Owlboy Reviews

Owlboy is ranked in the 98th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
10 / 10.0
Oct 27, 2016

Owlboy is a special game. Almost a decade in the making has certainly allowed for a rarely seen amount of polish and effort in an industry brimming with day-one patches and rushed deadlines. I'm at a loss when trying to think of critiques, honestly. I can't even say that I wish there was more of it because what is here is just so damn satisfying from start to finish, and I wouldn't want to ruin that.

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84 / 100
Oct 27, 2016

Owlboy is a masterful tale of transcending disability

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9 / 10.0
Oct 27, 2016

Owlboy may have a few annoying navigational hangups, but none are enough to counter the overwhelming magic of the adventure at hand. Beautiful in both a visual and aural sense, littered with lovely characters, and home to a number of jawdropping combat encounters, Owlboy is a game almost ten years in the making that doesn’t show a trace of development hell. D-Pad made a game to be proud of, and it’s one I have no problem recommending.

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9.5 / 10.0
Oct 27, 2016

When it all comes down to it, Owlboy is a phenomenal game filled so much heart and charm that it’s amazing how D-Pad Studio managed to deliver so much for a game that was in development for almost a decade.

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Recommended
Oct 28, 2016

It's taken nine years to land, but Owlboy is well worth the wait.

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Yes
Oct 28, 2016

Owlboy incorporates a variable and challenging game mechanic into a world whose habitants and landscapes you just have to love.

Review in German | Read full review

86 / 100
Nov 1, 2016
Owlboy (Review): Boy, what a Hoot! video thumbnail
Metro GameCentral
GameCentral
Top Critic
9 / 10
Nov 1, 2016

A superbly crafted 2D adventure that is a near perfect blend of new and old influences, in terms of both gameplay and the stunning visuals and music.

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8 / 10.0
Nov 1, 2016

I can lean back and pick out plenty of things about Owlboy that frustrated me, but its failings shrink in the face of its triumphs. I have no excess of affection for the 16-bit genre retreads but even as Owlboy lacks the tightness or consistency of many of the games it sits alongside, it’s far more approachable, far more endearing, and far more unique.

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90 / 100
Nov 1, 2016

Owlboy was an incredible experience in every sense. Visually and audibly, it was a masterpiece. The characters were lovable, especially the protagonist, Otus. The story was compelling, and each new chapter gave something new and challenging to the players. D-Pad Studio clearly put a lot of love into this game and it paid off immensely.

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9.5 / 10.0
Nov 1, 2016

Owlboy is a phenomenal adventure that succeeds in telling a captivating story with interesting characters and enjoyable gameplay. You should give it a try.

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Recommended
Nov 1, 2016

What a treat. And a surprisingly deep one, with compelling moments you’ll want to talk about. It’s a pleasure to control, it has impeccable difficulty balancing to keep you moving forward while always feeling like you’re being skillful, and all in the prettiest of pretty pixel graphics. Triumphant.

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Nov 1, 2016

I really have to give credit where credit is due - Owlboy is an amazing title from D-pad Studios. Full of charm and wonder, this is easily one of the best indie developed games I've played this year. I'm a huge fan of 2D platforming / puzzle games and have been since the days of the Super Nintendo. So being able to play a title such as Owlboy was a treat. The only sad thing about this game is when it ends as the game really doesn't have much in the terms of replaying the title. Unless you're a perfectionist and want to go back and find all the secrets and collectibles, there's little to encourage a reply of this gem.  Finally, I'm holding out hope that D-pad Studio's has plans to port Owlboy to other platforms, especially the 3DS and PS Vita, as I feel that the title would be right at home on both platforms - but of course bring it to every platform as humanly possible.

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Nov 1, 2016

Owlboy packs a fantastic amount of retro charm and genuine heart, with wonderful and creative gameplay to back it up. This long-awaited indie darling may be one of the year's best.

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Stevivor
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
Nov 2, 2016

Paired with a well-written story and varied soundtrack, Owlboy does something that a lot of pixel-art games don’t – it elevates the medium from the bare requirements. While some games utilise pixel art as an easy way to convey a mechanic or story with simplified visuals, D-Pad Studios have clearly chosen pixel art because that’s what they WANTED to use. It’s no wonder the game has been cooking for nine years now – anything with this much love poured into it doesn’t leave the kitchen until it’s good and ready.

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GameSpot
Top Critic
9 / 10
Nov 2, 2016

Owlboy's touching story is brought to life through beautiful art and an unforgettable soundtrack.

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98 / 100
Nov 3, 2016
Owlboy - Quick Game Review video thumbnail
9 / 10
Nov 3, 2016

The gestation was long and complicated, but D-Pad Studios can be relieved and proud of her baby. Owlboy is not only a delight for eyes lovers of well-arranged pixels but also an exceptional game, touching, which sweats from the spirit of the glories of the past while presenting its own identity.

Review in French | Read full review

Buy
Nov 3, 2016

Owlboy was an indie game before the indie game movement really caught on. It's also really, really good.

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5 / 5.0
Nov 3, 2016

If Shovel Knight was the best game that late-era NES never had, Owlboy is the best game that late-era Super NES never had.

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