Alternate DiMansion Diary
- May 23, 2019
- Sprite Hills
"Alternate DiMansion Diary" is a Puzzle-Escape RPG game where players control Sae, a university student lost in a mysterious mansion. The game features pixel art and requires players to collect items and solve puzzles to progress. There is no grinding involved in this game. The goal is to escape the mansion before it's too late.
Reviews
- The pixel art and animations are well-done, providing a charming aesthetic for fans of the genre.
- The puzzles are enjoyable and not overly complex, making for a fun gameplay experience.
- The game has a surprisingly engaging story with multiple endings that add to its replayability.
- The game is quite short, with many players feeling it doesn't justify its price without a sale.
- Players must download a patch to access adult content, which can be inconvenient and frustrating.
- Some puzzles can feel tedious and the character movement is slow, leading to a less enjoyable exploration experience.
- story47 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as short yet engaging, featuring a mix of cute and darker themes, including elements of BDSM and taboo subjects. Players appreciate the linear narrative with multiple endings, particularly enjoying the after story that adds depth to the experience. While some found the plot lacking in complexity compared to other titles, many praised its character focus, entertaining puzzles, and beautiful pixel art, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.
“The story is short but sweet; they don't drag it out for any longer than it should.”
“While it's a very short game, the story plays out like a movie without filler.”
“What makes this game so much better than others of its ilk is a consistent focus on character and story.”
“The story was lame and I did not want to continue playing.”
“When judging the parts individually – be it the puzzles, the artwork, the length of the game or the storytelling – you’ll be hard pressed to find something that stands out positively in comparison to other lewd RPGs.”
“Would probably like this more if everything came to the darker conclusion that is ending 2, instead of the absurd, implausible ending 3 + after story.”
- graphics22 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game feature a retro 16-bit pixel art style that is both charming and fluid, reminiscent of early 90s point-and-click adventures. While the minimalistic visuals and sprite-based animations may limit the explicitness of adult content, they are well-integrated into the gameplay, creating a cohesive experience. Overall, the graphics are considered cute and effective, though some players feel they could have been more sophisticated.
“The graphics are very reminiscent of early 90's point-and-click adventures, though the animations are top-notch and fluid.”
“Super fun and cute graphics.”
“The pixel-art style is very cute.”
“It’s short, has minimalistic (sprites only) visuals, and the puzzles aren’t overly complicated.”
“The adult scenes are pixel graphics so don't expect sweeping CG sets.”
“When judging the parts individually – be it the puzzles, the artwork, the length of the game or the storytelling – you’ll be hard pressed to find something that stands out positively in comparison to other lewd RPGs.”
- gameplay11 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
Gameplay is generally described as linear yet enjoyable, with well-designed puzzles and a pixelated art style that enhances transitions between gameplay and cutscenes. However, many users note the short duration of the game, which can be completed in about an hour, and suggest waiting for a sale due to its relatively high price for the amount of content offered. Overall, it is recommended for those seeking a relaxing experience without the pressure of combat or complex challenges.
“The pixelated art style enabled the developer to make inconspicuous transitions between gameplay and cut scenes.”
“Great scenes, great puzzles, great gameplay, and three endings with extra (hidden) content for a good price.”
“To finish, Alternate Dimension Diary may not have the most complex or challenging gameplay, but it’s filled with well-made and designed puzzles that strike the right balance of difficulty, making it a good game for those looking for something more relaxing.”
“A little expensive for just a few hours of gameplay, so wait for a sale if you can.”
“The downside is the short gameplay; you can finish the game in 1 hour if you know what to do.”
“Still recommending for the other scenes and the gameplay, but yikes, that scene is rough, dude.”
- atmosphere7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by a blend of suspense and horror, effectively creating a tense and engaging experience, particularly in the early stages. Users appreciate the pixel art style and the well-executed design that enhances the overall mood, making it a compelling choice for fans of atmospheric puzzle games. Overall, the atmosphere has received high praise, with ratings around 9.5/10.
“The atmosphere of the engine used to make this game is clearly suited for a horror game like Mad Father.”
“Especially in the early game when you don't know what to expect, it really does well to keep up a bit of a tense atmosphere.”
“Fairly short but well-done puzzle game with a kind of horror/suspense atmosphere.”
- music5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as a repetitive loop that, while not bothersome, lacks variety and depth. Reviewers noted that the sound effects are minimal but appropriate, and the overall audio experience leans towards calm and relaxing rather than sinister or scary. Overall, the music received mixed feedback, with some appreciating its fitting nature while others found it lacking in engagement.
“No sinister or scary music, plus good sounds for every action, including the totally 'innocent', juicy, in and out actions our girl enjoys during her exploration.”
“The sound, however, can't quite compete: the music is practically one short loop, though it's not getting on your nerves. Sound effects are sparse, but fitting, and the only voiced parts are the h elements (and you can figure out what kind of voice parts those are - at least they're well done).”
“The few 'jump-startles' and evil-sounding music weren't enough to bother me, and I usually stay clear of the horror genre.”
“In the sound part, the game has calm and relaxing music.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is noted for its unexpectedly wholesome and heartwarming narrative, focusing on a protagonist's emotional journey from repression to self-discovery and empowerment. Players find the character's progression relatable, highlighting themes of overcoming societal restrictions and personal growth amidst a unique setting. The detailed pixel art enhances the overall emotional experience.
“A surprisingly fun and wholesome short puzzle game.”
“The pixel art is incredibly well-detailed and fluid, and I personally found the protagonist's progression, from shy and repressed to finding her own way in the world, to be very relatable and heartwarming.”
“A heartwarming story about a young woman overcoming the restrictions that society has placed on her and finding her own way in the world.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat tedious, particularly due to excessive walking and certain puzzles that can feel repetitive. While the game is short, the need for additional effort to progress can detract from the overall experience.
“A short game, but the walking around gets a little bit tedious.”
“Decent puzzles, if not occasionally tedious (i.e. scale, teleporting mirrors).”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's humor is characterized as lighthearted and amusing, with a blend of cute storytelling and entertaining scenes. While the puzzles are not overly challenging, they still engage players, contributing to the overall fun experience. However, there is a notable moment in the story that some players find less appealing.
“This game is easy as heck, dumb but funny.”
“The scenes are great, the puzzles aren't too difficult but do make you think a little, and the story is funny and cute.”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's character development has drawn criticism for its questionable portrayal of characters, particularly due to the "18+" message that seems at odds with their designs and dialogue, raising concerns about maturity and appropriateness.
“To start with, the game boots with an 'all characters are 18+' message, which is dubious, given the character designs and some of the dialogue.”
“The character development feels shallow and one-dimensional, making it hard to connect with anyone in the story.”
“I was disappointed by how predictable the character arcs were; there was no real growth or depth to any of the characters.”