Severed

Press StartEwan Roxburgh

9/10

Despite being heavily stylised the world feels alive and I was often totally immersed into the game. Obviously the sound design contributes greatly in this sense. Enemy design is exceptional, blending the tone and style of the game with its gameplay. Sound here plays an important role again, cueing enemy attacks, powerups and more.

There’s a lot to like about Severed, and the comparisons that it draws to lighter fare by virtue of its slash and tap combat are often unfair. It relies on heavy symbolism and imagery in the way that a classic like Hyper Light Drifter does; it tells a story of universally recognisable themes in grief, loss, and family, and the dungeon crawling genre is an excellent vehicle to tell a story about the fear and hopelessness of being lost in an unfamiliar world. It has enough mechanical challenge to keep you entertained, and it draws on well-known design techniques with its light puzzle narrative…

Nintendo LifeRyan Craddock

9/10

A joy to behold from start to finish, Severed is an almost perfectly executed action-adventure title. With very successfully designed dungeons full of rewarding puzzles and a combat system that is pleasing to carry out, you’ll likely find yourself wishing you could play more of the game when it is over. That’s the only real downside – you’ll be finished with the main story after six hours and be left wanting more – although wishing you could play more isn’t exactly a complaint. If you have the means to do so, we heartily recommend giving this one a go.

WCCFtechKai Tatsumoto

9/10

It's rare to discover a developer that has established such a signature style that with a single glance can be immediately identified. Drinkbox’s unique approach to style fills the world of Severed with a style rarely seen in other titles. Vibrant colors mark each zone with its own particular style while somber, darker tones accentuate the environments with a color palette all too familiar to those that donned a luchador persona in Guacamelee.

TechRaptorJeff Pannell

9/10

Severed presents a grim tale of grief and vengeance that offers deceptively deep combat. This is a great example of touch controls done right and the presentation is top-notch. This is a must-own Vita title.

Worth PlayingChris "Atom" DeAngelus

8.5/10

Severed is a gesture-based action game that follows the saga of a distraught warrior, who is lost in a fantastical world, as she knits together pieces of her story from both the past and the future.

Pure NintendoHeath Shusterman-Zimmerman

8/10

Severed  is a new title for the Wii U created by DrinkBox Studios. You might be familiar with that name if you've ever played Guacamelee!  (a popular title t

The OuterHavenUnknown

Stylish Stylus Swordplay on the Wii U Instead of playing it safe by returning to Mexican Metroidvania with everyone's favorite video game luchador, DrinkBox Studios' follow-up to their acclaimed Guacamelee! is a less festive, more contemplative action-adventure relying on sharp reflexes and a sharper sword. Severed has players hacking and slashing their way…

Nintendo World ReportNeal Ronaghan

8/10

Despite all that, recommending Severed is easy. It’s a unique, intriguing game that makes brilliant use of the touch screen on the GamePad. This is a perfect off-TV experience. While the gameplay premise wears thin over the short adventure, when the slashing combat works and the exploration feels organic, it’s incredible. Just be prepared for a bit of repetition as the story reaches its conclusion.

Metro GameCentralDavid Jenkins

8/10

A fantastically strange and unique first person adventure that manages to make touchscreen controls seem fresh and interesting again.

Playstation LifestyleJowi Girard-Meli

8/10

The Vita may be on its way out, but DrinkBox Studios has given it a high-profile game late in its lifespan. How is it? Read our Severed review to find out!

GameSpotJason D'Aprile

8/10

Worth an Arm and a Leg