Arms Reviews

Arms is ranked in the 75th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
7.8 / 10.0
Jun 12, 2017

ARMS is a lot of fun in a party setting, but playing alone gets boring quick as there isn't any other mode to play solo besides the super repetitive Grand Prix.

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Thomas Hugh
Top Critic
6 / 10.0
Jun 12, 2017

ARMS is an interesting concept that unfortunately doesn't play as well as it should, and doesn't have enough content to justify a full priced title.

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3.5 / 5.0
Jun 11, 2017

I had a lot of fun playing the game in small bursts at a time, but it's hard to keep invested when all I'm doing is beating someone up for each and every round. Let's hope that ARMS will continue the path that Splatoon laid before it by giving players new content and new things to do via free game updates. I really hope so, because I really want to see this game in a more fleshed out form!

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8.5 / 10.0
Jun 11, 2017

If you own a Switch, this is a must buy, especially if you already bought up everything for MK8D. It's Nintendo reminding us they know how to do fun, even if the online community is still lagging behind. If you're on the fence about investing in Nintendo again, I'm starting to feel like now is the time to get in.

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7.5 / 10.0
Jun 11, 2017

Nintendo’s new IP and foray into fighting games manages to craft its own identity and earns its place within the existing lineup.

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75%
Jun 10, 2017
Arms REVIEW (Nintendo Switch) video thumbnail
6 / 10.0
Jun 9, 2017

Arms is a really weird game. At its core it's a simple, accessible fighting game with a really strong gameplay loop and room for player growth competitively, but a pair of fundamentally flawed control schemes, a lack of decent modes and a glacially slow random unlock system for items that fundamentally change how characters can function make it a really tough package to recommend.

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8 / 10.0
Jun 9, 2017

ARMS staying power will depend on its ability to form a community around this punchy little title. Currently, Nintendo has plans to release additional stages and fighters for free. This DLC will help the title keep its legs underneath it while the Switch install base grows and the ARMS community grows with it. The early success of the Switch and the level of detail that Nintendo has crafted into ARMS assures that this is a great franchise with huge potential for growth that is fun for newcomers and veteran fighting game fans alike.

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Jun 9, 2017

I can see people who enjoy the aesthetic and the intensity of the battles spending a lot of time in playing this one, and it will sit with Splatoon as Nintendo's quirky, creative, fundamentally different take on competitive gaming. I just don't think I'll ever play it again, having now wrapped up the review.

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8.5 / 10.0
Jun 9, 2017

ARMS is another great new IP from Nintendo that shows their growing commitment to robust, competitive online games. Its elegant flow of fighting is supplemented by numerous options of continued experimentation, with a strong suite of game types to keep you playing for hours on end.

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Unscored
Jun 9, 2017

I'm nowhere near ready to take on the game's hardest difficulty levels, but "Arms" is the first fighting game to pique my interest since "Super Smash Bros" in 2014.

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8 / 10.0
Jun 8, 2017

Nintendo's innovative fighting game excels in the gameplay department and offers a robust multiplayer experience, but packs limited appeal for solo play. With a regular stream of content, though, ARMS is likely to have legs heading into the future.

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8.8 / 10.0
Jun 8, 2017

Creative, unique and just plain fun first-party games continue to be the best reason to have a Switch. This is the beginning of a new franchise, and an excellent starting point for this fresh new idea. "Arms" is poised to appeal to kids who are new to games, experienced gamers and can even support a competitive esports scene. There's room for "Arms" to grow, but this is already the new big thing for the Switch.

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GameMAG
ACE
Top Critic
8 / 10
Jun 8, 2017

ARMS is a unique 3D fighting game, which offers many innovative solutions and interesting mechanics. Simple input system, depth of gameplay and seven difficulty options allow you to have fun even if you are not a seasoned fan of the genre. The game feels great in portable and TV modes, tightening in the depths of the arcade fun. For the full set of happiness the game lacks an interesting story mode and more characters. But it should be fixed in future free updates.

Review in Russian | Read full review

Jun 7, 2017

Motion controls are a bit lacking, but ARMS is still immensely fun even with standard button controls. I'll definitely be mastering my technique in online matches long after I've beaten Grand Prix with every character. It may not be for everyone, but this is absolutely the Splatoon of fighters. I can't wait to fight you all online.

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M3
Top Critic
7 / 10
Jun 7, 2017

The mechanics in Arms isn't perfect, as the motion controller can be tricky to get used to. Aside for that, this is a surprisingly deep fighting game that reminds us of Punch-Out. Fun, colorful and with a great online-mode.

Review in Swedish | Read full review

Alex Donaldson
Top Critic
Unscored
Jun 7, 2017

Nintendo made a fighting game with a slickness that only Nintendo can manage.

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82 / 100
Jun 7, 2017

Entertaining combat game with very good movement control and creative game mechanics, that only stumbles over its insufficient extent.

Review in German | Read full review

Erik Kain
Top Critic
7.5 / 10.0
Jun 7, 2017

ARMS is a unique, fresh take on the fighting genre that's simple to learn but tough to master. It's not going to be for everyone, but it's fun to see Nintendo try something so new.

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9 / 10.0
Jun 7, 2017

ARMS is one of my favorite games on the Nintendo Switch so far. With a large slew of ARMS and fun gameplay options, it leaves me very happy. While I wished that I enjoyed the button controls and Helix more, there is still enough to keep you engaged.

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