If you’ve ever felt nostalgic for the golden age of 8-bit adventures but wished they played with the polish and wit of something made today, there’s a little gem waiting on the Nintendo eShop that ticks all the boxes. The Messenger, the debut title from Sabotage Studio and published by Devolver Digital, has quietly become one of the Switch’s most beloved platformers – and right now, it’s going for less than the price of a fancy coffee.
That’s right: this critically acclaimed game, initially launched in 2018, is now enjoying a massive 80% discount, bringing its price down to just under €4. It’s rare to see something this good for that little, and it’s the perfect excuse to rediscover why so many players (and critics) called it a masterclass of its genre.
A ninja’s journey is full of twists and self-awareness
At first glance, The Messenger looks like a straightforward retro throwback – you play as a young ninja tasked with delivering an ancient scroll after a demonic army attacks his village. But that simple premise doesn’t prepare you for the game’s wit, heart, and delightful absurdity.
The writing sparkles with humour, often breaking the fourth wall in conversations that tease both the player and the genre itself. The shopkeeper, for instance, doubles as a storyteller and a bit of a philosopher, offering tall tales and snarky remarks that keep you grinning even when the action gets intense.
What’s remarkable is how seamlessly the game evolves from a tight, linear platformer into something far richer – a narrative adventure full of surprises and clever callbacks. Without spoiling too much, let’s say the phrase ‘time travel’ isn’t just a throwaway line here.
A gameplay masterclass that rewards precision
Mechanically, The Messenger is pure joy. The movement feels fluid and fast, as your ninja runs, jumps, climbs, and glides through intricately designed levels. The real star of the show is the ‘Cloud Step’ – a mechanic that lets you double-jump by striking an object or enemy mid-air. It’s the kind of feature that sounds simple on paper but feels incredibly satisfying in practice, especially when you start chaining jumps together like a parkour pro.
Each new ability opens up new ways to tackle older areas, and before you know it, you’re dashing through screens with the kind of confidence you only get from games that respect your skill. It’s challenging, yes, but never unfair – a delicate balance that fans of classic platformers like Ninja Gaiden or Mega Man will immediately recognise.
A world that shifts before your eyes
One of the most brilliant twists comes when the game quite literally shifts from 8-bit to 16-bit. At specific points, your character crosses dimensional ‘portals’ that transform not just the visuals, but the music and level design too. It’s not a gimmick – it’s a smart layer of design that deepens exploration, asking players to hop between eras to solve puzzles and uncover secrets.
It’s the kind of moment that makes you sit back and think, ‘Ah, this is why people still talk about this game years later.’
More than nostalgia – it’s craftsmanship
The soundtrack, composed by chiptune artist Rainbowdragoneyes, is worth mentioning in its own right. It’s energetic, layered, and perfectly captures the game’s mix of humour and intensity. There’s an authentic craftsmanship to every part of The Messenger – from its sharp dialogue to its pixel-perfect level design.
Of course, no game is flawless. Some late-game sections can feel a bit labyrinthine, and a few of the 8-bit sound effects might test your patience after hours of play. But when a game offers over a dozen hours of pure, inventive fun for the price of a bus ticket, it’s hard to complain.
If you’ve been craving a retro-inspired challenge that’s as clever as it is captivating, now’s the perfect time to grab your controller. The Messenger isn’t just another platformer – it’s a love letter to gaming’s past that still manages to feel fresh, funny and full of surprises. And at under 4 euros, it’s the bargain of the year.