding, wall-running, jumping from building to building, all while shooting up hordes of enemies with silly and unique weaponry. But a major flaw in the game is that there isn't enough variation in enemies. There's basically just 3 types of enemies in the whole game, with a few small exceptions. Also, the story is like 2 hours long. It can be funny at times, but usually comes across as pretentious with all the dumb pop-culture references. Once you're done with the story, you're left with a handful of generic side quests that lack any sort of creativity or variety. Once you get past all the eye candy the game overs in the beginning, you realize how hollow it is. Also, the game is just way too easy, it's a joke.… Expand
  23. drizzti90
    Oct 28, 2014
    6
    Sunset overdrive is everything you would expect from the next ratchet and clank game, but less focused and set in an open world. I would have prefered insomniac keep to the original format for the games put this is a fun romp neveless.
  24. DarkDefender
    Jan 16, 2015
    6
    After playing this game for half a dozen hours there is one word that describes how I feel perfectly. That word is "bored". I cannot for the life of me understand why IGN gave this the Best Xbone Game of 2014 title. It is such as shame as this game starts off with so much promise. It is quite polished with a decent idea & setting, too bad the story isn't up to scratch. . Being 720p I alsoAfter playing this game for half a dozen hours there is one word that describes how I feel perfectly. That word is "bored". I cannot for the life of me understand why IGN gave this the Best Xbone Game of 2014 title. It is such as shame as this game starts off with so much promise. It is quite polished with a decent idea & setting, too bad the story isn't up to scratch. . Being 720p I also couldnt really tell the difference from 1080p as it runs quite smoothly. The enemies are monotonous and dont quite vary enough to keep you immersed or engaged. One major issue I have is the much hyped environment traversal. Only now after playing for hours have I quite got the hang of grinding and bouncing through the city, yet it is still excruciatingly painful for a fair portion of the time. I read a previous review of this game and they described it as "Infamous for kids", and I have to say I agree with this statement somewhat. Fair enough the city has been taken over by mutants but it just doesn't feel like it was ever alive or living and breathing. The major problem with this game however is the quest structure. 80% of the quests/activities are fetch quests. These are mostly similar to the previous quest or exactly the same. This game gets boring and old quickly, it doesnt quite have the pulling power to keep you entertained for long periods of time as I find myself getting agitated with all the grinding and jumping and repeat quests. Lastly i'd say this isnt targeted at mature audiences despite the crass humour. 6/10… Expand
  25. Ilovethemmovies
    Oct 29, 2014
    6
    Okay so first off I want to get across the fact that I am not a Sony fanboy I don't even own a playstation. Now for the review, Sunset Overdrive in my opinion is nothing too terribly new or special while it can be enjoyable in the beginning after getting the controls down a little bit after a few hours of play it gets quite repetitive. The missions for example are of very simple design andOkay so first off I want to get across the fact that I am not a Sony fanboy I don't even own a playstation. Now for the review, Sunset Overdrive in my opinion is nothing too terribly new or special while it can be enjoyable in the beginning after getting the controls down a little bit after a few hours of play it gets quite repetitive. The missions for example are of very simple design and I feel could have been a little more complicated. There were a fair amount of fetch quests. Overall the game can be enjoyable I suppose to the right type of gamer so if you enjoy a mix of I'll say borderlands (because of the weapon customization) and Saints Row 4 type of gameplay/story then this game may interest you.… Expand
  26. Barefoot_Gamer
    Nov 1, 2014
    6
    Almost every game that has so been released on next gen consoles has been mega-hyped. This is another one of those extremely simple games that has advertised as if it is a masterpiece of gaming. What can be said for the game - unlike many recent releases - is that it at least tries to be unique. Basically to stay alive - stay high and don't touch the floor. After a while the wild artisticAlmost every game that has so been released on next gen consoles has been mega-hyped. This is another one of those extremely simple games that has advertised as if it is a masterpiece of gaming. What can be said for the game - unlike many recent releases - is that it at least tries to be unique. Basically to stay alive - stay high and don't touch the floor. After a while the wild artistic graphic style and the excellent humour - making fun of itself almost - gets boring and very repetitive. It is a great looking game and it does have a uniqueness about it. For me it was enjoyable for the first few hours and then - well it was back to a game that had more to it than zipping around on high wire shooting at mutants. This game will only appeal to a select group of gamer. Thing Rachet and Clank crossed with Infamous and you may be getting just a little idea of the game style. Not for me I am afraid.… Expand
  27. dgbot07
    Oct 28, 2014
    6
    Could be an original bet, but all he got was being a generic and colored version. Repetitive gameplay, boring story, beyond the wrong strategy by a customized main character, not getting an identity and a striking figure.
  28. bornxbox
    Oct 28, 2014
    6
    Hey guys long time lurker, first time poster here. I been looking forward to this game for awhile..needless to say its average at best...the campaign is pretty short (then again most are these days) i clocked it in around 10 hours...there are side quest but im really not interested and there is little to all replay-ability, most quest are get this here then go there..the humour is greatHey guys long time lurker, first time poster here. I been looking forward to this game for awhile..needless to say its average at best...the campaign is pretty short (then again most are these days) i clocked it in around 10 hours...there are side quest but im really not interested and there is little to all replay-ability, most quest are get this here then go there..the humour is great and refreshing however the gameplay is fun but really lacking, single player is short...you can probably rent the game and finish it in half a night, the game itself looks amazing graphc wise, as for multiplayer i haven't really tried it yet, overall its ok but nothing groundbreaking. it feels like dead rising but less clunkier in a way if that makes sense 6/10… Expand
  29. hotshot0014
    Oct 29, 2014
    6
    Coming from the PC and Playstation 4 crowd, I have been looking for a good reason to own Xbox One (I usually buy all systems during a console generation so I'm not specifically a Sony fanboy, but it was cheaper and more powerful at launch). I had been reading reviews of this game and got relatively excited about how awesome it sounded, and went out and bought the Sunset Overdrive editionComing from the PC and Playstation 4 crowd, I have been looking for a good reason to own Xbox One (I usually buy all systems during a console generation so I'm not specifically a Sony fanboy, but it was cheaper and more powerful at launch). I had been reading reviews of this game and got relatively excited about how awesome it sounded, and went out and bought the Sunset Overdrive edition of Xbox One (the white one).

    There's no way I can honestly say that this game was really worth buying an Xbox for, if that helps those folks who were considering it...it's not that it's a horrible game- it is indeed a refreshing change of pace and visuals, and the humor is awesome, but the gameplay itself is too repetitive. I would say the game is worth picking up this holiday season, but only if you've already picked up the other third party staples that should be a bit better than this game.

    If you're looking for a reason to buy Xbox One, like I was, it still might be worth getting this game in a bundle, which I hear will be very competitively priced come November.    … Expand
  30. AngelEm
    Nov 3, 2014
    6
    So much potential, hurt by it's own story and characters, creating a "cringe-tastic" game where you end up hating pretty much every character you come across and wanting to slap some sense into the game industry on how to handle things like tutorials and story telling. I get that the game wants to be fun, it just tries too hard.

    Fourth wall jokes and Easter eggs are fine, but when the    So much potential, hurt by it's own story and characters, creating a "cringe-tastic" game where you end up hating pretty much every character you come across and wanting to slap some sense into the game industry on how to handle things like tutorials and story telling. I get that the game wants to be fun, it just tries too hard.

    Fourth wall jokes and Easter eggs are fine, but when the game is literally nothing but that it becomes dull, repetitive, and wears down your nerves to the point you dread talking to people. It's funny to make a nod to something but when you make a joke then turn around and go "Did you see what we did there? Funny right? God we're so clever." It makes me want to hit you with your own severed arms.

    The music is bland and boring, stock music would have been more fitting and immersive than what I ended up muting (seriously, if you play this game just use your own playlist). For Insomniac to go on about how music inspired the game and how it was used during it's creation, it's disappointing to get in there and feel like you're listening to a kid's Garage Band sample tracks.

    The game gets repetitive, FAST. I quickly ended up leaving the missions behind to explore the world, which I loved. It's huge, so much fun to zip around and find the fastest way to get somewhere, and I spent more of the game trying to find things and doing side quests until forced to do the main quest line to unlock more side quests. I didn't care for the Amps, as important as they make them seem I only bothered to use 2 the entire game.

    The level difficulty is random, one second I'm blowing through monsters, the next I'm stuck in an infinite death loop, only to be running down the next group of baddies. An added annoyance is gaining a fun toy only for it to be taken away for good.

    To make it better I would add more unique missions, put in better music, and remove half of the commentary. The game was fun until you had to talk to someone and hear their "ha ha get it, because it's a game" or "don't worry but seriously, do worry" and the always popular "I'll just re-spawn" jokes. And the Narrator, just completely remove the narrator, he's not funny.

    While the idea of the game is great, the execution felt sloppy. All in all it was OK, not bad, but not great.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Best Xbox One Game of 2014
4
#4 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2014
1
#1 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 89 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 72 out of 89
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 89
  3. Negative: 0 out of 89
  1. Hyper Magazine
    Feb 9, 2015
    80
    Probably the best next gen exclusive we've seen so far. It's not perfect but a great return to form for Insomniac. [Issue#257, p.56]
  2. CD-Action
    Jan 9, 2015
    80
    A game that would be even cooler if it didn’t try so hard to be cool. To love it you need to switch off the part of the brain responsible for good taste, but in return Sunset Overdrive relentlessly strokes the part responsible for pleasure. [13/2014, p.76]
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 5, 2015
    60
    Fast, playful and colorful game that does have style and dynamic action, but also a pretty dull story that soon becomes boring. [Issue#248]
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