Sunset Overdrive is a colourful, mindless game – and as such isn’t the sort of thing that’d benefit from having universal appeal. I personally have little to no interest in the game, because a juvenile game filled with bouncing about and shooting things ad infinitum doesn’t sound like my idea of a fun time. That said, our own juvenile reviewer, Alessandro, loved it – and apparently, he’s quite right too. Here’s what other critics think of the game.
GamerTime – 9.4/10
It’s hard not to see the things that have influenced this game, whether it be the over riding Tony Hawks Pro Skater feel or the Scott Pilgrim style text pops. There is even a little Infamous and Jet Set Radio thrown in there for good measure but overall, I haven’t played a game that is this much fun for a long time and I can’t see me rating a game higher than this for a long time either. Sunset Overdrive delivers a superbly fun experience and a nostalgic thrown back to how games used to be. Just great fun.
Joystiq – 5/5
Each of the game’s systems feeds into another, making the experience feel complete and purposeful. More importantly, it gives players a plethora of choices in how they look, what weapon they use and how they play, and then makes every single possible combination feel vindicated. Nothing goes to waste in the awesome-pocalypse, and everyone’s invited to Sunset City’s after-party.
Polygon – 9/10
As a collection of mechanics and ideas, Sunset Overdrive is an impressive evolution of things Insomniac has been doing for a long time. Every part of Sunset Overdrive hooks into every other part somehow, and often in multiple ways, and it makes the whole shooting, grinding, wall-running package better for it. But the best thing about Sunset Overdrive is how it’s unabashedly enthusiastic about what it is, in just about every way. That enthusiasm, and the freedom behind it, is contagious.
IGN – 9/10
Sunset Overdrive is big, gorgeous, and a hell of a lot of fun. Never has getting from point A to point B in an open-world game provided so much enjoyment. It provides some of the most fun, frantic, and fantastic gaming I’ve had on the Xbox One. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to once-again adorn my wolf mask, leap off the highest ledge I can find, and fire an explosive stuffed animal at that group of angry robots.
Destructoid – 8.5/10
Sunset Overdrive may have a few flaws inherent to many open-world games and lack an engaging narrative, but it’s an incredibly fun, vibrant game that’s a nice break from the overly gritty tone we see far too often in today’s market. After Fuse, this is exactly what Insomniac Games needed.
Eurogamer – 8/10
If you wanted to be uncharitable, you could voice the suspicion that a great many baseball caps were turned backwards in the echoing board room where this project was greenlit, but with the campaign done and the city freshly filled with challenges, I don’t really feel like being uncharitable. Beneath the glorious tech, and once the writing relaxes a little, Sunset Overdrive’s wonderfully lurid and heartfelt – a bit like playing an old 4AD album sleeve. If you get that reference, you’ll probably get this, too.
Videogamer – 6/10
In retrospect, however, Sunset Overdrive is a game that doesn’t seem to have been able to build out on its initial promise. For every excellent element, there’s a poor design choice ready to scupper it all. Even the free and easy traversal is sometimes hampered by the sudden realisation that there’s no music playing, nothing driving you to new heights or better combos. Instead there’s just deathly silence, often followed by the observation that the world is empty. Multiplayer (see below) is the highlight of the package, but can’t rescue a poor campaign.
The Escapist – 4/5
While its commitment to madness can be maddening itself, Sunset Overdrive is an energetic, fun-focused adventure. The jokes don’t always hit home, but this is a game that loves being a game, and you can’t hate that sort of honesty.
SAGamer – 8.6/10
There is plenty to collect, to upgrade and to fight against. It’s as fun as they come if your idea of gaming is to have fun, and the story, while generic, still presents itself well enough to make it worth following. Sunset Overdrive simply puts fun first and does so in a way that will have you going back for more. You won’t be sorry if you pick this game up.
Lazygamer – 8.5/10
Sunset Overdrive’s stylistic gameplay and juvenile attitude doesn’t make it a title for everyone. It is, however, an incredibly fun, visually beautiful open-world title that exhibits the best parts of what a sandbox game should be. Tight, stylish movement, engrossing combat and chaotic online fun makes Sunset Overdrive a no brainer for any Xbox One owner.
That’s very nearly universal praise for the game, with just the chaps from Videogamer.com not liking the game very much. I’ll still maintain that the game just doesn’t seem like my sort of thing, but apparently I hate fun.
Last Updated: October 27, 2014
Jonah Cash
October 27, 2014 at 09:33
Wow that is rather impressive actually!! I am just pissed about Destiny’s reviews…. But I will stop now, glad this is seen as a good game!! Everyone playing it have fun!!
Brian Murphy
October 27, 2014 at 12:35
Don’t be pissed, the reviews aren’t having any effect on sales.
Brady miaau
October 27, 2014 at 12:39
wise words
Brian Murphy
October 27, 2014 at 12:42
Reviewers make mistakes, and if history is anything to go by, they spend a perilously short amount of time reviewing every game. Can’t really blame them, they don’t always have the time to truly vet these products.
Best thing you can do is listen to your friends.
Brady miaau
October 27, 2014 at 12:50
I also believe in finding reviewers that think the same way you do, which you learn over time.
For example, Darryn and I want different things from games and that is fine. Zoe Geoff and I seem more on the same page
Brian Murphy
October 27, 2014 at 13:01
I personally, just don’t trust reviewers anymore. It’s not personal, I don’t hate them, I just don’t trust them. I’ve got a large group of friends who all game, some on Xbox, some on Playstation, some on Nintendo, some on PC, and I actually know them. So, you know, maybe it’s just paranoia, but I’ve seen even reviewers I’ve trusted make mistakes that in many cases is due to the time they can (or cannot) invest in games.
I know that I can let my friends play around with a title for a week, and then ask them about it. That typically answers any questions I may have.
Take Destiny as a prime example, my friend Dylan has had it since launch, and he effin loves the hell out of it. It’s allot like WoW in regards to how the quest/raiding is setup. Which is an addiction I can sympathize with lol. But, he and I have fairly similar gaming tastes, so I trust what I’ve seen, and what he says over folks online.
Captain JJ fancy eyes
October 27, 2014 at 09:36
I honestly didn’t really know at all what Sunset Overdrive is all about.
I just thought it was a game about explosions. Looks cool. I would’ve liked to try it out.
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
October 27, 2014 at 09:41
It was playable at rAge. I’m happy I’ve been wrong about it. seems like shite to me.
Captain JJ fancy eyes
October 27, 2014 at 09:44
It does seem a bit juvenile tbh.
Either way. I won’t be able to play it anyway, seeing how it’s Xbone only.
CAE9872
October 27, 2014 at 10:54
Isn’t that perhaps partly the point? From what I have seen a lot of people do say its a lot of fun which is what games should be. At least it isn’t another military shooter!
Captain JJ fancy eyes
October 27, 2014 at 10:59
Dude. Just check what I wrote to Gavin. I said that Saints Row was also juvenile and that was the appeal.
CAE9872
October 27, 2014 at 11:20
Didn’t read every comment but see it now. Now that is one franchise (SR) I have not yet tried…one thing that does need changing!
Captain JJ fancy eyes
October 27, 2014 at 11:23
I bought the second and third on a Humble Sale, went in without knowing a thing about it. It’s ridiculous, mad and generally completely over the top. I played over 50 hours on that and most of that time was co-op.
I see in the IV you now get superpowers. Yes please!
One thing I couldn’t get into though was Just Cause 2. I don’t know why though, will give it a try again someday.
Ryanza
October 27, 2014 at 09:42
6/10 seems fair for this game. I don’t buy the rest of the reviews. Something is up with the gaming media. No wonder gaming media is losing trust. Seems gaming media is trying to please someone else other than gamers. Almost like gaming developers are trying to please share holders instead of gamers.
Anyway. The Witcher 3 is coming.
Captain JJ fancy eyes
October 27, 2014 at 09:46
I agree. I find it extremely difficult to believe these big reviewers. I’ve more than once been proved that there’s something not quite adding up there after buying a 9/10 game and realising it’s closer to a 3/10 game.
I go on community reviews on Steam and suggestions from you fine folks. Lazygamer actually tends to be really good imo, seeing how most of them are just as full as crap as we are. ;P
Gavin Mannion
October 27, 2014 at 10:21
I would have given it a 9…. the 6/10 is ludicrous in my opinion
Captain JJ fancy eyes
October 27, 2014 at 10:29
Well, we’ve all got different taste here. Like I said, this game does intrigue me, and I would’ve liked to try it out. It seems a bit juvenile to me, but so did Saints Row 3 and I played that game to death and now that 4 is on Steam sale I just want to jump back in.
CAE9872
October 27, 2014 at 10:52
How can you POSSIBLY say “6/10” when, I assume, you have never played it and are unlikely to ever play it given your aversion to Xbox. I get you love The Witcher, but come on…why comment on a game you seem to have no interest in?
I don’t blindly follow reviews as I can make up my own mind on games BUT I do look at them when I am on the fence – like this clearly has. There are enough reviews there to make me at least consider it more than without them.
Ryanza
October 27, 2014 at 11:06
Sunset Overdrive from what i’ve heard doesn’t have a good story. More like fetch missions and those fetch missions are boring.
Gameplay is repetitive and will become boring.
Re-playability for years to come. I seriously doubt it.
6/10.
CAE9872
October 27, 2014 at 11:22
To each his/her own; replayability isn’t overly high on my list of requirements for a game, but can understand why for some.
Captain JJ fancy eyes
October 27, 2014 at 11:33
I like replayability on certain fighting and linear games (not all), but it’s usually a nice leveling and choice system that attains that.
I only replay a handful of games actually, come to think of it, so I might have to revisit this idea of mine.
CAE9872
October 27, 2014 at 11:54
I use to think it was important – now I know it isn’t as too many good things to play!
Captain JJ fancy eyes
October 27, 2014 at 12:05
Yea. You’ve kind of made me see that too. I remember replaying games like mad back in the day. Just don’t do that anymore these days (except for Half Life – which I’m busy replaying now). I suppose replayability becomes something that makes a game great, but it’s not a requisite anymore.
Pieter Kruger
October 27, 2014 at 11:06
Only 6/10? Sadly I won’t be getting this then based on your thorough and totally unbiased review! ????
Ryanza
October 27, 2014 at 11:09
the 6/10 comment I was referring to Videogamer’s review score. I didn’t review the game. I just said that review seemed to give a fair score to the game.
Brady miaau
October 27, 2014 at 11:25
Play the game. Read the reviews. They all tend to say,”if you like that sort of thing” The trick here is that your needs and my needs for gaming are not the same (and no reason why they should be).
It sounds like fun to me.
Ryanza
October 27, 2014 at 09:49
If a game gets 8/10 I expect a good story, good gameplay and re-playability.
If a game only has good story and gameplay, I expect a 7/10.
If a game doesn’t have a good story and no re-playability, 6 or less out of 10.
Giving a game like Sunset Overdrive 5/5, 4/5, 8.5/10 ect. Seems like marketing to me.
Cadis Etrama Di Umar
October 27, 2014 at 09:54
I grew up in an age where puzzle games were considered AAA games. Sure times have changed. But gaming and what defines good gaming does not fall into one category. By your definition, a fighting game with no story can’t score higher than a 6
Ryanza
October 27, 2014 at 10:03
gameplay and re-playability of a fighting game at most 7/10.
CAE9872
October 27, 2014 at 11:23
Some high level players out there who will disagree of course!
Ryanza
October 27, 2014 at 11:41
That’s the same as me saying The Witcher 3 is a 10/10 game.
If we looking at fighting games 7/10 is good. 8/10 is great. But it can’t score more than that because of no good story.
CAE9872
October 27, 2014 at 10:49
You going to “lose” and argument to him! To narrow everything down to his interpretation – man what a boring viewpoint.
Fighting games are FUN a lot of the time. With tons of replayability (if like me you suck at them!), graphics usually good, woeful story of course!
I was playing Geometry Wars last night (1st one) and boy it is an easy 10/10 game. And it has virtually nothing of what Ryanza classifies as good/great.
Ryanza
October 27, 2014 at 11:03
Good gameplay and re-playability is 7/10. If a game has really good gameplay like with Geometry Wars then 8/10.
CAE9872
October 27, 2014 at 11:23
10/10
Ryanza
October 27, 2014 at 11:42
no great story so can’t be 10/10.
10/10 to certain fans.
DarthZA
October 27, 2014 at 12:21
Your review system is rubbish.
No story – Geometry Wars – easy 10/10
No re-playability – Braid – easy 10/10
Bad Gameplay – Walking Dead – 10/10
Not all games need a story, lots of games are excellent with a linear story that doesn’t warrant a second play through, and great gameplay isn’t everything.
Maybe it is my age coming through (although I’m not that old), or how long I’ve been playing games, but the experience is what matters. A mindless hack and slash can be incredible, sports games, racing games, fighting games and story games can all be incredible without ticking all your boxes.
Your review system is rubbish.
Ryanza
October 27, 2014 at 12:30
Those are 10/10 games for you not for everybody.
Review scores are meant to give people an idea of what to expect.
DarthZA
October 27, 2014 at 12:37
Yes, but not in the way you think. Review scores are there to give you an expectation for the experience you will get. A 10/10 games means it does what it does to perfection. If a big story driven RPG gets 10/10, you expect the story and RPG mechanics to both be executed to perfection. If a Racing Game gets 10/10, I’m expecting the driving to be incredible. I would have to read the review to understand if it is a simulator or arcade racer, but the score alone doesn’t give me details, just the experience. I don’t like racing simulators, so Forza or GT getting 10/10 tells me that the game is excellent, but I’m still going to stay away from it as it isn’t my type of game. Knocking down GT to a 7/7 because it has no story is simply stupid.
Ryanza
October 27, 2014 at 12:48
reviews into categories. Racing category, RPG category, fighting category. I guess Sunset Overdrive getting a 5/5 means that it’s the best auto grinding game till forever.
Brady miaau
October 27, 2014 at 12:49
Also probably the only auto grinding race game ever
Brian Murphy
October 27, 2014 at 12:39
Reviews have become a dime a dozen industry, and the ultimate problem is, as we’ve all seen, reviewers make mistakes, or sometimes misfire. I actually hope Insomniac does well here, because I think they’ve had a pretty rough ride, however, I prefer to wait for word of mouth reviews from folks I know. Reviewers have made some pretty tremendous mistakes in the past and propping them up as some kind of authority on what you like, isn’t the best of ideas.
Mossel
October 27, 2014 at 09:57
Counterstrike and Dota has absolutely no story. Yet people play that all day long, isn’t that the point? I also like a good story, believe me, yet I find myself playing Battlefield and CoD most of the time. Why? Because it is fun. And, for me at least, more fun to play against humans than bots. Sometimes less is more.
Ryanza
October 27, 2014 at 10:01
gameplay and re-playability 7/10.
Captain JJ fancy eyes
October 27, 2014 at 10:07
I get what you’re suggesting here.
If a game gives me playthrough time of 9 hours but it was a decent game and those 9 hours were well spent, then I’ll rate it well. But if it feels like I’m just doing the same thing over and over again then I probably won’t recommend it at all.
I take into consideration story (where applicable), definitely re-playability and I like it when they bring in something fresh that makes it feel like a new experience. A good leveling system can work wonders for a game, even it’s a bit repetitive. Progression and that feeling of accomplishment in a game is a real seller to me.
Brady miaau
October 27, 2014 at 11:20
But there is a lot to said for the X fun factor, that is hard to define.
Admiral Chief 0
October 27, 2014 at 09:52
“That said, our own juvenile reviewer, Alessandro…”
Shots fired
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
October 27, 2014 at 10:16
Microsoft obviously paid SAGamer more than they paid us for a positive review. The scoundrels.
Captain JJ fancy eyes
October 27, 2014 at 10:16
How unethical. ;P
Admiral Chief 0
October 27, 2014 at 10:25
Dastardly!
Deejay Kza
October 27, 2014 at 10:22
“…but apparently I hate fun.” LOL. Spilled my coffee all over my balls laughing at that one. Cynical old man.
Admiral Chief 0
October 27, 2014 at 10:25
CoffeeBalls made me lol wayyyy too much
CAE9872
October 27, 2014 at 10:55
Ouch!!!
CAE9872
October 27, 2014 at 10:45
Wow that is some high scores…even Polygon!