Flashback

 Xbox 360
Metascore
50

Mixed or average reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 37
  3. Negative: 15 out of 37
  1. Digital Chumps
    Aug 25, 2013
    74
    At the end of the day, if you're an old school gamer that loved Flashback when it was first released in the 90s then you're going to adore what VectorCell and Ubisoft have brought to you in the HD version. They've done a helluva job keeping the memory and core gameplay of the original intact, while still delivering a competent game that is fun and engaging in a new way.
  2. Games Master UK
    Sep 18, 2013
    72
    An enjoyable adventure with a few niggles - only has replay value for completionists. [Nov 2013, p.69]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Sep 9, 2013
    70
    Doesn't totally transport us back. [Oct 2013, p.89]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. God is a Geek
    Aug 21, 2013
    70
    The story could have done with a little bit more fine-tuning and the actor playing Conrad would have done a bit better if he hadn’t been channelling every single cheesy 80′s movie star simultaneously, but the gameplay, the bit that’s most important when it comes to an actual game, is enjoyable from beginning to end.
  6. Everyeye.it
    Aug 27, 2013
    65
    It's difficult to evaluate the remake of Flashback: old fans will gather in front of a title that remembers the original, but had lost that unique style. Who will approach the game for the first time will find instead a well made title but not so addictive.
  7. Official Xbox Magazine
    Aug 21, 2013
    65
    While its gameplay and visuals are better than they were in 1992, what was groundbreaking back then feels merely average 20 years later.
  8. NZGamer
    Oct 23, 2013
    60
    Flashback isn’t a particularly long game, clocking in at around 4-5 hours with limited replayability beyond collectibles for completionists. For $12.95 though, that’s a decent amount of playtime; it’s just a shame that it runs out of steam so early and leaves you wanting flashbacks of the first few levels.
  9. 3DJuegos
    Aug 26, 2013
    60
    Not without some issues not found in the original production, this new installment of Flashback deserves a "regular" consideration. Besides, this DLC includes the original game.
  10. Gamers' Temple
    Aug 23, 2013
    60
    Flashback has resurfaced and is now upgraded for a new generation of gamers, but it's weighted down heavily with shortcomings.
  11. IGN
    Aug 21, 2013
    58
    Unfortunately, whilst competent in execution and steeped in nostalgia, this remake of the 1992 classic Flashback doesn’t quite have the firepower or ingenuity to measure up in its own right against the current standard in platformers.
  12. Critical Hit
    Sep 5, 2013
    55
    The problem with Flashback is that despite having faults that can be overlooked, the remaining execution feels flat and average. There is absolutely nothing special about Flashback. And that in itself is one of the worst sins that a game can commit.
  13. Multiplayer.it
    Aug 27, 2013
    55
    Flashback is proof that you can't simply take a '90s classic and make a new game out of it without redesigning its mechanics and structure.
  14. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Oct 14, 2013
    50
    The bugs overshadow what is a generally poor update of a classic game. [Issue#103, p.86]
    All this publication's reviews
  15. Hyper Magazine
    Oct 3, 2013
    50
    The one thing that New Flashback has going for it is that it comes bundled with Better Flashback, which you can access via the main menu. [Nov 2013, p.66]
    All this publication's reviews
  16. Game Over Online
    Sep 16, 2013
    50
    Flashback on the Sega Genesis is a beloved title from the past that could have been a groundbreaking experience when updated for today’s consoles. Unfortunately, what we received is a bargain priced Xbox Live Arcade title that never quite delivers on any of the expectations fans have had over the years.
  17. IGN Italia
    Aug 26, 2013
    50
    An half-developed remake, Flashback manages to conjure memories of the original 1992 game wasting them with lots of shortcomings and not-well-implemented ideas.
  18. Vandal
    Aug 22, 2013
    50
    It doesn't really work as a remake, but it doesn't work as an action platformer either. A quite simple experience where there's very little to highlight.
  19. Eurogamer Italy
    Aug 22, 2013
    50
    With this weak remake Ubisoft has ruined an awesome game which still looks and plays good despise of its age. Too many changes have been made to the original gameplay and none of them is good enough to improve the game.
  20. Polygon
    Aug 21, 2013
    50
    With beautiful environments and intelligent level design, VectorCell did most of the work of making a memorable puzzle-platformer. But awkward controls and frustrating bugs keep Flashback far away from the classic status its 1993 forebear earned.
  21. Eurogamer
    Aug 21, 2013
    50
    Time may not have been particularly kind to Flashback, but 20 years on, it hasn't been forgotten. It's unlikely we'll be able to say the same for this remake in 20 days.

Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2013
77
#77 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2013

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
4.8

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 67 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 67
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 67
  3. Negative: 32 out of 67
  1. jeslesk
    Aug 22, 2013
    10
    I very rarely if ever bother to write a review for anything, but I feel this one needed it. This is an excellent game and I feel that it hasI very rarely if ever bother to write a review for anything, but I feel this one needed it. This is an excellent game and I feel that it has been underrated, the gameplay is smooth and fun and it's definitely more accessible than the original version. Game ratings are funny, seems like a rating comes through and everybody jumps on the bandwagon and prejudges it, be it a good or bad rating everyone tends to agree with it. I love this game and the graphics/gameplay are excellent, controls are WAY better than original.… Full Review »
  2. tattoosteve
    Aug 21, 2013
    9
    i know everyone is going to say this game doesn't live up to its predecessor, but honestly it's one of the most intriguing plots i've comei know everyone is going to say this game doesn't live up to its predecessor, but honestly it's one of the most intriguing plots i've come across in the while. same premise as the old one and the controls and gameplay are pretty damn solid. graphics are also pretty good. 9/10 from me.… Full Review »
  3. Shynmas
    Aug 23, 2013
    9
    Looks like many critics have difficulties managing their nostalgia and were hoping to play the exact same game as 20 years ago, not a remakeLooks like many critics have difficulties managing their nostalgia and were hoping to play the exact same game as 20 years ago, not a remake sold at a very cheap price (maybe because they actually don't pay for the games).
    Gameplay is excellent, graphics rocks, animations do pay tribute to the original and the whole atmosphere remains. It is not a AAA game (everyone knows that), it DOES include the original game and I'm enjoying it very much.
    Put aside any preconceived expectations and enjoy this remake as it deserves it!    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »