Arms Reviews

Arms is ranked in the 75th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
85 / 100
Jun 7, 2017

While the motion controls work well, I unequivocally prefer using the pro controller. I felt much more competitive using it and was able to dash and punch not only faster but more accurately

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Emma Schaefer
Top Critic
8.5 / 10.0
Jun 7, 2017

A world where people fight with ramen noodles, DNA, and snakes shouldn't be this much fun. It may take a while to get the hang of the controls in Arms, but the wildly inventive characters, catchy theme music, and unique gameplay style offer enough to capture the attention of casual and competitive gamers alike.

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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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85 / 100
Jun 16, 2017

Is ARMS a game that I should recommend to the owners of a Nintendo Switch? Yes. In terms of gameplay there is nothing to worry about: its controls are responsive, it weighs just 2.2GB, its load times are minimal, it looks fantastic with 1080p and 60FPS in TV mode (720p in portable mode), its themes Musicals are very sticky and they range from the samba to proposals more rockers and it feels like something completely Nintendo.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Jun 7, 2017

Nintendo delivers a new twist on Punch Out for The Switch and it already feels like the foundation of a new franchise.

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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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8.5 / 10.0
Jun 14, 2017

With incredible visuals and a unique gameplay experience, it is an exemplary example of what the Nintendo Switch is capable of

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8.5 / 10.0
Jun 19, 2017

Whether on your TV with motion controls or in portable mode with buttons, ARMS is a blast to play.

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8.3 / 10.0
Jun 7, 2017

Whether you're embroiled in an intense fight or participating in one of the oddball minigames, you probably have a smile on your face

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8.3 / 10.0
Jun 7, 2017

At the end of the day ARMS is an extremely well rounded arena fighter brought to us from Nintendo, and is looking to do what Splatoon did with third person shooters (but with fighting games.) ARMS is nothing but pure chaos in the best way possible.

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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

82 / 100
Jul 7, 2017
Value Review: ARMS (Switch) video thumbnail
IGN
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Jun 7, 2017

Arms' clever take on boxing provides a simple premise with a startling amount of depth for those who would seek to master the stretching appendages. Its rapidly evolving lobby system had me sticking around for “just one more match.” There may not be a lot worth unlocking right now, but planned free updates may just give Arms some additional legs.

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Metro GameCentral
GameCentral
Top Critic
8 / 10
Jun 7, 2017

One of the most enjoyable and original fighting games of recent years, that fully justifies its use of motion controls – and it's only set to get better in the future.

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8 / 10.0
Jun 7, 2017

With a stylish, memorable cast of characters, inventive gameplay mechanics and smart use of the Switch hardware, Arms already feels like Nintendo's next great new franchise.

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8 / 10
Jun 7, 2017

Bringing motion controls back with a bang, ARMS can feel surprisingly retro, yet it also fits in perfectly with Nintendo's modern twist on gaming and the Switch. ARMS exhibits Nintendo's flair for game design to its fullest, confidently taking a well-known genre and injecting it with colour and character to craft something that's inimitably their own.

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8 / 10
Jun 7, 2017

Arms sessions are quick, fun, and satisfying. With easy-to-pick-up mechanics, solid stage design, and quirky characters, Arms genuinely feels like a fun and different addition to the fighting game genre. More than that, it feels like just the kind of game that makes the Nintendo Switch itself feel fun and different.

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8 / 10
Jun 7, 2017

Arms does a lot of new things, but fails to offer a wide variety of options or characters. That will be improved over the time with free DLCs but as it is, Arms is just a nice new beginning with a lot of room for improval.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

Jun 7, 2017

ARMS is a great addition to the Switch's growing library of unique titles. Featuring a fresh new world full of color and character, the content might be light, but if you get hooked you'll find lots to enjoy here.

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Jun 7, 2017

Nintendo's newest property, ARMS, is a surprisingly deep fighting game that adds something new to a cluttered genre, but it's one that leaves growing room for early adopters.

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