80
Lunark, in its humble origins in the heart of a fan, is a worthy successor to those cinematic myths from more than three decades ago like Another World and Flashback.
90
Even with an inconveniently designed save system, Lunark is a game I’ll look back fondly on for reaching the highest of highs. It’s easily one of my favorite titles in recent years, one I’ll undoubtedly revisit. A must-play for cinematic platformer fans, Lunark’s full of surprises, bound to leave lasting positive impressions with players. If this is indie studio Canari Games’ first release, I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
80
While I doubt Lunark will go down in history as one of the all-timers of cinematic platforming, it’s well-made enough that anyone who likes this underserved niche should check it out. The presentation is on point, the story and setting are intriguing, and the mechanics feel like a close cousin to Flashback. This flavor of game isn’t going to be for everyone, especially those lacking warm and fuzzies for the specific era it’s paying homage to, but the target it’s aimed at is going to have a blast with it.
7
It's a nice homage to Prince of Persia and Another World. The problem is the world and lore could be developed more or less, cocnentrating on gameplay. By now, we have some glimpses on what is going on there but without depth that is a downside because it leaves mixed impression.
6
This retro pixel art game looks lovely and offers a great sci-fi storyline. The problem is the controls, they're clunky and unresponsive. You'll regularly die because you can't get button timing exactly right. This leads to a frustrating experience and it's the only difficult aspect of the game.
9
That's the best cinematic platform you can get, faithful to its roots (Flashback), but also a great 2d game in general, a fresh alternative to the dozens of metroidvanias out there.
The pixel-art graphics are beautiful with a lot of variety, the level design is fun and challenging, the controls are hard to master but fair and precise and the music sets the right mood for this sci-fi adventure we've been waiting for many years.
I really can't find any major con but it would be great to have some side content or more collectibles and the graphics might be too low-res for big screens.
Other than that, you'll have a solid single player experience that'll keep you engaged for about ten hours including all the upgrades/collectibles.
Lunark
Released On:
Mar 30, 2023
Metascore
Generally Favorable
77
User score
Mixed or Average
7.1
My Score
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
77
89% Positive
8 Reviews
8 Reviews
11% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
May 8, 2023
90
Even with an inconveniently designed save system, Lunark is a game I’ll look back fondly on for reaching the highest of highs. It’s easily one of my favorite titles in recent years, one I’ll undoubtedly revisit. A must-play for cinematic platformer fans, Lunark’s full of surprises, bound to leave lasting positive impressions with players. If this is indie studio Canari Games’ first release, I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.
Apr 3, 2023
86
Lunark is a carefully crafted flashback to the narrative platformers of the early-90s. With beautiful rotoscoped animation and a plot straight out of a Philip K Dick novel, it's one trip to another world well worth taking.
User score
Mixed or Average
7.1
45% Positive
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
36% Mixed
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
18% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
Jan 28, 2024
10
LUNARK succeeds in everything that FLASHBACK 2 failed This is a 2D game strongly inspired by platform titles from the early 90s like FLASHBACK and Another World. Even using the same rotoscoping methods that the cinematics of these classics used. I don't want to spoil the story too much since it is short and to the point, I prefer that you enjoy it. Of course, it hits full on nostalgia!
Mar 17, 2024
9
That's the best cinematic platform you can get, faithful to its roots (Flashback), but also a great 2d game in general, a fresh alternative to the dozens of metroidvanias out there.
The pixel-art graphics are beautiful with a lot of variety, the level design is fun and challenging, the controls are hard to master but fair and precise and the music sets the right mood for this sci-fi adventure we've been waiting for many years.
I really can't find any major con but it would be great to have some side content or more collectibles and the graphics might be too low-res for big screens.
Other than that, you'll have a solid single player experience that'll keep you engaged for about ten hours including all the upgrades/collectibles.
Mar 29, 2023
85
Lunark harks back to a time when 90s platformers were at their best, managing to offer a fresh approach thanks to a gorgeous art style.
Dec 11, 2023
80
Lunark, in its humble origins in the heart of a fan, is a worthy successor to those cinematic myths from more than three decades ago like Another World and Flashback.
Apr 11, 2023
80
While I doubt Lunark will go down in history as one of the all-timers of cinematic platforming, it’s well-made enough that anyone who likes this underserved niche should check it out. The presentation is on point, the story and setting are intriguing, and the mechanics feel like a close cousin to Flashback. This flavor of game isn’t going to be for everyone, especially those lacking warm and fuzzies for the specific era it’s paying homage to, but the target it’s aimed at is going to have a blast with it.
Apr 1, 2023
80
Even our minor frustrations with Lunark can’t overshadow the joy we felt as we played this unashamedly retro platformer. It is a competently put-together and lovingly crafted homage to an often-overlooked genre of gaming. Even the imprecise controls and Leo’s sluggish movements feel like a feature and not a bug in the game’s design. If you can wrap your head around them, there is a solid platformer to enjoy.
Apr 11, 2023
60
A loving homage to 16-bit classic Flashback but despite some fun visuals the clumsy controls and combat could have done with a bit more modernisation.
Aug 19, 2023
9
Really nice graphics and gameplay, the controls are 1000 times better than the original flashback.
Jul 7, 2025
7
It's a nice homage to Prince of Persia and Another World. The problem is the world and lore could be developed more or less, cocnentrating on gameplay. By now, we have some glimpses on what is going on there but without depth that is a downside because it leaves mixed impression.
Apr 5, 2023
7
Lunark is a worthy homage to retro narrative platformers like Flashback and Prince of Persia.
Dec 21, 2024
6
This retro pixel art game looks lovely and offers a great sci-fi storyline. The problem is the controls, they're clunky and unresponsive. You'll regularly die because you can't get button timing exactly right. This leads to a frustrating experience and it's the only difficult aspect of the game.
Oct 9, 2023
4
+A neat throwback scifi platformer with a vibrant color palette
+Soundtrack has some nice melodies
+The motion captures are cool
-Clunky controls makes the platforming puzzles mostly annoying to traverse
-The blocky graphics did strain my eyes.
-The storybeat lost me towards the end. Kinda flat world to interact with. No Side content or fun custom mechanics makes
Lunark a one time experience
SummaryA pulp adventure set in the midst of a rebellion against a totalitarian regime. You play as Leo, a lonely young orphan with unique physical and physiological characteristics that arouse the curiosity - if not the hatred - of its fellow citizens. You'll help him fulfill his destiny in the midst of a rebellion against LUNARK, and meet a w... Read More
Rated E +10for Everyone +10
Platforms:
- PC
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox One
- PlayStation 4
- Nintendo Switch
- Xbox Series X
Initial Release Date:Mar 30, 2023
Developer:
Publisher:
