Always Sometimes Monsters

About

"Always Sometimes Monsters" is a narrative-driven RPG where your choices significantly impact the story. As a down-and-out writer, you must make difficult decisions to reconcile with a former love, all while dealing with life's harsh realities. The game features a unique perspective system, where your character's gender and race are determined by the player you choose at the start.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

79%

Audience ScoreBased on 2,379 reviews

story596 positive mentions

grinding220 negative mentions

Engaging and thought-provoking story that explores moral dilemmas and the consequences of choices.
Diverse character selection allows for different experiences and perspectives in the game.
Strong emotional impact that resonates with players, making them reflect on their own life choices.

Repetitive gameplay mechanics, particularly in grinding for money, can become tedious and detract from the overall experience.
Limited impact of choices on the main storyline, leading to a feeling of inevitability in outcomes.
Some writing and dialogue can feel forced or pretentious, detracting from the immersion of the story.

story
1,995 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
66%
5%
The story of "Always Sometimes Monsters" is a deeply engaging narrative that explores themes of love, loss, and the moral complexities of life choices. Players navigate a series of decisions that significantly impact the storyline, leading to multiple endings and a sense of personal investment in the characters' journeys. However, some critiques highlight that while the story is compelling, the gameplay can be repetitive and the writing occasionally lacks polish, which may detract from the overall experience.
- “Incredible, deep, funny, tragic story that delivers on all promises.”
- “Set in a thoughtfully crafted world, your choices have far-reaching consequences, and the weight of your decisions echoes throughout the captivating story.”
- “Always sometimes monsters is a truly human story, and it’s brilliant for it.”
- “Unfortunately, the story is awful too.”
- “Even beyond that, the story is so incredibly trite.”
- “The plot doesn’t work if you see the love interest as anything more than a trophy to be won.”
gameplay
407 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
64%
16%
The gameplay of this title is largely criticized for its repetitiveness and simplicity, often described as tedious and lacking engaging mechanics. Many players found the focus on dialogue and story overshadowed the gameplay experience, which is primarily about walking, talking, and completing mundane tasks. While some appreciated the narrative depth and character development, the overall consensus is that the gameplay is underwhelming and can detract from the enjoyment of the story.
- “The gameplay itself I found very enjoyable, even for someone who doesn't typically play choose-your-adventure romance games.”
- “The story will hook you and the simple mechanics make for a fun experience.”
- “I'm so invested in the story and the characters, and the gameplay is so pleasant.”
- “The gameplay consists of nothing but walking around at a mind-numbingly slow pace, talking to people to advance quests, and money grinding.”
- “The characters I played through had hardly any personality, the gameplay is undeniably boring, and overall I just didn't enjoy this game.”
- “Gameplay is incredibly repetitive, which I wouldn't have minded if the story felt intricate and nuanced, but this isn't the case.”
music
300 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
48%
7%
The music in the game has received a mixed reception, with many praising its atmospheric quality and ability to enhance the storytelling experience. While some players find the soundtrack catchy and memorable, others criticize it for being repetitive and lacking variety, with a few noting technical issues like audio cutouts and the absence of a mute option. Overall, the soundtrack is often highlighted as one of the game's strong points, despite some reservations about its execution.
- “The hand-drawn visuals and atmospheric soundtrack create an intimate and heartfelt experience that pulls you into the struggles and triumphs of the characters.”
- “The music is incredible and had me humming the different songs for days after playing.”
- “The music is fun, the script is entertaining, and lots of choices to be made!”
- “The soundtrack is monotonous, becomes annoying after some time spending in one location doing the same 'take this-put there' thing.”
- “Music and the soundtrack were nothing to write home about, and there are only around 6-7 songs, little to no sound effects, and no voice acting at all.”
- “I also dislike that there's no option to turn off music (I looked, or maybe I just missed it), so be prepared to have your own background soundtrack ready because the music is loud and obnoxious when you'd rather have something soothing or quiet.”
graphics
249 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
66%
6%
The graphics of "Always Sometimes Monsters" are characterized by a retro, RPG Maker aesthetic that some players find charming while others consider it simplistic or lacking polish. Many reviews highlight the game's cute and engaging art style, which complements its emotional narrative, though opinions vary on the overall quality, with some noting graphical glitches and limitations typical of the RPG Maker engine. Overall, while the visuals may not appeal to everyone, they are often seen as secondary to the game's strong storytelling and character development.
- “The hand-drawn visuals and atmospheric soundtrack create an intimate and heartfelt experience that pulls you into the struggles and triumphs of the characters.”
- “A truly beautiful game, 'Always Sometimes Monsters' demonstrates how a game with simple graphics and animations can still be utterly mind-blowing.”
- “The art style and the music really gel well with the atmosphere, with groovy tunes setting in feels wherever you go, and the art style reminding me of old school indie pixel art games.”
- “Even if I’d consider these graphics to be a result of struggling with a low budget, many of them seem to be a complete failure as far as coding and design go.”
- “But if the game’s graphics suck, it’s going to make the whole experience worse for me.”
- “The writing in this game would be fine if there were interesting gameplay or world, but it's about the writing, and the visuals and music seem like 'default RPG Maker.' Read a book instead.”
grinding
220 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The grinding aspect of the game has been widely criticized for being tedious and monotonous, often requiring players to engage in repetitive tasks and mini-games primarily to earn money for progression. Many reviewers noted that while this grinding is intended to reflect real-life struggles, it detracts from the overall enjoyment and pacing of the story, leading to frustration and boredom. Despite some players appreciating the narrative and character development, the overwhelming sentiment is that the grinding significantly hampers the gaming experience.
- “The gameplay consists of nothing but walking around at a mind-numbingly slow pace, talking to people to advance quests, and money grinding.”
- “Grinding for money is tedious, and inconsiderate of standards for proper flow.”
- “The entire game is a chore making you play broken minigames and grinding for money just to progress through the game.”
emotional
172 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The emotional aspect of "Always Sometimes Monsters" is a significant highlight, with many players describing it as a deeply resonant journey that explores complex themes of morality, personal responsibility, and human relationships. While some found the narrative to be shallow or lacking nuance, others praised its ability to evoke a wide range of feelings, from heartwarming moments to gut-wrenching decisions, making it a memorable experience that lingers long after playing. The game's art style and soundtrack further enhance its emotional depth, creating an intimate atmosphere that draws players into the characters' struggles and triumphs.
- “Get ready to embark on an emotionally charged journey like no other with 'Always Sometimes Monsters.' As an avid gamer who appreciates thought-provoking narratives and impactful decision-making, I can confidently say that this game is a true gem that will tug at your heartstrings and challenge your sense of morality.”
- “Its emotionally charged narrative, impactful decision-making, and exploration of real-life struggles create a deeply resonant experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.”
- “Always Sometimes Monsters is an emotional trip that is definitely worth playing through and should not be missed.”
- “Quite a boring story, with lackluster gameplay and characters you really can't relate to.”
humor
146 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is described as a blend of dark, absurd, and heartfelt moments, often eliciting both laughter and emotional responses from players. While many found the interactions and dialogue to be genuinely funny and engaging, some critiques noted that the humor could feel forced or self-indulgent at times, potentially breaking the flow of the narrative. Overall, the game offers a unique comedic experience that resonates with those who appreciate its quirky and sometimes tragic storytelling.
- “The interactions you can have with other characters, and the ways in which you can mess around, are both heart-wrenching and hilarious.”
- “It's real, it's human, it's funny—heartbreaking, and an absolute ride from start to finish.”
- “You pretty much set off on this morbidly funny adventure to right the wrongs in your life... to what sounds like, but isn't, the soundtrack of drive.”
replayability
135 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
61%
7%
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players noting its potential due to multiple endings and choice-driven narratives, which can create vastly different experiences. However, some reviewers found the gameplay length and repetitive elements to diminish their desire for multiple playthroughs. Overall, while there is significant replay value for those invested in the story and characters, others felt it was a one-time experience.
- “This is definitely a game with serious replay value.”
- “You make choices and you accept the consequences for those choices, and there's a lot of choices to be made, which allows for a lot of replayability.”
- “There is a lot of replay value in this game, as you can create a vastly different story each runthrough.”
- “It's also not very replayable - I played it once and I have no desire to play another gruelingly long session to get a similar ending.”
- “I think it's a good game to play once, but like I said before, it has no replay value.”
- “The replayability for the game is fairly high due to the amount of available choices; however, the game has not interested me enough to warrant a second playthrough.”
atmosphere
39 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
41%
8%
The game's atmosphere is characterized by its hand-drawn visuals and a diverse soundtrack that ranges from melancholic to gritty, creating an intimate and immersive experience reflective of familiar settings, particularly in the USA. Players appreciate the depth of the atmosphere, which enhances the narrative and character interactions, although some elements may disrupt the overall cohesion. The sense of desperation and the freedom of choice further enrich the atmosphere, making it a compelling aspect for those who enjoy atmospheric storytelling.
- “The hand-drawn visuals and atmospheric soundtrack create an intimate and heartfelt experience that pulls you into the struggles and triumphs of the characters.”
- “The music ranges from melancholy and atmospheric to gritty and unsettling, comprised of thumping 80's synths that wouldn't sound out of place on the drive soundtrack.”
- “The art style and the music really gel well with the atmosphere, with groovy tunes by Laser Destroyer Team setting the mood wherever you go, and the art style reminding me of old school indie pixel art games.”
- “For all the choices made, the detail in people and places, the mood and atmosphere: the story begins to make less and less sense.”
- “The structure also moves more and more away from being purely dedicated to itself, to petering out in game-y design with minigames or cartoon scenarios that don't fit the game's atmosphere, a side-effect of cramming in too much ambition.”
- “There are gaps just before it loops which really jolts the atmosphere.”
character development
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
39%
17%
Character development in the game is praised for its depth and emotional resonance, with players appreciating the growth, new relationships, and experiences that unfold throughout the story. While the character designs received mixed reviews—some finding them less memorable—the unique storyline and the impact of player choices contribute significantly to the overall character development experience. Despite some criticisms regarding the execution of intense scenes, the underlying themes and character arcs are seen as a strong point that enhances the gameplay.
- “Such a unique storyline, pretty much endless choices, and great character development.”
- “I loved the story and character development in it.”
- “The character designs were not very memorable, although I did find the overworld sprites to be more aesthetically appealing than the character portraits, which, sadly, most characters only had one of, making intense scenes with smiling characters somewhat off-putting, though I can understand this given the sheer number of designs.”
- “Asm touts the power of choice in the game, with some conversations literally meaning life or death, while others are borderline-transparent attempts at character development.”
- “The character development and underlying themes and emotions make up for sometimes basic, albeit effective gameplay.”
stability
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's stability is criticized for a buggy interface that hampers navigation and gameplay, including issues like forced menu access for inventory and lack of full-screen mode. Players report various glitches, such as characters walking through walls and inconsistent dialogue outcomes that can lead to frustrating experiences. Overall, while there are occasional graphical glitches, they are not deemed severe, but the linearity and lack of engaging content further detract from stability.
- “The interface is super cheap and buggy (e.g. forcing you to open the general menu to access your inventory, or being unable to get a proper full screen mode). The game makes a big deal of 'life choices' but is actually painfully linear, and the mini quests are beyond boring.”
- “I can't rate graphics due to the style, but I did witness characters walking through walls instead of doors, walking over desks (like the [spoiler]P.I.'s office[/spoiler]) and other sprites, along with occasional graphical glitches, but nothing severe.”
- “Additionally, on the note of glitches, on my first playthrough I did everything exactly the same as my perfect playthrough, but at the [spoiler]Casey/journal[/spoiler] dialog, I was blamed for a lot of nasty things I didn't do, and I utterly lost no matter what I chose in the [spoiler]casino level[/spoiler].”
optimization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game's optimization has received criticism, with users noting that it is not well-optimized, which detracts from the overall experience. Despite this, there is anticipation for future titles from the studio.
- “I am excited for the next game from this studio, but this experimental game is far from optimized.”