Yars Rising Image
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: From the renowned development studio WayForward Technologies, Inc. comes Yars Rising, a 2D action adventure exploration of one of Atari’s richest, and best known classic titles. In WayForward’s experienced hands, the Yars franchise becomes an expansive mystery solved through 2D platformingFrom the renowned development studio WayForward Technologies, Inc. comes Yars Rising, a 2D action adventure exploration of one of Atari’s richest, and best known classic titles. In WayForward’s experienced hands, the Yars franchise becomes an expansive mystery solved through 2D platforming action.

    Take control of the young hacker Emi Kimura, who is hired by a mysterious patron to infiltrate the shadowy QoTech corporation. Run, jump, sneak, and hack your way through challenges as you slowly unravel a complex secret shrouded in intrigue.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 5
  2. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Sep 10, 2024
    80
    Yars Rising takes the fundamentals of Yars’ Revenge and applies a lengthy metroidvania experience on top of it, creating a surprisingly fun game. The gameplay is varied enough to cover around ten hours without too much repetition. And there is plenty more fun in the menus after that, if you want to keep replaying the Yars minigame levels. Just maybe skip through the voice acting where possible.
  2. Sep 10, 2024
    70
    A neat anime-style metroidvania with some well-realised ideas, Yars Rising is a smart homage to an '80s Atari arcade classic, and a perfectly fine way to while away a good few hours.
  3. Sep 24, 2024
    69
    If there is one thing I love almost as much as sequels, it’s spiritual successors. Especially if those spiritual successors have turned into a metroidvania. Listen, I had a decent time with Yars Rising but in the end, it has been a bit forgettable. Little things like waiting for loading screens, having to rewatch animations and dialog due to dying, and just okay platforming have soured me just a bit hence my score. I honestly started the game higher than when I ended. I think there is something here however and would absolutely play a sequel to this game if one comes along. Metroidvania enthusiasts should give it a go if they are looking for shorter experience to add to their gamer résumé.
  4. Sep 10, 2024
    60
    On one hand, I think WayForward has done a great job bringing this older title into the modern day with top visual and audio prowess. On the other hand, it lacks a lot of the class and refinement that makes modern games such a joy and thrill to play.
  5. Apr 4, 2025
    60
    Yars Rising offers a unique interpretation of the classic Yars' Revenge. While the narrative may be unmemorable and the cutscenes intrusive, the gameplay remains engaging, thanks to its surprising remixes of the original game and how they fit in the structure of a Metroidvania. The stealth mechanics, though simplistic, contribute to the overall experience.