Freedom Planet

88%
Game Brain Score Based on 4,805 reviews
  • story
  • music
  • gameplay
Freedom Planet Game Cover
A fun, if not challenging, game that'd be right at home in the SNES vs Genesis days with a great soundtrack and endearing characters.
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Freedom Planet is a fast-paced, combat-driven platformer focused on three diverse characters: Lilac, Carol, and Milla. They must work together to stop the evil Lord Brevon from conquering their world. Each character has unique abilities and special moves, offering multiple ways to explore the vibrant levels and defeat enemies. The game features a variety of challenges, unlockables, and replayability options for players to enjoy.

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Windows
  • Linux
  • Play​Station
  • Wii
  • Wii U
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

88%
Audience ScoreBased on 4,805 reviews
story819 positive mentions
stability45 negative mentions
  • Freedom Planet is a fantastic platformer that combines speed and combat mechanics, offering a unique experience compared to classic Sonic games.
  • The game features beautiful pixel art, a catchy soundtrack, and well-designed levels that encourage exploration and replayability.
  • Each of the three playable characters has distinct abilities, adding variety to gameplay and making it enjoyable to play through multiple times.
  • The story and voice acting can be cheesy and inconsistent, with some cutscenes feeling overly long and detracting from the gameplay experience.
  • Boss fights can be frustratingly difficult, especially in the later stages, leading to a steep difficulty spike that may discourage some players.
  • The lack of a clear tutorial or guidance on mechanics can make it challenging for new players to understand how to effectively navigate levels and defeat enemies.
  • story2,805 mentions

    The story of *Freedom Planet* is a mixed bag, with many players finding it charming yet flawed. While some appreciate its engaging characters and nostalgic, Saturday morning cartoon vibe, others criticize it for being cliché, poorly paced, and occasionally cringeworthy, with long cutscenes that can detract from the gameplay experience. Fortunately, the game offers a "classic mode" that allows players to skip the story entirely, focusing solely on the platforming action, which many recommend for those less interested in narrative.

    • “The story is surprisingly compelling as well, with virtually every character being even slightly endearing, which makes you fall in love with the game all the more.”
    • “The story, while charming, does contain some tonal whiplash that may be off-putting to some.”
    • “The story is fun, the soundtrack is great, and I really liked the overall visual design of the game.”
    • “The story is definitely the game's weak point, but it's still quite charming, and you can skip the cutscenes automatically by playing classic mode on subsequent playthroughs (or if you're just not into it).”
    • “The story is a bit of a mess, there's a big tonal dissonance between cutscenes, but there's an option to disable them.”
    • “The story, while charming, does contain some tonal whiplash that may be off putting to some.”
  • music1,987 mentions

    The music in *Freedom Planet* has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its energetic and memorable soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience. The compositions are often compared to classic 16-bit games, particularly those from the Sonic franchise, and are noted for their ability to evoke nostalgia while maintaining a unique identity. Overall, the soundtrack is described as phenomenal, with standout tracks that players find themselves humming long after playing, making it a significant highlight of the game.

    • “Probably one of the top soundtracks of all time”
    • “The soundtrack is phenomenal and one of the best I’ve ever heard in a video game.”
    • “The music is upbeat and you will be humming these songs for days to come.”
    • “A few tracks such as the mid-boss theme in Battle Glacier, which is reused for one of the final bosses, is really repetitive and not good, but most songs in the game are amazing; I especially love Jade Creek 1 and Thermal Base 1.”
    • “However, much of it is music you'd expect from an average platformer game compared to most of Woofle's other music, which is very unique and has a lot of 80's-90's inspiration to it, but thankfully we'll get to hear more of that in Freedom Planet 2.”
    • “The sound track is a bit dull sounding, very similar, though not the same, as the Sonic soundtrack we've come to know over the years.”
  • gameplay1,709 mentions

    The gameplay of *Freedom Planet* is widely praised for its fast-paced, fluid mechanics that blend elements from classic 2D platformers like Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man, offering a unique experience with three distinct characters, each possessing their own abilities and playstyles. Players appreciate the well-designed levels, engaging combat, and the balance between speed and exploration, although some note that the boss fights can be challenging and the story may detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game is celebrated for its nostalgic feel, vibrant visuals, and an outstanding soundtrack, making it a standout title in the indie platformer genre.

    • “Fantastic music, fantastic looks, fantastic gameplay, fantastic bosses.”
    • “The gameplay feels smooth and like it incorporates momentum, the worlds are colorful and absolutely mind-numbing - like, if this game were just expanded to be an elder-scrolls-esque open world but in 2d I wouldn't get bored of these locations - and each playable lead's gameplay options offer new ways to play.”
    • “The gameplay is a mix of speed, platforming and attacking enemies with physical attacks, and overall this was really well put together, but it can take a bit of time to get a good hang of it.”
    • “Gameplay problems just arise from not being able to tell which direction you're meant to go, extremely strange momentum system, somewhat redundant combat moves and rushed boss fights.”
    • “The game feels not as tight as it should be to play, the sonic resemblance both in presentation and gameplay holds it back, the stage composition leaves a lot to be desired and I just don't get what it is going for beyond being basically sonic but with a setting grounded enough to leave you with questions but too dull and droning to want them answered.”
    • “The voice acting and dialogue are extremely cheesy/amateurish, but mainly, the gameplay itself is just not fun.”
  • graphics766 mentions

    The graphics of "Freedom Planet" have been widely praised for their vibrant, colorful 16-bit style that evokes nostalgia for classic Sega Genesis games. Reviewers highlight the game's detailed sprite work, smooth animations, and unique level designs, which contribute to a visually engaging experience. While some critiques mention minor graphical inconsistencies, the overall aesthetic is celebrated as a standout feature that enhances the gameplay and complements the energetic soundtrack.

    • “Freedom Planet boasts a gorgeous art style and an amazing original soundtrack, along with easy-to-learn and fun combat, as well as unique characters that all stand out with their own lovable personalities and abilities.”
    • “The graphics are incredible and have some of the best sprite work I have ever seen.”
    • “The visuals are sharp, gameplay is rock-solid, the soundtrack is great and adds so much to the game and it all compiles into a great game.”
    • “I think the graphical demand from the game is so low you could play it on a potato.”
    • “There's some very pretty stuff, however even in the final released version some graphics are still unfinished looking, such as the trolley before relic maze 2 if you're playing as Milla.”
    • “When there's only just one theme for your art design though, it just comes off as generic and lacking as there is no variety in the graphics department.”
  • replayability275 mentions

    The game boasts high replayability, primarily due to its three distinct playable characters, each offering unique abilities and playstyles that encourage multiple playthroughs. Players can also engage in speedrunning, collect hidden cards, and pursue various achievements, enhancing the overall experience. While the main story is relatively short, the diverse gameplay mechanics and exploration elements ensure that players will find plenty of reasons to return.

    • “Simply put, it has great level designs, great characters/villains, great story, great level music, epic boss fights/music and so much replayability value with 3 different characters and alternative story paths based on which character you choose.”
    • “And the amount of secrets, achievements, easter eggs and play styles, made possible by featuring 3 completely different characters, makes the game near infinitely replayable.”
    • “The 3 main characters all play differently, keeping the game feeling fresh and giving it replay value.”
    • “The replayability is not high, but it's there: with 3 characters and 4 difficulty settings, we can try to beat it with higher difficulties, or even with a speedrun challenge.”
    • “Replayability - this one's a very mixed bag, because after you've beaten the game as all 3 girls there's no reason to keep playing unless you want to get achievements or faster times.”
    • “One thing I was a bit 'eh...' towards is how the replayability is handled.”
  • humor186 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its charm and effectiveness, featuring well-voiced characters, funny cutscenes, and a mix of lighthearted and darker moments that keep players engaged. Many reviewers highlight the intentional cheesiness and corny voice acting as endearing qualities that enhance the comedic experience, while the likable characters and clever dialogue contribute to a nostalgic, cartoon-like atmosphere. Overall, the humor is seen as a strong point, making the game enjoyable and memorable.

    • “The game's humor is phenomenal.”
    • “The characters are hilarious and interesting, the dialogue is well written and the cutscenes are amazingly well animated.”
    • “It's got tons of great humor, likable characters, and some truly gut-wrenching moments here and there...showing just how powerful sprite art can really be.”
    • “Unfunny jokes and overwritten dialogue are already a problem in most mascot platformers; being tongue-in-cheek about your bad jokes doesn't make them funnier.”
    • “For the most part, they don't deal contact damage so you can run right past them, and they either drop nothing (in the case of small enemies), a few gems (which, as stated before, are so common it's unfunny), or a 'core' which is used to roll a die in an end-of-level bonus game in which you can earn a shield or 1-ups (which you'll have plenty of through casual play anyways) so for the most part, they might as well not even exist.”
    • “Overall the story was great, but my only real beef is that it doesn't have much backstory. It feels like it starts partway into the story; there isn't any origin for some of it, such as who Lilac and Carol are, how they meet, or their dark past. You get some idea, but nothing to really explain it.”
  • character development120 mentions

    Character development in the game is often criticized for being underwhelming, with many reviewers noting that while the character designs are visually appealing and reminiscent of classic Sonic aesthetics, the characters themselves lack depth and are often reduced to flat, one-dimensional personalities. Some players appreciate the humor and charm in the interactions, but feel that the narrative fails to adequately explore the characters' backgrounds, leading to confusion about their motivations. Overall, while the character designs are praised, the development and storytelling aspects leave much to be desired.

    • “I love everything about this game, from the music, to the graphics, to the gameplay, and character development.”
    • “As to the story, so far it's an amusing adventure with interesting character development.”
    • “Of the three character designs, Lilac’s has the fewest inhibitions to rooting for, where Carol has an edgy biker vibe, and Milla is a cutesy anime girl; Lilac is a strong, independent woman who doesn’t need no man.”
    • “Don't get me wrong, I'm completely okay with character development, but this game likes to mention a character's past instead of explaining it, which makes it even more confusing when these pasts are tied into the game's plot.”
    • “There is not enough character development.”
    • “Although the cutscenes are quite long sometimes, not enough character development is given.”
  • emotional106 mentions

    Freedom Planet is praised for its emotional depth, combining a heartfelt storyline with humor and engaging character interactions that resonate with players. The game features impactful moments, beautiful music, and expressive characters, creating a nostalgic yet fresh experience that evokes a range of feelings, from joy to sadness. Many players report a strong emotional connection to the game, with some even expressing that it made them cry, highlighting its ability to deliver a profound narrative alongside enjoyable gameplay.

    • “This game is not afraid of hurting your feelings, however, with an emotional storyline that tends to cut a little deep at some points.”
    • “The storyline in this game is unlike any Sonic game; it's deep, emotional, and has plenty of twists to keep you entertained the whole way through.”
    • “Plus, this is the first game that has ever made me cry because it ended.”
  • stability45 mentions

    Overall, the stability of the game is a mixed bag; while many players appreciate its polished gameplay and minimal glitches, several report significant issues, particularly in later levels where glitches can render parts of the game unplayable. Minor bugs and clipping errors are common, but they often do not detract from the overall enjoyment. Developers are actively working on fixes, which gives hope for improved stability in future updates.

    • “Freedom Planet is a fun game, but unfortunately glitches the entire level starting with level 4, but the problems are glaring in levels 6 onward where the levels become unplayable because of the glitched world.”
    • “There are a few glitches still, and there was one boss that, unfortunately, felt like it took more luck than skill to beat.”
    • “If there is anything that I don't like much about Freedom Planet, it's that it's quite buggy in some places.”
  • grinding42 mentions

    The reviews highlight that grinding in the game is often tedious, with many players expressing frustration over repetitive gameplay, long levels, and slow-paced sections that disrupt the overall experience. While some aspects, like the aesthetic and certain boss fights, are appreciated, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game requires excessive effort for minimal reward, leading to a lack of motivation to replay. Overall, the grinding mechanics detract significantly from the enjoyment of the game.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “It's far worse than that: it's tedious.”
    • “But the game is so tedious that I likely wouldn't dare try to play it again.”
    • “All too often, you are going through a level reaching your top speed only to unavoidably ram into an enemy, which makes you lose most of your health, or just running into many slow areas that require tedious back and forth jumping.”
  • optimization36 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is generally praised, with smooth controls and performance across various platforms, including older hardware. However, some users report performance issues, particularly with voiceover quality and stuttering on high refresh rate monitors if vsync is not enabled. The Linux and Mac versions reportedly offer even better performance than the original Windows release.

    • “The game's visuals, scaling, and performance are all flawless.”
    • “While I usually use my desktop, this game actually runs (at around 60fps in fact) on my Toshiba notebook from 2010 running Linux Mint, so I doubt you'll run into any optimization issues or anything.”
    • “Revised review: the Linux and Mac versions have even better performance than the original Windows-only release.”
    • “If you are running a monitor that is above 60hz (like a 144hz monitor), then you should externally turn vsync on; otherwise, you will get extreme amounts of stuttering.”
    • “The game has some performance issues.”
    • “Some voiceovers are better than others, too, not only in terms of performance but recording quality - unsurprising since the voice work was recorded on different hardware for different actors.”
  • atmosphere26 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its cinematic quality, vibrant visuals, and an outstanding original soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. Reviewers highlight the attention to detail in the environment and character development, which contribute to a lively and engaging world, although some feel it lacks the charm found in more established franchises. Overall, the combination of graphics, music, and gameplay creates a captivating atmosphere that resonates with players.

    • “The graphics are really pretty to look at, and the music beautifully captures the atmosphere of the stage you are in.”
    • “Environmental details are exquisite and the atmospheric touches reveal the kind of love the developers put into this.”
    • “The atmosphere of the game is absolute cinema!”
    • “The music that captures the atmosphere of each level, and the variety of characters provides a different gameplay experience.”
    • “At least for me, this game's art style, story, enjoyable characters, all with good voice acting, combat done well, enemy variety, story, music, atmosphere, setting, humor, and overall emotional investment the adventure mode allows the player to have with the characters all come together to make a very fun and enjoyable experience.”
  • monetization2 mentions

    The reviews do not provide specific insights into the monetization aspect of the game, focusing instead on the positive features of the combat system. There is no mention of ads or in-game purchases related to monetization.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

80% average critic score

Buy Freedom Planet

Play time

10hMedian play time
9hAverage play time
8-10hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs

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