Stonefly Reviews

Stonefly is ranked in the 25th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
IGN Korea
Top Critic
4 / 10.0
Apr 2, 2022

We kind of expected the vast exploration of nature through the perspective of insects, but there were more faults than there should have been. While the color and graphics including the combat system were unique, questionable narratives, repeated actions within a narrow space seems to be more stressful than fun. Perhaps a little more thought process could have polished the motivations, which would allow players to sit through the gameplay more thoroughly.

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GameSpew
Top Critic
4 / 10.0
Jun 1, 2021

It’s a shame that Stonefly‘s combat is so frustrating, because there are glimmers of a good experience here. It’s a novel concept, and collecting materials to upgrade your rig is a satisfying gameplay loop. But whether you can grit your teeth through a myriad of problems to gleam just a slither of enjoyment is highly debatable.

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4 / 10
Jun 8, 2021

Stonefly is too weighed down by unwieldy combat and grind to get off the ground.

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5 / 10.0
Jun 11, 2021

Stonefly delights the eyes and ears. But the gameplay mix, despite offering some depth, can't do the same. The combat simply isn't much fun, and exploring runs the risks of glitches. This strange premise just isn't executed that well. I'd stick with Creature in the Well until Stonefly gets a discount and patch.

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5 / 10.0
Jun 1, 2021

Despite a gorgeous world, stunning sketchbook visuals, and fantastic music, Stonefly is actively dragged down because of its frustrating and cumbersome combat mechanics that create situations that are a pain to tackle. Everything surrounding combat is great, but there is so much of blowing bugs off of platforms that I Don't recommend you give Stonefly a try.

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Jul 16, 2021

I want to love Stonefly. It has all of the right pieces to make something great. When those pieces come together, though, the fit isn’t quite right, and the resulting whole has its share of holes. This is a game that’s big on concept and playfulness, but translating those qualities into something that you interact with as a player fails to cleanly make the jump. Most specifically, the game play isn’t quite there; the mechanics are all fine, but the balance is off in some crucial ways that disrupt the experience and cause the game to get in the way of itself. Stonefly is at its best when its showing off its beautiful artwork and telling its story, and the parts in between where you fight lots of bugs and gather too many resources feel in opposition to that side of the experience rather than in service of it. I still enjoyed a lot of my time with Stonefly, but this feels like an experience that would have benefited from being shorter, and more focused on exploration and its narrative.

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3 / 5.0
Jun 1, 2021

Stonefly had all of the right parts to create an impressive and cool-looking machine, but unlike its heroine, it wasn't able to fully assemble them properly.

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6 / 10
Jun 10, 2021

In the end, Stonefly shouldn't be taken for anything else than a pleasant yet ambitionless game. Its major flaws revolve around its gameplay, quite frustrating sometimes, but the overall game setting reveals to be picturesque and unique, not to mention the soothing soundtrack. Ideal for small game sessions.

Review in French | Read full review

6 / 10
Jun 1, 2021

You can float about and gather materials as you please, which is pleasant, but the game doesn't quite have enough to hold your interest. Sadly, the story aspect falls a bit flat — the main thread is interesting but the writing isn't particularly engaging, and any cutscenes lack impact. Overall, the game is a tranquil journey through a unique world, but it doesn't quite have the narrative pull or gameplay bite that it needs.

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VideoGamer
Top Critic
6 / 10
Jun 24, 2021

It’s to Flight School Studio’s credit that, though the clashes at the game’s core left me underwhelmed, the whole thing didn’t feel hollowed-out. This is down to Annika, who sits at its heart and drives it on.

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6 / 10
Jun 23, 2021

Stonefly is bristling with creative ideas, but doesn't quite manage to deliver them properly. The world is beautiful, but its design damages gameplay, combat is unique but make it very difficult to manage the amount of enemies required at once, and traversal is interesting but manages to feel unreliable due to its mechanical design. It's a game of missed opportunities, but there's still a number of reasons why you should experience this uniquely designed action RPG.

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6.8 / 10.0
Jun 24, 2021

‎It is not enough to have ideas, you have to feed them, and make them grow. Stonefly exhibits this statement, because despite the fact that it is a highly original proposal and that it boasts a unique, differential and particular visual style, many of its mechanics have many flaws from a practical point of view. Certain edges that ‎‎hinder our movements‎‎ and that for more inri can slow them down, are some of its pending issues, especially if we want to survive in this insectoid world full of dangers. Now, if you like works that present different original and aesthetic ideas, it can be a good offer.‎

Review in Spanish | Read full review

7 / 10.0
Jun 1, 2021

Over my time playing games on the Switch I’ve become a sort of connoisseur of weird games, enjoying the unexpected journeys they tend to take you on...

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7 / 10.0
Jun 29, 2021

Overall, Stonefly is an interesting experiment for Flight School Studio. There are some moments to genuinely love in its presentation and action. Unfortunately, the plot pacing and inconsistent combat can create some real frustration. It doesn’t seem sequels are Flight School’s style, but I definitely look forward to the ways they take the lessons from Stonefly and apply it to their next project, whatever it may be.

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Noisy Pixel
Hunter Kaye
7 / 10.0
Jun 1, 2021

Stonefly provides an intriguing premise that lends itself to strange and fantastical gameplay. With an emphasis on aerial piloting, the combat and exploration give ample control while not feeling too fast for the laid-back spirit. While it can be confusing to shuffle through the various materials, power-up formulas can be brute-forced when necessary. Stonefly smartly lets the player control its tempo without lingering for too long, which appeals to all kinds of gamers.

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70 / 100
Jun 4, 2021

[Despite the repetition & lack of level variety], I’d still recommend Stonefly if you’re looking for a fun and “chillaxing” game; it’s beautiful to look at and listen to, and it’s fun to play a nimble and agile flight-capable mecha that isn’t from an anime for once.

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7 / 10.0
Jun 1, 2021

Flight School Studios delivers an enjoyable experience with Stonefly. While the concept of King of the Hill combat is unique it's hard to feel it could have taken it a bit further. Exploration and upgrading your rig is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

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Jun 1, 2021

Over its roughly eight hour play time, Stonefly brings up a bunch of conflicting feelings. Its combat mechanics and gameplay loop can be frustrating and unengaging at times, but its story, art direction, and music create a lush and wholly unique world that's hard to walk away from. Stonefly may not be for everybody, but it is definitely worth checking out for players who enjoy the grind or just want to experience a heart-warming and visually engaging story.

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Jun 2, 2021

It is a little rough in places and there's room for improvement, but I'll gladly play something that's as weird and creative as this over another generic triple-A open-world game. If the idea of a mech game crossed with Fern Gully sounds like a good time to you, then I'd say Stonefly is definitely worth a try.

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71 / 100
Jun 2, 2021

Piloting insect mechs in a beautifully tiny world is a breeze, but heavy resource grinding stops this adventure taking full flight.

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