Narita Boy
- March 30, 2021
- Studio Koba
Narita Boy is among the best Metroidvanias in recent years. Its beautiful world, surprisingly emotional story, and diverse enemy pool will leave you wanting more from its short run time.
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Get on Epic Games StoreThe retro-futuristic pixel game Explore and fight in a retro-futuristic world. Swim deep into a oneiric, poetic and unique experience across dimensional planes. The aesthetic of the game was inspired by retro pixel adventures (Castlevania, Another World, Double Dragon) with a modern touch (Superbrothers, Sword and Sorcery) and an 80s plot homage (Ready Player One, He-Man, The Last Starfighter), …
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Reviews
- Incredible visuals and a stunning soundtrack create an immersive experience.
- Fluid and engaging combat mechanics, with a variety of upgrades and abilities.
- A heartfelt and unique narrative that explores deep themes within a beautifully crafted digital world.
- Inconsistent platforming and awkward backtracking can disrupt the flow of gameplay.
- The game can be brutally difficult at times, which may frustrate some players.
- Lack of a map and vague player directives can lead to confusion and disorientation.
- music9 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its exceptional quality, with many reviewers highlighting the effective synth soundtrack that enhances the overall aesthetic and narrative. The soundtrack is described as flawless and integral to the game's atmosphere, contributing to epic combat encounters and a unique presentation. Overall, the combination of stunning visuals and a compelling soundtrack creates an immersive experience that resonates with players.
“The soundtrack here is flawless and the way everything plays into its setting and narrative is just as good.”
“The music is absolutely killer, and makes enemy encounters feel epic in scope.”
“Pulsing, frenetic soundtrack adds to the staggeringly cool aesthetic.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 88 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their incredible visuals and unique 2D art style, which contribute to a captivating digital aesthetic. Players appreciate the beautiful handcrafted animations and varied character designs, while the fluid combat and exceptional soundtrack enhance the overall experience. The combination of stunning visuals and engaging world-building creates a memorable atmosphere that resonates with players.
“While it can often be a little too punishing, and its platforming a little inconsistent, its incredible visuals, fluid combat, and genuinely heartfelt narrative make up for it.”
“Narita Boy feels like a completely unique experience and the first step for a new collection of games based around this digital aesthetic.”
“Beautiful handcrafted visuals and animations, exceptional combat mechanics, with new abilities introduced throughout the game. The digital kingdom is an impressive achievement in world building, filled with interesting characters. Enemy and boss designs are varied, each with its own strength and weakness. The music is absolutely killer and makes enemy encounters feel epic in scope.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Narita Boy is a mixed bag; while it features stunning visuals, exceptional combat mechanics, and impressive world-building, some players find the platforming mechanics inconsistent and the combat somewhat basic. Despite these shortcomings, the game offers a fresh experience with engaging narrative elements and varied enemy designs, making it a noteworthy debut for Studio Koba. Overall, while it may not be perfect, Narita Boy is still a captivating title that shouldn't be overlooked.
“Narita Boy is a commendable effort for Studio Koba’s first title with its gorgeous presentation and gameplay that’s kept fresh, although some aspects could evidently have been improved upon.”
“But where others have failed, Narita Boy transcends its inspiration with exceptional world building, a complex yet thoughtful narrative, and stunning combat gameplay.”
“Beautiful handcrafted visuals and animations, exceptional combat mechanics, with new abilities introduced throughout the game. The digital kingdom is an impressive achievement in world building, filled with interesting characters. Enemy and boss designs are varied, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The music is absolutely killer and makes enemy encounters feel epic in scope.”
“The gameplay might slog at times and not quite hit the mark, but Narita Boy is something you shouldn't miss.”
“The game is derivative both thematically and mechanically; platforming can feel off at times, and combat is fairly basic.”
- story5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its emotional depth and human themes of hardship and grief, set against a stunning pixel art backdrop. While some players find the missions repetitive and the game short, the overall narrative is considered interesting and well-executed, complemented by a captivating soundtrack. The unique and possibly self-aware elements of the story add to its charm, despite some technical issues.
“Its beautiful world, surprisingly emotional story, and diverse enemy pool will leave you wanting more from its short run time.”
“Gorgeous graphics, interesting and well-done story and atmosphere, solid soundtrack.”
“It contrasts the beautiful and fantastical pixel world it’s created with a very human story of hardship and grief.”
“The story is bizarre and possibly self-aware, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its beautiful visuals and heartfelt narrative, creating an emotional and immersive experience despite some punishing gameplay and inconsistent platforming. Players appreciate the surprisingly deep story and diverse enemies, though some feel the short run time leaves them wanting more.
“While it can often be a little too punishing, and its platforming a little inconsistent, its incredible visuals, fluid combat, and genuinely heartfelt narrative make up for it.”
“An emotional and cryptic adventure through a strange digital world.”
“Its beautiful world, surprisingly emotional story, and diverse enemy pool will leave you wanting more from its short run time.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highlighted by its gorgeous graphics, an engaging and well-crafted story, and a solid soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
“The gorgeous graphics create an immersive experience that draws you into the world.”
“The story and atmosphere are interesting and well done, making every moment engaging.”
“The solid soundtrack enhances the overall atmosphere, complementing the visuals perfectly.”
Critic Reviews
Narita Boy: An Experience Unlike Any Other – PS4 Review
Narita Boy is a phenomenal game and one of the best games I've played in a long while. It is as great as I had hoped it would be. While it can often be a little too punishing, and its platforming a little inconsistent, its incredible visuals, fluid combat and genuinely heartfelt narrative make up for it. This is an absolute must-play if this looks even remotely enjoyable to you. It is a truly one of a kind experience and sets the bar rather high for those left to come.
85%Narita Boy review
Narita Boy's difficulty is balanced well enough to offer challenge without frustration, and the combat is sublime. Not to mention it's visually incredible.
80%Narita Boy (Switch) Review
An emotional and cryptic adventure through a strange digital world.
75%
