Dust: An Elysian Tail

 Xbox 360
Dust: An Elysian Tail Image
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 59 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 165 Ratings

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  • Summary: Immerse yourself in a hand-painted world on a search for your true identity. As the mysterious warrior Dust, you must master the ancient Blade of Ahrah to battle dozens of enemies with an intuitive combat system, take on a variety of quests, discover powerful upgrades throughout the massive,Immerse yourself in a hand-painted world on a search for your true identity. As the mysterious warrior Dust, you must master the ancient Blade of Ahrah to battle dozens of enemies with an intuitive combat system, take on a variety of quests, discover powerful upgrades throughout the massive, open world, and uncover the story of an ancient civilization on the brink of extinction as you fight to uncover your own past. … Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 59
  3. Negative: 0 out of 59
  1. Gaming Age
    Aug 21, 2012
    100
    It's a great, 2D experience that harkens back to the popular Metroidvania sub-genre of adventures games, but manages to blaze its own path and stand out as a wholly unique experience. There's certainly little like it on XBLA, and I highly suggest picking it up.
  2. EGM
    Aug 15, 2012
    90
    A refreshing experience, one that reminds us of why people make games-and why we, in turn, play them. Combining quaint, charming elements with highly executed gameplay, Dust would be an impressive adventure even without the fascinating story behind its development.
  3. Multiplayer.it
    Sep 6, 2012
    90
    One of the best Live Arcade of 2012. A gorgeous, lengthy Metroidvania like adventure, with a lot of contents, incredible graphics, an addictive combat system and brilliant level design.
  4. IGN
    Aug 13, 2012
    85
    Sure, the RPG elements could have been stronger, and the boss battles are a bit of a letdown, but if those are the worst things about your game, you're in pretty good shape. An Elysian Tail is a rare example of artisanal game craft. Conventional wisdom says that can't happen anymore, but Dust proves otherwise.
  5. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Sep 23, 2012
    80
    You'll get bored before the end, but Dust's fantastic characters, brilliant combat, engaging platforming and beautiful visuals will keep you smiling for the majority. [Issue#89,p.89]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. RPGamer
    Aug 19, 2012
    80
    The game is a cohesive and stunning effort that keeps you coming back for more.
  7. Gameblog.fr
    Aug 24, 2012
    60
    Visually stunning, with roughly 12 hours of gameplay, Dust remains quite spectacular, especially knowing it's the work of only two people. But after a charming start, one doesn't take long to witness a gigantic shortcoming: there's no challenge whatsoever and the heroes don't benefit from any sort of evolution over the course of the adventure. The game design thus becomes void, when all you need to do is to press four buttons continuously to finish the game.

See all 59 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
  1. DaniloCN
    Aug 30, 2012
    10
    It is one of those games that captivates you from the moment you see it. Dust: An Elysian Tail to my opinion, is the best game to come out onIt is one of those games that captivates you from the moment you see it. Dust: An Elysian Tail to my opinion, is the best game to come out on Xbox Live Arcade to date. RPG, platform, action, a combat system that is not boring, otherworldly visuals. In short, by 1200MSP can play a game that easily surpasses many physical games that have flooded the market these days.… Expand
  2. TheHumbleGamer
    Apr 17, 2017
    10
    This game really is an unappreciated masterpiece in game design.
    Designed by a single man (Dean Dodrill), this game has stunning visuals,    This game really is an unappreciated masterpiece in game design.
    Designed by a single man (Dean Dodrill), this game has stunning visuals, amazing RPG gameplay, great characters and an unbelievably good soundtrack to boot. The areas in the game are all unique and everything blends together perfectly to give you one of the most fun combat designs in gaming.
    I love the protagonist of this game and his cute little sidekick, they are a great duo that I won't soon forget. Pick up a controller and get into it and I guarantee you'll find it very hard to stop.    … Expand
  4. Karma_police
    Oct 16, 2012
    10
    This game is beautiful i wouldn't mind to see another game by Humble Hearts, Dust AET has everything, a nice control, gorgeous graphics, niceThis game is beautiful i wouldn't mind to see another game by Humble Hearts, Dust AET has everything, a nice control, gorgeous graphics, nice characters and a good plot. if you are willing to download a Xbox live arcade game just give a shot to Dust you wont be disappointed.… Expand
  5. MegWhiteley
    Aug 20, 2012
    10
    Amazing game, the graphics, the story, the development of the story, the gameplay is perfect on the new Microsoft Game Studios, Dust: AnAmazing game, the graphics, the story, the development of the story, the gameplay is perfect on the new Microsoft Game Studios, Dust: An Elysian Tail. Amazing game.… Expand
  6. cygnarite
    Jun 1, 2013
    9
    Solid, fun game through and through. If you're a fan of SoTN and metroid-vania style games, you'll love it. Combat is fun and varied (thoughSolid, fun game through and through. If you're a fan of SoTN and metroid-vania style games, you'll love it. Combat is fun and varied (though at times, it can get a bit hectic). Story is solid (especially for a 15 dollar game in this genre). Solid voice acting, -especially- solid at 15 bucks. RPG elements are standard, but well implemented. The only reason I didn't give it a 10 is because personally, I reserve that for games that are revolutionary while not revolutionary, this game is a great personification of the metroid-vania style of gaming.

    Even if the "box art" turns you off (all the characters are animal people), don't let that dissuade you it doesn't detract anything from the game.    … Expand
  7. blognorg
    Aug 18, 2012
    8
    I
  8. celeost
    May 24, 2013
    4
    i think this game was cute and fun period bad voice acting and the lack of more interesting and varied combat, sending it to the averagei think this game was cute and fun period bad voice acting and the lack of more interesting and varied combat, sending it to the average corner. its what we can call a weekend pick although it last much longer.… Expand

See all 33 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2012
67
#67 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2012