Starlink: Battle for Atlas

 Xbox One
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. Forbes
    Nov 1, 2018
    90
    A bonafide toys-to-life title in many respects, if more of a hybrid flavor than past efforts, and that will probably scare certain people away. But even if you strip out all the expensive extras, you can still play everything digitally (the deluxe digital edition includes all ships, characters and weapons), and on top of that, the game is simply really, really good.
  2. Generación Xbox
    Oct 20, 2018
    87
    A surprisingly fun title, that can be very accessible, rich and complex at the same time. If you're a spaceship games lover and even if you're not you're gonna have a hell of a lot of fun.
  3. SomosXbox
    Oct 15, 2018
    82
    A different and brave game with addictive mechanics and a story in space. The exploration can be repetitive after hours, but technically it is remarkable and very interesting.
  5. XboxAddict
    Nov 12, 2018
    81
    Starlink: Battle for Atlas is a solid game, and one that could be the start of a franchise that could, and should, get a sequel or two. The toys aren’t necessary to play, but they are great looking and solid models that are very functional given how easy it is to add or swap out weapons. The problem here is that the toys will add up in term of dollars spent if you want to collect them all. And yes, Starlink can feel repetitive at times, but the control, visuals and sound, and the RPG-lite features make for a pretty good gaming experience. I really did enjoy my time with Starlink: Battle for Atlas and I have no problem recommending it to any gamer out there.
  6. Video Chums
    Oct 17, 2018
    81
    The incredible sights and sounds and satisfying mechanics of Starlink: Battle for Atlas make exploring its gorgeous planets a joy. So, if you're looking for your next toys-to-life obsession then this could definitely be it. Just make sure to bring a friend.
  7. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Dec 18, 2018
    80
    A Destiny/No Man's Sky hybrid that you'll happily lose yourself in for many hours. [Christmas 2018, p.90]
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  8. TheXboxHub
    Nov 30, 2018
    80
    No matter what you may think of the whole toys to life idea that Ubisoft are pushing, the truth of the matter is that Starlink: Battle for Atlas is a very good game that should be embraced by all – with or without the physical additions. It brings together a great story, some utterly stunning visuals, and superb sound. These mix well with a variety of quests, missions, objectives and codex fulfilments that wouldn’t look out of place in the likes of Assassin’s Creed.
  9. TrueAchievements
    Nov 6, 2018
    80
    The game makes for a fun adventure with a bit of a family-friendly leaning, and allows you the freedom to chase mission markers or just slow down and explore. A good variety of missions will please any players who haven't yet grown weary of the developer-publisher's oft-seen open-world design, making Ubisoft's risky project a game that shoots for the stars and in many ways manages to get there.
  10. Xbox Tavern
    Oct 20, 2018
    80
    The gameplay loop, despite its lack of mission variation and the need to grind later in, offers an empowering, captivating adventure from the outset. The game’s ingenuity is its strong suit, combining its core concept with combat, exploration and customization to great effect. This is further upheld by a collection of worlds that are as diverse as they are stunning. The bottom line, Starlink brings toys-to-life, back to life.
  11. Windows Central
    Oct 20, 2018
    80
    An impressive experience. It's a shame that the story and limited exploration options hold the title back. The game could've rivaled some of the best space exploration games out there, but its need to appeal to a younger crowd undoubtedly takes away from the package.
  12. BaziCenter
    Oct 29, 2018
    75
    Starlink: Battle for Atlas is not just a simple arcade title, as many would have thought; and while the potentials of this genre might be limited, Starlink still has a lot to offer including great combat, wonderful space atmosphere and endless discoveries.
  13. IGN
    Oct 18, 2018
    70
    With or without the unnecessary toys, Starlink: Battle for Atlas is a commendable space adventure. Even with the repetitive grind and randomly scattershot space combat, this is a great-looking, gratifying game of strategic action and environmental exploration. Switch owners are undoubtedly the winners, but there’s something here to enjoy on any platform.
  14. Jeuxvideo.com
    Oct 17, 2018
    70
    Clearly, Starlink: Battle for Atlas is repetitive and its storytelling is more than conventional. But the dogfight and the big open world are just so much fun. A good addition to the toys/video games cross-over.
  15. GameSpot
    Oct 15, 2018
    70
    Starlink is an interesting and enjoyable open-world game, one that fully understands the appeal of exploring new planets and dogfighting in the cold depths of space. With a small fleet of ships at your disposal, it can be a lot of fun to progressively assault and weaken the Forgotten Legion's hold on the galaxy. It's just a shame that if you're interested in the physical models, you'll have to spend more to get the same experience as the digital version.

Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Best Xbox One Game of 2018
70
#70 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2018

User Reviews

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User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 38
  3. Negative: 10 out of 38
  1. Xbox_Alive
    Oct 23, 2018
    7
    I thoroughly enjoyed the combat that has been implemented in the game because they not only make things fun throughout but they also make itI thoroughly enjoyed the combat that has been implemented in the game because they not only make things fun throughout but they also make it rewarding as well. The open world is a very decent size and exploring the different planets and the space where these planets are remains fun for quite a while. In terms of content the game has a decent amount for you to be getting on with and there are a number of different things you can see and do as well. I really enjoyed the presentation side of the game because both the visuals and sound design have a unique side to it and this uniqueness brings the game to life. Each different mechanic in the game has been done really well and they all play an important part in the overall gameplay. The story wasn’t bad in any way nothing much really stood out either and it failed to hold my attention at times. The game can become repetetive so I recommend that you play the game in short bursts. From the moment I first saw Starlink: Battle for Atlas it had me intrigued and this did create a bit of excitement within me. The reason I was excited is because it definitely had a uniqueness to it and after sinking a number of hours into it this uniqueness made me enjoy the game quite a lot. Obviously the uniqueness is not the only reason why I enjoyed it because it has many intricate mechanics which have been done really well and in the end they each create a ton of fun. I also found the combat to be fun as well and there always seemed to be something to do in the vast open world. I would however still recommend that you play the game in short bursts though because it does get repetetive after a while and the story doesn’t have much that stands out. That being said these are the only small gripes I had with the game because everything from the presentation to the content has been done extremely well and if you have the urge to try something new then you can do a lot worse than Starlink: Battle for Atlas because it tries something new and ultimately succeeds.… Full Review »
  2. WillGoss
    Oct 17, 2021
    7
    For real, I was not expecting to have that much fun playing that game. I got the game on clearance at 5$ on Amazon with the spaceship thing.For real, I was not expecting to have that much fun playing that game. I got the game on clearance at 5$ on Amazon with the spaceship thing. For a 5$ deal, it worth the price. The story is very very short, you can clear the game in 5 hours. The good thing about the game is that you always have something to do, so its not getting boring after a couple of hours. You have a couple of planets to explore, a great open word, great planets, and its very fun to discover each one of those. If you can get it for cheap, it worth the price.

    Positive things ;

    + Great open world (planets and space)
    + Always something to do
    + Very fun to fly around and discover planets
    + The achievements are fun to do
    + Good looking game
    + Good gameplay

    Negative things ;

    - The story is very short, and its just '' ok ''
    - The DLCs are a bit expansive for what it worth    … Full Review »
  3. Voidmoney
    Jun 24, 2019
    5
    Some really strong points to this game, but also some massive failings. Only a handful of different combat scenarios. Planets do not feelSome really strong points to this game, but also some massive failings. Only a handful of different combat scenarios. Planets do not feel organic or alive; there are few types of flora and fauna per planet, and collapsed societies are identical on each planet.

    Gameplay mechanics are strong though. Combat is also well designed, and thoughtful, however lack of variety in combat scenarios makes it get old fast. So many lost opportunities; I feel like with everything it has going for it they could have had really engaging battles, featuring land and flight enemies , as well admit ally support... they even could have had huge battles with the addition of multiple factions, but instead, such fights are rather small and lack lustre.

    Hopefully they fix some of these issues, but honestly I feel like it may be too late.    … Full Review »
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