X
- E10+
- Minority Media Inc.
- E10+
- Minority Media Inc.
- E10+
- Minority Media Inc.
- E10+
- Minority Media Inc.
Papo & Yo
Released On: Aug 14, 2012
72
8.0
Where to Buy
Where to Buy
All Platforms
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 54 Critic Reviews
72
57% Positive
31 Reviews
31 Reviews
37% Mixed
20 Reviews
20 Reviews
6% Negative
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 54 Critic Reviews
72
57% Positive
31 Reviews
31 Reviews
37% Mixed
20 Reviews
20 Reviews
6% Negative
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
Despite its brief tenure(less than four hours)and light mechanics, it's one of the most powerful and impactful games we've every played. [Oct 2012, p.82]
On the surface this is "just" another jump&run – one that wouldn't stand a chance against Mario & Co. But add imagery, unusual metaphors and a simple but very moving story you'll get a fairy tale that reminds me of ICO in its best moments.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 92 User Ratings
8.0
67% Positive
62 Ratings
62 Ratings
26% Mixed
24 Ratings
24 Ratings
7% Negative
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 92 User Ratings
8.0
67% Positive
62 Ratings
62 Ratings
26% Mixed
24 Ratings
24 Ratings
7% Negative
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
An absolutely wonderful and moving game that tells a tale of humanity and how we, as people, deal with trauma, and how those experiences shape us. But this isn't just another indie game trying to tug at your heart strings, but it's a surprisingly solid platforming game with creative spaces designed to be explored.
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PlayStation 3
Papo & Yo belongs in the company of Playstation classics such as Journey, Flower, Ico, and Shadow of the Colossus because it pushes the video game art form forward. Not only does it tackle an extremely sensitive topic most game companies wouldn't touch, but it does so in such a heartwarming, and later, heartcrushing way. Everything about this game - its setting, characters, story - is a stark departure from what gamers are used to seeing. And that's a great thing!
The puzzles scattered throughout the game bring an imaginative whimsy to the Brazilian favela Quico and his friends run around in. The music adds an acoustic layer to an already charming game - I just wish there was more of it! Without spoiling it, Papo & Yo's ending is one of the most heartcrushing endings in the history of video games and you will regret missing out on it. The entire last fourth of the game is a rollercoaster of emotion and fantasy that is like no other video game before it.
While the deeply personal story may not be for everyone, it is without question a game that needs to be experienced by all gamers because it will change the way you think about games.
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PlayStation 3
More than any of its clipping issues or framerate dips, it's Caballero's opening words that resonate throughout the entire experience, an emotionally raw dedication to his family that lingers in black and white, piercing each heartbreakingly symbolic interaction between Quico and Monster.
A deeply personal story created with love and imagination. [Nov 2012, p.105]
I cannot remember the last time I played a game with so much heart & soul in its textures and scripts. Unfortunately, although Papo & Yo is probably one of the most heartbreaking, emotional and emphatic games of this generation, the feelings and experiences are above the playable side, something that makes the constant puzzles mostly mere an anecdote, but gives at the same time a powerful walkthrough.
All the great storytelling in Papo & Yo can't prevent the simple fact that the gameplay just isn't here.
The on-paper premise of a traumatic childhood brought to life as a playable short story is brilliant, but the wounded execution can't quite sell the emotional expression. Papo & Yo bookends a technically disastrous and wholly uninteresting adventure game with brief moments of emotional resonance.
This game could present some bugs. This game could start slow.
But this game perfectly manage to tell a deep story, with a perfect pace.
The game design around it could be described as "incredibly creative". It is true that game mechanics don't change that much, but every time the reaction to this mechanics is different.
Sometimes pulling a switch will trigger a scenery change, sometimes it will make an house fly.
The level design is just amazing.
The art direction, as the music, is perfect. The graphics are great and the visual style is amazing. Also, the game contains some of the best acoustic musics of the year.
One last thing: the ending. The game should be played just for it.
Thanks Minority, for this little gem!
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PlayStation 3
Papo & Yo offers just about everything: A captivating story seldom (if ever) seen in video games, gameplay reminiscent of past favorites like Ico and Portal, absolutely beautiful environs, and incentive to play through much more than once. But allow me to put things into perspective. I'm not one who usually enjoys downloadable titles on the PlayStation Store, simply because they often lack what I want most in a game - replay value and longevity. Most would call it blasphemy but in this regard, I always found ThatGameCompany titles to disappoint. And while most lament ThatGameCompany's departure from PlayStation exclusivity, I'm sitting here playing Papo & Yo hoping that Minority Media is what's next for the PlayStation Network.
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PlayStation 3
I played this game thanks to the PS+ subscription but I'll be reviewing it like if i paid its full price as it is no longer free to download.
Papo & Yo is another one of those examples that proves that videogames can be a medium for art, with its own personal story transmitting so many messages in a lovely universe supported by excellent music, there is no objective point to criticize the design of this game, but like every form of art your appreciation of its message will be very personal and therefore you may not like it at all.
Technically this is a good game, for small studio, good PS3 graphics (again for an indie game) and no important bugs, the controls are responsive, there is nothing exceptional here but also nothing harming the experience.
Now let's talk about what hurts, the length of game, count only 2 hours in a half to finish it, with very small replay value (you would probably remember every puzzle as they are not tough), even for 15€/$ it's not enough in my book.
To conclude even if I deeply enjoyed the game I can not rate Papo & Yo over 7 due to its extremely short length and the fact that some of you may not care at all about the story for the exact same reasons than I loved it. But if you're looking for "art games" you'll want to check this one out.
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PlayStation 3
It's one of those games that uses abstract storytelling and symbolism to tell a mature and emotional tale. However gameplay and presentation deficiencies keep from being able to stand next to the likes of ICO and Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. While it doesn't have the gameplay strength those titles have it does have the emotional depth they do. That's what makes this worth a look.
However it still won't be for everyone. Many won't be able to get past the fact that the game still feels like it's in beta. Graphics are dated which hinders the beauty the world would have otherwise had. The lack of polish in the gameplay is just as evident. Mechanics can be quite awkward at times.
It's a very simple game. Puzzles aren't tough and the whole thing can be breezed through in about 3 hours. Outside of collectibles that pop up after you beat the game there isn't going to be much of a reason to give it a second go. It is a bare bones experience but one that's still worth checking out.
The story of the game couldn't be told this way in any other medium. Thats definitely it's greatest strength. While I'm happy to see another game with emotional weight out there it's not hard for me to wish the gameplay had received more attention. More variety in challenges would have been appreciated and it can seem like you're getting so little for your money.
Those who enjoy games that tell thought-provoking stories in interesting ways should give this a shot. The message is strong even if the gameplay isn't. There's nothing particularly broken or bad about it, but there are plenty of better puzzle-platformers out there. It's best to come into this wanting storytelling and message first and gameplay and length second.
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PlayStation 3
It is certainly an interesting game, not the best game you can get for $ 14.99. It's a fairly short game, the graphics are very poor like the sound of the game (No DTS or Dolby Digital sound). The game's music composed by Brian D'Oliveira's is excellent.
I love that game developers try new things, I can
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PlayStation 3
Summary Papo & Yo will take players on an emotional journey that explores the relationship between a boy and his sometimes-scary best friend. As players progress, Monster will react differently to their actions based on his current desires. If Monster is in a good mood, he will play with Quico and help with tasks; if Monster is hungry, he wi...
Rated E +10
for Everyone +10
Platforms:
- PlayStation 3
- PC
Initial Release Date: Aug 14, 2012
Developer:
- Minority Media Inc.
Publisher: Minority Media Inc.
Genres: