Horace

 Switch
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Nintendo Life
    Oct 20, 2020
    100
    Horace is something very special — the only vaguely negative thing we can say about it is the fact that there are so many spectacularly brilliant indie games on Switch already vying for your attention that we fear Horace may fall somewhat by the wayside. If you have any interest in superb level design, excellent storytelling, terrific art, evocative music, great characters, hilarious situations and emotional gut-punches, Horace is a no-brainer. It's moving without being manipulative, clever without being smug, and nostalgic without being a lazy rehash. So yes, Horace is another indie masterpiece, and every gamer who enjoys quality experiences should play it; a masterpiece that owes so much to its medium, but has the strength, creativity and identity to stand alone as something very, very special. Buy this.
  2. Pure Nintendo
    Nov 2, 2020
    95
    Horace is a pitch-perfect puzzle platformer that expertly balances addictive gameplay with its moving tale of a robot trying to discover himself in a world that makes no sense. It knows why we love video games, and it confirms we’re right to do so.
  3. 4Players.de
    Feb 27, 2021
    90
    Indie gem, hardcore platformer, robot fairy tale all rolled into one. This is a creative mix that also includes loads of funny retro references, puzzles and great storytelling.
  5. Switch Player
    Oct 29, 2020
    90
    Horace is a 7-year labour of love from a two-man development team, and the amount of quality content here is incredible. Packed to the rafters with nostalgia, it provides laughs, tears, and a brilliant platforming experience that everyone can enjoy.
  6. Noisy Pixel
    Oct 27, 2020
    90
    Horace is a challenging platformer with strong core mechanics and inventive design, all of which gradually build up into something truly amazing and satisfying as a video game. Its homage to the heart and soul of video games as an art form and its deep insight into human nature all come together to make it an experience that is both memorable and important.
  7. Game Rant
    Oct 26, 2020
    90
    Horace's story by itself makes it an easy recommendation, but it doesn't hurt that the game is also a fun, challenging 2D platformer with plenty of gameplay variety to ensure that players are almost always doing something new. The backtracking and pacing issues are something to keep in mind, but they are easily overlooked when the rest of the game is this good. Simply put, Horace is an absolute must-play for platforming fans.
  8. Nintendo Enthusiast
    Nov 9, 2020
    85
    Horace is a heartwarming platformer that mixes a variety of genres to produce a one-of-a-kind adventure.
  9. God is a Geek
    Oct 22, 2020
    85
    A genre shifting game packed full of charm and references, Horace is a robotic adventure that must be experienced to be believed.
  10. COGconnected
    Oct 21, 2020
    85
    Horace is an incredible game that is packed to the brim with content and character. Although it’s steeped in nostalgia, it can hold its head high on its own merit as a great platform adventure title. With tight controls, varied gameplay, and a fantastic script, those who didn’t get to experience Horace before should definitely check it out on the Switch.
  11. Multiplayer.it
    Oct 20, 2020
    85
    Charming, cute, hardcore with a great story and narrative: Horace already was a great game, now capable of being played everywhere thanks to a nearly perfect Switch port.
  12. Vandal
    Oct 20, 2020
    85
    Horace is a captivating retro adventure full of different gameplay styles and homages to series, movies and other games.
  13. Hey Poor Player
    Mar 9, 2022
    80
    All in all, I can’t help but rave about Horace. While it’s challenging and may prove troublesome for those not comfortable with their platforming skills, it nevertheless features a ton of content and an engaging story. And while I was frustrated by some of the glitches and occasionally lackluster design, this is still a game I would highly recommend, especially for fans of older games and indies.
  14. Edge Magazine
    Dec 31, 2020
    80
    Offbeat, occasionally twisted, frequently funny and never boring, Horace is the best kind of attention-seeker: it demands you sit up and take notice and never stops rewarding you for doing so. [Issue#354, p.120]
    All this publication's reviews
  15. Meristation
    Nov 30, 2020
    80
    Horace is a brilliant, difficult, sensitive, surprising platform game. An author's work full of cultural references and a beautiful humanist message. The little robot Horace is not more human for wearing a suit, tie and bowler hat, but for his huge and pure heart.
  16. Metro GameCentral
    Oct 21, 2020
    80
    A labour of love that pays brilliantly inventive tribute to the platform genre and the 8 and 16-bit eras in general.
  17. Everyeye.it
    Oct 20, 2020
    80
    Horace often leaves you speechless.
  18. SpazioGames
    Oct 20, 2020
    79
    Horace is a fun but not so forgiving tribute to video games as a medium.
  19. IGN Italia
    Oct 24, 2020
    77
    Horace is a piece of art: music, story, ideas and design of the robot are gorgeous, even if the gameplay and controls lack of polish and the entire experience is a bit too long. Be ready to shed tears for Horace. It'll be worth it, especially in this Nintendo Switch version.
  20. Jeuxvideo.com
    Nov 28, 2020
    70
    For a first game developed by only 2 people, Horace is nothing short of surprising. The story is successful, moving despite great lengths at the beginning, and the gameplay, although suffering from some problems, remains pleasant throughout. But by wanting to put too much on the table, Paul Helman and Sean Scaplehorn ended up losing us in this endless tide of tributes of all kinds, sometimes unconvincing when they take the form of game mechanics. The concept is very interesting, but the result is hardly satisfy at times.
  21. App Trigger
    Oct 22, 2020
    65
    Horace is an enjoyable game filled with interesting platforming mechanics. Unfortunately, its fun platforming and brilliant pixel art are buried beneath a pile of constant pop culture references, an obsessive need for close-ups and a plethora of free domain music.
  22. Cubed3
    Apr 19, 2021
    50
    Maybe it's the throwback design influences that are slightly too far outside of this reviewer's reach to appreciate and retro fans that remember playing the ZX spectrum will find a lot more to get out in this title. The desire is strong to get on with Horace, it really is, and he might even make you laugh at times, but just like the guy wearing socks and sandals, there are too many things holding it back.
This publication does not provide a score for their reviews.
This publication has not posted a final review score yet.
These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation.

In Progress & Unscored

?
  1. Eurogamer
    Oct 20, 2020
    An inventive platformer with an unforgettable sense of style and wit. [Eurogamer Recommended]

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Best Switch Game of 2020
84
#84 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2020

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 39
  3. Negative: 3 out of 39
  1. Snowstreams
    Dec 28, 2020
    9
    A great game with a lovely story. The 8bit graphics put me off at first but now I've realised they add to the game. Its one of the betterA great game with a lovely story. The 8bit graphics put me off at first but now I've realised they add to the game. Its one of the better indie games I've played.… Full Review »
  2. Pete112
    Dec 22, 2020
    8
    I didn't bother with this game when it first came out as it seemed too expensive for yet another 8 bit platformer.

    Picked it up on sale and    I didn't bother with this game when it first came out as it seemed too expensive for yet another 8 bit platformer.

    Picked it up on sale and have to say I would have been happy paying the full price for it. The story is captivating and the platforming, while difficult, let's you straight back into the action without losing progress.

    I still haven't fully completed it but like it so much I have put more hours into it than many of my full price games.    … Full Review »
  3. Sabrewulf1
    Oct 22, 2021
    10
    I'm nearly 50..gaming all my life, all the way from the beginning, where this games inspiration comes from with many many zx spectrum, c64I'm nearly 50..gaming all my life, all the way from the beginning, where this games inspiration comes from with many many zx spectrum, c64 Easter eggs, winks and nods too. If your an old boy (or girl) like myself, you are going to be absolutely blown away by this absolute masterpiece. Yes the story premise is utterly lifted from bicentennial man, but the likes of Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams would be proud of this game as there is enough spin on the story to make the game its own entity. The music, the gameplay mechanics, the smoothness of the game running on switch, the level design, the genius humour and the delivery from the voice acting.. its pure and utter genius. It made me actually laugh out loud at the writrin and tear in my eye for the human moments. If your an old school gamer this is a masterpiece, for all other gamers, it's still a great game but you might not get all the references.

    Total bargain even at the full price.    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »