69
MONSTER
From the renowned development studio WayForward Technologies, Inc. (Shantae, River City Girls, Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp) comes Yars Rising, a 2D action adventure exploration of one of Atari’s richest, and best known classic titles.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
EXPAND ALL
Story and Narrative
NA
TL;DR
story and narrative
Description unavailable
Gameplay Mechanics
Expand for full analysis
71
Critics unanimously praise Yars Rising's engaging gameplay with a variety of movesets and balanced difficulty. The game's mix of sneaking, shooting, and platforming elements in a Metroidvania style is well-received. Positive feedback includes limited movement, combat options that expand as you explore, challenging boss fights, hacking mini-games, power-ups, and biohacks. Some critics mention anti-climactic boss fights and potential repetitiveness in hacking mechanics as downsides. Overall, Yars Rising delivers a satisfying and enjoyable gameplay experience that combines platforming, stealth, shooting, and hacking for fans of the Metroidvania genre.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
71
Positive (80-100)
33%
Mixed (50-79)
67%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Critics unanimously praise Yars Rising's engaging gameplay with a variety of movesets and balanced difficulty. The game's mix of sneaking, shooting, and platforming elements in a Metroidvania style is well-received. Positive feedback includes limited movement, combat options that expand as you explore, challenging boss fights, hacking mini-games, power-ups, and biohacks. Some critics mention anti-climactic boss fights and potential repetitiveness in hacking mechanics as downsides. Overall, Yars Rising delivers a satisfying and enjoyable gameplay experience that combines platforming, stealth, shooting, and hacking for fans of the Metroidvania genre.
Graphics and Visual Design
Expand for full analysis
71
Critics praise vibrant visuals of Yars Rising for its 2D art cleverly giving a 3D feel and lively character models. However, some criticize lack of visual variety and odd animations, affecting immersion. While the game's colorful aesthetic is appreciated, there are concerns about its groundbreaking nature and technical shortcomings. Overall, Yars Rising creates an engaging world with charm but needs improvement in variety and polish.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
71
Positive (80-100)
50%
Mixed (50-79)
50%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics praise vibrant visuals of Yars Rising for its 2D art cleverly giving a 3D feel and lively character models. However, some criticize lack of visual variety and odd animations, affecting immersion. While the game's colorful aesthetic is appreciated, there are concerns about its groundbreaking nature and technical shortcomings. Overall, Yars Rising creates an engaging world with charm but needs improvement in variety and polish.
Music and Sound Design
NA
TL;DR
music and sound design
Description unavailable
Voice Acting
Expand for full analysis
64
The voice acting in Yars Rising has sparked mixed reviews. Some critics praise the passion and humor, enhancing the game's narrative and immersive experience. However, others find certain voices irritating or lacking depth, with some likening the over-the-top performances to a '00s anime dub cast. Overall, opinions are divided on whether the voice acting successfully enhances the gameplay for all players.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
64
Positive (80-100)
33%
Mixed (50-79)
33%
Negative (0-49)
33%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
The voice acting in Yars Rising has sparked mixed reviews. Some critics praise the passion and humor, enhancing the game's narrative and immersive experience. However, others find certain voices irritating or lacking depth, with some likening the over-the-top performances to a '00s anime dub cast. Overall, opinions are divided on whether the voice acting successfully enhances the gameplay for all players.
Technical Performance
NA
TL;DR
technical performance
Description unavailable
Replay Value
NA
TL;DR
replay value
Description unavailable
Overall Verdict
69
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
69
Positive (80-100)
42%
Mixed (50-79)
52%
Negative (0-49)
6%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Critics praise Yars Rising for its engaging gameplay, visuals, and unique elements like hacking, but point out shortcomings in combat, level design, and overall impact. The game is deemed a solid metroidvania adventure with room for improvement, but opinions are mixed on its execution and potential.
69
MONSTER
Reviews
50 reviews found90
GameGrin
Sep 10, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Yars Rising is an awesome mix of a 2D action platformer with stealth and retro game action, featuring great visuals, music, and an intriguing story, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Read full review
85
Pure Nintendo
Sep 16, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Yars Rising is a terrific platformer with satisfying puzzles and shooting elements, worth checking out despite some annoying loading screens.
Read full review
70
GameSpew
Sep 10, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Yars Rising is a solid metroidvania adventure with enjoyable gameplay, colorful visuals, and lively characters, despite frustrating hacking levels. It offers a fun experience with room for improvement.
Read full review
60
PlayStation Country
Sep 12, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The reviewer finds Yars Rising lacking in certain aspects like combat danger, linear progression, and bland level design. While it offers variety in hacking stages and colorful visuals, the overall package doesn't combine well for the reviewer.
Read full review
50
GamesRadar+
Sep 10, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Yars Rising is competent in every aspect but falls short of being memorable. While the hacking twist is interesting, the game lacks standout features to make it truly exceptional.
Read full review
50
God is a Geek
Sep 10, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Yars Rising is a decent adventure but feels like an odd revival of Atari's franchise, with a mix of old and new elements that may not fully resonate with all players.
Read full review
90
90
Geek to Geek Media
Sep 22, 2024
Summary and quote unavailable.
90
Shacknews
Sep 10, 2024
I’ve gone on too long at this point, but I kind of want to just keep gushing! Yars Rising looks like a bunch of wacky stuff that shouldn’t work. Yet when it comes together it’s a blast for nearly its entire runtime. It’s WayForward at its most self-indulgent, but that turns out to be a great gaming experience that extends into a sweet, clever, little love letter to Atari’s classic library in a way that feels fresh and unique. The way Yars' Revenge, as the core of this concept, is woven throughout what from the outside seems like a totally unrelated kind of game is a constant source of dopamine. And while the stealth is kind of a dud, the action and exploration on the Metroidvania side is top notch, especially with all the neat and unusual powers you get to play with. Yars Rising is a big surprise, and one of the most memorable games I’ve played in 2024. Yars Rising is available on September 10, 2024 for the PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Atari VCS.
Read full review
85
Gamers Heroes
Sep 10, 2024
Taking elements from the best MetroidVanias, retro shooters, and anime series, Yars Rising delivers a truly immersive experience with mass appeal. Yars Rising Review Hardened Warhammer fans finally have the ultimate Space Marine experience with Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. Always having class while still being humble, Madden NFL 25 continues the series’ grand legacy. It has been 42 years since the release of the first ever Star Wars game, and open world games have been around for decades.
Read full review