Paradise Killer Reviews

Paradise Killer is ranked in the 86th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
9 / 10.0
Mar 15, 2022

Ambling around a cursed utopia and interrogating its eccentric characters while listening to jazzy, saxophone-obsessed electronica remains a fitting masquerade for a mercurial murder mystery. Almost two years after its first release, Paradise Killer's commitment to its vaporwave aesthetic remains a model for creative fiction and an amusement park for industrious detectives.

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8 / 10
Sep 23, 2020

Paradise Killer may have bitten off more than it can chew. Weak courtroom mechanics, disappointing finale, and rudimentary dialogue system keep it from reaching the dizzying heights it aspires to and allows you to jump from. Yet every other part of the game is a joy, from the energetic soundtrack to the strange, alluring locales of Paradise Island. Let's hope the next one is Perfect 25.

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9 / 10
Sep 14, 2020

Paradise Killer offers up a layered detective story set in a unique world with a distinct aesthetic. If you’re keen on titles like Phoenix Wright and are open to detective stories set in an unusual environment, chances are you won’t want to miss this one. With a thrilling plot and quirky characters, Paradise Killer is sure to have you hooked.

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8 / 10.0
Mar 9, 2018

Paradise Killer's gameplay design and execution are simple, though sometimes taxing. There is a lot to ingest before getting to the game's conclusion, but the style makes the experience unique and worthwhile, which is a huge plus.

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8 / 10
Sep 8, 2020

Even if you explore the island, gather plenty of clues, the trail feels unique every time thanks to the open-ended approach and using facts to fit your truth of the events in Paradise Killer. The game's conclusion is the clear highlight of the game. Although I enjoyed venturing across a massive open-world, it became frustrating returning to areas thanks to how the fast travel system is structured.

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3.8 / 5.0
May 5, 2022

All in all, Paradise Killer offers a highly unique experience with interesting characters and a heavily detailed mystery to follow. However, its needlessly convoluted story and writing may deter some players from diving in.

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9 / 10.0
Oct 16, 2020

Paradise Killer takes place in one of the most bizarre universes one may ever partake in. There are certain elements of the game that lend itself to a retro feeling detective game replete with a tasteful, customizable soundtrack. While the universe and its semantics might throw you a curveball once in a while you'll easily get lost in the large and beautiful open-world. Couple that with a rewarding exploration and puzzle system and you might just forget that you have a murder to solve!

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4 / 5.0
Oct 12, 2020

Paradise Killer is a unique blend of visual novel and open world elements, with a killer story.

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9.5 / 10.0
Sep 21, 2020

Paradise Killer is a whodunnit set in a gorgeous, yet weirdly nightmarish pocket reality. It's up to you to figure out who committed the crime to end all crimes! If you were wondering whether or not you should give this game a try, let this review help to solve that mystery for you!

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3.5 / 5.0
Oct 2, 2020

There's a lot to love with Paradise Killer. From the cool cast of characters, to the open-ended nature of the investigation, players will find it easy to dive in.

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7 / 10.0
Sep 24, 2020

Paradise Killer offers more style than substance, but that's not necessarily a fault. It's a choice. The game's unique characters and story are open throughout gameplay and beyond completion, tasking you with solving a gory murder through low-pressure investigations and…well, hoping you were right.

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7.5 / 10.0
Sep 3, 2020

There's some issues with the cumbersome platforming and exploration, but the vaporwave feel and overall writing make Pradise Killer a groovy, memorable title.

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8.5 / 10.0
Sep 4, 2020

Paradise Killer may not be for everybody, but by focusing so singularly on one niche aspect of games, it makes detective work more engaging and memorable than any other game of its kind.

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84 / 100
Oct 8, 2020

Few games can offer something quite as weirdly creative as Paradise Killer. Exploring the island, talking with the suspects, piecing the mystery together, and holding the final trial is a thoroughly enjoyable ride in this open world crime mystery.

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8.5 / 10.0
Oct 8, 2020

An extremely distinct investigation game with the rare confidence to let you actually be a detective, and a fun groove to boot.

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7 / 10.0
Sep 3, 2020

The character names do more harm than good, and the visuals are merely serviceable. Fortunately, the soundtrack provides incredible travelling music, and it's worth seeking out tapes to add to your collection of tracks. If you can get into the world and its mysteries and intricacies, you'll find an experience worthy of being called Paradise. If you're expecting another Danganronpa, this might be more of a buzz killer.

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GameSpew
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Sep 3, 2020

There are very few murder mystery games that give you as much agency as Paradise Killer does. Although it takes a little while to get into the swing of things, when you’re deep in your investigation, coming across key pieces of evidence or catching your suspects out in a lie, you feel unstoppable.

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Sep 23, 2020

Paradise Killer is a rarity amongst detective games as it accomplishes the feeling of being an actual investigator within its unique setting.

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6.9 / 10.0
Sep 4, 2020

This is one of those games where you just sort of need to be well-hydrated, strap in, and get ready for quite a bit of "Huh?" weirdness...

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Sep 8, 2020

There are plenty of stories out there that lead you by the hand and captivate you by simply watching what the characters do, but so few are like Paradise Killer, where everybody could be either your confidant and friend, or a stone-cold murderer with dark and sinister plans, perhaps even both at once. The only way you can possibly be sure is to slip on your sunglasses, turn on your sentient notepad, and get ready to do that delicious detective work.

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