A Hat in Time

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of A Hat in Time are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for its charming and fun narrative, with likable characters and witty dialogue. Critics such as GameSpew and PlayStation LifeStyle appreciate the solid narrative design and well-designed characters. The presence of humorous interactions, twists, and turns in the story is also highlighted by critics like Destructoid and GamingTrend. The game's hub world and self-contained storylines in each level are seen as positives by Digitally Downloaded. The story's heartwarming and enjoyable nature is acknowledged by PlayStation Universe and Easy Allies. However, there are also critics who express negative opinions about the story. Some critics, such as Metro GameCentral and CGMagazine, find the story nonsensical and lacking depth. The unexplained presence of certain characters, like the one with a mustache, raises questions about the developers' intentions, according to CGMagazine. The lack of cohesion and little sense along the way is mentioned by ZTGD. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of A Hat in Time is enjoyable and charming, despite its nonsensical aspects and lack of depth. The positive elements, such as the likable characters, witty dialogue, and fun-loving nature of the narrative, outweigh the negatives. The game's mix of saccharine and dark comedy, as described by Destructoid, adds to its overall appeal. The story's structure, reminiscent of Mario 64, is seen as a positive by TheSixthAxis. The game's charm and enchanting characters, as mentioned by Digitally Downloaded and Easy Allies, contribute to the positive reception of the story.

The majority of the critics praised the gameplay of A Hat in Time, with many highlighting its solid platforming mechanics and tight controls. Game Informer, PlayStation LifeStyle, and Easy Allies all commended the fast, accurate, and fun platforming gameplay, with Game Informer specifically mentioning the fantastic sense of control over movement. The game's controls were described as responsive and well-designed by CGMagazine, Digitally Downloaded, and Twinfinite. The inclusion of various abilities and powers through the use of hats was also highly regarded, with TheXboxHub stating that the possibilities seemed endless and Video Chums noting the enjoyment of using different hats for platforming, fighting, and puzzle-solving. However, there were some criticisms regarding the gameplay of A Hat in Time. GameSpew expressed frustration with the game, citing shabby character models, pixelated graphics, and camera angles that made traversal a nightmare. Gaming Age criticized the controls and combat, mentioning inconsistent ledge grabbing and hit-or-miss attack chaining. GameWatcher felt that the gameplay did not feel as fluid or responsive as the games it tried to emulate, with strict ledge auto-grab and a disconnect between sharp movements and leap ability. Metro GameCentral, while appreciating the exploration and hidden secrets, mentioned that combat was simplistic and included for flavor. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of A Hat in Time is highly enjoyable and well-crafted. The game offers solid platforming mechanics, responsive controls, and a good balance of challenge and charm, as noted by PlayStation LifeStyle and Push Square. The inclusion of various abilities and hats adds variety to the experience, as highlighted by TheXboxHub and CGMagazine. While there were some criticisms regarding graphics, camera angles, and certain control aspects, the positive opinions outweigh the negative ones. The gameplay of A Hat in Time is generally regarded as a strong aspect of the game, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the platforming genre.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of A Hat in Time are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for its colorful and vibrant visuals, with several mentioning the game's ability to capture the charm and whimsy of classic platformers. Critics such as DualShockers, MondoXbox, TheXboxHub, ZTGD, and CGMagazine all highlight the game's attractive and visually appealing art style. They commend the game for its cohesive visual direction, adorable character designs, and imaginative world-building. The graphics are described as cute, colorful, and filled with playful charm. The levels are also noted for their distinct aesthetics and creative designs, offering unique and interesting sights around every corner. However, there are some critics who express concerns about the visuals of A Hat in Time. Game Informer mentions that the visuals resemble an HD remaster of an early 2000s platformer, with stilted animation and awkward clipping for some characters. GameWatcher also points out collision glitches and lag spikes that affect the overall visual experience. GamingTrend highlights the pixelated look and scaled-down textures on the Nintendo Switch version, as well as issues with camera control and occasional freezing. These criticisms suggest that while the game has its visual strengths, there are some technical issues and inconsistencies that detract from the overall visual experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that A Hat in Time offers visually appealing graphics and art design. The game's colorful and varied worlds, charming character designs, and attention to detail in visual elements are widely praised. Critics appreciate the game's ability to evoke the nostalgia of classic platformers and create a visually distinct and imaginative experience. While there are some concerns raised about technical issues and dated visuals in certain aspects, the positive aspects of the Graphics and Visual Design outweigh the negatives. A Hat in Time is generally regarded as visually appealing and charming, with its art direction and quirky character design being key strengths.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of A Hat in Time are generally positive. Many critics praised the game's soundtrack, with GameSpot describing it as "beautiful" and CGMagazine noting that it is reminiscent of the Mario Bros. series. The music is said to be fitting to each level and helps set the mood for exploration. Critics also appreciated the variety of tunes available in the game, with Digitally Downloaded mentioning that the music ties in well with the themed levels. The voicework in the game was also well-received, with GameSpew calling it "stellar" and ZTGD describing it as "overly comical and charming." The voice acting is said to add to the overall charm of the game and enhance the player's experience. However, there were some criticisms regarding the sound design and music of A Hat in Time. TheXboxHub mentioned that there is a section in the game with "some of the scariest orchestral music" they have ever heard, which may not be to everyone's taste. CGMagazine also pointed out that the presence of JonTron's voicework may make some players uncomfortable. Additionally, GameSpot mentioned that the voice acting can be over-the-top and can be muted if desired. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of A Hat in Time are well-done and add to the overall charm and enjoyment of the game. The delightful soundtrack, memorable tunes, and fitting music for each level were highly praised. The voicework was also commended for its quality and charm, although some critics noted that it may not appeal to everyone. Despite a few minor criticisms, the positive reception of the Sound Design and Music indicates that they are a strong aspect of A Hat in Time.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting of A Hat in Time are quite varied. Several critics, such as GameSpew and Trusted Reviews, praise the voice acting, describing it as wonderful and impressive. They appreciate the performances of the entire cast and believe that the voice acting adds to the overall enjoyment of the game. This positive feedback suggests that the voice actors successfully bring the characters to life and enhance the immersive experience for players. On the other hand, some critics have mixed opinions about the voice acting. CGMagazine mentions that while the voice acting is passable, the inclusion of JonTron's voicework may be uncomfortable for some players. This highlights a potential negative aspect of the voice acting, as it may create a sense of unease or controversy for certain individuals. GameGrin also states that the voice acting is hit or miss, with some characters delivering fantastic performances while others fall short. This inconsistency in quality can be seen as a drawback, as it may disrupt the overall cohesiveness of the voice acting. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in A Hat in Time is a notable aspect of the game. While some critics find it to be overly comical and charming, as mentioned by ZTGD, others believe it is a standout feature that adds to the overall experience, as stated by Destructoid. However, there are also critics who consider the voice acting to be less remarkable. GameSpot mentions that it is not a standout aspect of the game and can be muted, suggesting that it may not be a strong selling point for some players. Despite these differing opinions, it is evident that the voice acting in A Hat in Time plays a significant role in shaping the game's atmosphere and character development.

In terms of the Technical Performance, A Hat in Time received mixed reviews across different gaming platforms. On the positive side, the PC version of the game was generally praised for its smooth controls, well-functioning camera, and steady performance. Critics such as Destructoid and Wccftech highlighted the game's polish and how it performed well compared to its competitors. Easy Allies also mentioned a brief technical hiccup during one mission but did not find any major issues beyond that. These positive reviews indicate that the PC version of A Hat in Time provided a relatively smooth and enjoyable technical experience. However, the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions of the game faced more criticism regarding their technical performance. Multiple critics, including DualShockers, Game Informer, GameSpew, and Gaming Age, pointed out various shortcomings such as lack of polish, rough animations, glitchy camera movements, pixelated character models, and occasional distracting bugs. Game Informer specifically mentioned character models clipping into themselves and offset hood during cutscenes. PlayStation Universe also noted limited camera control and occasional imprecise platforming. Trusted Reviews criticized the inconsistent performance on consoles and the nuisance caused by the camera at times. These negative reviews indicate that the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions of A Hat in Time had technical issues that affected the overall gameplay experience. The Nintendo Switch version of A Hat in Time also faced technical problems, according to critics such as FNintendo, Gameblog.fr, and GamingTrend. These issues included drops in fluidity, occasional freezing for a few seconds, and glitches in the DLC chapter 'Seal the Deal'. FNintendo mentioned that the development team promised to address these problems but had not made any improvements yet. Despite these technical issues, Gameblog.fr stated that the minor camera issues and slightly inferior technical performance did not detract from the game's personality. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that while the PC version of A Hat in Time provided a smooth and enjoyable technical experience, the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch versions faced various technical shortcomings. The lack of polish, occasional bugs, glitchy camera movements, and pixelated character models were common complaints across multiple platforms. However, it is worth noting that some critics, like Gameblog.fr, found that these technical issues did not significantly impact the overall experience of the game. Despite the mixed technical performance, A Hat in Time still managed to showcase its charm and personality, as mentioned by Gameblog.fr, which may have helped to mitigate the negative impact of the technical issues for some players.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of A Hat in Time are generally positive. Many critics highlight the game's abundance of collectibles and secrets, which provide ample opportunities for replayability. Critics such as MondoXbox and Metro GameCentral praise the game for its mountains of collectibles and wide range of abilities, which they believe offer lots of replay value. Additionally, PlayStation LifeStyle and GameSpot mention the game's challenging gameplay and charming nature as factors that make it enjoyable to play multiple times. These positive aspects of the game's replay value are supported by the critics' opinions. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the replay value of A Hat in Time. Critics such as Push Square and Video Chums express concerns about the lack of depth in optional assignments and the ease of obtaining collectibles. Push Square also mentions that there is little incentive to engage with Time Rifts, which could potentially diminish the game's replay value. Furthermore, CGMagazine notes that the game's brevity, with only four main worlds and 40 timepieces to collect, may leave some players wishing for a longer experience. These negative aspects of the game's replay value should be taken into consideration. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that A Hat in Time offers a decent amount of replay value. The game's varied levels, abundance of collectibles, and the ability to unlock new abilities and hats over time are praised by critics such as Trusted Reviews, Digitally Downloaded, and Easy Allies. The game's encouragement of completionism and the inclusion of bonus levels and special side levels, as mentioned by GameSpot, also contribute to its replay value. However, critics like Switch Player mention that the game can become tedious and monotonous, which may affect the overall enjoyment of replaying it. Despite some negative opinions, the majority of critics agree that A Hat in Time provides enough replay value to keep players engaged and entertained.