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In descending order:


Kotaku - Recommended

Tokyo Jungle is perhaps the most original game to come out of Japan in recent years with its unique concept, entertaining tongue-in-cheek writing, and competent controls. And while some may find it monotonous, completionists will happily spent countless hours unlocking the roster of over 50 different animals. In the end, Tokyo Jungle is not a perfect game by any stretch, but it's very much worth the price tag.

1UP - Recommended

People are quick to crudely break down a game into a rough equation of older titles, but it'd take a mathematician far smarter than myself to solve for the "x" of Tokyo Jungle. The game blends arcade sensibilities with stealth action and a roguelike mentality, but it's honestly so much more than that. It's a unique vision in a sea of sequels and remakes. It manages to be accessible while simultaneously providing ample depth. I've put a about 20 hours or so into the game already, but there's a whole mess of content that I haven't even begun to discover. Aside from a bevy of animals and accoutrement that I still need to unlock, there's an entire piece of the map that I've yet to step foot in. It's a miracle that a game like this even exists in 2012, let alone that it made its way to our side of the world, and for that, it demands your attention.

Eurogamer - 9/10

The point is, Tokyo Jungle is more than just shagging and fighting. All right, so it is just shagging and fighting so you can unlock bigger animals to do more shagging and violenter fighting. And yes, the environments are linear and the archive thing is stupid and the whole thing feels so dated it's hard not to check your watch in case you're missing the start of This Life.

But it's also tremendous fun. It harks back to ye olde video gaymes of yesteryear, when the reward for trawling through long levels or defeating a tough boss was a nice new gun. Nowadays, the reward is a tedious cut-scene in which people who can't move their lips properly explain a plot it is impossible to care about to each other for four hours. In contrast, Tokyo Jungle is a celebration of classic games, with their ridiculous plots, repetitive tasks, excessive violence and all. It pulls off the impressive and nigh-on impossible trick of being an original homage. Also it lets you set a giraffe on a bear.

Venture Beat- 85/100

For the longest time, I couldn’t decide whether I loved or hated this game. The lack of polish in some areas and questionable design decisions in others can overshadow Tokyo Jungle’s moments of brilliance. As I finished the story, however, I realized I couldn’t stop smiling: It knows how absurd it is, but it doesn’t care. The developers takes the ridiculous concept and runs with it all the way, mainstream tastes be damned. That’s something you really have to admire.

CVG - 8.2/10

Originally slated as a PSN-only game, and eventually released on disc as a budget title, Tokyo Jungle doesn't exactly look triple-A. The graphics are PS2.5-quality, the textures chunky, the animation jerky, the resolution low, the HUD busy. A few more Trophies and narration on the story and tutorial elements would also have been welcome. But as a fun, funny, totally unique experience with old-school appeal and dozens of hours of gameplay, Tokyo Jungle is as adorable as kittens.

PSN Stores - 4/5

Tokyo Jungle is pretty much everything you expect it to be. It is off the wall insanity that you only would expect from Japan. The first time you take out an alligator with a boar you will know what you want to do. That is play more Tokyo Jungle.

The Verge - 8/10

Gloomy near-future setting aside, Tokyo Jungle isn't terribly concerned with telling an epic tale of the destruction of mankind. It centers on the narratives that emerge from nature — the struggle for food, for safety, for family. Through its constantly shifting challenges, Tokyo Jungle shepherds you to the best of its content without forcing your way. It invites you to explore, collect, fight, or ignore all of these impulses at your own leisure. Whatever path you choose, under whatever animal's guise, something strange and wonderful is waiting.

TheSixthAxis - 8/10

Tokyo Jungle will be dismissed by many as a kooky Japanese oddity. It’s not quite that simple though. While there is a lot here that has obviously required a lot of what western conference rooms would call thinking outside the box, it’s all packaged around familiar videogame mechanics of levelling up; stealth; attacks and counters; mission objectives and item collection. That the lead character is a Pomeranian in a baseball cap ceases to be an issue once the compelling gameplay hooks you. Even when you’re randomly eaten by a surprising tiger eight generations into an animal’s lineage, you’ll still be watching a tiger eat a pomeranian in a baseball cap. And that’s brilliant.

IGN- 8/10

My expectations for Tokyo Jungle weren’t high, but when I started playing, I quickly realized a marked error in my preliminary judgment. Tokyo Jungle might be bizarre, different and even a little bit whacky, but it’s also a lot of fun. It’s a truly different game; you’ve never played anything like it. And in a gaming industry full of the same old thing, this very fact should intrigue you. The icing on the cake? The fact that it’s a damn good experience with incredible depth and replay value.

Destructoid - 7.5/10

While mutilating and devouring the flesh of cute little animals under ruined, famous Japanese landmarks is a riot, there's not much more than this to do in Tokyo Jungle. The control is sufficient, and the hunting action is quite fun, but as soon as the thrill of the hunt wears off, it's really just running around in circles until you eventually die. And, unfortunately, there's not too much of a difference in the way the various animals control, which doesn't help the feeling of repetitiveness.

While some may take pleasure in trying to top the leaderboards for their survival skills, I feel that most will quickly tire of this game after putting it through its paces.

That said, you should still dive into Tokyo Jungle. While a bit shallow, it's an insane idea done really well. If nothing else, it's worth your cash just to see your fantasy animal match-ups go down. Really, you haven't lived until you've seen a pack of puppies take down an alligator.

EDGE - 7/10

Tokyo itself is a joy to explore. Rough-edged but evocative, it’s a wonderfully intricate piece of design, full of alternate routes, shortcuts and hidden interiors, while apparent cul-de-sacs more often than not hide secrets that prove that curiosity holds more than death for inquisitive cats. Shifting threats including heavy rain, visibility-restricting fog or nightfall, toxic gases and even blistering heat that quickly rots animal corpses add that thrilling random element that drives the best roguelikes. If your interactions with the world are broadly similar each time, no two runs are ever quite the same.

Gameinformer - 7/10

I sank plenty of hours into Tokyo Jungle, and still want to play more. I'm just not sure why, as the repetitious gameplay limits the amount of fun I've had with it. Still, if you're looking for something off the beaten path – or just want to see a bunch of animals doing it – Tokyo Jungle provides a modest amount of entertainment.

Gamespot - 5/10

You've never played a game with a concept quite like that of Tokyo Jungle. But underneath the amusing exterior, this is just a game with shoddy stealth mechanics and gameplay systems that keep you doing the same simple things over and over again. It's almost hard to believe, but Tokyo Jungle makes experiencing the rich circle of life on the streets of Shibuya a drag.

Gamesradar - 2.5/5

Struggling to survive, mate, and generally make your way in a savage new world has potential. Alas, Tokyo Jungle somehow spins its killer concept into a mundane, frictionless side-scroller. That’s too bad, but nothing a little Discovery Channel marathon can’t cure.

Playstation Lifestyle - 3/10

Tokyo Jungle is in some small ways a success, and in others, a failure. It does deserve a ton of credit for being a fresh type of game, so unique in its concept. This game is also something to consider if you have a lot of gamer gatherings at your place and want something you and your friends can laugh at, as it produces hilarious stories and highlight-reel moments by the dozen. But fun quickly fades when trying to actually go through the game, with the experience being dragged down by the crazy inconsistencies of its own world, sloppy multiplayer, disgraceful graphics, annoying music, an overdose of repetition, and too many smaller glitches to count.

I'll update the OP as reviews roll out. OT will be posted Monday night.

 

[Wario64]

3/10 wat

 

[ironcreed]

Ha, nice to see it is not getting completely dumped on. It's not an immediate buy, but it is still an eventual must buy just because it looks too insane to pass up.

 

[GQman2121]

Do they at least mention these small glitches? I ask because their score is so much lower than the rest.

 

[kassatsu]

PSLS is a banned site, no reason linking it

Do they at least mention these small glitches? I ask because their score is so much lower than the rest.

I have played the game for about 30hrs and other than some slow down when there are like 20 animals on screen, there aren't many.

 

[sTeLioSco]

3/10 wat

only halo killers get high scores from playstation sites....

 

[Corto]

I expected divisive opinions but 3/10 is ruthless.

 

[Snuggles]

PSLS is a banned site, no reason linking it

I didn't realize that until after I posted the thread, but I'll keep it listed for now so there's an "opposing" opinion.

 

[Carl]

Day 1 buy for me.

 

[BadWolf]

Happy to see it receive generally decent scores, hope it sells well and encourages Sony to support more unique games like this.

 

[distantmantra]

How much is it going to be?

 

[Snuggles]

How much is it going to be?

$15 on PSN.

Added Gamesradar review, I think that's all of 'em for now.

 

[kassatsu]

I didn't realize that until after I posted the thread, but I'll keep it listed for now so there's an "opposing" opinion.

I just mean remove the link since it doesn't resolve

 

[Magna_Mixalis]

Wait...they released this on disc outside of Japan?!

If so, instant buy. If not...I have to get a bigger hard drive and then download this.

My mission: to take down lions with a Pomeranian dressed as a pimp.

 

[FantasticMrFoxdie]

Hype!

 

[Empty]

i appreciate the good reviews but tbh i've had a 'reviews: DON'T MATTER' approach to this game since i heard about it.

 

[Baconsammy]

Even the positive reviews make it sound shitty. Day never for me.

 

[kassatsu]

Here is a 30min video of me playing the game and talking about it

http://www.psnstores.com/2012/09/gameplay-glimpse-tokyo-jungle/

 

[Theorymon]

$15 on PSN.

Added Gamesradar review, I think that's all of 'em for now.

15 bucks? ah hell, might as well jump in and risk it at that price, this sounds exactly like the kind of quirky Japanese game that appeals to me!

 

[Snuggles]

I just mean remove the link since it doesn't resolve

Ah, gotcha. I found a better alternative .

 

[ironcreed]

$15 on PSN.

Added Gamesradar review, I think that's all of 'em for now.

I'll get it sooner, rather than later at that price. Thanks.

 

[kassatsu]

If it had custom soundtracks it would have been my new podcast game.

 

[Joni]

Wait...they released this on disc outside of Japan?!

If so, instant buy. If not...I have to get a bigger hard drive and then download this.

My mission: to take down lions with a Pomeranian dressed as a pimp.

I would like to see you try. Any huge predator can kill a pomeranian in one bite and even surprise attacks hardly do damage.

 

[pharmboy044]

For $15 this is a must have.

 

[-Amon-]

$15 on PSN.

So mine

 

[Polishin8r]

when this game is gonna be out?

 

[kassatsu]

when this game is gonna be out?

September 25/26 (US/EU)

 

[Magna_Mixalis]

I would like to see you try. Any huge predator can kill a pomeranian in one bite and even surprise attacks hardly do damage.

Challenge accepted, sir!

Spoiler

Once I can actually download the game...

 

[UNCyrus]

It's not just the NA embargo. Embargo went up for EU as well at 8:00AM PDT.

 

[Archon473]

Animal stealth action and exploration? Sounds like an amusing game to me. Even if I only play the story once and survival enough times to earn the trophies, for the price the game would be worth at least as much. Will a demo be offered?

 

[Joni]

Challenge accepted, sir!

Spoiler

Once I can actually download the game...

You only have to make room for 4,5 GB

 

[kassatsu]

It's not just the NA embargo. Embargo went up for EU as well at 8:00AM PDT.

It wasn't well communicated. The last email my UK editor got was 16:00 GMT Friday

 

[Az987]

I'm so buying this.

I don't even care to look at the reviews I just want to run around as a chicken in a top hat.

 

[UNCyrus]

It wasn't well communicated. The last email my UK editor got was 16:00 GMT Friday

That's on the SCEE reps... We established embargo 2 weeks ago, as you can see from the multiple EU sites that went live this morning.

 

[Polishin8r]

September 25/26 (US/EU)

thx K

 

[kassatsu]

That's on the SCEE reps... We established embargo 2 weeks ago, as you can see from the multiple EU sites that went live this morning.

Not the case for UK. TheSixthAxis was just told that it is in fact tomorrow and the same remains for us as well since that is where we got the review voucher from.

 

[UNCyrus]

Not the case for UK. TheSixthAxis was just told that it is in fact tomorrow and the same remains for us as well since that is where we got the review voucher from.

I can 100% assure you that the embargo is up, as the PR rep for this title.

 

[Joni]

I can 100% assure you that the embargo is up, as the PR rep for this title.

I can double back. I'm mainland Europe, my deadline was today, 5 'o clock according to SCEE.

 

[Nemesis_]

Wish this was Vita somehow - waiting for the SuperSlim before I buy another PS3.

 

[kassatsu]

I can 100% assure you that the embargo is up, as the PR rep for this title.

I don't doubt you Will. But going to go by what my email said and what the majority of UK based sites also received.

 

[UNCyrus]

Wish this was Vita somehow - waiting for the SuperSlim before I buy another PS3.

You can remote play on PS Vita, but then you still need a PS3 for that.

 

[atomsk]

already have the funds in my PSN wallet ready to go

but same day as One Piece means I'm not sure what I'll be playing first

 

[darkside31337]

Wish this was Vita somehow - waiting for the SuperSlim before I buy another PS3.

It's got Remote Play if you already have a PS3.

 

[nofi]

Our rep (UK) just reconfirmed embargo is 4pm GMT tomorrow. Friday.

Delighted by all this.

 

[Canis lupus]

Getting good scores with the usual bad ones.

 

[PhillipCostigan]

Embargo seems like a total clusterfuck.

Why the separate embargoes for different regions anyway? Ridiculous.

 

[UNCyrus]

Embargo seems like a total clusterfuck.

Why the separate embargoes for different regions anyway? Ridiculous.

I don't know what's going on in the UK, but SCEE and SCEA agreed on an embargo that lifted this morning. Today's my day off, I'm just tracking coverage for my title, lol.

 

[kassatsu]

Embargo seems like a total clusterfuck.

Why the separate embargoes for different regions anyway? Ridiculous.

Tomorrow is a better day too since it isn't going up against all this WiiU news. But that is besides the point.

Tokyo Jungle is pretty sweet.

 

[nofi]

I don't know what's going on in the UK, but SCEE and SCEA agreed on an embargo that lifted this morning. Today's my day off, I'm just tracking coverage for my title, lol.

Somebody didn't tell UK then.

 

[Tenki]

I won't accept anything below 10/10.