75
MONSTER
"Inspired by BioShock and System Shock 2, Void Bastards is a revolutionary new strategy-shooter that will test your wits as well as exercise your aim. Can you lead the misfit prisoners of the Void Ark through the derelict spaceships and myriad dangers of the Sargasso Nebula?"
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
EXPAND ALL
Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
61
Void Bastards thrives on its razor-sharp, absurdist satire and quirky visual style, blending dystopian bureaucracy with Douglas Adams-esque chaos, but its undercooked narrative and repetitive mechanics undermine emotional engagement, leaving players torn between charm and frustration.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
61
Positive Reviews (80-100)
4%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
85%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
11%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Void Bastards thrives on its razor-sharp, absurdist satire and quirky visual style, blending dystopian bureaucracy with Douglas Adams-esque chaos, but its undercooked narrative and repetitive mechanics undermine emotional engagement, leaving players torn between charm and frustration.
Gameplay Mechanics
Expand for full analysis
82
A sharp roguelike blending procedural chaos, resource management, and tactical depth. Void Bastards shines with inventive tools and adaptive difficulty, but repetitive exploration, predictable combat, and punishing permadeath test patience, offering a rewarding yet uneven experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
82
Positive Reviews (80-100)
68%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
32%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
A sharp roguelike blending procedural chaos, resource management, and tactical depth. Void Bastards shines with inventive tools and adaptive difficulty, but repetitive exploration, predictable combat, and punishing permadeath test patience, offering a rewarding yet uneven experience.
Graphics and Visual Design
Expand for full analysis
85
Critics rave about Void Bastards' vibrant comic book aesthetic, cel-shaded visuals, and quirky enemy designs, calling it a standout example of stylized gaming. While some note repetition and technical hiccups, the art style's charm and innovation dominate, solidifying its unique identity.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
85
Positive Reviews (80-100)
79%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
21%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics rave about Void Bastards' vibrant comic book aesthetic, cel-shaded visuals, and quirky enemy designs, calling it a standout example of stylized gaming. While some note repetition and technical hiccups, the art style's charm and innovation dominate, solidifying its unique identity.
Music and Sound Design
Expand for full analysis
73
Void Bastards’ sound design excels at immersing players with adaptive combat cues, eerie atmospherics, and comedic voice lines, but critics rarely dig into its musical depth, focusing instead on how audio enhances tension and tone—proving its effectiveness even without technical breakdowns.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
73
Positive Reviews (80-100)
38%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
63%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Void Bastards’ sound design excels at immersing players with adaptive combat cues, eerie atmospherics, and comedic voice lines, but critics rarely dig into its musical depth, focusing instead on how audio enhances tension and tone—proving its effectiveness even without technical breakdowns.
Voice Acting
Expand for full analysis
72
Void Bastards' voice acting shines with sharp British wit, sarcastic charm, and memorable character quirks—especially the AI guide’s snarky tone and robot companion’s dry humor—but repetitive lines and underdeveloped dialogue dilute its impact, making it a stylish but uneven pillar of the game’s quirky appeal.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
72
Positive Reviews (80-100)
29%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
64%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
7%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Void Bastards' voice acting shines with sharp British wit, sarcastic charm, and memorable character quirks—especially the AI guide’s snarky tone and robot companion’s dry humor—but repetitive lines and underdeveloped dialogue dilute its impact, making it a stylish but uneven pillar of the game’s quirky appeal.
Technical Performance
Expand for full analysis
74
Void Bastards delivers smooth, stable gameplay on Xbox One and PC, but struggles with frame-rate hiccups and visual flaws on Switch and PS4, making it a mixed technical experience despite its addictive core.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
74
Positive Reviews (80-100)
38%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
63%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Void Bastards delivers smooth, stable gameplay on Xbox One and PC, but struggles with frame-rate hiccups and visual flaws on Switch and PS4, making it a mixed technical experience despite its addictive core.
Replay Value
Expand for full analysis
72
Critics laud Void Bastards' roguelike thrills and procedural diversity for addictive play, yet repetitive design and a monotonous core loop dampen long-term appeal, leaving replayability in question.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
72
Positive Reviews (80-100)
38%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
56%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
6%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Critics laud Void Bastards' roguelike thrills and procedural diversity for addictive play, yet repetitive design and a monotonous core loop dampen long-term appeal, leaving replayability in question.
Overall Verdict
75
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
75
Positive Reviews (80-100)
73%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
28%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Void Bastards shines with its vibrant art, inventive roguelike-shooter blend, and dark humor, earning praise as a standout immersive sim. However, repetitive mechanics, uneven enemies, and shallow narrative detract from its appeal, though most still call it a must-play for fans of the genre.
75
MONSTER
Reviews
84 reviews found100
TrueAchievements
May 28, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review calls Void Bastards one of the best games of the year, praising its design, player agency, and execution across all aspects. It is highly recommended for its unique blend of mechanics and style.
Read full review
100
Quarter to Three
Feb 4, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Void Bastards is hailed as one of the best games of 2019, praised for its unique blend of first-person shooting, survival mechanics, and creative design. The reviewer highlights its flexibility, humor, and ability to evolve through updates like challenge levels.
Read full review
90
We Got This Covered
May 28, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A highly praised, streamlined immersive sim that distills the genre's core elements into a focused, engaging experience. The review calls it 'fantastic' and highlights its balance of exploration, strategy, and innovation.
Read full review
88
Hooked Gamers
May 28, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review praises the game's approachability, dark humor, and fun elements, while acknowledging minor flaws like repetition. The 8.8 score reflects a positive assessment, emphasizing its strengths in gameplay and style despite some shortcomings.
Read full review
88
COGconnected
Jun 14, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review praises Void Bastards as a unique and engaging first-person shooter with strong tactical elements and visual style, though it notes some flaws like repetition and an abrupt conclusion. The game is ultimately deemed worth playing.
Read full review
85
Softpedia
Jun 24, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The conclusion calls Void Bastards a must-play title with strong gameplay, combat mechanics, and customization options. Despite flaws like a weak story and low replayability, the game is praised for its addictive nature and unique blend of genres.
Read full review
85
NintendoWorldReport
May 6, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is praised as a standout roguelike with competent first-person shooter elements, a challenging gameplay loop, and exceptional visual/audio design. Minor technical issues are overshadowed by its unique blend of Rogue Legacy and Fallout-inspired mechanics, making it a must-have for fans.
Read full review
85
PlayStation Universe
May 18, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A compelling mix of BioShock-inspired FPS, strategy, and roguelike elements with a strong sense of humor. While it has minor flaws like flat level design and technical issues, it delivers an engaging 15-20 hour experience that balances challenge and creativity.
Read full review
83
Vandal
Jun 9, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A notable roguelike with a unique blend of strategy and FPS elements, despite some repetition in design and enemy variety.
80
GameGrin
Jun 18, 2019
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review concludes with strong approval of Void Bastards, highlighting its enjoyable gameplay, visuals, and unique elements despite some flaws like enemy repetition and lack of variety.
Read full review