Narita Boy Reviews
With an old school cinematic action adventure feel and dripping with neon-lit nostalgic ooze I have no doubt that Narita Boy is targeted squarely at people like me who practically grew up in the arcades...
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.
Dive deep in this immersive 2D pixel-savvy world Studio Koba has created; just mind the controls.
By no means is Narita Boy a bad game, but it’s filled with way too many incoveniences that tarnish what could have easily been one of the best indie games of the year. It’s certainly enjoyable in its current state, not only as a stylish metroidvania game, but also as one hell of a synthwave treat to your ears. But its noticeable input lag, nonsensical plot, and most importantly, its overabundance of flashing lights got on my nerves pretty quickly.
Narita Boy is a phenomenal game and one of the best games I've played in a long while. 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. It is a truly one of a kind experience and sets the bar rather high for those left to come.
Narita Boy fully succeeds in being a great homage to pixel titles of the past yet brings so many great modern features with it.
Narita Boy is a remarkable adventure, mainly for its blessed and retro-futuristic graphic style, but Studio KOBA's lack of experience made the plot a little repetitive and tiring. Still, it's worth checking out Narita Boy, who should find his place among the successful independent games and receive a sequel in the years to come.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
In that the look and feel isn't merely an exercise in style, but instead a vibrant emissive display of sights and sounds that leads to a world full of detail, silicon, and soul.
Narita Boy brings back the 80s vibes while taking us on a journey through the weird and interesting Digital Kingdom. The battles may feel plain and the process may become repetitive, yet the experience is still enjoyable.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Narita Boy has more style than it knows what to do with, and that helps carry it past its gameplay flaws
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.
Despite the lack of variety in gameplay, it's and engaging visual and narrative trip.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
It is not simple task to became hero of Digital Kingdom. Sometimes it is not even fun. But still worthy quest.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
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
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.
Νarita Boy succeeds in offering a fun, short quest, ideal for those looking for a carefree and at the same time spectacular experience.
Review in Greek | Read full review
Narita Boy is a commendable effort for Studio Koba's first title with its gorgeous presentation and a gameplay that's kept fresh, although some aspects could evidently have been improved upon.
Narita Boy has instant appeal with its gorgeous pixelated visuals and absolutely ‘80s-esque banging soundtrack. The ‘80s nostalgia, thankfully, isn’t all this game has to offer as the narrative is surprisingly emotive, and the lore of the Digital Kingdom is interesting, if not a little techno jargon-heavy. Swinging the Techno Sword and cutting through enemies is immensely satisfying and the challenge is spot on. Jumping mechanic aside, this is easily one of the most accomplished 2D pixelated action-platformers that I’ve played in recent years and I would highly recommend that you load up your Narita One console and become NARITA BOY!
Narita Boy, the debut game from Studio Koba, is an excellent 80's inspired action-adventure game with heart. It is up to you to enter The Digital Kingdom and defeat the nefarious HIM and his Hackernauts with your radical Techno-Sword.
A testament to handcrafted pixel-art perfection, Narita Boy pays tribute to the arcade classics of the ‘80s while also building on the foundation they laid.