ARMS

 Switch
ARMS Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 97 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 833 Ratings

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  • Summary: The first fighting game of its kind. Choose a fighting champion from around the world, equip your own combination of extendable arms, and then use a mix of button presses and quick hand motions to really take the fight to your opponent. Throw punches and guide them midflight to hit agileThe first fighting game of its kind. Choose a fighting champion from around the world, equip your own combination of extendable arms, and then use a mix of button presses and quick hand motions to really take the fight to your opponent. Throw punches and guide them midflight to hit agile fighters, avoid incoming attacks with dashes, or trampoline high into the air to rain down fists from above. Power-up your punches to deal extra damage or curve your fists around obstacles to hit skittish opponents. Fill up your special gauge to dish out devastating combinations and finish them off. Unleash your inner fighter in this unbelievable sporting event. Fight via simple motion and button controls Grab onto your Joy-Con with a unique "thumbs-up" grip and use simple motions and button presses to outthink your opponent. Toss and curve punches when you find an opening, and dodge a flurry of incoming attacks. It's fast-paced fun for everyone!
    * Select from a variety of fighters Select from brand-new fighting superstars like Ribbon Girl, Master Mummy, and more! Each fighter has their own special attributes to learn and master.
    * Fight in arenas with unique obstacles Throw punches around (or through) mysterious liquid-filled columns in a spooky laboratory, or in certain arenas, toss fighters onto trampolines for epic aerial skirmishes.
    * Choose your arms carefully Each weapon has its own strength. Some are slow and do tons of damage, while others are fast as lighting, but will only serve to set up larger combinations. It's up to you to mix and match your arms to fit your play style.    … Expand
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Arms - Character Introduction Trailer

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 71 out of 97
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 97
  3. Negative: 0 out of 97
  1. Cheat Code Central
    Jun 7, 2017
    100
    It’s difficult to describe just how good ARMS is. The best analogy I can come up with is that it is to fighting games what Splatoon is to third-person shooters. ARMS is a bright, colorful, and welcoming game. Newcomers can easily hop in and enjoy most of the matches and modes available. Meanwhile, the more dedicated will find themselves developing complex strategies based on characters and ARMS loadouts and captivated by the opportunities to challenge others online.
  2. IGN Italia
    Jun 7, 2017
    89
    Behind its wacky (and absolutely adorable) cartoony appearance, with its peculiar colorful appeal, its delightful cast of characters and its rubbery animations that somehow remind you of Splatoon, ARMS has the heart - and the brain - of a pure-bread fighting game. Deep, engaging, fascinating, fast and far from trivial, this beat'em up shows however one huge merit above its many undeniable virtues: it's a new, completely unique take on the genre, one that will be enjoyable for both fans and newcomers. Another hit for the Big N, scored with a surprising boomerang-punch.
  3. Game Informer
    Jun 7, 2017
    83
    Arms is a zany fighter that delivers excitement and fun at every turn. While I wish there was more to do, what is included in the package is worthwhile. If you're looking for a fresh and exciting experience to play on your Switch, Arms is worth a look.
  4. Gamer.nl
    Jun 7, 2017
    80
    Arms is a surprisingly balanced fighting game that mainly shines in it’s (online) multiplayer thanks to the huge variety in characters and boxing gear. Unfortunately, the single-player campaign offers few options.
  5. Digital Chumps
    Jun 9, 2017
    77
    ARMS offers a very colorful and well animated fighting adventure with more strategy and depth then it might first appear. The initial offering feels just a little bit thin though in that despite the customization options in-game, you cannot customize or remap the controls and the single player modes are kind of thin — challenging, but not particularly captivating or appealing especially when the going gets tough. Online play is, like any other game, largely based on what you make of it and how the community does. Technically, my limited experience with it worked well, but time will tell if this game will have the legs to continue into something larger and sustained. For a new IP though, Nintendo has done another impressive job overall, but I would not consider this a must-have title for all Switch owners.
  6. Cubed3
    Jun 16, 2017
    70
    Overall, ARMS is delightfully quirky, surprisingly deep and, most importantly, strikingly self-confident. Whilst its vibrant and over-the-top aesthetic might have some expecting a shallow and simplistic experience, persevering with and embracing the game's sharp initial learning curve reveals a strong-willed and very detailed gameplay core. Nintendo made the right choice in highlighting the motion controls, which is by far the best way to play.
  7. VideoGamer
    Jun 7, 2017
    50
    Stretching your limbs across the battlefield to stop an impending throw is good fun, but there's absolute anarchy when you throw in an extra body. The mediocre mini-games, and antiquated single-player further block the punch of Arms.

See all 104 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 103 out of 163
  2. Mixed: 44 out of 163
  3. Negative: 16 out of 163
  1. BeckFan
    Jun 16, 2017
    10
    Arms is crazy good fun, and full of depth. I feel like most critics just didn't "get it", or werent very good. Motion controls are the bestArms is crazy good fun, and full of depth. I feel like most critics just didn't "get it", or werent very good. Motion controls are the best ive ever used in a game, they are spot on responsive. You can play with a pro controller, but honestly youre cheating yourself a lot on the fun factor if not using the motion controls. Right now theres not a lot of characters, but the ones there are varied and play extremely unique to each other, and more will come in the future as free dlc, starting next month.
    Honestly, this is the most fun ive ever had with a fighting game, and will be the first one i actually take to online in ranked matches.
    Give this game the chance it deserves. I find it to best the best new ip from Nintendo in years. It is worth buying a Switch just to play this game.    … Expand
  2. talalrahim
    Jul 12, 2017
    10
    This is an amazing game. It looks great, the motion controls are awesome and it's a lot of fun to play. I never though I would enjoy boxing soThis is an amazing game. It looks great, the motion controls are awesome and it's a lot of fun to play. I never though I would enjoy boxing so much. Now I don't know if I will have time for Splatoon or Zelda anymore. It's soooo great!… Expand
  4. keibyakko
    Jun 18, 2017
    9
    Los controles funcionan perfecto, es divertido y con muchos modos de juego diferentes y divertidos. La dificultad está muy bien escalonada, esLos controles funcionan perfecto, es divertido y con muchos modos de juego diferentes y divertidos. La dificultad está muy bien escalonada, es un juego de lucha pero no de aporrear botones, sino de lucha inteligente. Los gráficos y las texturas son coloridos y están muy bien hechos. El modo para conseguir nuevos guantes añade al juego muchas horas de vida y la personalidad de los personajes te dan ganas de probarlos a todos a fondo. El online funciona bien y está muy bien ranqueado. Un muy buen juego, muy divertido, para mí un 9.… Expand
  5. WakingDawn96
    Nov 27, 2019
    8
    The game isn’t perfect by any means, and has its issues and flaws, but it is surprisingly fun if you give it a chance as just a fun party game.
  6. rodericrinehart
    Aug 7, 2017
    8
    Got this for my daughter, who has put it a decent amount of time (maybe 40 hours already). She has enjoyed it, it seems to be good value, andGot this for my daughter, who has put it a decent amount of time (maybe 40 hours already). She has enjoyed it, it seems to be good value, and I see her playing it more in the future. She's had some friends over to play it, and they seemed to really enjoy switching out and playing cooperatively while online.

    I'm not a huge fighter game fan, but I do appreciate what it does, and it is a fresh take on it. If they support Arms like they did the first Splatoon, it will have serious legs and be a tremendous value for anyone who enjoys the genre.    … Expand
  7. loic01
    Mar 7, 2018
    7
    Une jolie innovation de Nintendo qui font de ARMS des vrais K-O aux joueurs, des K-O de joie de le découvrir et de se défouler en modeUne jolie innovation de Nintendo qui font de ARMS des vrais K-O aux joueurs, des K-O de joie de le découvrir et de se défouler en mode surréalsite mais plus drôle que les autres jeux de combat de Nintendo. Pour ceci ce serait un 10/10 mais j'hôte deux points pour le jeu qui est trop court et un autre car le mode histoire pas assez développé pour moi. Continuez à améliorer ce jeu Nintendo et çe sera un 10 certainement! 7/10… Expand
  8. Noishe
    Sep 18, 2017
    0
    Worst game I've ever played in the last year. I wouldn't pay 10 dollars for it and this game's existence is proof that stores should allowWorst game I've ever played in the last year. I wouldn't pay 10 dollars for it and this game's existence is proof that stores should allow returns. Annoying music, poor controls. Notice the sob stories in the 8 9 10 score ratings where people say give it a chance, i don't understand why people don't like it. Read between the lines and avoid this "game".… Expand

See all 163 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Best Switch Game of 2017
9
#9 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2017
11
#11 Most Shared Switch Game of 2017

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