Metascore
69 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 20
  2. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. Ivy the Kiwi is the perfect example of the type of enjoyable and refreshing gaming experience that can be created when a developer isn't afraid to try something a little different.
  2. Mar 4, 2011
    80
    Ivy the Kiwi? isn't the perfect game, but it breaks the mould by being different, and bringing with it some of the gaming styles that haven't been seen since the launch of the DS console.
  3. Dec 23, 2010
    80
    Ivy the Kiwi? is a charming puzzle platformer that makes intuitive use of the DS's capabilities. It's one of the better 'pure' DS platformers to come out in a long time.
  4. Ivy the Kiwi? may be simple in its design, but it's an engrossing title.
  5. 80
    I really enjoyed my brief time with Ivy: it's a well-made game with broad appeal (unless you're a person who refuses to play anything that doesn't have bullets in it).
  6. 75
    Ivy the Kiwi is definitely worth buying, though which version really depends on what type of gamer you are. I prefer the DS version because I like playing a few levels at a time when I'm out and about.
  7. 75
    So long as you don't mind guiding a hapless bird to the exit a couple hundred times, Ivy the Kiwi? is a gorgeous tale with a whole lotta heart.
  8. Jan 20, 2011
    70
    Ivy The Kiwi? is an immediate and fun platform - puzzle game. Many stages, and a good level of challenge.
  9. Jan 12, 2011
    70
    Whether you have an hour to sit around and knock off 30 levels or just a few minutes between trains, Ivy will feel like a worthwhile purchase.
  10. Dec 23, 2010
    70
    Look beyond the famous name, however, and Ivy the Kiwi? is a fresh, if limited, spin on the 2D platformer. If you're a leaderboard junkie, there's plenty of replay pleasure to be had as you chase down the best times for each level and find all the secrets.
  11. Oct 28, 2010
    70
    Ivy the Kiwi? is a worthwhile additional to your DS library, but just don't expect a classic.
  12. Big kudos to Ivy the Kiwi for not killing the joy of discovery by overexplaining.
  13. These mechanics are novel and feel great, but take some practice. [Oct 2010, p.89]
  14. Perfect fare for public transport. [Oct 2010, p.86]
  15. Dec 23, 2010
    60
    It's not Sonic and it's not meant to be, but this dowdy little platformer puzzler is uncomplicated to a fault.
  16. Dec 23, 2010
    60
    Like Yoshi Touch & Go, Ivy the Kiwi? is a nice little game you can treat yourself with like a snack. Not much to keep playing it though, since both the gameplay and content are too light for the long run.
  17. Dec 23, 2010
    60
    Shortcomings aside, Ivy the Kiwi is a solid, above-average casual game that's likely to have platformer fans hooked, for a few hours at least.
  18. As a simple platformer, however, its interesting control scheme makes Ivy The Kiwi? a rather fun and unique game, just not a great one. [Issue#99, p.127]
  19. Practice makes perfect, though. When you get the hang of the vine system, neat control tricks develop, but the overall gameplay remains basic and boring for far too long.
  20. While Ivy the Kiwi? is an incredibly cute character and makes a valiant attempt to bring back a style of game that few developers have attempted in recent years, the core concept never quite finds happy coexistence with the player interface. For project as simple and straightforward as this one, that particular barrier proves too great to overcome.