PERISH is a 2023 PC FPS with single-player and online co-op, but its critic reception is divided. Metacritic’s PC page reports a 62 Metascore from six displayed reviews. Praise for atmosphere, art direction and replayability sits alongside criticism of execution, repetition and technical issues—so whether it suits you depends on what you want from a run-based shooter.
What is PERISH?
Steam lists PERISH as an action/indie PC game developed by ITEM42 and published by HandyGames and THQ Nordic Mobile. Its listed release date is February 2, 2023. The store describes it as a one-to-four-player first-person shooter and lists both single-player and online co-op. Store details, including availability and price, can change by region and over time.
What do the critic reviews say?
Metacritic’s PC critic-review page reports a 62 Metascore, categorized as “Mixed or Average,” based on six displayed reviews: two positive, two mixed and two negative. Those reviews are dated from February 1 to May 15, 2023. This is the score and review mix shown on that page, not a measure of later updates or a broader, current consensus.
The excerpts point to a game with an appealing concept and style that did not work equally well for every reviewer. God is a Geek’s February 1, 2023 review called it “a solid FPS roguelike with tons of replayability,” praising its intensity and comparing its feel to DOOM. GamingTrend’s May 15, 2023 review said the game achieved “conceptual brilliance” in many areas but “stumbles when it comes to the execution.” These are the outlets’ assessments, not a guarantee of how the game will feel to every player.
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What reviewers praised—and what they criticized
Across the displayed excerpts, positive comments focus on atmosphere, art direction, co-op and replayability. Those strengths are likely to matter most if you enjoy a distinctive visual setting and the prospect of repeating shooter runs with friends.
Criticism includes enemy design, spawn rates, performance, matchmaking, bugs and a repetitive run structure. These are issues reported in the cited reviews, not independently verified claims about the game’s current state. The available review evidence does not establish how the game performs on current hardware or whether later patches changed those experiences.
Rank #2
- The Revenge of Reviewer 2 is the first expansion to The Publish or Perish Game, making it easier to play with more than six players.
- This expansion has 38 Action Cards, some of which have different effects than those in the base game.
- This expansion is not a stand-alone game.
- ALREADY INCLUDED in The Full Campus Meltdown Trilogy - if you are buying the Trilogy collection, do NOT also purchase this expansion separately, you would receive duplicate content.
Is PERISH better solo or with friends?
Steam lists single-player and online co-op, with support for one to four players. That confirms the advertised modes, but the listing alone does not establish that one mode is more polished or enjoyable than the other. The critical excerpts include praise for co-op, while the review concerns around matchmaking and repetition may matter if you plan to rely on online sessions.
If you mainly play solo, weigh your interest in the game’s atmosphere and run-based replayability against the reported repetition and execution concerns. If you want co-op, consider whether your group is comfortable with a game whose reviews raised matchmaking and technical issues; the available sources do not say how prevalent those problems are now.
Rank #3
- Used Book in Good Condition
Who is most likely to enjoy it?
- Consider it if you want a stylized FPS, like replayable runs, or are interested in trying a one-to-four-player shooter with friends.
- Be more cautious if you need reliably smooth performance, polished matchmaking, varied runs, or consistently strong enemy design. Those areas appear among the cited reviewers’ concerns.
In short, the review evidence suggests a split between a compelling premise and uneven execution. Use the Metacritic score as a snapshot of six displayed 2023 reviews, and check the current Steam listing and recent player feedback before deciding whether its present state fits your expectations.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is “PERISH Critic Reviews” also a review framework?
The phrase can refer to a separate article, not the game. UMA Technology published an article titled “PERISH Critic Reviews” on May 16, 2026, describing a five-part review framework: Premise & intent; Evidence & method; Risks, limitations & edge cases; Impact & audience fit; and Satisfaction & alternatives. The available source presents this as that article’s framework; it does not establish it as an official or widely recognized standard. Read the framework article at UMA Technology.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
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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.
