Bugsnax Reviews
Bugsnax is a colourful and visually appealing game that boasts an interesting concept. However the way its ideas are implemented and the technical issues that need to be addressed end up harming Bugsnax more than they should. Adding to that some rather frustrating control problems and a feeling of repetitiveness that becomes apparent too early, and the experience of Bugsnax falls below the threshold of a remarkable adventure game.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
The story does hint at further DLC to come — you can unlock something called “The Triplicate area” that answers a few questions left from the game’s cryptic ending while setting up more buglore. But, if this DLC is anything to go by, that adventure too might not be as filling as we’d like.
Bugsnax is a game that is brimming with potential, but struggles in actual execution. Capturing hundreds of adorable snack-themed creatures sounds like such a great idea, but the lack of memorable characters, a frustrating control scheme, repetitive gameplay and numerous technical and design problems, particularly on Switch, makes for a somewhat lukewarm experience. There is certainly fun to be had here, but once you've played for a few hours, the magic fades and you're left with a disappointing game that doesn't live up to expectations.
Bugsnax is no doubt a unique, charming game. Some people will definitely feel enchanted by the little creatures, who repeat their own names nonstop Pokémon-style, will be able to ignore a good portion of the repetition, unnecessary bureaucracy and technical issues. However, it's easier to bet on most people liking the good premise for a couple of hours before parting for a more interesting title on Switch.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
If Bugsnax wants us to seriously question our relationship to animals, our food sources, and nature itself, it probably shouldn't turn its equivalent to our livestock into run-of-the-mill videogame bad guys who need to be killed. It shouldn't portray these characters' escape as success. It'd be a far bleaker and more depressing game than anybody ever would've expected from that first trailer if the Grumpuses wound up being punished for their hostility to nature, but if Bugsnax isn't willing to fully engage with these weighty subjects, it shouldn't bring them up in the first place.
The game noticeably stumbles as it attempts to more overtly address the darkness beneath its concept.
I applaud Bugsnax’s creativity. It’s not the most stimulating puzzle game, but it’s worth checking out if you can’t get that theme song out of your head
Slightly above average or simply inoffensive. Fans of the genre should enjoy them a bit, but a fair few will be left unfulfilled.
Bugsnax is an enjoyably dark mystery that deftly handles mental health issues with a superbly voice acted cast of entertaining characters, despite its shortcomings as an adventure game.
An ambitiously odd game that has an innovative take on Pokémon style gameplay and features some of the most intriguing characters of the year – but is rarely as much fun as it should be.
It's got well-observed characters and some genuinely weird moments, but the actual bug hunting isn't much fun.
Bugsnax is a very cute game that features a diverse cast of characters, but suffers from very repetitive gameplay.
The new massive Bugsnax are as charming as ever, but the Isle of Bigsnax is over before you know it.
Bugsnax is a fun and light adventure, suitable for a young audience but able to intrigue even the most grown players. It tells a story of friendship and courage, but also of acceptance of diversity and peaceful coexistence. Meanwhile, it leads us to discover the funny Bugsnax, chasing the same curiosity that is typical of monster collectors at Pokémon. The game mechanics are simple and long distance not too diverse (a couple of extra tools and traps would not have hurt), but thanks to an ever-present script and some surprise related to legendary Bugsnax, ten hours on snacktooth island are more than willingly spent. The price is modest, the production commitment well adapted to the team's ambitions. It won't have a particularly bright imagination or impactful graphics, but from the discovery of the Formikebabs to the fight with pizzafalena, Bugsnax always manages to snatch an honest smile.
Review in Italian | Read full review
If you are a PlayStation Plus subscriber, all you need to invest in Busnax, is your time. After Astro's Playroom and Sackboy: A Big Adventure, Bugsnax is another step by Sony to establish itself in the so-called family gaming.
Review in Greek | Read full review
Luckily for PS5 owners, Bugsnax was added as the first free game for PS+ users, so there was little risk in jumping in to it for any players that enjoy playing online. The end of Bugsnax hit around the 10-hour mark, and I enjoyed most of my time spent on Snaktooth Island. The actual decisions made in the plot, as well as the overall absurd premise, often left me scratching my head more than the mystery of Lizbert’s disappearance, but the bright oddities of this bizarre planet, with its hilariously-combined food creatures and its animated residents, were enough to keep me playing all the way through. My own children enjoyed the silly antics of the bugs as well, and though they didn’t catch to the more adult-themed nuances, were interested in Snaktooth’s tale. If you have a PS5, are subscribed to PS+, and aren’t expecting a masterpiece, then Bugsnax is worth your time as a silly, absurdist escape.
I think the best way I can describe Bugsnax is that it has strong launch day energy. This is absolutely the game people grab as a fun, quick palette cleanser as they move from, say, a Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales to a Demon’s Souls.
Bugsnax is memorable for its writing, world, and creative premise, but its more gamified elements somewhat spoil a delicious meal.
The Bugsnax: Isle of Bigsnax DLC adds more of what makes the base Bugsnax game fun, but doesn't add compelling story or character content that makes this a must-play. That being said, fans of Bugsnax will love exploring this new island and solving the puzzles presented by figuring out how to capture the new different giant Bugsnax.
Bugsnax's story is a step backward for Young Horses, but the gameplay mechanics are a true triumph in terms of brilliance.
Review in Italian | Read full review