Alien Squatter

93%
Game Brain Score Based on 92 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • humor
Alien Squatter Game Cover
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You are a homeless extraterrestrial living in a futuristic version of Japan. Humans are nearly extinct and Earth is a cesspool of pollution, urban decay, and economic inequality. Struggle to...

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Reviews

93%
Audience ScoreBased on 92 reviews
graphics4 positive mentions
gameplay3 negative mentions
  • The game features a unique and imaginative world filled with quirky characters and engaging writing, making it a memorable experience.
  • It offers a variety of gameplay options, including multiple endings and different character interactions, enhancing replayability.
  • The energy management mechanic, while challenging, adds depth to the gameplay and reflects the struggles of the characters in a creatively engaging way.
  • The restrictive energy system can make exploration feel tedious and limit player freedom, leading to frustration.
  • Some players find the gameplay more focused on resource management than traditional RPG elements, which may not appeal to everyone.
  • The game can feel overwhelming with frequent dialogue pop-ups and a lack of clear guidance on energy management, which can detract from the overall experience.
  • gameplay30 mentions

    The gameplay revolves around an energy management system that requires players to carefully plan their daily activities in a sci-fi city, balancing exploration, resource gathering, and social interactions while avoiding exhaustion. While the energy mechanic can feel restrictive, it adds a layer of tension to the otherwise low-stakes gameplay loop, encouraging strategic decision-making. Players appreciate the engaging writing and character interactions, though some express a desire for additional gameplay features like a new game plus mode to enhance replayability.

    • “Built around an energy mechanic, you spend each day of the game exploring the city, trying to gather money, find food, and interact with the charming characters that live in this game's sci-fi slums.”
    • “The writing is great and weird and fun, and the gameplay is interesting and humanizing.”
    • “The energy mechanic can be stifling, but it does add some element of oppression to an otherwise low-punishment gameplay loop, and the mechanics you unlock to stretch your energy feel like the city is beginning to open up, that it isn't so scary.”
    • “Basically, every step you take costs you energy, and if you don't make it back to bed before your energy hits zero, you lose money, stats, get sick, etc. I understand this mechanic is required here since the whole game is built around energy management.”
    • “The gameplay consists of a day-by-day routine of gathering the money required to work a way out of the slums while also managing your energy to make sure you don't pass out.”
  • graphics10 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming vaporwave-inspired pixel aesthetic, which complements the writing beautifully. Reviewers find the art style endearing and visually engaging, contributing significantly to the overall appeal of the game alongside its unique concept and enjoyable characters.

    • “This part is definitely the highlight of the game, since the writing combines surprisingly well with the vaporwave-inspired pixel aesthetic.”
    • “Visually, the art style is endearing and interesting to look at.”
    • “It's a small but wonderfully charming game with a unique idea, cool art style, and fun cast of characters.”
  • humor8 mentions

    The game features a unique blend of dark and deranged humor, presenting a funny choose-your-own-adventure experience with significant replayability. While it may initially seem bizarre, the underlying humanistic themes and the rewarding conclusion of helping others add depth to the humor, making it both hilarious and thought-provoking.

    • “Funny choose-your-own adventure with lots of replayability.”
    • “That's a very humanistic element to find within a game that seems like a weird and dark piece of humor on the surface.”
    • “There are plenty of deranged bits of black humor throughout the game, yet should the player reach the end, it's in seeing the lives helped that ends up being the reward.”
  • story8 mentions

    The story is set in a strange and engaging world, enriched by varied RPG elements and lore that encourage exploration and replayability. Players appreciate the sandbox nature of the game, which emphasizes optional side quests and multiple endings influenced by player choices. The narrative unfolds through collectible items, reminiscent of the creator's previous work, "Void Pyramid," and leaves players intrigued about the deeper stories, such as that of the biobot.

    • “Strange and engaging setting and style are what initially sold me; the varied RPG elements and story/lore kept me coming back.”
    • “Void Pyramid, another work by the same creator, comes closest, and what it shares in common with that game is that a fascinating story of a far-distant future is largely told through little bits of garbage you collect and can examine at your discretion.”
    • “This one is much more of a sandbox than Void Pyramid, and focuses more on optional side quests and varying endings based on how you played.”
    • “Perhaps another playthrough... I am quite curious about the biobot's story now.”
  • music8 mentions

    The music in the game has received high praise, with users describing it as energetic and impactful, enhancing the overall experience. Many reviewers express their admiration for the music alongside other elements like characters and graphics, indicating it plays a significant role in their enjoyment of the game. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature that contributes to the game's appeal.

    • “The music, just like in Void Pyramid, absolutely bangs.”
    • “I highly recommend that game; it's a very brutal RPG and it's actually a lot of fun to play. I've never played anything like it before, and the music is pretty good too.”
    • “Love the writing, graphical style, and music.”
  • grinding6 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and sometimes boring, yet they appreciate the rich creativity and personality of the world and lore. While the grinding can be punishing, particularly when players face theft that impacts their resources, the overall experience remains engaging due to the unique setting.

    • “Tedious and boring, but at least you won't get punished for that too much (except when you get robbed, which costs you money and sometimes stats).”
    • “Alien squatter takes place in a world where everyone faces nothing but a grinding, brutal future and yet still collects photographs of celebrities.”
  • replayability6 mentions

    The game boasts high replayability due to its memorable characters, numerous interactions, and multiple endings, encouraging players to explore different paths and experiences. Many users consider it one of the most replayable titles in their collections, offering significant value for its price.

    • “Every character in this is fun and memorable in their own way; it's easily the most replayable game in my library.”
    • “There are a lot of interactions, lots of replay value, and different ways for your character to escape the slumps.”
    • “There are several different endings, providing quite a bit of replay value for the cost of an average lunch.”
    • “Every character in this is fun and memorable in their own way, it's easily the most replayable game in my library.”
  • emotional6 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a deeply intimate and heartfelt narrative that explores themes of poverty, inequality, and solidarity, resonating with players on a personal level. Many reviewers find it both heartbreakingly sad and endearingly sweet, highlighting its unique ability to evoke strong feelings and connections.

    • “This is a beautiful, completely unique, intimate and heartfelt narrative about poverty, inequality, gentrification, and solidarity with others who are struggling-- all things I can personally relate to.”
    • “It's heartbreakingly sad.”
    • “It's adorable, touching, and sweet.”
  • atmosphere2 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is characterized by a vibrant neon-grunge aesthetic that enhances its unique RPG structure, creating an engaging and immersive experience for players.

    • “Enjoyed its neon-grunge atmosphere and atypical RPG structure.”
  • character development2 mentions

    Players appreciate the unique and individual character designs of NPCs, leading to strong emotional attachments, as exemplified by their quick fondness for characters like Old Tandy within the first hour of gameplay.

    • “The character design is so unique and individual to each NPC; I've already grown attached to Old Tandy within the first hour of playing.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
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