Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 31
  2. Negative: 2 out of 31
  1. Aug 29, 2021
    70
    Twelve Minutes is an original idea, pretty decent writing and fantastic acting wrapped in old fashioned, oftentimes repetitive gameplay. It won’t wear out your Gamepass though, so give it at least twelve minutes of your time if you’re a member of the Microsoft gameclub.
  2. Aug 22, 2021
    70
    Combined with a concept that is both seductive and risky, the plot of 12 Minutes easily maintains interest even in its elements of resolution. Also if one feels Luis Antonio's imperfections in terms of technique, his learning from the great thrillers of cinema is just as visible. But the title divides between the frustration that can cause redundant loops and the quite captivating atmosphere of the place. If the game is as accessible in its mechanics as thorny in its timed puzzles, the experience will naturally be smoother for those able to progress by limiting loops.
  3. Aug 21, 2021
    70
    Despite not being a natural fit on console, Twelve Minutes provides a consistently engaging story that kept me tied to my controller until the very end. A strong voice cast and interesting central conceit make it worth checking out, especially if you can play it for no additional cost via Game Pass. I’m still not sure the story fully comes together, but it provided enough to think about that I know I won’t stop thinking about it anytime soon.
  4. Aug 18, 2021
    70
    Some devilishly clever puzzles shine in a unique take on the point-and click genre, but the game waits to the end to make its story truly interesting, which might be a little late if you're looking for an emotional investment to get you through some of the more tedious moments.
  5. Sep 15, 2021
    69
    Intriguing point-and-click game with a dense atmosphere, however, it struggles with some issues.
  6. Sep 2, 2021
    65
    An intriguing concept makes for a decent story with a messy ending. The input lag makes playing Twelve Minutes a bit of a chore, though. Shame, cause there's definitely some good to be salvaged.
  7. Aug 20, 2021
    65
    Twelve Minutes is a videogame that is fantastic in every area, except being a videogame. There’s a lot to love, and I think people will overlook its faults. Sadly those faults are there, almost completely tanking an otherwise excellent piece of fiction.
  8. Aug 18, 2021
    60
    Luis Antonio's smart timeloop starring James McAvoy is an absorbing yarn... if you can see past its frayed edges.
  9. Oct 4, 2021
    50
    Great idea woefully executed. The story, gripping at first, soon devolves into frustrating repetition. The characters just aren’t interesting enough and the A-list actors offer what might just be the blandest performances of their careers. Spend your twelve minutes elsewhere.
  10. Aug 31, 2021
    50
    There are, of course, multiple endings, and the minutes leading up to each resolution can be flavoured with violence and revelation, or laced with deceit. The question is: Do we care?
  11. Aug 26, 2021
    50
    I really wanted to like 12 Minutes. It's a compelling concept, but the game's rigid structure and lack of options make it feel less like a game about a time loop and more like a narrative adventure where I kept having to sit through "Game Over" screens because I didn't make the specific choice necessary. As a result, it feels like the most irksome elements of Capcom's Ace Attorney series, without the rewarding aspects. At times, I was genuinely surprised by the options made available to me, but far more often, I found myself feeling like the game's concept was basically just window dressing. 12 Minutes feels far too limited for its concept, and that makes the game feel like a chore far more often than not.
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  1. Aug 18, 2021
    Twelve Minutes tries to do something very specific, and in many ways it succeeds. There are few games where solving a mystery feels so playful and organic, and the game does a great job at creating tension. My heart always started racing when I heard the elevator open in the hallway, knowing the cop was about to barge in. But those good parts are muddied by the often tedious structure and an ending that is more unbelievable than shocking. Your enjoyment will depend mostly on your tolerance for repetition — and if you have any mystery-loving friends to follow along.
User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 271 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 94 out of 271
  1. Aug 20, 2021
    0
    A BAD STORY DRIVEN GAME. this game struggle with its loops. sometimes you just want to close the game and never come back. i like the idea.A BAD STORY DRIVEN GAME. this game struggle with its loops. sometimes you just want to close the game and never come back. i like the idea. but they couldn't make it good. Full Review »
  2. Aug 20, 2021
    7
    Ambitious idea perhaps struggling to live up to its own aspirations. Certainly doesn’t warrant those 0-2 user scores but at the same time,Ambitious idea perhaps struggling to live up to its own aspirations. Certainly doesn’t warrant those 0-2 user scores but at the same time, not the game we were hoping it was going to be Full Review »
  3. Aug 20, 2021
    10
    This are the kinds of games like that,story driver with multiple choices, a recommended game for sure!