The Messenger does something that few games can claim: It surprised me.

It begins as an unassuming Ninja Gaiden clone. Then it demonstrates interesting game mechanics that make the retro platforming experience feel refreshing and new. After a few hours. when you reach the end of the linear platforming game experience, the game is revealed to be 10x larger than it has been selling itself as.

I don't want to spoil too much. But the game, as a whole, is bigger than you think it is at any one time. It seems shallow at the beginning, and only gets deeper as you go. The story is incredibly interesting, but they never bog you down with exposition until you are invested enough to listen to it, choosing to let you wonder until the time is right. The music is incredible through and through. And the gameplay makes sure that every moment of this adventure is fun and satisfying, encouraging you to endure, and improve.

I was floored by what The Messenger had to offer, and had no reservations about trying to 100% the game on my first playthrough. It is one of my favorites of this year, and I can't wait to see what Sabotage comes up with next. Their execution of this game in all it's elements is akin to a samurai sheathing his sword after downing their target in one well-placed strike.

TLDR: The Messenger is perfect.