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CRITIK

Furi

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

2016

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Fighting, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player

AvailableJul 5, 2016

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperThe Game Bakers

Overview

Fight your way free in our frenzied all-boss fighter, and discover what’s waiting behind the last gate. Furi is all about the tension of one-on-one fights against deadly adversaries. It’s an intense, ultra-responsive hack-and-slash with a unique mix of fast-paced sword fighting and dual-stick shooting. Each of the formidable guardians —designed by Afro Samurai creator Takashi Okazaki— has a unique and surprising combat style that requires focus and skill to defeat. The high-energy action gets a boost from an explosive soundtrack composed by electro musicians including Carpenter Brut, who created the trailer’s theme.

Elsewhere

7.5

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

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 Furi are quite varied, with some praising its intriguing and engaging narrative elements. Critics like ICXM and Eurogamer Poland appreciate the minimalist yet interesting storytelling approach, with interactive cutscenes between boss fights and a mysterious protagonist guiding the player through a surreal world. Gameblog.fr also commends the engaging storyline, mentioning intriguing characters and poetic dialogues that enhance the overall experience. The Digital Fix notes that while the story may leave some questions unanswered, there are truths revealed gradually, keeping the player intrigued throughout the runtime. On the other hand, several critics express concerns about the depth and execution of the story in Furi. XboxAddict and CGMagazine find the narrative lackluster and edgy, respectively, with the former stating that it is not entertaining. COGconnected criticizes the slow walking sections between fights, which overstay their welcome and hinder the pacing of the story. Worth Playing mentions that while the narrative is intriguing, it may not provide enough substance to satisfy all players, leaving some aspects underdeveloped. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards appreciating the unique and engaging aspects of Furi's story, despite some reservations about its depth and execution. The game's blend of cryptic dialogue, intriguing characters, and intense boss fights creates a distinctive experience that resonates with many players. Critics like GamingTrend and TheSixthAxis highlight the simple yet effective storytelling that serves as a fantastic backdrop for the high-powered boss battles, ultimately drawing players into the protagonist's journey. While some critics find the narrative lacking in certain areas, the overall sentiment suggests that Furi successfully delivers a compelling and immersive narrative experience that complements its challenging gameplay mechanics.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Furi's story, with some praising its intriguing narrative elements like interactive cutscenes and mysterious protagonist, while others find it lackluster and underdeveloped. Despite some criticisms, most critics appreciate Furi's unique storytelling style and engaging boss battles, making it a compelling and immersive experience overall.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Furi, highlighting its engaging and challenging boss battles, precise controls, and unique combat mechanics. Noisy Pixel commended the boss design, character uniqueness, and smooth controls that enhance the cathartic delight of the battles. Eurogamer Poland appreciated the demanding combat system that relies heavily on reflexes, providing variety through different enemy attacks and phases. Game Rant mentioned fun and nuanced boss battles, while COGconnected described the game as a wonderful mashup of different genres, blending twin-stick shooter action with close-range combat. However, some critics did point out certain drawbacks in the gameplay of Furi. Game Rant noted frustrating and unfair boss battles that detract from the overall experience. Game Informer mentioned that while the combat is tight, the speed and duration of the fights can test both patience and skill. VideoGamer highlighted that fights, while generally fun, can be frustrating due to restarts. The Digital Fix criticized the unengaging walking sections between fights, lacking puzzles or platforming elements. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Furi. The game's mix of melee and ranged combat, challenging boss encounters, and demanding mechanics received high praise from the majority of reviewers. Critics like GameSpot, DualShockers, and TheSixthAxis appreciated the intense and dynamic boss fights, precise controls, and the sense of accomplishment upon defeating each boss. Despite some minor criticisms, the overall sentiment is that Furi offers a rewarding and gratifying gameplay experience for players who enjoy a challenging and skill-based gaming experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics laud Furi's engaging boss battles, precise controls, and unique combat mechanics, with praise for the game's challenging yet rewarding gameplay. Some mention drawbacks like frustrating boss battles and unengaging walking sections, but the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the intense boss fights and sense of accomplishment. Overall, Furi offers a gratifying experience for players seeking a challenging and skill-based game.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

63%

Mixed (50-79)

37%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Furi are overwhelmingly positive. Many reviewers praise the game for its distinct and unique art style that contributes significantly to the overall experience. Critics like XBLA Fans, XboxAddict, and Eurogamer Poland highlight the visually unique and colorful art style that creates lasting impressions. Game Rant and GameSpew appreciate the visually stunning neon visuals and character designs that seamlessly blend with the environment and combat styles of each boss. The distinct character designs by Takashi Okazaki, known for Afro Samurai, are also a standout feature, as mentioned by COGconnected and Ragequit.gr. On the flip side, some critics point out certain drawbacks in the game's visual design. Destructoid mentions that the boss designs feel uneven or underdeveloped, while Game Informer notes that the lush landscapes serve as little more than glorified cutscenes. We Got This Covered criticizes technical shortcomings like low-res textures and framerate dips, which detract from the otherwise strong aesthetic design. Additionally, some critics like GameSpot mention that the landscapes between battles can feel barren and lack depth, impacting the overall visual experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Furi excels in its visually striking and unique art direction, with a blend of colorful cyberpunk aesthetics and distinctive character designs. Critics like EGM, GameCritics, and The Digital Fix praise the game for its visually stunning boss fights, imaginative world designs, and captivating environments. While there are some minor criticisms regarding uneven boss designs and technical issues, the majority of reviewers appreciate the game's art style for creating an immersive and visually extravagant world that complements the fast-paced action gameplay.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Furi's captivating art style, praising its unique visuals and colorful designs that enhance the gaming experience. Some highlight the stunning neon graphics and character designs, while others commend the distinct art direction and boss fights. However, a few critics mention drawbacks such as uneven boss designs and technical issues like low-res textures. Despite minor criticisms, Furi is lauded for its visually striking cyberpunk aesthetics and immersive world that complement its fast-paced gameplay.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Furi, considering it a standout feature of the game. Positive feedback highlighted the fantastic soundtrack that perfectly complemented the gameplay experience. Critics like Eurogamer Poland, Game Rant, and Everyeye.it specifically mentioned the phenomenal electronic and synthwave music that enhanced the intensity and atmosphere of the boss battles. The use of tracks from renowned artists like Carpenter Brut, Danger, and Waveshaper was widely appreciated for elevating the player's engagement and conveying emotions effectively. The pulsing, driving score mentioned by Shacknews and the mesmerizing electro soundtrack highlighted by The Digital Fix were also key points of praise. On the flip side, a few critics pointed out some drawbacks related to the Sound Design and Music of Furi. XboxAddict mentioned that while the energetic score kept the energy up, the voice acting was not entertaining. COGconnected highlighted that some bosses had repetitive dialogue throughout the fights, which could potentially be a minor distraction from the overall experience. These criticisms, however, were minor in comparison to the overwhelming positive feedback regarding the game's sound design and music. In conclusion, the overall consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Furi. The majority of reviewers found the soundtrack to be exceptional, with many praising the electronic beats, synthwave tracks, and licensed techno jams that heightened the gameplay experience. The music was described as fitting, intense, and perfectly complementing the fast-paced battles, enhancing the game's personality and atmosphere. Despite a few minor criticisms regarding voice acting and repetitive dialogue, the general sentiment is that the Sound Design and Music of Furi greatly contributed to the game's overall appeal and enjoyment, making it a standout feature that resonated with players across different platforms.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics raved about Furi's Sound Design and Music, highlighting its fantastic soundtrack that perfectly matched the gameplay. Renowned artists like Carpenter Brut and Danger contributed to the intense atmosphere of boss battles. While some critics mentioned minor issues like repetitive dialogue, the overwhelming consensus is that Furi's sound design and music greatly enhanced the game's appeal and player experience.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

25%

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of technical performance on the PS4, Everyeye.it praised Furi for maintaining a stable 60 fps frame rate, which significantly enhanced the overall gameplay experience. However, GamingTrend noted occasional framerate stutters that could lead to undeserved damage, albeit not significantly impacting the gameplay. IGN Spain mentioned a minor graphical error related to vertical synchronization, which was not deemed catastrophic. Push Square highlighted issues such as screen tearing and stuttering during cutscenes, likely attributed to the Unity engine used for development. Despite these shortcomings, We Got This Covered acknowledged that the technical issues like low-resolution textures and framerate dips did not significantly detract from the overall experience on the PS4. Moving on to the Nintendo Switch platform, DualShockers and Worth Playing both reported positive aspects of Furi's technical performance. DualShockers stated that the game ran smoothly on the Switch without noticeable drops in framerate, providing a satisfying gameplay experience. Worth Playing also mentioned that the game ran well on the Switch, with some minor dips in resolution in handheld mode that did not significantly impact gameplay. However, TheSixthAxis pointed out occasional hiccups and slight slowdowns during busy moments on the Nintendo Switch, noting that the smaller analogue sticks may not be ideal for twin-stick shooting. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding Furi's technical performance across different platforms is mixed. While there were positive remarks about stable frame rates, smooth gameplay, and minimal impact on the overall experience, there were also concerns raised about issues like framerate stutters, graphical errors, and occasional dips in performance. Despite these technical shortcomings, the general sentiment suggests that the gameplay experience remains enjoyable and engaging across both the PS4 and Nintendo Switch platforms, with each platform having its own set of strengths and weaknesses as highlighted by critics like Push Square, DualShockers, and TheSixthAxis.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed opinions on Furi's technical performance on PS4 and Nintendo Switch. While some praised stable frame rates and smooth gameplay, others noted issues like framerate stutters and graphical errors. Overall, the gameplay experience was enjoyable on both platforms, with each having its own strengths and weaknesses.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Furi highlight several positive aspects. Noisy Pixel commends the game for unlocking the most challenging difficulty after completing it once, providing players with a new level of challenge. Eurogamer Poland and Ragequit.gr both appreciate the diverse boss battles and escalating patterns of attacks, which offer a fresh experience with each fight and reward perseverance and skill development. GameSpew and GameSpot mention the inclusion of a secret ending and additional modes like speedrun, encouraging players to revisit the game for new challenges and improved skills. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the replay value of Furi. XboxAddict criticizes the game for offering only 12 boss fights for the price, considering it shallow in content. Game Rant points out the extreme difficulty modes, with one being frustratingly hard and the other too easy, affecting the overall balance and player experiences. Worth Playing highlights that the challenging gameplay may not resonate with everyone and can become frustrating and monotonous during repeated fights, even though an easy mode is available for those struggling with the difficulty. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Furi offers a mix of positive and negative aspects in terms of replay value. While some critics like Destructoid and Gameblog.fr praise the engaging gameplay, intense boss battles, and the drive to improve and overcome challenges, others such as Everyeye.it and The Digital Fix mention concerns about the brevity of the campaign and potential monotony in repeated playthroughs. Despite the varying opinions, the majority of critics acknowledge Furi's ability to provide intense action experiences, diverse challenges, and incentives for players to revisit the game for mastery and improvement.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Furi for its challenging gameplay, diverse boss battles, and replay incentives like secret endings and speedrun modes. Some critics, however, criticize the game for limited boss fights, extreme difficulty modes, and potential monotony in repeated playthroughs. Overall, Furi offers intense action experiences and opportunities for mastery, but opinions on its replay value vary among critics.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

66%

Mixed (50-79)

34%

Negative (0-49)

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

The critics generally praise Furi for its challenging gameplay, rewarding boss fights, captivating visuals, and unique soundtrack. Noisy Pixel commends the game for its remarkable combative polish, while XBLA Fans highly recommends it, emphasizing the excellent combat system and boss fights. Eurogamer Poland hails Furi as a must-play for action game enthusiasts, highlighting its well-designed encounters and captivating visuals. GameSpot describes the gameplay, graphics, and music as potent and unforgettable, showcasing the overall positive sentiment towards the game's core elements. On the downside, some critics point out issues with Furi, such as frustrating design choices, lack of balance in difficulty modes, and occasional framerate issues. Game Rant criticizes the game for frustrating design choices and lack of balance in difficulty modes, hindering it from being a standout indie title. Push Square notes that Furi struggles to maintain its intensity outside of battles, highlighting a potential lack of engagement between boss fights. The Digital Fix finds the game infuriating due to its difficulty and underdeveloped story, indicating that it may not appeal to everyone. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Furi offers a unique and challenging gaming experience that caters to players seeking a rewarding and immersive adventure. While the game may have its flaws, such as difficulty spikes and underdeveloped story elements, it shines in delivering engaging gameplay, stylish visuals, and memorable boss battles. Critics like Ragequit.gr and GameOver.gr commend Furi for its standout challenging game design and rewarding combat mechanics, showcasing its appeal to players looking for a demanding yet satisfying gaming experience. Despite some criticisms, the majority of reviewers recommend Furi for its unique blend of intense combat, captivating art direction, and overall stylish and satisfying gameplay.

TL;DR

Summary: Critics praise Furi for its challenging gameplay, captivating visuals, and unique soundtrack, with some highlighting its remarkable combative polish and excellent combat system. However, issues like frustrating design choices and lack of balance in difficulty modes have been noted. Overall, Furi offers a unique and immersive experience with engaging gameplay and memorable boss battles, appealing to players seeking a demanding yet rewarding gaming adventure.

CRITIK

Reviews

121 reviews found

100

Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 5

May 24, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Furi is a game that will only appeal to die-hard action veterans who love a good challenge. It delivers a sublime boss-rush adventure with remarkable combative polish.

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GamingTrend

PlayStation 4

Jul 3, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Furi is an excellent game with incredible boss fights, a great soundtrack, and a rewarding narrative. The combat is challenging but fair. The occasional framerate issues on the PS4 are a minor drawback. Overall, the reviewer highly recommends Furi.

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DualShockers

Nintendo Switch

Jan 28, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is challenging but rewarding, with engaging gameplay and a fantastic story. It is highly recommended, especially on the Nintendo Switch.

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We Got This Covered

PlayStation 4

Jul 5, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Furi is a stylish and deep game that excels in combat, offering a perfect balance of challenge and reward, making it one of the biggest surprises of the year.

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Game Revolution

PlayStation 4

Jul 5, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Furi is a truly original and radically inventive game with very little to dislike.

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GameOver.gr

PlayStation 4

Jul 21, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A high-quality game catering to players seeking a demanding and rewarding gaming experience, worth considering for its unique gameplay style and engaging combat mechanics.

NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Jan 16, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Furi is an excellent little game with thrilling boss fights and excellent movement options. The only real problem is that the experience is over too quickly.

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Ragequit.gr

Aug 3, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A standout example of challenging game design that offers a rewarding and immersive gaming experience. Stands out for its gameplay mechanics, visuals, and music.

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GameSpace

Nintendo Switch

Jan 11, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer finds Flipping Death to be a whimsically weird ride with brilliant content. They mention some frustrations with the game but still consider it an adventure worth taking. The game takes approximately 7 hours to complete.

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Everyeye.it

PlayStation 4

Jul 1, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Furi offers a rich and challenging experience for players seeking intense boss battles and skill-based gameplay, a significant revelation in the gaming world

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