Alternate DiMansion Diary
- May 23, 2019
- Sprite Hills
Get on Steam"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 game features enjoyable puzzles that are engaging and not overly difficult.
- The pixel art and animations are well-done, providing a charming aesthetic.
- The game has a surprisingly wholesome story and multiple endings that add to its replayability.
- The game is very short, typically completed in under three hours, which may not justify its price.
- Players must download a patch to access adult content, which can be inconvenient and frustrating.
- Some puzzles can feel tedious or illogical, leading to backtracking and a slower gameplay experience.
- story39 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as short but engaging, with a mix of cute and darker themes, including elements of BDSM and taboo subjects. While some players appreciated the linear plot and multiple endings, others found it lacking depth compared to other titles in the genre. Overall, the narrative is considered entertaining and well-integrated with the gameplay, especially when enhanced by the necessary patch.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
- graphics19 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game feature a retro 16-bit pixel art style that evokes nostalgia, reminiscent of early 90s point-and-click adventures. While the animations are noted to be fluid and well-executed, the minimalistic visuals and sprite-based artwork may not appeal to everyone, particularly in comparison to other titles in the genre. Overall, the graphics are considered charming yet limited, with some reviewers appreciating the art's ability to convey adult themes despite its pixelated nature.
“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.”
“Pixelated art style enabled the developer to make inconspicuous transitions between gameplay and cut scenes.”
“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.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, the gameplay is described as linear yet enjoyable, with engaging puzzles and multiple endings that enhance replayability. However, many users note the short duration of the game, suggesting it may not be worth the price unless purchased on sale. The pixelated art style effectively blends gameplay with cut scenes, contributing to a unique experience.
“The gameplay's linear, but fun enough.”
“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.”
“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.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by a blend of suspense and horror, effectively creating a tense and mysterious environment that enhances the overall experience. Users appreciate the pixel art style and the way it contributes to the game's slightly terrifying yet engaging ambiance, particularly in the early stages. Overall, the atmosphere is highly rated, with many finding it immersive and well-suited for the game's themes.
“Fairly short but well-done puzzle game with a kind of horror/suspense atmosphere.”
“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.”
“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.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is noted for its unexpectedly wholesome and heartwarming narrative, focusing on the 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 a force of corruption actively destroying the innocence of her friends, 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.”
- music3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as a repetitive loop that, while not irritating, lacks variety, earning a score of 7/10. Sound effects are minimal but appropriate, and the limited voice acting is well-executed, contributing to the overall atmosphere without overwhelming the player.
“The few 'jump-startles' and evil-sounding music weren't enough to bother me, and I usually stay clear of the horror genre.”
“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 elements (and you can figure out what kind of voice parts those are - at least they're well done).”
“Music - 7/10”
“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 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.”
- 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.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat tedious, particularly when it involves solving puzzles like scaling and using teleporting mirrors. Many feel that the effort required for grinding can be excessive, suggesting that it may take a significant amount of time or even a "second life" to fully engage with it.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Decent puzzles, if not occasionally tedious.”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % 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 lacks depth, making it hard to connect with any of them.”
“I was disappointed by how predictable the character arcs were; they followed every cliché in the book.”
