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Yars Rising

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Yars Rising
Item: Yars Rising
Author: Monster Critic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Platformer, Single Player

AvailableSep 10, 2024

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

DeveloperWayForward

Overview

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.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Analysis Unavailable

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TL;DR

story and narrative

Description unavailable

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

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

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The critics unanimously praise the gameplay of Yars Rising for its engaging and satisfying elements. Pure Nintendo highlights the variety in movesets and balanced difficulty, while GameSpew and GameGrin appreciate the mix of sneaking, shooting, and platforming elements in a Metroidvania style. PlayStation Country commends the limited movement and combat options that expand as you explore, along with the inclusion of light stealth elements and challenging boss fights that require pattern recognition. The addition of hacking mini-games, power-ups, and strategic biohacks is also well-received by GameGrin, adding depth and complexity to the gameplay experience. God is a Geek appreciates the standard Metroidvania gameplay mixed with original arcade game challenges through hacking mechanics. On the downside, some critics point out certain issues with the gameplay of Yars Rising. GamesRadar+ notes that while the controls are great and the ability progression system is fun, some boss fights can be anti-climactic, which may detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the hacking mechanics, although offering varied challenges, can become repetitive due to the sheer number of hacks required, as mentioned by GamesRadar+. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Yars Rising. The game successfully combines elements of platforming, stealth, shooting, and hacking to create an engaging and challenging experience for players. The variety in movesets, balanced difficulty, and inclusion of boss fights and hacking mini-games are highlighted as strong points by multiple critics, such as Pure Nintendo, GameSpew, and PlayStation Country. While there are some minor issues like anti-climactic boss fights and potential repetitiveness in hacking mechanics, the overall sentiment is that Yars Rising delivers a satisfying and enjoyable gameplay experience that will appeal to fans of the Metroidvania genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

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

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The critics unanimously praise the vibrant and colorful visuals of Yars Rising. Pure Nintendo commends the lovely 2D visuals that cleverly give the impression of 3D, while GameSpew highlights the lively character models that infuse the metroidvania world with life and personality. GameGrin also appreciates the wonderful color palette and unique character designs, along with the animated cutscenes that enhance the overall visual experience. These positive aspects contribute to creating an engaging and visually appealing game world that captures the players' attention. However, there are some criticisms regarding the visual design of Yars Rising. GamesRadar+ notes the lack of visual variety, with most areas feeling nondescript and stretched thin, which detracts from the overall experience. They also mention the absence of standout locations, despite the presence of Atari nostalgia Easter eggs. God is a Geek points out some odd animations for the protagonist, which may disrupt the immersion in the game world. Additionally, the lack of lip-sync during dialogue, as mentioned by GameGrin, could be seen as a drawback that affects the overall visual presentation. Overall, the critics' opinions on the Graphics and Visual Design of Yars Rising are mixed. While there is widespread appreciation for the vibrant colors, detailed character models, and unique designs, there are also concerns raised about the lack of visual variety, odd animations, and technical shortcomings. PlayStation Country acknowledges the game's confident identity with its colorful aesthetic but notes that it may not be groundbreaking. Despite the mixed feedback, it seems that the visual design of Yars Rising manages to create a visually engaging world with its own charm, albeit with some room for improvement in terms of variety and technical polish.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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music and sound design

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Voice Acting

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TL;DR

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

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

33%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Yars Rising has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Pure Nintendo praises the voicework, particularly highlighting Emi's character as voiced with passion and humor, which adds depth to the narrative. GameSpew also appreciates the fully voiced characters with over-the-top performances that contribute to the game's personality. These positive aspects of the voice acting enhance the overall immersive experience of the game, as noted by GameGrin, who commends the well-done voice acting for elevating the gameplay. On the other hand, there are critics who have expressed some reservations about the voice acting in Yars Rising. PlayStation Country points out that Emi's talkative and chirpy nature may not appeal to everyone, with the reviewer finding her personality and banter annoying. This sentiment is echoed by God is a Geek, who finds the protagonist's constant commentary irritating and considers the NPCs to be interchangeable. GamesRadar+ also notes that while the voice acting has energy, it can come across as over the top, resembling a '00s anime dub cast having fun in the booth. The lack of a spark in the story to tie it all together further detracts from the overall impact of the voice acting. Overall, the consensus among the critics is somewhat divided regarding the voice acting in Yars Rising. While some reviewers appreciate the passion, humor, and over-the-top performances that enhance the game's personality, others find certain characters' voices and dialogues irritating or lacking depth. The positive aspects of the voice acting contribute positively to the game's immersive experience, but the mixed opinions suggest that the execution may not resonate with all players.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

Analysis Unavailable

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technical performance

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Replay Value

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replay value

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Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

41%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of the critics on Yars Rising, it is evident that the game has garnered praise for various positive aspects. Pure Nintendo commends the game for being a "terrific platformer" with engaging puzzles and shooting elements, highlighting its worth despite some minor drawbacks like annoying loading screens. GameGrin echoes this sentiment by describing Yars Rising as an "awesome mix" of action platformer and stealth gameplay, lauding its great visuals, music, and intriguing story. These positive remarks indicate that the game excels in providing an enjoyable gameplay experience with unique elements that cater to fans of the genre. On the flip side, criticisms of Yars Rising also emerge from some reviewers. PlayStation Country expresses disappointment in the game, noting its shortcomings in combat danger, linear progression, and bland level design. The reviewer finds that despite offering variety in hacking stages and colorful visuals, these elements do not come together cohesively. Similarly, GamesRadar+ mentions that while the game is competent overall, it lacks standout features that would make it truly exceptional, indicating a sense of missed potential in delivering a truly memorable experience. These criticisms point towards areas where Yars Rising may fall short in meeting the expectations of players and critics alike. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the Overall Verdict of Yars Rising is mixed. While there is praise for its engaging gameplay, visuals, and unique elements such as the hacking twist, there are also reservations about its execution and overall impact. GameSpew acknowledges the game as a "solid metroidvania adventure" with room for improvement, suggesting that Yars Rising has the foundation for a compelling experience but may need refinement in certain areas. God is a Geek's opinion adds to this mixed reception by highlighting that the game feels like an "odd revival" of Atari's franchise, indicating a potential disconnect between the old and new elements present in the game. In conclusion, Yars Rising appears to offer a blend of positive attributes and areas for enhancement, leaving room for differing opinions among critics and players alike.

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.

MONSTER

Reviews

51 reviews found

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.

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Pure Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

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.

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GameSpew

PlayStation 5

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.

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PlayStation Country

PlayStation 5

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.

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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.

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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.

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Shacknews

Nintendo Switch

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.

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Pizza Fria

Sep 10, 2024

Summary and quote unavailable.

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Geek to Geek Media

Sep 22, 2024

Summary and quote unavailable.

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.

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