Get on Steam"4PM" is a single-player drama action game with a lackluster visual experience, focusing on a narrative driven by alcoholism and suicide. As Caroline Wells, endure a life-changing day filled with cathartic experiences, dark humor, and realism. This game resulted in a people's choice award win at the Develop Conference in Brighton, promising a series of immersive, narrative-focused experiences. Note: player discretion advised.
Reviews
- The game offers an interesting and unique narrative that touches on serious topics like alcoholism and personal struggles.
- Some players appreciated the artistic direction and the attempt to create an interactive story experience.
- The voice acting and soundtrack received some praise, adding to the overall atmosphere of the game.
- The game is extremely short, with many players completing it in under 30 minutes, leading to feelings of disappointment regarding its value.
- Technical issues such as poor graphics, a blurry camera, and clunky controls detracted significantly from the gameplay experience.
- The story was criticized for being poorly written and lacking depth, with many players finding it confusing and unengaging.
- story52 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The reviews for the game's story are highly polarized, with some players appreciating its ambition and emotional depth, particularly in exploring themes like alcoholism and memory, while others criticize it for being poorly written, cliché, and lacking substance. Many feel that the narrative is too brief and linear, leaving little room for character development or player engagement. Overall, while there are glimpses of a compelling story, the execution is often deemed unsatisfactory, leading to a mixed reception.
“I like story-driven games, the kind that some people don't even think of as games because there's no 'winning' or 'losing' or even scoring involved.”
“The story is just ambiguous enough to satisfy any story searcher's lust, and even after the story was over, I still felt like attempting to connect some of the dots in the story.”
“The way the main character unfolded through the story was wonderful.”
“The game is about 30-35 minutes long, and the story is told to you so quickly that you won't have time to get to know your character.”
“The story feels like it was written in 5 minutes, and the graphics are terrible and creepy.”
“The plot is awkward, and many times we feel as though there could have been more time and money invested in this game than to have it come out half-assed.”
- graphics17 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 53 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many users describing them as poor, dated, and often distracting from the gameplay. While a few comments noted that the visuals are functional and occasionally beautiful in still images, the overall consensus is that the graphics are subpar, plagued by issues like blurriness, flickering elements, and high system requirements that do not match the quality. Many reviewers expressed disappointment, suggesting that a different art style could have improved the visual experience significantly.
“Graphically, the game is beautiful, but probably more so in still format than anything else.”
“The graphics could have been better, but I do like the blur and wobbling as if it was an actual hangover.”
“The graphics aren't necessarily great, but they get the job done without getting in the way of the story or gameplay.”
“Couldn't even finish; graphics, gameplay, and player movement are all terrible.”
“I would not recommend the game since the graphics are really bad, and the constant blur, which you can't turn off (at least I couldn't), is really annoying.”
“Graphics were oddly power-hungry for not a lot of details, as well as many visual elements flickering or having see-through hair.”
- gameplay12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay has been criticized for its lack of mechanics and confusing, overly short experience, often described as more of an interactive narrative than a traditional game. Players have reported issues with camera clarity and frustrating mechanics that detract from the overall experience, leading to a general consensus that the game fails to deliver engaging or enjoyable gameplay. Despite some interesting narrative elements, the execution leaves much to be desired, resulting in a recommendation against purchase.
“The graphics aren't necessarily great, but they get the job done without getting in the way of the story or gameplay.”
“Usually when the term 'short' is used to define a game's length, it often means a few hours worth of gameplay, not breaking the half hour mark.”
“While the game is built around a unique mechanic that takes the player through more down-to-earth events, reminiscent of real-world problems, and boasts attractive lighting and set designs (not to mention a very low price-tag), I ultimately can't recommend it for purchase.”
“The camera is blurry and out of focus; I felt nauseous after about 5 minutes of gameplay.”
“Usually when the term 'short' is used to define a game's length, it often means a few hours worth of gameplay, not breaking the half-hour mark.”
“Very confusing and short gameplay.”
- music5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The game's soundtrack has received positive acclaim, with players expressing a desire to obtain specific tracks, particularly the credits song and an early club banger. Despite some criticism of the overall audio experience, the music stands out as a highlight, suggesting that a soundtrack DLC would be well-received.
“The one thing this game does do right is the soundtrack; I'd love a copy of the credits song and the club banger toward the beginning of the story, but haven't had any luck tracking down those songs online.”
“Blurry scenes, drunken wanderings, and bad loud music will either inflict you with a piercing headache or a stomach churn worthy of a suicide jump.”
“If any game could benefit from having soundtrack DLC, this would be it.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features a compelling story but lacks significant emotional depth, despite its interactivity and engagement with controversial themes.
“This game has a great story, is very emotional, and highly interactive.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is noted for its cinematic quality and strong presentation, though some users feel that its short length limits the development of a more immersive environment.
“I like the cinematic atmosphere and the whole presentation.”
“This game is too short to build its atmosphere.”
“The environment feels lifeless and lacks any real immersion.”
“I expected a rich atmosphere, but it ended up feeling flat and uninspired.”
