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MONSTER

The Messenger

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Messenger
Item: The Messenger
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2018

GenresAdventure, Action, Platformer, Point & Click, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableAug 30, 2018

PlatformPC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperSabotage Studio

Overview

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

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of The Messenger are overwhelmingly positive. Many reviewers praised the engaging and humorous storytelling, with elements of wit and clever writing adding depth to the narrative. Critics like PlayStation Universe, who mentioned a rookie ninja saving the world from a demonic invasion, and GameCrate, who highlighted the clever twist in the narrative, appreciated the humor and unexpected gameplay twists. The Games Machine noted that while the premise may seem banal, the game develops a brilliant narrative with comedic writing, showcasing the creativity and charm of the story. Additionally, CGMagazine and Nintendo Enthusiast commended the tongue-in-cheek and irreverent tone of the story, filled with charming and witty dialogue that enhanced the overall experience. On the other hand, some critics pointed out potential negatives in the story of The Messenger. Nintendo Insider mentioned that while the narrative fleshes out the adventure with clever revelations and witty humor, it may not resonate with all players. Nintendojo highlighted that the writing, while mostly funny and suiting the retro vibe of the game, could become abrasive at times, potentially detracting from the overall enjoyment for some players. USgamer also noted that the story is slim, focusing more on humorous observations and breaking the fourth wall, which might make the time travel element feel relegated to the background for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Messenger delivers an engaging and humorous story that successfully intertwines with gameplay mechanics, making it a standout feature of the game. The narrative's blend of wit, humor, unexpected twists, and creative plot developments received widespread acclaim from reviewers. Critics like Game Informer and Vandal appreciated the engaging and amusing storytelling, while GameSpot and We Got This Covered highlighted the solid writing and well-executed plot twists. Despite some minor criticisms regarding potential abrasiveness in the writing and the slim focus on the story, the majority of critics found The Messenger's narrative to be a strong and enjoyable aspect of the game, contributing significantly to the overall experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

95%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of The Messenger, highlighting its tight controls, challenging platforming mechanics, and innovative gameplay elements. Cubed3 commended the game for making players truly feel like a ninja through rewarding mastery of core mechanics and impactful upgrades. Gameblog.fr and Metro GameCentral also appreciated the well-polished gameplay and clever level design, with the latter noting the smooth difficulty curve and impressive platforming and sword-fighting abilities. Push Square and TheSixthAxis found the gameplay to be ultra-tight, addictive, and gradually expanding, with the introduction of new abilities adding a unique twist to the experience. IGN Japan and Nintendo Life specifically mentioned the transition into a Metroidvania style game, offering new mechanics and challenges that added depth to the gameplay. While the overall sentiment towards The Messenger's gameplay was overwhelmingly positive, some critics did point out a few drawbacks. GameSpew noted that upgrades and skills became less frequent in the second half of the game, leading to some frustration with the platforming. EGM mentioned that while the gameplay was reminiscent of Ninja Gaiden and featured tight controls, some areas could have been more challenging, and backtracking for collectibles felt like a chore. These criticisms suggest that while the gameplay was generally well-received, there were instances where certain aspects could have been further refined to enhance the overall experience. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that The Messenger offers a highly enjoyable gameplay experience that combines challenging platforming, satisfying combat, and innovative mechanics. Critics like Nintendo Enthusiast and USgamer praised the game for its balanced and addictive gameplay, while Vandal and We Got This Covered highlighted the challenging yet rewarding platforming mechanics. The seamless transition into a Metroidvania style game, coupled with tight controls and a variety of abilities, contributed to the overall positive reception of the gameplay. Despite some minor criticisms regarding pacing and difficulty in certain sections, the majority of critics found The Messenger's gameplay to be a standout feature that sets it apart as a must-play title for fans of action platformers.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised The Messenger for its exceptional graphics and visual design, with many highlighting the seamless transition between 8-bit and 16-bit styles. GameSpace noted that this shift in art style effectively progressed the story and gameplay, while Nintendo Life appreciated how the art style differentiated between past and future settings. Critics such as Metro GameCentral and Nintendo Insider commended the deliberate choice of retro aesthetics, with beautifully crafted pixel art that pays homage to classic games. The attention to detail in the graphics, as mentioned by CGMagazine and Everyeye.it, enhanced the overall experience, with stunning visuals that captured the essence of vintage consoles. However, some critics expressed concerns regarding the lack of variety in enemy design. The Games Machine felt that the game could have benefitted from more diverse enemy designs to complement its retro atmosphere. Additionally, Cubed3 pointed out that the backtracking in the latter half of the game led to reused assets in an uninspired manner, impacting the overall visual experience. Vandal also mentioned that while the game offered a charming visual experience, more enemy variety would have been appreciated to further enhance the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive towards The Messenger's graphics and visual design. The game successfully blends nostalgia with modern elements, as noted by IGN Italia, creating a visually stunning experience that captures the essence of classic games. The transition between 8-bit and 16-bit graphics was widely praised for its seamless execution and added variety, with critics like Nintendo Insider and DualShockers highlighting this as a standout feature. Despite some minor criticisms regarding enemy variety and backtracking, the majority of reviewers found the graphics and visual design of The Messenger to be top-notch, making it a visually appealing and nostalgic journey for players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics praised the Sound Design and Music of The Messenger, highlighting its exceptional qualities. Critics like Metro GameCentral and CGMagazine appreciated the retro-inspired soundtrack, with Metro GameCentral noting that it sticks closely to the limitations of the era while CGMagazine mentioned the well-crafted details like muffled music underwater and distinct sound effects for different eras. The use of chiptune music was a standout feature for many reviewers, with critics such as Vandal and USgamer commending the energetic and memorable 8-bit chiptunes that perfectly matched the gameplay. The transition between 8-bit and 16-bit music versions, as noted by Easy Allies, was also praised for adding a unique and cool effect to the overall experience. On the flip side, some critics did have minor criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of The Messenger. For instance, Cubed3 mentioned that while the tunes were catchy, they found Ninja Gaiden's music more impressive, indicating a subjective comparison to another game's soundtrack. EGM pointed out that some 16-bit remixes were criticized for their quality, suggesting that not all variations of the music were equally well-received by all reviewers. Additionally, Nintenderos mentioned that while the soundtrack was effective and catchy, it could become repetitive, indicating a potential issue with variety or pacing in the music compositions. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of The Messenger. The majority of reviewers found the soundtrack to be exceptional, with many highlighting the chiptune compositions as a standout feature that added to the immersive experience of the game. Critics like Nintendo Life and Trusted Reviews praised the well-produced chiptune soundtrack for setting the tone of the adventure and pushing players deeper into the levels. The attention to detail in sound design, such as the transitions between 8-bit and 16-bit worlds, was also widely appreciated, as noted by USgamer and DualShockers. The overall sentiment is that The Messenger's Sound Design and Music significantly contributed to the enjoyment and nostalgic appeal of the game, making it a standout feature for many players and critics alike.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PS4, Push Square praises The Messenger for running smoothly without any bugs or dropped frames. This indicates a positive experience on the platform, ensuring players can enjoy the game without any technical hindrances. Moving to the Nintendo Switch, the opinions are more varied. COGconnected mentions occasional control slip, which could impact gameplay experience for some players. GameSpew notes some framerate issues in docked mode but highlights that they didn't significantly affect gameplay. Hardcore Gamer points out minor technical issues like clipping through instant-death situations and limited fast-travel points, which could be seen as drawbacks for some players. Nintenderos, on the other hand, does not specify any technical issues but mentions the storage space requirement, which is informative but doesn't provide insight into the actual gameplay performance. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a positive technical performance for The Messenger across different platforms. While there are some minor issues reported on the Nintendo Switch by critics like GameSpew and Hardcore Gamer, the general sentiment is that these technical hiccups do not detract significantly from the overall experience. The positive feedback from Push Square on the PS4 further reinforces the notion that The Messenger delivers a relatively smooth technical performance across platforms, making it a solid choice for players looking for an engaging gameplay experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

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

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The Messenger has garnered positive feedback from several critics regarding its replay value. Critics such as TheXboxHub and GameCrate highlight the inclusion of features like New Game+ and transformation into a metroidvania title, respectively, which enhance the game's replayability. Nintendo Life praises the challenging level designs, optional collectibles, and ongoing sidequests that provide a meaty experience with plenty of content to explore. The addictive gameplay and collectibles mentioned by Nintendo Insider also contribute to the game's replay value, making it engaging for players to revisit. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the game's replay value. GameOver.gr and IGN Italia mention the lack of variety in enemies and intense backtracking, which may lead to a lower level of satisfaction for players seeking a more challenging experience. We Got This Covered points out that the back-half of the game may feel needlessly padded and frustrating due to vague hints on progression, potentially impacting the overall replayability for some players. Additionally, ZTGD notes that while there are still things to discover, they may not be as interesting as the items obtained earlier, potentially affecting the motivation for repeated playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards The Messenger offering solid replay value through various gameplay elements such as hidden collectibles, challenging platforming, and optional quests. Positive aspects like branching paths, skill trees, and controller-clenching challenges contribute to the game's appeal for replayability. However, criticisms regarding enemy variety, backtracking issues, and potential pacing problems in the later stages of the game are worth considering for players looking for a more refined replay experience. Despite some drawbacks, the majority of critics acknowledge The Messenger's strengths in providing an engaging and content-rich experience that encourages players to revisit its world for additional challenges and discoveries.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The Messenger has garnered a significant amount of praise from the majority of critics for its unique blend of retro aesthetics, solid gameplay mechanics, and engaging storytelling. Critics like TheSixthAxis and Game Informer commend the game for its addictive gameplay, inventive storytelling, and tight controls. The game is lauded for its polished gameplay, clever ideas, and well-designed levels by Gameblog.fr and praised as a standout 2D action game that pays homage to classic titles by IGN Japan. The combination of modern touches with classic platforming elements has been highlighted as a major strength of The Messenger, appealing to both retro enthusiasts and indie fans alike. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out areas where The Messenger falls short. The game has been criticized for its pacing issues when transitioning into a Metroidvania style, as noted by Gameblog.fr, and for the overuse of standard 2D platforming foes and annoying characters like Quarble, as mentioned by TheSixthAxis. EGM highlights the lack of consistent platforming challenge and the chore of backtracking for collectibles as drawbacks, suggesting room for improvement in a potential sequel. Additionally, Vooks mentions the lack of challenge and backtracking in the later parts of the game as minor drawbacks, impacting the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority praising The Messenger as a highly recommended title that stands out in the platformer genre. The game is celebrated for its nostalgic charm, solid mechanics, and engaging gameplay, making it a must-play for fans of the genre. Critics like CGMagazine and USgamer consider The Messenger a phenomenal and thoughtful tribute to retro gaming, while GameSpace and Nintendo Life recommend it as a modern classic that excels in delivering a challenging yet fair gameplay experience. Despite some minor flaws and criticisms, the overall sentiment towards The Messenger is that of admiration and appreciation for its unique merits and contribution to the indie gaming scene.

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.

MONSTER

Reviews

102 reviews found

100

Nintendo Enthusiast

Nintendo Switch

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

Nintendo Switch

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

Nintendo Switch

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

Nintendo Switch

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

Nintendo Switch

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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DualShockers

Nintendo Switch

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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Nintendojo

Nintendo Switch

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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Switch Player

Nintendo Switch

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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Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

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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