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CRITIK

Ruiner

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

2017

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableSep 26, 2017

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

DeveloperReikon Games

Overview

Ruiner is a top-down action shooter created in the spirit of cult cyberpunk anime and game classics. Ruiner is quick and brutal but sophisticated gameplay, original world with mature storyline and unique visual style.

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

32%

Mixed (50-79)

62%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Ruiner has garnered mixed reviews from critics, with some highlighting its positives. Critics like Push Square and COGconnected appreciate the game's cyberpunk-themed narrative, memorable characters, and engaging elements such as hacking and vengeance quests. The world of Ruiner is described as twisted, alive, and intriguing by Push Square, while Nintendo Life praises the intense and hyper-violent storytelling that unfolds through gameplay. Additionally, App Trigger and BaziCenter find the narrative unexpectedly captivating, with well-defined plots and unexpected twists adding depth to the story. On the flip side, several critics point out the negatives of Ruiner's story. Game Informer and GameGrin criticize the narrative for feeling convoluted, soulless, and hollow, with uninteresting characters and a lack of payoff. IGN and GameSpew mention the lack of depth in the main narrative, with IGN noting that the revenge plot is straightforward and GameSpew highlighting the sterile feeling due to the absence of voice acting. The SixthAxis and Gamer.nl express disinterest in the bleak and unengaging story, with The SixthAxis specifically stating a lack of care for the events in the game. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the story of Ruiner leans towards a mixed reception. While some appreciate the cyberpunk influences, memorable characters, and unexpected twists, others criticize the lack of depth, uninteresting characters, and convoluted storytelling. The game seems to excel in creating a dark and mysterious atmosphere, but falls short in delivering a cohesive and engaging narrative for all players. Critics like GameSpot and TrueAchievements find elements of corruption, survival, and identity exploration intriguing, but others like Gameplanet and Gaming Nexus feel let down by unanswered questions and lack of originality in the narrative. Ultimately, Ruiner's story seems to be a divisive aspect of the game, resonating differently with each reviewer based on their preferences for storytelling in cyberpunk-themed games.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Ruiner's story receives mixed reviews from critics. Some praise its cyberpunk-themed narrative, memorable characters, and engaging elements like hacking and vengeance quests. However, others criticize it for feeling convoluted, soulless, and lacking depth. While some find the dark atmosphere intriguing, many feel let down by uninteresting characters and a lack of originality. Overall, the narrative divides opinions among reviewers, with some appreciating its twists and turns while others find it unengaging and hollow.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

85%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Ruiner for being clean, well-executed, and satisfying, offering a straightforward and arcadey experience. Critics such as Game Informer and PlayStation Universe highlighted the ultraviolent and stylish twin-stick shooter gameplay, with well-designed weapons and the use of slow motion adding depth to the combat. The game was commended for its diverse range of weapons, abilities, and power progression systems, as noted by PlayStation Country and Push Square. The combat was described as brutal, challenging, and demanding, requiring tactical thinking and skillful execution, as emphasized by critics like PlayStation LifeStyle and TrueAchievements. On the downside, some critics pointed out issues with Ruiner's gameplay. ZTGD mentioned missteps leading to tedium and frustration, particularly with a slow leveling system and repetitive environments. Nintendojo highlighted unbalanced difficulty levels that resulted in frustrating fights, while DualShockers criticized slow and loose controls for fast-paced action, although the variety of weapons helped mitigate these shortcomings. PC Gamer noted criticisms regarding the lack of variation and complexity in enemy types and boss fights, as well as repetitive map layouts. CGMagazine mentioned a lack of visible impact and sense of power in weapons, detracting from the overall appeal of the combat. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding Ruiner's gameplay. The game's fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding combat system, combined with a variety of weapons, abilities, and skill progression, resonated well with reviewers. The intense isometric action gameplay, as described by Multiplayer.it, was a common highlight, with many critics praising the depth and strategic elements of the combat. While there were some criticisms regarding specific aspects such as difficulty balancing, control responsiveness, and level design, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards the game offering a highly enjoyable and engaging gameplay experience. Critics like Gameplanet and PC Gamer appreciated the skillful play rewarded by the combat mechanics, showcasing Ruiner as a standout title in the twin-stick shooter genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Ruiner's gameplay shines with clean, satisfying twin-stick shooter action praised by critics for its ultraviolent style and well-designed combat mechanics. Critics laud the diverse range of weapons and abilities, challenging gameplay, and strategic depth, though some highlight issues like tedium from slow leveling and repetitive environments. Despite critiques on difficulty balance and control responsiveness, Ruiner stands out as a highly enjoyable and engaging title in the twin-stick shooter genre, offering fast-paced, rewarding combat that rewards skillful play.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

66%

Mixed (50-79)

34%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics had overwhelmingly positive opinions about the graphics and visual design of Ruiner. Game Informer praised the stunning visuals, highlighting the action gameplay as the crux of the game. IGN and IGN Italia both commended the cyberpunk aesthetic, with IGN Italia specifically mentioning the unique art style and warm yet unsettling color combinations. PlayStation Universe and Push Square lauded the neon-lit cyberpunk design, with Push Square emphasizing the beautiful world with a unique red color palette that works magnificently. Additionally, reviewers like Nintendo Life and PC Gamer appreciated the phenomenally good-looking cyberpunk aesthetic and gorgeous city design, respectively. Despite the overall positive reception, some critics did mention drawbacks in Ruiner's graphics and visual design. PlayStation Country noted that the dark red and black color scheme, while visually appealing, could make it harder to react to enemies due to the dark details of the levels. Stevivor criticized the monotonous industrial design of the levels, which detracted from the sense of progression. GameGrin highlighted the lack of style beyond a red haze over most levels, and CGMagazine mentioned that some locations were dull and overly similar, although the hub city was praised for its neon signs. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Ruiner excels in delivering a visually stunning cyberpunk world with a unique and captivating aesthetic. The game's use of vibrant neon colors, gritty industrial environments, and cyberpunk influences received widespread acclaim from reviewers. While there were some criticisms regarding level design repetition, clarity issues, and lack of variety in certain areas, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards the positive side. With mentions of influences from iconic works like Blade Runner and Akira, Ruiner's graphics and visual design were generally well-received, making it a standout feature of the game according to the majority of critics.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics raved about Ruiner's stunning cyberpunk graphics, praising its neon-lit world and unique art style. Some mentioned drawbacks like dark levels hindering gameplay reaction time and monotonous industrial design. Overall, reviewers lauded the game's captivating aesthetic inspired by iconic works like Blade Runner and Akira, making it a standout feature despite minor criticisms.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

62%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Sound Design and Music of Ruiner have received a mix of positive and negative feedback from various critics. Many reviewers praised the game's soundtrack for enhancing the overall atmosphere and gameplay experience. IGN and PlayStation Universe highlighted the menacing techno and tribal techno elements that complement the cyberpunk aesthetic, with IGN specifically noting that the soundtrack is noteworthy and can be found on synthwave blogs. Nintendo Life and App Trigger also commended the high-intensity electronic soundtrack, with Nintendo Life describing it as superb and enhancing the relentless onscreen action. Gameplanet and AusGamers appreciated the selection of music, with Gameplanet calling it masterful and fitting the tone of the game perfectly. On the other hand, some critics pointed out drawbacks in the Sound Design and Music of Ruiner. Game Informer mentioned that while the soundtrack does its job, nothing particularly stands out, indicating a lack of memorable elements. COGconnected and BaziCenter criticized the repetitive music and the absence of voice acting for dialogues, which impacted the overall immersion and storytelling. The Digital Fix raised concerns about the audio not effectively differentiating between levels, enemies, or boss characters, potentially affecting the gameplay experience and immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the positive side regarding the Sound Design and Music of Ruiner. The haunting electronic soundtrack, intense techno beats, and urban sound effects were widely appreciated for setting the tone and enhancing the cyberpunk atmosphere of the game. However, criticisms regarding repetitive music, lack of voice acting, and audio differentiation issues were noted by some reviewers, such as Game Informer, COGconnected, and The Digital Fix. Despite these drawbacks, the majority of critics, including IGN, Nintendo Life, and Gameplanet, found the soundtrack to be a significant asset that contributed positively to the overall gameplay experience of Ruiner.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have praised Ruiner's sound design and music for its haunting electronic soundtrack and intense techno beats, enhancing the cyberpunk atmosphere. Positive feedback highlighted the music's immersive quality and fitting tone, with some noting its presence on synthwave blogs. However, some critics found the music repetitive and lacking in memorable elements, impacting immersion and differentiation between game elements. Overall, while there were criticisms, most critics agreed that the sound design and music of Ruiner added value to the gameplay 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)

30%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

20%

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

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, the critics had varying experiences. On the Nintendo Switch, COGconnected and Nintendo Life both praised the smooth controls and performance, especially in handheld mode. COGconnected specifically highlighted the absence of slowdowns in visuals or lighting. This indicates a positive experience for players on the Switch, particularly in portable mode. Additionally, Nintendojo mentioned that despite minor glitches and framerate issues, the game overall ran smoothly on the platform. However, there were also notable technical issues reported by critics on various platforms. Stevivor encountered a bug on the PS4 where a certain enemy type became impervious to attacks, impacting gameplay. On the PC, GameSpew mentioned erratic framerates with random hitches and jerks, while Polygon reported inconsistent performance with frame rate dips, freezes, and crashes affecting the gameplay experience. These issues could potentially hinder player enjoyment and immersion in the game, showcasing a lack of optimization on these platforms. Overall, there is a mixed consensus among the critics regarding the technical performance of Ruiner across different platforms. While some, like COGconnected and PC Gamer, had positive experiences with smooth performance and stability, others, such as Stevivor and Polygon, highlighted significant technical issues impacting gameplay. The differing opinions suggest that the game's technical performance may vary depending on the platform, with some players having a smoother experience than others. It is essential for potential players to consider these technical aspects before deciding on the platform to play Ruiner for a more enjoyable gaming experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed experiences with Ruiner's technical performance on different gaming platforms. Nintendo Switch was praised for smooth controls and performance, while PS4 and PC faced issues like bugs, framerate problems, and crashes. Some had a positive experience, while others faced hindrances to gameplay. Players should consider platform differences for a better gaming experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

79%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the variety of weapons, abilities, and character builds in Ruiner that contribute to its replay value. Critics like God is a Geek and BaziCenter appreciated the progression system and different strategies available for replaying levels. Nintendo Life and Nintendo World Report commended the inclusion of New Game+ mode, speedrun mode, and arena mode, offering players additional challenges and incentives to replay levels. The ability to earn XP, unlock new costumes, and strive for higher ratings in levels were also mentioned as positive aspects by critics like Nintendo Life. On the negative side, some critics pointed out limitations that impact the game's replayability. Stevivor noted the repetitive levels and lack of an endless/survival mode as factors that limit the game's replay value. DualShockers highlighted the punishing difficulty and unsatisfying gameplay experience as deterrents to replaying the game. IGN Italia mentioned the lack of exploration, puzzles, or elements beyond combat, which may lead to a sense of monotony over time. Additionally, Polygon raised concerns about frustrating boss encounters and performance issues that could detract from the overall replay value. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed regarding the replay value of Ruiner. While some critics like TrueAchievements and Windows Central appreciated the various difficulty levels, achievements, and level select features that enhance replayability, others such as DualShockers and Polygon found certain aspects like difficulty and gameplay issues to hinder the overall experience. The inclusion of different game modes, character builds, and progression systems was generally seen as positive by critics, but the lack of variety in gameplay elements and potential for repetition were noted as drawbacks. Ultimately, Ruiner offers a challenging and diverse experience for players seeking to experiment with different playstyles and tackle varying levels of difficulty, but it may not appeal to those looking for a more varied and engaging gameplay loop.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Ruiner for its diverse weapons and abilities, offering high replay value with modes like New Game+ and speedrun. However, some point out issues like repetitive levels and punishing difficulty that may limit replayability. Mixed opinions on gameplay variety and boss encounters leave Ruiner as a challenging choice for players seeking diverse experiences, but lacking in certain elements for those craving more variety.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

60%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of the critics, it is evident that there are several positive aspects highlighted about Ruiner. Critics such as PlayStation Universe, Push Square, and Nintendo Life praise the game for its standout gameplay, beautiful visuals, and engaging cyberpunk world. The game's challenging combat, stylish graphics, and fitting soundtrack are also commended by IGN and App Trigger. Additionally, the captivating atmosphere, diverse weapons, and abilities provide hours of thrilling gameplay, as noted by BaziCenter. The game's high-octane thrills, breakneck action, and pulse-pounding soundtrack are highlighted by Gameplanet, further emphasizing its positive attributes. On the other hand, critics have pointed out some negative aspects of Ruiner. The lack of depth in the story, repetitive elements, and short campaign are mentioned by critics like PlayStation Country, Stevivor, and TrueAchievements. Some critics, such as TheSixthAxis and DualShockers, found the game lacking in likable characters, leading to a lack of motivation to continue playing. Technical performance issues, lack of voice acting, and repetitive music are noted by GameSpew and Gamer.nl as drawbacks that detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the game's confusing story, annoying boss fights, and frustrating difficulty spikes are highlighted by Polygon and Wccftech as areas of improvement. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Ruiner offers a compelling and stylish cyberpunk experience with engaging gameplay mechanics and a visually appealing world. While the game excels in areas such as gameplay, visuals, and sound design, it falls short in terms of narrative execution, character development, and repetitive elements. Despite its flaws, Ruiner is recommended for fans of the cyberpunk genre and twin-stick shooters, as it sets a new standard for the genre, as mentioned by PlayStation Universe. The game's unique world-building, challenging combat, and captivating atmosphere make it a worthy addition to Devolver Digital's lineup, as recognized by TrueAchievements. However, improvements in storytelling, character likability, and gameplay variety could enhance the overall experience and appeal to a broader audience.

TL;DR

Critics praise Ruiner for its standout gameplay, beautiful visuals, and engaging cyberpunk world, with high-octane thrills and a pulse-pounding soundtrack. However, some critics note drawbacks like a lack of depth in the story, repetitive elements, and technical issues. Overall, Ruiner offers a compelling cyberpunk experience with engaging mechanics but falls short in narrative and character development. Despite its flaws, it's recommended for fans of the genre.

CRITIK

Reviews

115 reviews found

100

XBLA Fans

Xbox One

Nov 20, 2017