Metascore
85 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 16
  2. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Dec 18, 2012
    100
    Overall, Sine Mora is really an amazing game. Simple in it's gameplay, but challenging enough for even the hardcore Bullet Hell Players.
  2. Feb 6, 2013
    90
    As before, Sine Mora is a great example of a bullet hell shooter with style. The action is frantic, the mechanics are tight, and the story and art style present the player with a unique and enjoyable experience. The transition to the Vita comes off mostly intact, and while some additions aren't very useful, most will provide fans with a good reason to get the game for the handheld. Even though it's another port, it's one that Vita owners will be glad to own.
  3. Dec 5, 2012
    90
    Sine Mora is one of the most beautiful shmups I've ever had the chance to play. It's also a solid action title with a surprisingly deep story about the lengths someone will go for revenge. Purists will find it a fresh addition to their collection while casual observers may be turned off by the short length and the game's masochistic delight in punishing players with nearly impossible odds.
  4. Dec 3, 2012
    90
    While Sine Mora's challenge may ask more than some players will be able to provide, for those who can take what it's got to give and get back up, this is a brilliant addition to the Vita's library that absolutely should not be missed.
  5. Nov 29, 2012
    90
    Sine Mora is Latin for 'without delay', which is a fitting recommendation for one of the finest side-scrolling shooters of the generation. This a compelling tribute to a bygone era, and a must-have if you're a fan of the genre.
  6. Jan 15, 2013
    88
    The main story is shorter than I'd like it to be and that single segment drew different levels of annoyance from me each time, but there is no doubt that Grasshopper Manufacture stuck some great chords with Sine Mora. The world is an intriguing one, the bosses are tough and fun to fight, the whole package represents a game that isn't going to set the world on fire, but will keep your attention for as long as it takes you to finish things up.
  7. If the big blockbusters like Assassin's Creed and Call of Duty seem a bit lacklustre to you on the Vita (and you would be right), there is still Sine Mora. Sure, this shoot-'em-up might be a bit short, but boasts excellent gameplay and a surprisingly riveting story. [January 2013, p.95]
  8. Jan 7, 2013
    87
    Sine Mora is a must have for fans of scrolling shooters and owners of a Playstation Vita.
  9. 86
    A very short campaign is offset by additional modes and some insane difficulty settings. And Trophy completionists will spend a long time ranking up on their way to Platinum Trophy glory.
  10. Dec 19, 2012
    85
    Same great game as Xbox 360 version. Simply dedicated to all shoot'em up lovers!
  11. Dec 18, 2012
    85
    My very minor disappointment with the story aside, Sine Mora is an outstanding shooter that excels in every other area-the design, aesthetics and mechanics are all top-notch, and couldn't be a better fit for the Vita. For players who own Sony's machine and have an appreciation for games of this sort, they honestly don't come better than this.
  12. Mar 6, 2013
    80
    The largely nonsensical story does tarnish its appeal ever so slightly, but it's certainly one of the better games you'll play from the palm of your hand. It's just a beautiful bullet-hell ballet for your Vita.
  13. It would be foolish of us to pretend that Sine Mora is for everyone. The fact is most of us simply don't have the time or patience necessary to properly appreciate a game that demands so much from the player. But for those who do: buy it. Buy it now. [February 2013, p79]
  14. Dec 14, 2012
    80
    As confusing as the story may be, as well as some frustrating gameplay mechanics that could have been more finely-tuned, Sine Mora is still a solid shoot 'em up that is perfectly captured on the Vita.
  15. Dec 7, 2012
    80
    Sine Mora fills a void in the Vita's lineup. It's an arcade-balanced, twitch title with tons of beautiful visuals and plenty of replay value. Bosses and environments are inventive and challenging, while still leaving room for noobs looking to dip their toes in the shoot-'em-up genre. Despite the unintelligible story and the fact that schmups are still quite niche, it's easy to recommend Sine Mora all over again.
  16. Dec 14, 2012
    70
    A throwback to the classic games that created the genre. It comes bundled with a strange, obscure narrative and a flawless paint job, but the homage to the old lies there, in plain sight, beneath the sparkle.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. With genuinely gorgeous visuals, edge-of-your-seat gameplay and a pretty decent story-driven narrative thrown in for good measure, Sine Mora is simply not to be missed for proper shoot'em up fans. But this isn't your typical 2D vertical shooter. The 3D ship designs are utterly drool worthy and look stunning as they swoop right up close to your Vita screen when banking mid turn. In terms of visuals, design and gameplay, boss fights are another standout feature of this top drawer, steampunk-styled shmup. Factor in some old skool difficulty (i.e. tough!), a bunch of game modes and a refreshingly unique - up against the clock - gameplay mechanic, and you've got what is arguably the Vita's best shooter. If you're a fan of shooters and are up for a challenge, Sine Mora is an essential download. For everyone else, do yourself a favour, and at least consider it. Full Review »
  2. Although this game has good graphics, solid gameplay and a nice ambiance it just doesn't work for me. Once I played the old school story mode I was pretty much done with it. The game simply didn't motivate me to play it over and over again in order to beat the hardest bosses and gain the best scores. I actually find this game pretty boring. Full Review »
  3. I have decided it was finally time for me to write some stuff on here after seeing far too many haphazard reviews, so here goes nothing. Sine Mora is one of my more recent purchases on my Vita. I enjoy an occasional shooter here and there and this seemed to fit the bill. I had read some professional reviews on the game and found them all to be quite positive. They were not wrong. For old school horizontal shooter fans this game is, in my opinion, a must buy. The graphics look beautiful on the Vita's screen, the sound is full fledged and the game play is fast and furious throughout. I found the story to be a bit convoluted and rather unnecessary, however, it does it add some depth to the genre. The bosses are incredible with the both their size and scope of graphical detail. Some of the could be entire stages within themselves. I also rather enjoyed the ability to acquire and utilize several different ships with various special ability weapons that can prove quite useful in the right situations. In closing, if you have a Vita and you enjoy a shoot em up then I strongly suggest you pick this game up from PSN. At only $9.99 it is a veritable steal and will provide many hours of enjoyment both at home and on the go. Full Review »