Papo & Yo

 PlayStation 3
Papo & Yo Image
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 54 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 92 Ratings

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  • 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 QuicoPapo & 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 will seek out food; if that food happens to be a poisonous frog, he’ll transform into a terrifying killing machine bent on nothing but destruction. Players will need to learn to use Monster’s emotions, both good and bad, to their advantage if they want to complete their search for a cure and save their pal.… Expand

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Papo & Yo Launch Trailer

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 54
  3. Negative: 3 out of 54
  1. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    Aug 28, 2012
    90
    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]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Destructoid
    Aug 24, 2012
    85
    The actual gameplay feels quite disparate from the story and Quico's journey, unfortunately. The jumping, climbing and head-scratching never seem tied to the greater challenge of dealing with the addiction of a loved one. Though they are disconnected, the actual puzzles are still inventive and add to the experience, but the platforming elements can be weak.
  3. Cheat Code Central
    Aug 16, 2012
    84
    It's an experience that can penetrate even the thickest of skin, and it will make you feel something. What that is, I can't exactly say, but this is an emotional journey you won't soon forget. It's a short journey, but it's packed densely enough with cool stuff to see and do that I would enthusiastically encourage you to pay the fifteen-dollar asking price.
  4. PSM3 Magazine UK
    Sep 29, 2012
    76
    A deeply personal story created with love and imagination. [Nov 2012, p.105]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Adventure Gamers
    Sep 17, 2012
    70
    Despite a few rough edges, this surreal platforming adventure is a heartfelt, emotional experience that's well worth your time.
  6. games(TM)
    Aug 22, 2012
    70
    A few rough edges don't detract from an adventure that is as emotional as it is brain teasing, and is worth experiencing whether or not you can relate to the subject matter.
  7. IGN
    Aug 14, 2012
    40
    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.

See all 54 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. Richlando
    Aug 15, 2012
    10
    Small snippet of my review forthcoming!! I give Papo & Yo a 10 because from the first few moments of the game and throughout I felt I wasn'tSmall snippet of my review forthcoming!! I give Papo & Yo a 10 because from the first few moments of the game and throughout I felt I wasn't just playing a game but experiencing a work of art. A lot of work, time, love and passion went into the game and it shows. I actually decided that Papo & Yo was a day one purchase for me when I read about the inspiration behind the games story. I too had to grow up dealing with an abusive alcoholic "Monster with a capital M for a reason" of my own. To say that I could relate would be an understatement. Having played the game now I'm glad I bought the game and I truly hope you will too. Papo & Yo is something you have to experience. You will not regret it, Minority Media has a hit on their hands and I for one am excited to see future games from them!… Expand
  2. OmegaZed
    Aug 16, 2012
    10
    Papo & Yo is a fantastic work of art and a masterpiece for the video game medium. With a deep and personal narrative, charming settings withPapo & Yo is a fantastic work of art and a masterpiece for the video game medium. With a deep and personal narrative, charming settings with great visuals and excellent characters, it aims high and hits the mark. Sure there are some technical issues with animations and slow-down, but they do little to hinder the experience. You can find a more fleshed out review by me over here: http://clgamer.com/2012/08/review-papo-yo-playstation-3/… Expand
  4. Mattia
    Aug 20, 2012
    10
    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.    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!    … Expand
  5. dh4645
    Aug 17, 2012
    9
    I give it a 9. it's a great game IMO. I didn't have any glitches.
    once you figure out what it's about and then i just read part of the back    I give it a 9. it's a great game IMO. I didn't have any glitches.
    once you figure out what it's about and then i just read part of the back story on kotaku....it gives you chills. it's a great game to finish in an afternoon & then replay to get all the hats. It's sad that this happened to them in real life, but then we wouldn't have gotten this great game.    … Expand
  6. Wozman23
    Aug 16, 2012
    9
    Papo & Yo will always hold a place in my heart as the first game to make me tear up. The whimsical, surreal world, and the music thatPapo & Yo will always hold a place in my heart as the first game to make me tear up. The whimsical, surreal world, and the music that compliments it, forms an intensely emotional experience that builds up to an unparalleled cathartic release. Puzzles and platforming aren't overly complex, but watching the world transform around you keeps the gameplay fresh. There are a few technical issues, but they dwarf in comparison to the bigger picture.… Expand
  7. Bearded_Warrior
    Aug 25, 2012
    8
    It
  8. PawelG
    Aug 18, 2012
    5
    It is a great game. If you have some spare time and don't know what to do, then Papo & Yo will perfectly fill the gap between afternoon andIt is a great game. If you have some spare time and don't know what to do, then Papo & Yo will perfectly fill the gap between afternoon and evening. Some fresh mechanics will bring a smile to your face, unique narrative provides nostalgia and your childhood memories with childish fantasy comes back immediately. From time to time, outstanding acoustic music is so perfect, that you just sit and listen to it very, very loud. It really is a great peace of work... but definitely it is not a good puzzle game. It's more like a mixture of platform and simple logic games. Unfortunately, you don't even have to think. Everything is clear just after you enter the new level. That's why I rated Papo & Yo 5. It has very good narrative, music and story, but, in terms of a GAME itself, it really lacks very, very much.… Expand

See all 35 User Reviews

Trailers

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Best PS3 Game of 2012
49
#49 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2012