Alien Squatter
- September 30, 2019
- Willy Elektrix
In "Alien Squatter" , you play as a homeless extraterrestrial in a futuristic, polluted Earth with scarce human population. Choose from 3 alien species, interact with over 20 characters, and train physical, mental, and social stats to survive. Engage in various activities, from foraging to stealing, and face 60+ endings based on your decisions. This dystopian RPG features a karma system and detailed world-building, resulting in a unique and immersive experience.
Reviews
- The game features a unique and imaginative world filled with quirky characters and engaging writing, making it a memorable experience.
- It offers a high level of replayability with multiple endings and various character interactions, allowing players to explore different play styles.
- The resource management and energy mechanics add a layer of challenge that enhances the overall gameplay experience, making players think strategically about their actions.
- The restrictive energy system can make exploration feel tedious and limit player freedom, leading to frustration during gameplay.
- Some players find the gameplay mechanics shallow, with a heavy reliance on chance rather than skill, which may not appeal to everyone.
- The game can feel overwhelming at times due to the frequent dialogue pop-ups and the need to constantly monitor energy levels, which can disrupt immersion.
- gameplay19 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The gameplay revolves around an energy management system that requires players to carefully plan their actions while exploring a city, gathering resources, and interacting with characters. While some find the energy mechanic restrictive, it adds a layer of tension to the otherwise low-stakes gameplay loop. The focus on character interactions and world-building compensates for the shallow mechanics, although players express a desire for more depth or additional challenges in subsequent playthroughs.
“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.”
“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.”
“So, the gameplay mechanics are quite shallow and not very many.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming vaporwave-inspired pixel aesthetic, which complements the writing and overall atmosphere beautifully. Players find the art style endearing and visually captivating, contributing to a unique and enjoyable experience. Overall, the graphics are considered a standout feature, enhancing the game's appeal.
“This part is definitely the highlight of the game, as 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 a fun cast of characters.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features a funny choose-your-own-adventure format that combines dark and deranged humor with a surprisingly humanistic touch. Players appreciate the replayability and the rewarding experience of seeing positive outcomes amidst the black comedy, making it both hilarious and meaningful.
“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.”
- story4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The story is set in a captivating and unique world, enriched by varied RPG elements and lore that encourage exploration and replayability through optional side quests and multiple endings. Players appreciate the narrative's delivery through collectible items, reminiscent of the creator's previous work, which adds depth and intrigue to the overall experience.
“Strange and engaging setting and style are what initially sold me; the varied RPG elements and story/lore kept me coming back.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Perhaps another playthrough... I am quite curious about the biobot's story, now.”
- music4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, with users describing it as impactful and fitting for the brutal RPG experience. It complements the game's characters, graphics, and overall setting, contributing to an immersive and enjoyable atmosphere.
“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. The music is pretty good too.”
“Love the writing, graphical style, and music.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and occasionally 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 and stats, it is generally manageable within the game's context.
“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.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game boasts high replayability due to its memorable characters, numerous interactions, and multiple endings, encouraging players to explore different strategies and outcomes. Many users find it to be one of the most replayable titles in their collections, offering significant value for its price.
“Every character in this game is fun and memorable in their own way; it's easily the most replayable game in my library.”
“There are a lot of interactions, providing plenty of replay value and different ways for your character to escape the slumps.”
“There are several different endings, offering significant replay value for the cost of an average lunch.”
“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.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by its unique and intimate narrative that explores themes of poverty, inequality, and solidarity, resonating deeply with players. Many find it both heartbreakingly sad and heartwarming, highlighting its ability to evoke a range of touching and relatable feelings.
“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.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by a unique neon-grunge aesthetic that sets it apart, complemented by an unconventional RPG structure that enhances the overall experience.
“I enjoyed its neon-grunge atmosphere and atypical RPG structure.”
“The game immerses you in a hauntingly beautiful world that feels alive.”
“Every corner of the environment is filled with detail, creating a captivating atmosphere.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the unique and individual character designs of NPCs, noting that they quickly form attachments to characters like Old Tandy within the first hour of gameplay, highlighting effective character development.
“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.”
“The depth of character development in this game is incredible; each character feels like they have their own story and personality.”
“I love how the choices I make influence the characters' growth and relationships; it makes the experience feel truly immersive.”