Platforms
- PCSep 10, 20247.4playscore6.69 Critics8.2265 Players
- PlayStation 5Sep 10, 2024NAplayscoreNA0 Critics8.5106 Players
- Xbox Series X|SSep 10, 2024NAplayscoreNA0 CriticsNA0 Players
- PlayStation 4Sep 10, 2024NAplayscoreNA0 Critics8.5106 Players
- Xbox OneSep 10, 2024NAplayscoreNA0 CriticsNA0 Players
- Nintendo SwitchSep 10, 2024NAplayscore7.69 CriticsNA0 Players
28 critic reviews · 0 community reviews across all platforms
Critic Reviews
- If there is one thing I love almost as much as sequels, it’s spiritual successors. Especially if those spiritual successors have turned into a metroidvania. Listen, I had a decent time with Yars Rising but in the end, it has been a bit forgettable. Little things like waiting for loading screens, having to rewatch animations and dialog due to dying, and just okay platforming have soured me just a bit hence my score. I honestly started the game higher than when I ended. I think there is something here however and would absolutely play a sequel to this game if one comes along. Metroidvania enthusiasts should give it a go if they are looking for shorter experience to add to their gamer résumé.
Corey Lyle · Sep 22, 2024 Reviewed on Series X|SRead full review - The main character in Yars Rising has so much vigour that there are certainly no flies on her. Bad jokes! Bad jokes everywhere! Well, I enjoyed this game, though it’s not perfect.
Dagmara Kottke · Sep 20, 2024 Reviewed on SwitchRead full review - Yars Rising creatively blends retro Atari gameplay with platforming. I love the way the game controls and plays, and the artful presentation is brimming with color and life, but its persistent load screens and a lack of fast travel are annoying.
Matthew Carmosino · Sep 19, 2024 Reviewed on PS5Read full review - Yars Rising is a terrific platformer. It features satisfying puzzles, shooting elements, a fast-paced and humorus story, along with a clever integration of a classic Atari game. Apart from some annoying loading screens, this is absolutely a game worth checking out.
Jemma Casson · Sep 16, 2024 Reviewed on SwitchRead full review - I appreciate what WayForward did with Yars Rising, as it incorporates the source material in some cool ways while doing something entirely new. It’s a solid Metroidvania, and bringing in Yars’ Revenge gameplay for hacking can be entertaining. I just feel that even with the unusual approach to hacking, some design elements and decisions feel a bit bland. It’s enjoyable, but I’m not entirely sure it’s very memorable.
Jenni Lada · Sep 16, 2024 Reviewed on SwitchRead full review - Yars: Rising is an ambitious spiritual sequel to Yars' Revenge, and will give you a challenge; Wayforward and Atari worked their magic all through this one. Not so much in enemy variation, but Emi keeps the combat exciting and fun, and the hacks are that old Atari 2600 difficulty. Samus and Megaman would be proud. You will be too.
Joseph Moorer · Sep 12, 2024 Reviewed on PCRead full review - Yars Rising takes a old favourite and twists into an odd beast. Whilst framing it as a search action game makes for a more substantial experience, the presentation doesn't blend successfully and I find Emi to be an annoying character. The traversal and combat feels okay with only the bosses providing a genuine challenge. The hacking challenges have an impressive variety but it's a small part of a larger, less interesting package.
Mike · Sep 11, 2024 Reviewed on PS5Read full review - Yars Rising revitalizes the classic Yars' Revenge with a fresh Metroidvania twist. WayForward has modernized the gameplay, introducing dynamic puzzle mechanics, engaging platforming sections, and charming character writing. While some elements like backtracking and combat variety could use improvement, the quirky protagonist Emi and the game’s clever integration of hacking puzzles make it a fun experience.
Azario Lopez · Sep 10, 2024 Reviewed on PCRead full review - Yars Rising keeps the spirit of its inspiration alive through the robust old-school challenges of a hacking game, but as a 2D Metroidvania it all falls a bit flat. Great controls, fun ability progression, and a killer soundtrack can't elevate the game past the limitations of its straightforward level design.
Dustin Bailey · Sep 10, 2024 Reviewed on PCRead full review - Yars Rising is a decent enough adventure, but it feels like a very odd way to revive Atari’s legendary franchise.
Mick Fraser · Sep 10, 2024 Reviewed on PCRead full review
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About the game
Trailers & Screenshots:
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.
In WayForward’s experienced hands, the Yars franchise becomes an expansive mystery solved through 2D platforming action. Take control of the young hacker Emi Kimura, who is hired by a mysterious patron to infiltrate the shadowy QoTech corporation. Run, jump, sneak, and hack your way through challenges as you slowly unravel a complex secret shrouded in intrigue.
Emi grows in power throughout her adventure, allowing her to retrace her steps and reach previously inaccessible and secret areas. Her evolving hacking skills are critical to solving stimulating minigames that reference the innovative gameplay from the Atari 2600 title Yars’ Revenge.
The deeper into the QoTech facilities Emi ventures, the more expansive the sci-fi mystery becomes. A colorful cast of hacker allies help Emi discover her connection to a distant alien race and unlock powers unlike anything she could have imagined.
Yars Rising celebrates the Yars franchise in WayForward’s distinct style of anime art, humor, retro game mechanics and storytelling virtuosity.
Developer: WayForward