Black Future ’88 is a stylish, fast-paced action roguelike whose synth-punk look, soundtrack and shooting earn consistent praise, while its repeated tower structure and unevenly rewarding difficulty divide reviewers. It is a strong fit if you want demanding repeat runs and striking presentation; less so if you need substantial level variety.
What reviewers think of Black Future ’88
Metacritic’s page, accessed in 2026, lists a 75 Metascore from 19 critic reviews: 10 positive, 9 mixed and 0 negative. The same page shows a 7.4 user score from 11 ratings. These are snapshots of the page, not platform-specific ratings or permanent measures of how the game is regarded.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Nintendo Joy-Con (L/R) - Neon Red/Neon Blue | $88.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Nintendo Switch™ 2 Pro Controller | $89.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Nintendo Switch Pro Controller | $79.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Wireless Switch Controller for Nintendo Switch/Switch 2/Lite/OLED Controller, Switch Controller with... | $26.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The favorable reviews tend to emphasize the game’s music, neon pixel-art identity, brisk action and satisfying gunplay. Nintendo Life’s November 21, 2019 excerpt calls it challenging, fun and rewarding, and points to its replayability. GamingTrend’s review excerpt from the same date praises the gunplay, art and soundtrack but flags repetition and limited level variety. Other review excerpts express reservations about the impact of gear and the familiarity of the structure.
Is Black Future ’88 worth playing?
The answer depends on what you want from a roguelike. The game’s central appeal is the combination of quick, kinetic combat, a strong audiovisual identity and the incentive to make repeated climbs through an evolving tower. Its official site describes it as a “Synth-Punk roguelike 2D action Shooter” set in an alternative 1988, where players climb a changing tower, fight wardens and unlock more than 50 weapons and buffs (official Black Future ’88 website).
The Tool Desk
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- Introducing Joy-Con, controllers that make new kinds of gaming possible, for use with Nintendo Switch.
- The versatile Joy-Con offer multiple surprising new ways for players to have fun.
- Two Joy-Con can be used independently in each hand, or together as one game controller when attached to the Joy-Con grip.
- They can also attach to the main console for use in handheld mode, or be shared with friends to enjoy two-player action in supported games.
- Each Joy-Con has a full set of buttons and can act as a standalone controller, and each includes an accelerometer and gyro-sensor, making independent left and right motion control possible.
| What you value | How the reviews frame it |
|---|---|
| Combat | Fast shooting and movement are a major draw; the demanding pace also calls for precision and control. |
| Run variety | Unlocks and upgrades support repeat play, but reviewers have also noted repeated structures and limited level variety. |
| Presentation | The neon pixel-art style and synth-punk soundtrack are among the most consistently praised elements. |
| Challenge | Some reviewers find the difficulty fun and rewarding; others question whether the challenge pays off enough. |
That makes it easiest to recommend to players who enjoy tough action games, repeated attempts and expressive presentation. If varied environments or a strong sense of progression matter more than combat feel and atmosphere, the review record gives reason to be cautious.
Is Black Future ’88 hard?
Yes: difficulty is part of the game’s identity, and the fast pace makes control and precision important. Reviews differ on whether that challenge is satisfying. Nintendo Life’s excerpt describes the game as rewarding, while other review excerpts question whether the challenge is matched by enough payoff. Expect the difficulty to be a selling point only if you enjoy learning through repeated runs.
Rank #2
- HD Rumble 2
- Motion controls
- Built-in amiibo functionality*
- Capture Button
- C Button for GameChat**
Does Black Future ’88 have co-op?
Official materials advertise couch co-op. At the Windows PC and Nintendo Switch digital release announcement on November 21, 2019, the developer also said Steam Remote Play Together was supported. That establishes what was advertised at launch; check the current store listing for details relevant to the platform you plan to use. Steam’s announcement is in the official Steam news archive.
Platforms and release context
The official Steam news archive announced digital releases for Windows PC and Nintendo Switch on November 21, 2019. GameSpot lists Macintosh, PC and Nintendo Switch, and the game’s official site links to Steam and Nintendo Switch. Those listings do not establish equal current availability across platforms, so verify the store page for your system before buying.
Rank #3
- Take your game sessions up a notch with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- Handheld Nintendo Switch gaming at a great price
- Comes with charging cable (USB C to USB A)
What about the physical Switch edition and soundtrack vinyl?
Steam’s news archive announced a special physical Nintendo Switch edition for retail in 2020. It also announced a 13-track soundtrack LP, mastered for vinyl and pressed on 180g heavyweight vinyl; a preorder announcement dated August 1, 2020 named Laced Records as the order destination. Those announcements confirm that the products were planned or offered at the time, not that either is currently in stock or at a particular price.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 【PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTION for SWITCH CONTROLLER】: The switch controller with 2 back programming buttons, there are two modes, which are single programming or multi-programming. M1/M2= A+B+Y+L+ZL+R+ZR+D-pad, then you can use other fingers to operate more comfortably and centered. Switch controllers with the programmable buttons helping to minimize button abuse and stick clicking it can last more than several years with heavy use.
- 【ONE-BUTTON WAKE-UP SWITCH CONSOLE】: The switch wireless controller is used for the first time, you need to press the "Y + HOME" button to connect. Then next time just simply presses the "HOME" button of the pro switch controller to wake up your device. It's very convenient for you to start the game. (NOTE: DOES NOT SUPPORT WAKE-UP SWITCH 2 AND AUDIO FUNCTIONS)
- 【VIBRATE FUNCTION & GYRO SENSOR】: The controller for switch have dual vibration motors with 3-level precise vibration: weak, medium and strong that provide you excellent vibration feedback to enhance the game immersion. With the 6-axis gyro sensor, this controller can detect the inclination of the controller and make a quick response, give you more fun while playing motion sensing games
- 【ERGONOMIC DESIGN & TURBO FUNCTION】: The pro controller switch remote's ergonomic and non-slip design that allows you to control the game stably and don’t have to worry about the sweat in your hands. The wireless switch controller can be set to auto TURBO or manual TURBO mode. There are 3 adjustable speeds: 5 shots/s, 12 shots/s or 20 shots/s. You also can customize the TURBO button, A/B/X/Y/L/ZL/R/ZR all buttons can be set to TURBO, which make it easier to win an arcade or action game
- 【SCREENSHOT & HIGH-PERFORMANCE BATTERY】: The switch pro controller wireless’s continuous screenshoting function help you more enjoyable to play games. The switch pro controller for controllers with 600 MAH large capacity rechargeable battery, but it just need 2-3 hours to charge fully. Switch controllers pro can run for 10-15 hours, make sure you can enjoy games longer without interruption. (Warm Tips: Left Stick has been upgraded, please purchase with confidence.)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
