The Messenger

Pristine character movement combines with excellent levels and great humor for a must-have Switch game.

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The Messenger is a challenging platformer with retro-inspired pixel art. As a demon-slaying ninja, traverse a cursed land, switch between time periods, and discover the truth behind a mysterious scroll. With precise controls, clever level design, and a witty narrative, this game offers a unique and satisfying experience.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

90%

Audience ScoreBased on 8,134 reviews

music1,728 positive mentions

grinding210 negative mentions

Witty and immensely playable retro fun.
Fantastic love letter to Ninja Gaiden with its own identity.
Great art design, nice story, superb gameplay.

The game loses momentum with excessive backtracking in the second half.
Some bosses are too easy and lack variety.
The humor can become tiresome and detracts from the overall experience.

music
2,854 mentions
61 % positive mentions
39 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The music in "The Messenger" has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its catchy and memorable chiptune soundtrack that seamlessly transitions between 8-bit and 16-bit styles as players navigate through different timelines. Composed by Rainbowdragoneyes, the soundtrack is described as a standout feature of the game, enhancing the overall experience and often being enjoyed outside of gameplay. While some tracks may feel repetitive over time, the majority of players find the music to be a significant highlight, contributing to the game's nostalgic charm and engaging atmosphere.
- “The soundtrack is full of absolute bangers that sound fantastic in both versions; each track is very memorable and the soundtrack as a whole is worthy of being listened to on its own.”
- “The music is phenomenal, I mean banger after banger.”
- “The music, composed by rainbowdragoneyes, is a predominantly upbeat, catchy affair, taking the triumphant 12-16 bar midi loops of yesteryear and suffusing them with a nice modern synthwave touch.”
- “The music is quite appropriate, but dare I say in a few boss fights it was a bit grating (hey, that's how retro game music goes sometimes).”
- “I find a lot of the music really grating, more so in 8-bit than 16-bit but there's some tracks I don't like either version of.”
- “The enemy variety isn't that great and the environments get quite dull after the 2nd time which makes the backtracking feel like a nuisance, and this alone wouldn't even be that bad if it wasn't for the soundtrack which straight up gives you a headache after a couple hours of play.”
gameplay
2,648 mentions
46 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "The Messenger" is widely praised for its tight controls, fluid mechanics, and engaging platforming that combines retro aesthetics with modern design elements. Players appreciate the innovative "cloudstep" mechanic, which allows for mid-air jumps after striking enemies, enhancing the platforming experience. However, some critiques highlight issues with pacing, particularly in the transition to metroidvania elements, where backtracking can disrupt the flow and lead to repetitive gameplay. Overall, the game is celebrated for its clever level design, humor, and a satisfying blend of action and exploration.
- “The gameplay is a delightful mix of old-school platforming and modern-day humor.”
- “The level design is clever and varied, with each stage offering new challenges and mechanics that keep the game fresh and engaging.”
- “The core gameplay mechanics are pretty smooth and polished, but while the game does do some kind of interesting things with them, too much of the platforming and combat feels really samey, especially with how frequently enemy types are reused across all the different terrains.”
- “For players looking for an action platformer, enough of a gameplay loop is established that when the metroidvania structure is finally revealed and significant amounts of backtracking are required, the game can lose momentum.”
- “Its worth a purchase if you like platformers but it would have been better if they got rid of the metroidvania gameplay or at least reduced the amount of the back and forth stuff.”
- “The gameplay runs a bit thin and you'll see most of what it has to offer a couple of hours in, even padded as it is.”
story
2,034 mentions
46 % positive mentions
52 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The story of "The Messenger" is a charming blend of humor and adventure, featuring witty dialogue and engaging plot twists that keep players invested. While it begins with a classic "save the world" premise, it evolves into a more complex narrative enriched by self-aware humor and fourth-wall breaks, particularly through interactions with the memorable shopkeeper character. However, some players noted that the story can feel cluttered towards the end, with a significant lore dump that may disrupt the pacing established earlier in the game.
- “The story is quirky and doesn't take itself seriously, and the game is chock-full of humor. This is one of the few games that makes me laugh every time I fall into a pit or get crushed by a moving pillar, and the game itself makes fun of me because of that.”
- “The plot kicks off with the usual 'save the world' shtick, but it’s peppered with so many jokes and fourth-wall breaks that you can’t help but laugh.”
- “The story is told with a combination of witty dialogue and intriguing events, with a plot that mixes elements of fantasy and adventure.”
- “The only thing that was consistent was the story, except for the fact when it randomly decided to drop a big chunk of lore right at the end, because it felt like it.”
- “The story is supposed to be serious, but no character seems to take it seriously.”
- “The story overall is nothing special, with a couple of surprises and some comedy that works and others that fall flat, but story was never the main point of games like this, it is all about the gameplay.”
humor
1,739 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in "The Messenger" is widely praised for its clever writing, engaging dialogue, and self-aware, fourth-wall-breaking jokes that resonate with players. Many reviewers highlight the comedic interactions with the shopkeeper and the game's ability to balance humor with serious moments, creating a light-hearted yet captivating experience. However, some players find the humor hit-or-miss, with occasional jokes feeling forced or overly reliant on meta-commentary, but overall, the game's charm and wit leave a lasting impression.
- “The story is quirky and doesn't take itself seriously and the game is chock-full of humor; this is one of the few games that makes me laugh every time I fall into a pit or get crushed by a moving pillar, and the game itself makes fun of me because of that.”
- “The gameplay is a delightful mix of old-school platforming and modern-day humor.”
- “The game is also full of humor, with pretty much every moment in the game having plenty of humorous comments from the characters, and it's done in a way that feels genuinely funny.”
- “Tedious, unfunny, boring.”
- “Of course there's always time for humor even in a serious story, and it's not like the jokes are unfunny, but it sometimes feels like the balance here is off.”
- “The dialogue is crammed with unfunny jokes.”
graphics
1,131 mentions
49 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The graphics of *The Messenger* are widely praised for their vibrant pixel art style, seamlessly transitioning between 8-bit and 16-bit aesthetics to enhance gameplay and storytelling. This clever use of retro visuals not only evokes nostalgia but also serves as a dynamic gameplay mechanic, allowing players to experience different environments and music as they travel through time. Overall, the game's art direction is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to its charm and appeal.
- “The graphics switch between 8-bit and 16-bit, which is both a nostalgic trip and a clever way to keep things fresh.”
- “The pixel art graphics pay homage to classic platformers of the past, while the gameplay mechanics offer a fresh twist on the genre.”
- “The 8-bit and 16-bit art styles are absolutely gorgeous, especially the sprites are exceptionally well done.”
- “The 8-bit graphics along with the dull looking character/enemies and bland combat bored the hell out of me.”
- “The levels aren't changed at all save for art style which makes it feel mostly tedious and while you get access to a few new parts of the levels it is not enough to compensate for time you have to spend backtracking.”
- “Graphic wise I expect more creativity these days, just look at the screenshots, the end boss with the green crystal spikes looks dull.”
grinding
214 mentions
1 % positive mentions
1 % neutral mentions
98 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight that the game's backtracking, particularly in the latter half, is often perceived as tedious and repetitive, detracting from the overall experience. Many players feel that the lack of fast travel options and engaging map design exacerbates this issue, making exploration feel like a chore rather than a rewarding endeavor. While some enjoy the initial gameplay and mechanics, the overwhelming sentiment is that the extensive backtracking and grinding diminish the enjoyment, especially for completionists.
- “For the completionists, the achievements aren't grindy; in fact, you can do all of them in a single playthrough if you're smart enough, except one or two which require New Game Plus.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “I understand that the player needs to backtrack and visit the older areas in this game, but I felt the backtracking very tedious and boring.”
- “The primary issue with the game is how it handles backtracking; it is tedious and wears you down because there's a lot of it.”
- “The only con is the second half can get a bit too tedious with the backtracking.”
emotional
94 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its nostalgic and heartfelt storytelling, which resonates deeply with players, evoking feelings of joy, sadness, and reflection. Many reviewers express how the game's music, character interactions, and philosophical dialogues enhance the emotional experience, making them feel connected to the narrative and characters. Overall, the game is described as a wholesome and touching tribute to classic gaming, leaving players with a sense of fulfillment and nostalgia.
- “What a gem, this game has so much love and dedication put into it that I could not stop having this wholesome feeling while playing it and when I finished it.”
- “The music becomes an integral part of the experience, enhancing immersion and emotional resonance.”
- “The depth of the characters, the humor, the philosophical stories, and the vulnerability of the writer was truly touching, unexpected, and inspirational.”
replayability
82 mentions
29 % positive mentions
66 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
Replayability in the game is a mixed bag; while many players appreciate the engaging level design, new game plus features, and speedrunning opportunities that enhance replay value, others find it lacking, particularly in the mid-game. Some reviews highlight the game's polished mechanics and enjoyable music as reasons to revisit, while a few express disappointment in its overall replayability. Overall, it seems that completionists and speedrun enthusiasts will find more to enjoy than casual players.
- “It's amazing with the platforming, the music is a 10 out of 10 for me. The metroidvania part made me love the game more because every level is replayable. Just because of that, I bought this for a second time on Steam.”
- “Voodoo heart runs and particularly speed boost wingsuit gliding will entice you, while New Game + and the deal will give you endless replayability.”
- “Boasting tight controls and fast-paced game mechanics, this game promises to deliver an amazing experience for any lover of the action platformer genre with a high replay value that will not let you down on each run.”
- “Let's not even talk about the replayability, it's horrible!”
- “Replayability: 2/5”
- “There's not much in the way of replayability.”
atmosphere
46 mentions
43 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is a blend of captivating music, stunning pixel art, and a mix of humor and seriousness that enhances the overall experience. While many players appreciate the immersive sound design and nostalgic 8-bit and 16-bit aesthetics, some criticize the inconsistent tone and repetitive level design, which can detract from the immersion. Overall, the atmosphere is praised for its charm and ability to complement the action, though opinions vary on its effectiveness in creating a cohesive experience.
- “The captivating music and sound design created an immersive atmosphere, heightening the overall enjoyment of the game.”
- “The visual art of this game is astounding; even with the '2 worlds' theme, it manages to match with the soundtrack, which is perfect. On every stage, there isn't a moment where you don't feel inside of the game; the atmosphere is perfect.”
- “The messenger is an incredible game with a fun atmosphere and really fun fast-paced platforming.”
- “But everything else is not: the overall silly tone ruins the atmosphere, the end bosses even have cute faces, etc. The levels are merely forest, temple, forest, temple, forest... the music feels too Halloween themed.”
- “If you're looking for well-built worlds with heavy atmosphere, this will probably disappoint you.”
- “For me it destroys the 'immersion' and otherwise rather serious look and atmosphere of the game.”
optimization
22 mentions
18 % positive mentions
64 % neutral mentions
18 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with significant performance issues noted in the second half and a lack of support for 144hz monitors. While it is optimized for speedrunning, the metroidvania elements suffer from level designs that do not facilitate efficient exploration. Overall, players express frustration with the game's performance and optimization choices.
- “The game is optimized for speedrunning, so there's that.”
- “Maybe I'll take a note from the game's shopkeeper and realize that 'happiness is not a goal... you don't need to defer any joys, because you optimized the present moment.' In other words, I get the distinct impression that my optimum present moment doesn't involve playing the messenger.”
- “So that every day you're just stoked to live your own life, and you don't need to defer any joys, because you optimized the present moment.”
- “The metroidvania part of the game is not exactly excellent due to the level designs not optimized for efficient exploration.”
- “This game is not optimized for 144hz monitors.”
- “-2nd half has severe performance issues.”
stability
20 mentions
30 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
70 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is mixed, with several users noting minor glitches and bugs that occasionally affect gameplay but do not significantly hinder the experience. While some players report a bug-free experience, others mention issues with level design and boss encounters. Despite these concerns, the game generally runs well on various platforms, including portable devices.
- “This game runs great on the GPD Win, allowing you to play like on the Switch, both portably and on the big screen.”
- “Bug free.”
- “Wonderful, hilarious, difficult, fair, tight, bug free (yeah, I know it's two words), memorable.”
- “Right down to grating music and graphical glitches.”
- “The level design is poor, but it is also extremely buggy.”
- “The game also suffers with some weird bugs and glitches which the developer seemed to have overlooked.”
character development
8 mentions
50 % positive mentions
38 % neutral mentions
13 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is highly praised, with reviewers noting superb dialogue and well-executed character arcs that enhance the overall narrative. The characters, bosses, and enemies are described as original and inspired, contributing to a rich and immersive world. Overall, the game excels in blending humor and depth within its character interactions, making it a standout feature.
- “The development team has crafted a wonderful world to inhabit with great character design, awesome platforming, stellar music score, fun mechanics, and a sprawling narrative that is far deeper than you are set up to believe.”
- “The dialogues are superb and character development is executed perfectly, and the humor is great.”
- “A nod to the franchise 'Ninja Gaiden,' this game goes above and beyond in terms of fluidity, storyline, music, character development, controls, enemies, etc. I am in love with its art style, the characters, bosses, and enemies, each of which are all inspired and original.”
- “The plot is something I'll pass on because retro style games are low-hanging fruit when it comes to story or character development criticism.”
monetization
4 mentions
0 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the game's approach to monetization, highlighting its absence of microtransactions, loot boxes, and pay-to-win mechanics. This refreshing model is seen as a welcome departure from the prevalent cash-grab tactics often found in AAA titles.
- “After a litany of AAA games that pump their titles full of microtransactions and loot boxes, pay-to-win mechanics, etc.”
- “It's finally so refreshing to play a game that is just a game, not a cash cow, not a greedy cash grab, not a live service.”