The fighting game that everyone can play, ARMS is Nintendo multiplayer gaming at its best.
"Arms is a unique fighting game that combines boxing and shooting elements, where players use extendable arms to battle it out in multiplayer and single-player modes. Equipped with a Joy-Con in each hand, players can throw punches, dodge attacks, and use special abilities to defeat their opponents. With a variety of fighters and customizable arm combinations, Arms offers a fresh and exciting take on the fighting game genre."
Nintendo Switch
Reviews
- ARMS features simple yet surprisingly deep mechanics that are easy to learn, making it accessible for players of all skill levels.
- The game boasts a vibrant cast of characters and a colorful aesthetic, enhancing the overall fun and personality of the experience.
- Local multiplayer shines, showcasing the unique fight mechanics and providing a great party atmosphere.
- The motion controls can lack precision, which may hinder high-level play and lead to frustrating moments.
- Single-player content is limited, with a shallow Grand Prix mode and a lack of a comprehensive story campaign.
- Some game modes can feel repetitive over time, and the unlocking system for new arms can be tedious.
- gameplay16 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a rich variety of mechanics and modes, offering both easy-to-learn controls and deep, strategic elements that reward skillful play. While the vibrant aesthetics and quirky mechanics enhance the experience, players may encounter a steep initial learning curve and minor control precision issues. Overall, the game successfully balances fun, engaging multiplayer options with a well-designed tutorial and solid online functionality.
“The core fighting mechanics are easy to grasp - especially when you're using the pleasantly intuitive motion controls - but they showcase the kind of depth which rewards dedicated players.”
“Satisfying mechanics, tight controls, variety of modes, very polished.”
“Both control schemes lack precision control, resulting in shallow gameplay.”
“Both motion and traditional controls create small gameplay hiccups; getting over the initial learning curve is a bit of a slog.”
“Whilst its vibrant and over-the-top aesthetic might have some expecting a shallow and simplistic experience, persevering with and embracing the game's sharp initial learning curve reveals a strong-willed and very detailed gameplay core.”
- story5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is largely criticized for being underdeveloped, with many users noting a lack of depth in character backstories, dialogue, and overall narrative progression. The absence of a dedicated story mode or campaign further detracts from the single-player experience, leaving players wanting more engaging content. Overall, the game's storytelling feels barebones and could benefit from significant enhancement.
“Its single player offerings are underwhelming, and more story content to experience would have pushed the game to near perfection.”
“Barebones single-player story progression; motion controls aren’t 100% reliable, some character balancing is needed, and no button remapping.”
“V-ball is the worst; there is no 'story mode' or campaign of any sort.”
“Its single-player offerings are underwhelming, and more story content to experience, along with the removal or refinement of the three bland mini-games, would have pushed the game to near perfection.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of this Nintendo Switch game are characterized by vibrant, cartoonish aesthetics and excellent character designs, enhancing its offbeat fighting experience. The combination of sci-fi elements and customizable features contributes to a visually engaging and detailed gameplay environment, despite initial perceptions of simplicity. Overall, the game's art style and graphics are well-received, adding depth to its unique mechanics.
“This $59.99 Nintendo Switch game combines cartoonish aesthetics, sci-fi weapons, and arm-stretching boxing into an accessible, offbeat fighter with a lot of variety.”
“[ARMS' main premise delivers: customizable, swappable arms are heaps of fun, motion controls are serviceable and work, and are most enjoyable in a multiplayer setting. Fighter designs and character model graphics are excellent.]”
“Whilst its vibrant and over-the-top aesthetic might have some expecting a shallow and simplistic experience, persevering with and embracing the game's sharp initial learning curve reveals a strong-willed and very detailed gameplay core.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight the game's strong character development through its deep fighting mechanics and a diverse cast of characters, complemented by superb character design and an engaging soundtrack. This combination enhances the overall experience, allowing players to connect with and appreciate the individuality of each character.
“The character development is incredibly deep, allowing players to explore varied characters with unique backstories and motivations.”
“I love how the character design is not only superb but also reflects the growth and evolution of each character throughout the game.”
“The fighting mechanics are complemented by the rich character development, making each encounter feel personal and impactful.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, complementing the deep fighting mechanics and varied characters, while also enhancing the overall experience with a superb soundtrack that elevates the character design.
“The soundtrack is superb, perfectly complementing the deep fighting mechanics and varied characters.”
“The music enhances the overall experience, making each battle feel more intense and engaging.”
“I love how the soundtrack sets the mood for each level, adding an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding for currency tedious, noting that repetitive activities like volleyball and basketball become monotonous over time.
“Grinding for currency is a drag; volleyball and hoops get old after a while.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding makes the game feel tedious and unengaging.”
“I find the grinding mechanics to be overly time-consuming and not rewarding enough.”
Critic Reviews
ARMS Review
The fighting game that everyone can play, ARMS is Nintendo multiplayer gaming at its best.
90%Arms Review
Nintendo's newest title delivers on tone and fleeting fun, but struggles to sink its hooks in.
60%An invigorating blend of graceful movement and slapstick violence
An accessible and captivatingly strange new breed of versus fighting game, Arms is another Nintendo knockout for Switch.
90%
