Ghostrunner

The narrative of Ghostrunner receives mixed praise, with several critics acknowledging its functional execution and thematic elements. IGN Japan notes that the story, though forgettable, aligns well with the game’s fast-paced action, while Jeuxvideo.com describes it as “classic” and coherent within the cyberpunk setting. Some reviewers highlight intriguing aspects, such as the protagonist’s journey to Dharma Tower and the exploration of themes like rebellion and humanity. For instance, PC Games appreciates its focus on dystopian survival, and Cultured Vultures points to witty dialogue and traditional cyberpunk motifs. Additionally, GameGrin and MGG Spain acknowledge that while the story is predictable, it provides a basic framework for gameplay progression. The narrative’s role in supporting the game’s aesthetic and action sequences is frequently noted as a strength. However, the majority of critics criticize the story for its lack of originality, shallow characters, and underwhelming execution. Hey Poor Player and Shindig describe the plot as unengaging, with “uninteresting characters” and a “lack of originality in the cyberpunk setting.” New Game Network and PC Games call it “predictable” and “lacking depth,” while KeenGamer criticizes the anti-climactic ending. Many reviewers, including IGN Japan and GameCrate, point to the reliance on radio communication or minimal cutscenes, which make the story hard to follow or emotionally resonant. The antagonist, Mara, is often deemed one-dimensional, and the narrative’s focus on action over character development leaves players disconnected. Even Jeuxvideo.com (PS4) and Game Debate note that while the world-building is solid, the story fails to leave a lasting impression. Overall, critics agree that Ghostrunner’s story serves as a competent but unremarkable backdrop for its gameplay. While it touches on familiar cyberpunk themes and provides a coherent structure for progression, it lacks the depth or innovation to stand out. IGN (PS4) and IGN Japan praise its “well-told” yet predictable nature, while GameStar and God is a Geek acknowledge its thematic interest but note that it remains secondary to the action. Despite mixed reactions, there’s a consensus that the narrative prioritizes style over substance, offering enough intrigue to complement the game’s fast-paced combat without overshadowing it. For many, Ghostrunner’s story is a functional element rather than a defining strength, reflecting its role as a gameplay-driven experience.

The gameplay of Ghostrunner is widely praised for its fast-paced, high-octane design that blends parkour mechanics with intense melee combat. Critics consistently highlight its emphasis on precision, momentum, and fluid movement, drawing comparisons to classics like Mirror’s Edge and Hotline Miami. The Indie Game Website notes the intuitive traversal mechanics, while PlayStation Universe commends the "fluid experience" and skill system, which rewards players for mastering levels. GameSpot and Shacknews both laud the game’s "intense first-person parkour platforming," emphasizing how it demands skill but ultimately feels rewarding. Many reviewers, such as GameRevolution, describe it as one of the best parkour-focused games, with its core loop of rapid movement and combat creating a thrilling, adrenaline-fueled experience. The game’s ability to balance challenging level design with dynamic abilities—like wall-running, dashing, and bullet time—has been particularly celebrated, with critics like Guardian praising its "Blade Runner-esque" environments and the necessity of forward planning alongside reflexes. Despite these strengths, several critics point to significant drawbacks that detract from the experience. Control issues and technical inconsistencies are a recurring theme, especially on platforms like the Nintendo Switch. Hey Poor Player and Gaming Age note that clunky controls and laggy responses make the game frustrating rather than enjoyable, while DarkStation and Atomix criticize the "unfair deaths" and trial-and-error mechanics that can feel punishing. The repetitive nature of some gameplay elements also draws criticism; Atomix mentions that players often memorize optimal paths rather than relying on skill, and Meristation highlights the "repetitive" challenge of trial-and-error encounters. Additionally, PCMag and The Digital Fix point to inconsistent platforming mechanics and enemy AI that can disrupt the flow, while Xbox Tavern and Windows Central note that combat sometimes slows down the action. These issues, though not universal, create a divide between those who appreciate the game’s difficulty and those who find it overly harsh or unpolished. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority agreeing that Ghostrunner excels as a challenging, skill-based experience. While some platforms face technical hurdles and certain mechanics feel repetitive, the core gameplay—marked by its relentless pace, creative level design, and emphasis on precision—has been widely celebrated. Critics like GameGuru and GameSkinny praise the "engaging" mix of traversal and combat, while others, such as PlayStation Universe and GameRevolution, highlight the satisfaction of overcoming its punishing difficulty. The game’s focus on rapid reflexes, strategic planning, and fluid movement has cemented it as a standout title in the action-platformer genre, even if its flaws prevent it from being flawless. As ZTGD notes, the "buttery smooth" controls on some platforms and the "satisfying challenge" for experienced players underscore why Ghostrunner remains a divisive yet highly regarded experience.

The graphics and visual design of Ghostrunner are widely praised for their strong cyberpunk aesthetic, vibrant neon-lit environments, and immersive world-building. Critics consistently highlight the game’s ability to evoke a dystopian, high-tech atmosphere, with many noting its effective use of Unreal Engine 4 to create striking visuals. For instance, Gameblog.fr commends the “impressive lighting and vertical architecture,” while IGN Japan praises the “well-crafted cyberpunk aesthetic” with detailed environments like night cityscapes and industrial settings. The game’s neon-soaked streets, gritty textures, and dynamic contrasts between grimy industrial zones and vibrant districts are frequently lauded. Easy Allies describes it as a “beautiful yet depressing dystopian cyberpunk setting,” and Jeuxvideo.com notes the “stunning cyberpunk landscape” enhanced by technologies like DLSS and Ray Tracing. The PS5 version, in particular, receives acclaim for its sharp resolution, HDR support, and immersive details, with Merlin'in Kazanı highlighting the “vibrant visuals of Dharma City” and Shindig noting excellent reflections despite some Ray Tracing issues. However, several critics point to technical limitations and platform-specific drawbacks that detract from the visual experience. The Nintendo Switch version faces significant criticism for compromised graphical fidelity, with Hey Poor Player describing “hazy graphics and shallow draw distance,” while NintendoWorldReport notes a “small and hard-to-read UI” and “compromised performance.” Similarly, PlayStation LifeStyle mentions washed-out textures on the PS4 Pro, and Gaming Age criticizes grainy visuals that clash with the game’s sleek aesthetic. Some reviewers also highlight repetitive environments, such as Multiplayer.it, which notes areas that feel “repetitive,” and Riot Pixels, who finds certain sections “monotonous.” Additionally, technical issues like screen-tearing on PS4 (GameCrate) and Ray Tracing crashes on PS5 (Shindig) further undermine the experience. While PC versions generally receive higher marks for optimization and detail, even they face critiques about generic cyber-industrial environments (PC Invasion) and a lack of originality in some aspects (Hey Poor Player). Overall, the critical consensus leans heavily toward admiration for Ghostrunner’s visual design, with most reviewers agreeing that its cyberpunk aesthetic is both striking and thematically cohesive. The game’s ability to blend neon-lit cityscapes with gritty industrial decay creates a memorable atmosphere, as noted by IGN (which calls it “gorgeous looking”) and GameSpace, which praises the “suffocating yet engaging environment.” However, platform-specific technical issues—particularly on Switch and PS4—create disparities in visual quality, with some critics like Nintenderos acknowledging that the Switch version suffers from “notable graphical downgrades.” Despite these flaws, the game’s artistic direction and attention to detail, especially on PC and PS5, are widely celebrated. As GameCritics notes, while environments may feel functional rather than fully realized, the overall visual experience is “electric” and enhances gameplay, cementing Ghostrunner as a visually compelling entry in the cyberpunk genre.

The majority of critics praised Ghostrunner’s sound design and music, highlighting its immersive and energetic qualities. Reviewers like Eurogamer Italy and IGN emphasized that the techno and synthwave soundtrack effectively enhances the game’s adrenaline-fueled gameplay, with Eurogamer Italy noting how the music “adds emphasis to actions like climbing and boss fights.” The work of composer Daniel Deluxe was frequently lauded for its cyberpunk authenticity, with 3DJuegos calling his score “notable” and Hey Poor Player comparing it to popular titles while praising its fit with the game’s atmosphere. IGN Spain and GameStar highlighted how the electronic music creates an immersive environment, while PlayStation LifeStyle noted that the synthwave tracks “enhance the experience,” even if they don’t overshadow the gameplay. The rhythmic and energetic nature of the soundtrack was seen as a key strength, with GamingBolt calling it a “standout feature” and Areajugones describing it as “phenomenal” for its sensory engagement. However, some critics pointed to minor shortcomings. Xbox Tavern criticized the sound design as “minimal” and “generic,” arguing that the cyberpunk music failed to impress and felt “passable but unimpressive.” PCGamesN mentioned the soundtrack’s “nosebleed techno” style without elaborating on its impact, while Jeuxvideo.com and Meristation noted that the music could become repetitive or overwhelming at times. Additionally, Nintenderos pointed out that intense gameplay moments made subtitles hard to follow, and Jeuxvideo.com (again) described the soundtrack as “repetitive” despite its thematic fit. These critiques suggest that while the audio elements are generally strong, some found them lacking in originality or variety, particularly during prolonged play sessions. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Ghostrunner’s sound design and music significantly elevated the experience. Even reviewers like Xbox Tavern acknowledged the soundtrack’s passable quality, while the majority celebrated its ability to match the game’s fast-paced, cyberpunk aesthetic. TheSixthAxis, GameSkinny, and Worth Playing all highlighted how the synthwave and electronic tracks complemented the gameplay, with Digital Chumps noting that the “techno soundtrack is fitting” for the rapid platforming. While some critiques about repetition or immersion existed, they were overshadowed by the widespread praise for Daniel Deluxe’s compositions and the overall synergy between audio and action. The game’s soundtrack was consistently viewed as a key strength, contributing to its reputation as a standout title in the cyberpunk genre.

The voice acting in Ghostrunner receives generally positive acclaim from critics, with many highlighting its contribution to immersion and storytelling. Reviewers like GameCrate, IGN, and PlayStation LifeStyle praise the performances as "solid," "well-executed," and "well-acted," noting that they enhance the game’s atmosphere and narrative engagement. Specific praise is directed at characters like The Architect, whose standout performance is highlighted by PlayStation Universe and Digital Chumps, while Multiplayer.it and DualShockers commend the protagonist’s voice work for adding depth to the experience. Additionally, the integration of voiceovers into gameplay—such as through a comms system (The Digital Fix) or narrative phases (Gameblog.fr)—is seen as effective in maintaining player engagement. The English voice acting is also noted for its accessibility and quality, with Eurogamer Italy and SpazioGames appreciating the Italian subtitles that broaden appeal. However, several critics point to limitations, particularly regarding pacing and clarity. Meristation and Metro GameCentral note that the fast-paced gameplay makes it challenging to follow dialogue, as players may miss key lines during intense action sequences. Others criticize the voice acting’s lack of memorability or originality; GameSkinny describes it as "competent but not remarkable," while GameCritics finds certain performances—like a betrayal scene—clichéd and detracting from the experience. Subtitle accessibility is another issue, with 3DJuegos and JeuxActu pointing out that non-English speakers may struggle to keep up during critical moments. Additionally, some reviews mention that voice acting doesn’t significantly deepen emotional connections to the story (BaziCenter) or feels underutilized in certain contexts (Riot Pixels). These critiques highlight a gap between technical quality and narrative impact. Overall, critics largely agree that Ghostrunner’s voice acting is well-executed and enhances the game’s atmosphere, even if it doesn’t reach exceptional heights. While IGN, GameSpot, and ZTGD praise its professionalism and effectiveness in storytelling, others like GameCritics and JeuxActu emphasize its shortcomings in originality and accessibility. The consensus leans toward appreciation for the voice work’s technical quality and integration into gameplay, with many acknowledging that it complements the game’s fast-paced, action-driven design. Despite some criticisms about pacing and localization, the majority of reviews suggest that the voice acting is a solid, if not groundbreaking, component of Ghostrunner’s overall experience.

The technical performance of Ghostrunner varies across platforms, with several standout positives. On PC, the game is widely praised for its optimization, with critics like Atomix (60 FPS on GTX 1080), Destructoid (120 FPS at 1440p), and Wccftech noting flawless performance even at high settings. The PS5 version benefits from fast load times thanks to the SSD, as highlighted by KeenGamer and Merlin'in Kazanı, while its graphical flexibility (4K/120fps) enhances the experience. Xbox One and PS4 versions also see praise for stability, with Jeuxvideo.com (Xbox One) noting "no major technical issues" and Metro GameCentral (PS4) calling it "technically advanced." The Nintendo Switch, despite graphical limitations, is praised by Nintenderos for its ease of pausing and stable performance, though some critics like Hey Poor Player acknowledge control issues. However, the game faces notable technical challenges on several platforms. The Switch version struggles with frame rate drops (Jeuxvideo.com), stuttering enemies (Gaming Age), and poor optimization, leading to a frustrating experience for some. On PS4, DarkStation and PlayStation LifeStyle report crashes, screen tearing, and checkpoint-saving issues, while Guardian notes "game-halting bugs." The Xbox One version faces optimization problems in later levels (TheXboxHub) and UI flaws (Cultured Vultures). PC also has its share of issues: Game Debate highlights mouse click bugs, GRYOnline.pl mentions random crashes, and Destructoid notes stuttering in open environments. While many critics praise the game’s performance, these platform-specific drawbacks create uneven experiences. Overall, the consensus leans toward Ghostrunner being technically solid on most platforms, with PC and PS5 receiving the most consistent praise for optimization and stability. Critics like Destructoid (PC) and KeenGamer (PS5) emphasize its smooth performance, while Switch and PS4 versions face more persistent issues despite some positives. The game’s technical flaws are often seen as manageable or mitigated by updates, with many reviewers acknowledging its fast-paced gameplay despite occasional hiccups. While no platform is flawless, the PC and PS5 versions emerge as the most polished, reflecting broader industry trends in hardware capabilities and optimization efforts.

The reviews highlight several positive aspects of Ghostrunner’s replayability, particularly its appeal to speedrunners and players seeking mastery. Critics like Meristation and Jeuxvideo.com note that the game’s 8-hour campaign can be extended through collectibles, hidden challenges, and time trials, offering a satisfying experience for those who want to refine their skills. TheGamer emphasizes the level select feature, allowing players to revisit earlier stages with all abilities unlocked, while GameStar points to experimentation with builds and upgrades as a draw. Additionally, Eurogamer Italy and Shacknews highlight the game’s focus on improving performance through collectibles and time/death tracking, which encourages multiple playthroughs. For enthusiasts of precision-based gameplay, the challenge of optimizing routes and mastering mechanics—as noted by Jeuxvideo.com and Riot Pixels—creates a strong incentive to replay. However, several critics point out significant limitations in the game’s replay value. Game Debate and Windows Central argue that the lack of time trials, deeper story content, or post-campaign modes diminishes long-term appeal, while GamingTrend criticizes the absence of a Steam Workshop for community-created content. PC Invasion and Screen Rant note that the game’s short runtime (around 6–8 hours) leaves little to do after completion, with Digital Chumps and PCMag citing punishing difficulty as a barrier to repeated play. New Game Network and Nintendo Life also mention that high stakes and frustration from failures may deter players, especially on platforms like the Switch (Gaming Age) where technical issues compound the challenge. These critiques suggest that while Ghostrunner excels in niche areas, its lack of substantial post-game content limits broader replayability. Overall, the consensus leans toward a mixed but cautiously optimistic view. While many critics (e.g., GamingBolt, Eurogamer Italy, and Shindig) praise the game’s speedrunning potential, collectibles, and skill-based challenges as strong draws for dedicated players, others (Game Debate, Windows Central, PCMag) emphasize its shortcomings in depth and variety. The game seems to cater most effectively to fans of fast-paced, precision-driven gameplay and speedrun communities, but its limited post-campaign content and high difficulty may restrict its appeal to a broader audience. As Jeuxvideo.com and TheGamer note, Ghostrunner offers enough replay value for those who enjoy mastering its mechanics, but it falls short of providing the expansive experiences some players seek.