Narita Boy Reviews
Narita Boy's digital twist on a classic fantasy tale is engrossing if a bit disorientating.
Narita Boy has more style than it knows what to do with, and that helps carry it past its gameplay flaws
At its best, there's certainly moments of appreciation and respect for the artistic detail Narita Boy lavishes in, with its pixel art and generally-eery vision of cyberspace run amok with corrupted foes.
Narita Boy joins a plethora of entertainment franchises that pay homage to '80s culture. But where others have failed, Narita Boy transcends its inspiration with exceptional world building, a complex yet thoughtful narrative, and stunning combat gameplay. It occasionally feels a little too vague and abstract in its structure, and ultimately this holds it back from being a true masterpiece, but if you're longing for a great Metroidvania title, then Narita Boy is absolutely what you've been waiting for.
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.
Narita Boy is a game that takes such a strong influence from so many past works, it can often feel a bit derivative. However, that doesn’t stop the game from being enjoyable, as there’s plenty of unique challenges to overcome as well as some solid lore-building. It’s gorgeous visual design and soundtrack will be enough to entice anyone familiar with 80s pop culture, and could prove irresistible to those that have a fondness for the era.
Narita Boy is an extremely enjoyable action game with absurd, dreamy and lysergic aestethics.
Review in Italian | Read full review
A thoroughly entertaining and highly playable Metroidvania, that goes beyond being a simple retro homage and offers some memorable gameplay twists and storytelling surprises.
Narita Boy is a unique game, witch beautiful pixel art, handmade animations and a great level design full of references from the eighties.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
I had a blast with Narita Boy. It’s not perfect, but what is? Indeed, it started slowly, though, it doesn’t take long before you’re capable of exhilarating feats. And the ending is brilliant, paving the way for a sequel that will seemingly be an entirely different genre. Whatever that may be, I’ll be there, at the front of the line. It’s up to you to save the world. So get to it.
Narita Boy is a curious and risky 2D adventure that isn’t always what it seems. Issues with some game mechanics shouldn’t deter anyone from playing through the story, and its soundtrack’s passionate synthwave-leaning collection of themes somehow stands out amidst a sea of new titles which share these sonic leanings. Narita Boy will be more impactful and absorbing to those who fully immerse in its narrative, and what may first appear as hastily written nonsense informs a lyrical and consistent fictional universe. Give in to its mysteries and enjoy.
Narita Boy is a great debut project from Studio Koba, and hopefully not the last. A world steeped in love and detail deserves your attention.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Narita Boy feels like a completely unique experience and the first step for a new collection of games based around this digital aesthetic. The soundtrack here is flawless and the way everything plays into its setting and narrative is just as good. The gameplay might slog at times and not quite hit the mark, but Narita Boy is something you shouldn't miss.
If it isn't already clear, Narita Boy is a great indie adventure. It's got satisfyingly slick gameplay, and the visuals are a delight. But perhaps the true star of the show is the stellar electronic soundtrack. Whether it's twinkling ambient tunes or booming synth chords, the music is superb.
Narita Boy is definitely one of the best looking indie platformers I've ever seen with it's unique art style and captivating music. It's neo-retro style mixed with religious themes make it unlike anything that's on the market today. The emphasis on combat shows with its well worked mechanics and engaging system. However Narita Boy does leave you wanting more from its exploration and platforming parts. But I did enjoy my time with Narita Boy and it's definitely one to pick up.
Narita Boy is an extremely competent 2D platformer. The guys from Studio Koba have succeeded in the uneasy task of giving a unique personality to a video game whose basic mechanics could sometimes appear derivative.
Review in Italian | Read full review
While you were partying, Narita Boy studied the techno-blade. Impossibly good pixel art is locked behind bad-but-gets-better platforming and okay-but-gets-cool hack n' slashing.
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.
Narita Boy is visually stunning and packed with great ideas; but for everything it does right, you can see how it could’ve done better.
Narita Boy is an explosion of 80s-inspired excess, splattering the player with a viscera of technobabble and cathode rays. Yet after peeling away the fragmented flesh, some may find the splendor of nostalgic reverence does not supplant equally memorable gameplay.