ARMS

 Switch
ARMS Image
Metascore
77

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

User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 742 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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Trailer

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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: 92 out of 133
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 133
  3. Negative: 13 out of 133
  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. gonzar25
    Dec 7, 2018
    10
    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 toIt’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.… Expand
  4. jarvis0284
    Oct 30, 2017
    10
    distinto al esquema de combates tradicional , limpio apartado grafico , juego a 60 fps , gran multiplayer local y online, facil de jugardistinto al esquema de combates tradicional , limpio apartado grafico , juego a 60 fps , gran multiplayer local y online, facil de jugar dificil de dominar , gran apuesta de nintendo algo refrescante y original , controles muy responsivos… Expand
  5. mrcnx
    May 5, 2018
    8
    As a new genre that nintendo tries it does things pretty damn well fighting is deep and a lot of fun. The thing that's holding me back fromAs a new genre that nintendo tries it does things pretty damn well fighting is deep and a lot of fun. The thing that's holding me back from rating it hihger is in single player there's not much to do. Otherwise it would be a strong 9… Expand
  6. Un_Creative
    Nov 13, 2017
    8
    Despite it's weaker game mode selection, ARMS delivers a fun and addicting multiplayer experience with surprising depth that is more suitableDespite it's weaker game mode selection, ARMS delivers a fun and addicting multiplayer experience with surprising depth that is more suitable to an RPG type game, but works much to my surprise in Nintendo's latest IP.

    Recommended To:
    - Casual Fighting Genre Players    … Expand
  7. LordDecky
    Jul 22, 2017
    7
    Nintendo has done it again. This game is fun to play, and its unlockables are good for replay ability. The motion controls are amazing; theyNintendo has done it again. This game is fun to play, and its unlockables are good for replay ability. The motion controls are amazing; they are some of the best I've ever seen. Worth the money. Online is good and fast.… Expand
  8. Rakereview000
    Apr 9, 2019
    0
    Arms it is a bad game. I don't even can write about it, because it is so variety less that I can't even write about it. Just punch stuff withArms it is a bad game. I don't even can write about it, because it is so variety less that I can't even write about it. Just punch stuff with bad motion controls and low grafics. Bad game, buy sonic boom instead. Its better.… Expand

See all 133 User Reviews

Trailers

Awards & Rankings

68
#68 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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