
74
MONSTER
Bugsnax is a humorous action adventure game in which we explore an island full of creatures that are hybrids of worms and food. The game was developed and released by independent Young Horses studio. The iOS release includes the content from the previously released update “The Isle of BIGsnax,” as well as an entirely new control scheme via touch screens, while also supporting a wide array of third-party controllers.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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79
Bugsnax balances whimsical humor with unexpected maturity on themes like mental health and climate change, praised for emotional depth and diverse characters but criticized for a flimsy plot and tonal inconsistencies—making it a flawed yet compelling experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
79
Positive Reviews (80-100)
69%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
31%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Bugsnax balances whimsical humor with unexpected maturity on themes like mental health and climate change, praised for emotional depth and diverse characters but criticized for a flimsy plot and tonal inconsistencies—making it a flawed yet compelling experience.
Gameplay Mechanics
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72
Bugsnax shines with inventive puzzle-solving and a charming core loop but stumbles on repetitive quests, clunky controls, and shallow mechanics, leaving its potential half-fulfilled.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
72
Positive Reviews (80-100)
35%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
63%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Bugsnax shines with inventive puzzle-solving and a charming core loop but stumbles on repetitive quests, clunky controls, and shallow mechanics, leaving its potential half-fulfilled.
Graphics and Visual Design
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73
Bugsnax dazzles with whimsical, colorful visuals and quirky charm, but its low-tech execution and performance issues on next-gen consoles undermine its potential.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
73
Positive Reviews (80-100)
44%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
54%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
3%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Bugsnax dazzles with whimsical, colorful visuals and quirky charm, but its low-tech execution and performance issues on next-gen consoles undermine its potential.
Music and Sound Design
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80
Infectious, whimsical sound design and music elevate Bugsnax with Kero Kero Bonito’s catchy theme, playful vocalizations, and PS5 haptics, though minor repetition and lack of originality dim its shine slightly.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
80
Positive Reviews (80-100)
71%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
27%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Infectious, whimsical sound design and music elevate Bugsnax with Kero Kero Bonito’s catchy theme, playful vocalizations, and PS5 haptics, though minor repetition and lack of originality dim its shine slightly.
Voice Acting
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85
Critics hail Bugsnax's voice acting as a standout, with top-notch performances bringing quirky charm and depth to its characters—despite minor critiques on humor timing and repetition, it remains a core strength that elevates the game's whimsical appeal.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
85
Positive Reviews (80-100)
84%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
16%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Critics hail Bugsnax's voice acting as a standout, with top-notch performances bringing quirky charm and depth to its characters—despite minor critiques on humor timing and repetition, it remains a core strength that elevates the game's whimsical appeal.
Technical Performance
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62
Bugsnax's tech performance is a mixed bag: PS5 shines with smoother frames but suffers glitches; PC runs smoothly on modest gear; Switch charms with portability but stumbles on load times; Xbox Series X battles physics issues. While some platforms outperform others, consistent flaws across the board mean it’s playable but far from polished—its charm outweighs its hiccups, but not by much.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
62
Positive Reviews (80-100)
14%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
72%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
14%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Bugsnax's tech performance is a mixed bag: PS5 shines with smoother frames but suffers glitches; PC runs smoothly on modest gear; Switch charms with portability but stumbles on load times; Xbox Series X battles physics issues. While some platforms outperform others, consistent flaws across the board mean it’s playable but far from polished—its charm outweighs its hiccups, but not by much.
Replay Value
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65
Bugsnax charms with collectibles and puzzles but falters on repetition, delivering mixed replayability.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
65
Positive Reviews (80-100)
16%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
71%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
13%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Bugsnax charms with collectibles and puzzles but falters on repetition, delivering mixed replayability.
Overall Verdict
74
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
74
Positive Reviews (80-100)
60%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
40%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Bugsnax is a charming, creative gem praised for its originality and heart, but plagued by repetitive mechanics, technical hiccups, and a lack of depth that undermine its potential.
74
MONSTER
Reviews
129 reviews found100
Comicbook.com
Nov 12, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Bugsnax is a unique and enjoyable experience that combines curiosity and the theme of found family, making it a standout title for the year.
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90
GameCritics
Dec 14, 2020
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Bugsnax is a daring and clever game that successfully combines whimsical design with a serious narrative, making it a unique experience worth exploring.
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90
GameGrin
Nov 12, 2020
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Bugsnax is described as a unique and charming game that executes its concept perfectly, with only minor nitpicks. It stands out as a special experience.
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90
GameSpew
Nov 9, 2020
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Bugsnax is described as a joyful and heartwarming experience that combines adorable visuals, engaging gameplay, and a charming story, making it a delightful game to play.
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90
COGconnected
Nov 9, 2020
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Bugsnax is a delightful and charming adventure that appeals to both children and adults, with superb gameplay, intriguing story, and impressive voice acting.
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90
God is a Geek
Nov 9, 2020
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Bugsnax is a charming and engaging game that combines a heartfelt story with creative gameplay and beautiful visuals, making it a delightful experience.
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90
Shacknews
Nov 9, 2020
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Bugsnax is a unique and emotionally engaging adventure game that combines a rich narrative with enjoyable gameplay mechanics, making it a worthwhile experience.
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90
DarkStation
Nov 18, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Bugsnax is an unexpectedly interesting game with a compelling narrative and inventive gameplay, making it a worthwhile experience, especially on PS5.
90
TheSixthAxis
Nov 9, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Bugsnax is a cute and charming game with impressive creativity in its creature designs. However, it also tackles dark themes that may not be suitable for young children. The inclusion of LGBT characters in prominent positions is a positive aspect of the game.
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90
Switch Player
May 24, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Bugsnax is an enjoyable and enriching experience that any fan of games should not miss, despite its technical issues on the Switch.
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