Metascore
61 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 27
  2. Negative: 5 out of 27
  1. If you are looking for a fun fantasy action game with an adventure twist, go out and grab Nightcaster. Be wary though, if you tire of the gameplay, there isn't a deep storyline to back it up.
  2. The best action/adventure game on the Xbox. The spell system is fun, the boss encounters are well done, and there is enough game here to make you feel like you got your money’s worth.
  3. 73
    The end result is a game that could have been a "Gauntlet Legends" or "Diablo" type action title, but is more methodical and repetitive than it has any right to be.
  4. The game lacks long-term value or originality.
  5. The controls are amazingly easy to get used to. It might become a bit repetitive or bland to some who aren't big fans of fast-paced action alone though, so go into this one with an open mind.
  6. If you go into Nightcaster knowing it's a fantasy-themed action combat game and not an RPG by any stretch of the imagination, you'll be rewarded with a solid, gorgeous and low-maintenance experience.
  7. If one can look over the odd, “brave Sir Arron ran away” combat method, and a ineffective story sewn together from fantasy cliche’s, there is some fun to be had with Nightcaster.
  8. 70
    It is an update of "Robotron" with a fantasy backstory. If you’re looking for a new kind of shooter, NightCaster will do—but RPG fans, you’re still in the dark.
  9. 70
    This is one game where it would be absolutely cool to have a co-op mode where you and a buddy – even just one other buddy – could join forces to blast monsters. Considering the difficulty of the game, it’s almost a missing necessary feature.
  10. This game is at once addictive, and yet annoying to me.
  11. It's almost a shame that the detail put into the graphics is all but hidden by the overhead view that you're seemingly stuck with.
  12. It's a solid adventure (easily dusting "Azurik"), but greatly limited by its monotonous gameplay.
  13. 63
    The combat is challenging because of the limits of the interface.
  14. A confused and chaotic game. On top of this are some of the most basic graphics yet seen on the Xbox.
  15. The main problem that kills NightCaster's chances of being a great game is the very thing trying to make it unique; the targeting system.
  16. 60
    While a bit overblown and convoluted...The story is solid, the graphics are spectacular, and the action is fast-paced and frantic.
  17. Repetition aside – and there's lots of it – this is like those Neo Geo games of old where it's so beautiful you just deal with it to see the next level. [Apr 2002, p.62]
  18. It's a great diversion, and it really is fun for a while, but Nightcaster's overly defensive gameplay will likely turn people away.
  19. Graphically, Nightcaster eats acid. The textures of the ground and rocks are barely N64 quality. [Feb 2002, p.90]
  20. There are of course boss battles, and a (very) few puzzles to solve, but overall, it's basic spell casting over and over again. This limited gameplay styling ultimately is the downfall to Nightcaster.
  21. A fast moving, initially addictive action game that soon becomes too repetitive and limiting to sustain a long involvement.
  22. Even with this new attacking system, the game still falls into the monotonous, repetitive game play that has affected the genre for years. Nightcaster isn’t what you’d call clumsy in terms of game play, just not as precise as you would like.
  23. Technically proficient with an interesting gameplay system, but with no polish or soul to back it up. [Mar 2002, p.76]
  24. Does little, if anything, to elevate itself past mediocrity. [Spring 2002, p.93]
  25. NC is too shallow to be an RPG and too complicated to be a quick-fix good time...highly repetitive. [Mar 2002, p.144]
  26. The current system is too cumbersome for an action-oriented game, and the inability to save anywhere only makes things even more frustrating.
  27. Seems like a battle system without a role-playing game. There is little variety or depth to the combat, and even in the presence of assorted power-ups it becomes painfully repetitive after only a short while.
User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 3 out of 6
  1. ZakW.
    7
    Always good to have a game that is not like the others. This one definitely is unique in it's gameplay but yes, can get repetitive. The bosses are nice and I probably dumped 15-20 hours before beating it so it's not a supershort game like most of the hyped-up games recently. Full Review »
  2. Repetitive gameplay, a cliche fantasy story, and poor level design hold this back from being a great game. The effects are pretty cool, and the bosses are unique and a welcome challenge. Not being able to return to previous levels is also pretty annoying. Looking for all the hidden objects is probably the best part of this game. Before you exit a level it tells you if you have found them all. Unfortunately, if you want to collect them all, you'll need to spend some time searching every nook and cranny while all the while not progressing the narrative. Full Review »
  3. ChuckF.
    2
    Good graphics, thats it. Buy it used.