Tokyo Scramble on Nintendo Switch 2: Mixed Reviews for Stealth-Horror Debut
Tokyo Scramble made headlines when it was revealed during the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase earlier this month, surprising fans with both an unexpected announcement and a near-immediate release date.
Developed partly by a co-creator of the acclaimed titles Ender Lilies and Ender Magnolia, Tokyo Scramble promised an innovative blend of stealth and horror, letting players attempt escape from menacing dinosaur-like creatures either solo or with friends.
GameChat and GameShare features supported co-op play, aiming to provide new ways for players to experience the game together on the Nintendo Switch 2. Tokyo Scramble launched globally on February 11, 2026, just days after its reveal, becoming instantly available via the Nintendo eShop.
The game's quick launch and promising pedigree attracted immediate attention, but its reception has been notably divided among both critics and players. Critical Reviews Paint a Mixed Picture Initial critical response has been tepid.
On Metacritic, Tokyo Scramble currently holds only three published critic reviews, all scoring the game at 5 out of 10 or lower.
OpenCritic reflects a similar sentiment, with 11 reviews averaging a score of just 37/100.
While some outlets highlight the game's creativity and ambition, technical shortcomings and uneven gameplay mechanics have proved divisive. Spencer Legacy of Monster Vine observed that the core stealth features, which the entire experience revolves around, are described as more frustrating than engaging, particularly due to a design choice where players are eliminated by a single enemy strike.
Despite the presence of innovative concepts, Legacy noted that technical problems and weak narrative writing undermined the game's potential, resulting in a modest 2/5 score from the outlet. Noisy Pixel's Azario Lopez found similar issues, stating that while Tokyo Scramble occasionally shows signs of potential, it takes its 'campy' elements too far, overshadowing the gameplay and visuals with uneven execution.
While recognizing the effort to launch an original IP, Lopez remarked that ambition alone is not enough to carry a game, scoring it 4/10. There is, however, some recognition of the game's inventiveness.
Fernando Lorde of Nintendo Blast awarded the project a 7/10, commending its ambitious vision but acknowledging that its blend of varied ideas and mechanics can feel unfocused, likening it to a vivid dream about relationships and subterranean monsters. Community Response and Lasting Impact Discussion on online forums and communities such as Reddit remains relatively subdued, with most players echoing the critics' consensus that Tokyo Scramble, while unique in concept, ultimately falls short in execution.
For those seeking something unusual and willing to embrace both camp and ambition, Tokyo Scramble may still hold appeal.
However, the prevailing view is that the title has not lived up to expectations, making it a polarizing addition to the 2026 Nintendo Switch 2 lineup. Tokyo Scramble stands as a notable example of experimental game design on Nintendo's new hardware.
Its mixed critical response illustrates the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing indie and mid-sized developers launching original IPs on mainstream platforms like the Nintendo eShop.
As the gaming community continues to evaluate the title, it remains to be seen whether Tokyo Scramble's unique approach will find a lasting audience.
Developed partly by a co-creator of the acclaimed titles Ender Lilies and Ender Magnolia, Tokyo Scramble promised an innovative blend of stealth and horror, letting players attempt escape from menacing dinosaur-like creatures either solo or with friends.
GameChat and GameShare features supported co-op play, aiming to provide new ways for players to experience the game together on the Nintendo Switch 2. Tokyo Scramble launched globally on February 11, 2026, just days after its reveal, becoming instantly available via the Nintendo eShop.
The game's quick launch and promising pedigree attracted immediate attention, but its reception has been notably divided among both critics and players. Critical Reviews Paint a Mixed Picture Initial critical response has been tepid.
On Metacritic, Tokyo Scramble currently holds only three published critic reviews, all scoring the game at 5 out of 10 or lower.
OpenCritic reflects a similar sentiment, with 11 reviews averaging a score of just 37/100.
While some outlets highlight the game's creativity and ambition, technical shortcomings and uneven gameplay mechanics have proved divisive. Spencer Legacy of Monster Vine observed that the core stealth features, which the entire experience revolves around, are described as more frustrating than engaging, particularly due to a design choice where players are eliminated by a single enemy strike.
Despite the presence of innovative concepts, Legacy noted that technical problems and weak narrative writing undermined the game's potential, resulting in a modest 2/5 score from the outlet. Noisy Pixel's Azario Lopez found similar issues, stating that while Tokyo Scramble occasionally shows signs of potential, it takes its 'campy' elements too far, overshadowing the gameplay and visuals with uneven execution.
While recognizing the effort to launch an original IP, Lopez remarked that ambition alone is not enough to carry a game, scoring it 4/10. There is, however, some recognition of the game's inventiveness.
Fernando Lorde of Nintendo Blast awarded the project a 7/10, commending its ambitious vision but acknowledging that its blend of varied ideas and mechanics can feel unfocused, likening it to a vivid dream about relationships and subterranean monsters. Community Response and Lasting Impact Discussion on online forums and communities such as Reddit remains relatively subdued, with most players echoing the critics' consensus that Tokyo Scramble, while unique in concept, ultimately falls short in execution.
For those seeking something unusual and willing to embrace both camp and ambition, Tokyo Scramble may still hold appeal.
However, the prevailing view is that the title has not lived up to expectations, making it a polarizing addition to the 2026 Nintendo Switch 2 lineup. Tokyo Scramble stands as a notable example of experimental game design on Nintendo's new hardware.
Its mixed critical response illustrates the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing indie and mid-sized developers launching original IPs on mainstream platforms like the Nintendo eShop.
As the gaming community continues to evaluate the title, it remains to be seen whether Tokyo Scramble's unique approach will find a lasting audience.
