83
MONSTER
The most terrifying conspiracy has travelled through the centuries and you have been chosen to go back in time to prevent disaster! You are a Secret Service Agent and you have been sent against your will into the very depths of the ancient Louvre castle. Your mission is to wage battle against a mysterious Tempilar brotherhood, thirsty for chaos. You may never return to the 21st century... You are plunged into a 3D world that is astoundingly realistic and filled with historical characters. You will discover a castle that has never been seen before, accurately reconstructed with the help of the Louvre Museum. What you need in this mentally stimulating adventure are action and reflection. You must uncover the clues and cleverly question the game's characters
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
81
Critics rave about The Messenger's engaging and humorous story, praising its witty writing, unexpected twists, and creative plot developments. Some found the humor and irreverent tone charming, while others noted potential abrasiveness in the writing. Overall, the consensus is that the story effectively intertwines with gameplay, making it a standout feature despite some minor criticisms.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
81
Positive (80-100)
73%
Mixed (50-79)
27%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics rave about The Messenger's engaging and humorous story, praising its witty writing, unexpected twists, and creative plot developments. Some found the humor and irreverent tone charming, while others noted potential abrasiveness in the writing. Overall, the consensus is that the story effectively intertwines with gameplay, making it a standout feature despite some minor criticisms.
Gameplay Mechanics
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91
Critics rave about The Messenger's gameplay, praising its tight controls, challenging platforming, and innovative elements that make you feel like a ninja. Some minor criticisms include less frequent upgrades in the second half and occasional backtracking feeling like a chore. Overall, the game offers a highly enjoyable experience with balanced and addictive gameplay, rewarding combat, and a seamless transition to a Metroidvania style. Despite some flaws, it's a standout title for action platformer fans.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
91
Positive (80-100)
95%
Mixed (50-79)
5%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Critics rave about The Messenger's gameplay, praising its tight controls, challenging platforming, and innovative elements that make you feel like a ninja. Some minor criticisms include less frequent upgrades in the second half and occasional backtracking feeling like a chore. Overall, the game offers a highly enjoyable experience with balanced and addictive gameplay, rewarding combat, and a seamless transition to a Metroidvania style. Despite some flaws, it's a standout title for action platformer fans.
Graphics and Visual Design
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85
The Messenger impresses critics with exceptional graphics and seamless 8-bit to 16-bit transitions, capturing the essence of classic games. While some point out a lack of enemy variety and uninspired backtracking, the majority applaud the retro aesthetics and attention to detail for creating a visually stunning and nostalgic experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
85
Positive (80-100)
79%
Mixed (50-79)
21%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
The Messenger impresses critics with exceptional graphics and seamless 8-bit to 16-bit transitions, capturing the essence of classic games. While some point out a lack of enemy variety and uninspired backtracking, the majority applaud the retro aesthetics and attention to detail for creating a visually stunning and nostalgic experience.
Music and Sound Design
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88
Critics raved about The Messenger's Sound Design and Music, praising its retro-inspired soundtrack and chiptune compositions. Most reviewers lauded the detailed sound effects and transitions between 8-bit and 16-bit music versions, enhancing the gameplay experience. While some minor criticisms were noted, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the music as a standout feature that immerses players in the game's nostalgic appeal.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
88
Positive (80-100)
89%
Mixed (50-79)
11%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics raved about The Messenger's Sound Design and Music, praising its retro-inspired soundtrack and chiptune compositions. Most reviewers lauded the detailed sound effects and transitions between 8-bit and 16-bit music versions, enhancing the gameplay experience. While some minor criticisms were noted, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the music as a standout feature that immerses players in the game's nostalgic appeal.
Voice Acting
NA
TL;DR
voice acting
Description unavailable
Technical Performance
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75
The Messenger impresses on PS4 with flawless performance, while Switch reviews highlight minor technical hiccups that don't hinder gameplay. Overall, critics agree it delivers a solid and enjoyable experience on both platforms.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
75
Positive (80-100)
33%
Mixed (50-79)
67%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
The Messenger impresses on PS4 with flawless performance, while Switch reviews highlight minor technical hiccups that don't hinder gameplay. Overall, critics agree it delivers a solid and enjoyable experience on both platforms.
Replay Value
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75
Critics praise The Messenger for its high replay value due to features like New Game+ and metroidvania elements, challenging level designs, and addictive gameplay. However, some critics point out concerns such as lack of enemy variety, backtracking issues, and potential pacing problems in the later stages. Overall, the game offers a solid replay experience with hidden collectibles, challenging platforming, and optional quests, despite some drawbacks.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
75
Positive (80-100)
38%
Mixed (50-79)
63%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Critics praise The Messenger for its high replay value due to features like New Game+ and metroidvania elements, challenging level designs, and addictive gameplay. However, some critics point out concerns such as lack of enemy variety, backtracking issues, and potential pacing problems in the later stages. Overall, the game offers a solid replay experience with hidden collectibles, challenging platforming, and optional quests, despite some drawbacks.
Overall Verdict
83
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
83
Positive (80-100)
87%
Mixed (50-79)
13%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
"The Messenger" is a critically acclaimed retro-style game praised for its addictive gameplay, inventive storytelling, and polished mechanics. It successfully blends modern elements with classic platforming, appealing to retro enthusiasts and indie fans alike. While some critics point out pacing issues and repetitive foes, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, hailing it as a standout title in the platformer genre that delivers a nostalgic yet engaging experience.
83
MONSTER
Reviews
102 reviews found100
Nintendo Enthusiast
Aug 28, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Messenger is a highly recommended platformer that transcends the genre
100
Destructoid
Aug 28, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Messenger is considered one of the best indies on the Switch, with its stunning visuals, fantastic soundtrack, clever writing, and amazing gameplay. The reviewer highly recommends it.
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100
USgamer
Aug 28, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Messenger is praised as a polished and thoughtful tribute to retro gaming, standing out in a crowded year for platformers and metroidvanias. It is recommended for retro enthusiasts and indie fans alike.
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100
NintendoWorldReport
Aug 28, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Messenger is a brilliant addition to the Switch and highly recommended for platformer fans.
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100
CGMagazine
Aug 28, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Messenger is a phenomenal game that blends platforming and exploration seamlessly, paying tribute to its influences while standing proudly on its own. It exudes character, charm, and challenge, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.
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100
Nintendo Insider
Aug 28, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Messenger is a special indie title that captures the nostalgia of the genre and delivers a quality experience.
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95
DualShockers
Aug 28, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Messenger is a well-designed game that stands out in the platformer genre.
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91
Nintendojo
Sep 20, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Messenger is a polished and electric game that is an essential title for anyone's library of Switch games. While some of the writing isn't executed as well as it could be, the game's overall quality makes up for this flaw.
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90
Switch Player
Oct 16, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Messenger is praised as an example of classic platforming mastered, combining nostalgia with modern sensibilities and deep replay value.
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90
Nintendo Life
Aug 28, 2018
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The Messenger is praised for its long campaign, incredible soundtrack, tight level designs, and great game design. It is recommended as a modern classic that stands out in the crowded 2D side-scrolling action genre.
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