Analogue: A Hate Story

75%
Game Brain Score Based on 2,502 reviews
  • story
  • music
  • gameplay
Analogue: A Hate Story Game Cover
Beneath the endless text, Analogue is smart, focused, and refreshingly unpleasant stuff with a style all of its own.
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"Analogue: A Hate Story" is a visual novel game where players uncover the secrets of a abandoned spaceship and learn about the lives of its past inhabitants through digital records. The game explores themes of gender, sexuality, and society in a sci-fi setting, with multiple endings based on the player's choices and actions. It also features a unique mechanic of deciphering old Korean script with the help of in-game tools.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
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Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

75%
Audience ScoreBased on 2,502 reviews
story940 positive mentions
grinding24 negative mentions
  • Engaging and thought-provoking story that explores dark themes of misogyny and societal collapse.
  • Unique gameplay mechanics that involve reading logs and interacting with AIs, creating an immersive experience.
  • Well-developed characters, particularly the AIs, who provide different perspectives on the events of the story.
  • Heavy reliance on reading can be overwhelming and may deter players who prefer more action-oriented gameplay.
  • Confusing Korean names and family structures can make it difficult to keep track of characters and their relationships.
  • Some players may find the pacing slow and the story's dark themes emotionally taxing.
  • story2,862 mentions

    The story of "Analogue: A Hate Story" is a complex and engaging narrative that unfolds through logs and letters, revealing the tragic fate of a Korean generation ship and its inhabitants. Players piece together the story while interacting with two AI characters, each offering different perspectives on the events that transpired, leading to a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as gender roles and societal collapse. While the storytelling is praised for its depth and emotional impact, some players find the non-linear format and heavy reading requirement challenging, yet ultimately rewarding for those who appreciate rich narratives.

    • “A story-based game that compels you to learn about the characters and their mysteries - it's quite hard to put down once started.”
    • “The story is fantastic, letting you draw your own conclusions and unravel events slowly.”
    • “The story is very well told and interesting.”
    • “The 'secret golden ending' should feel like a glorious hurrah for those devoted to the story, but it ultimately feels like a shoehorn and a betrayal of what the story is talking about.”
    • “The story is intentionally made difficult to grasp.”
    • “I was left with very complicated feelings about the story - upon finishing I felt empty, somewhat disgusted, bitter, uneasy, and overall, quite sobered.”
  • music272 mentions

    The music in the game is generally praised for its atmospheric quality, effectively enhancing the storytelling and mood without being overly intrusive. While many players appreciate the soundtrack's beauty and its ability to create a contemplative atmosphere, some note that it can be easily forgotten due to its understated nature and limited variety. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a strong point of the game, with recommendations to purchase it for an enriched experience.

    • “The soundtrack is atmospheric and the setting really got under my skin.”
    • “Wonderful storytelling, supported by a gorgeous soundtrack and interesting characters.”
    • “The music creates a great electronic atmosphere to pull you into the game.”
    • “There's barely any music, you stick to the same scene 98% of the time (once midway when danger hits, and then the ending screen), and despite all its reading, overall as a game it's short.”
    • “Overall, compared to other visual novels, the art and music is rather bleak and character interaction is limited, as most of the text comes from logs of the past.”
    • “Music is alright and fits but after a while the music starts getting boring because that's all you hear as you read through all the logs.”
  • gameplay268 mentions

    The gameplay of "Analogue: A Hate Story" is primarily text-based, focusing on reading logs and interacting with AI to uncover the narrative, which some players find engaging despite its minimal mechanics. While it features unique elements like a command-line interface and light puzzle-solving, many reviews emphasize that it is heavily story-driven, making it less suitable for those seeking traditional gameplay experiences. Overall, the game is praised for its immersive storytelling and character development, though it may frustrate players who prefer more interactive gameplay.

    • “The pacing is good, and for added variety there are some interesting 'hacking' gameplay segments, as well as a pretty ingenious way to unlock the true end (though you’ll probably need a guide for the latter, but even then it feels quite satisfying to exploit the mechanics like that).”
    • “This is a great visual novel with unique gameplay features and an intriguing storyline that will draw you in as you try to solve the mystery behind the events of a desolate generation ship - the Mugunghwa.”
    • “The gameplay consists of yes/no questions and the occasional use of a command-line, but the way that the tragic story slowly unfolds through journal entries from multiple perspectives and gradually becomes more clear to you, the player, is well worth the price of admission.”
    • “The game does not actually involve much gameplay at all.”
    • “I had several problems with the gameplay that were frustrating, and the story itself (which is the entire appeal of the game) had some very questionable and uncomfortable elements that were not scrutinized at all.”
    • “If you don't like reading, this game isn't for you; most of the gameplay is sifting through old logs and correspondence trying to piece together what happened and learn more about the ship's inhabitants.”
  • emotional234 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised for its deeply engaging and often heartbreaking storytelling, which tackles heavy themes such as oppression, abuse, and moral dilemmas. Players report feeling a strong connection to the characters and their struggles, leading to a range of emotional responses from sadness to catharsis. Despite some criticisms regarding pacing and character design, the overall narrative is described as powerful and thought-provoking, making it a memorable experience for those willing to invest emotionally.

    • “It's heartbreaking and horrifying to learn what happened to the so-called 'generation ship,' and it's somber to realize that it didn't happen sooner.”
    • “If the story speaks to your heart, you’ll find yourself wrapped up in a memorable emotional experience that you wish would never end.”
    • “This game hit all the right spots at the right times, emotionally connected me with a character, strained that trust, then ultimately rewarded both her and me with catharsis.”
    • “It is in bad taste and reeks of desperation to try and make a really boring story into something more than what it actually is.”
    • “Boring story line and flat character design.”
  • graphics168 mentions

    The graphics in this visual novel are minimalistic, featuring only a few character designs and plain backgrounds, which may disappoint those expecting more elaborate visuals. However, the art style is generally well-received, with many praising its charm and thematic fit within the sci-fi narrative. Overall, while the graphics are not the main focus, they complement the immersive storytelling experience effectively.

    • “One of the most gripping and emotional visual novels I have ever played.”
    • “The graphics are good, and the interface is well designed and well integrated into the story.”
    • “The art style is very pleasing, has a very interesting plot, and is very well made with an amazing soundtrack.”
    • “There is very minimal artwork and there is very limited background artwork.”
    • “There's no background artwork, and only two characters (the AIs) are shown, so you'll be disappointed if you're expecting a lot of visuals.”
    • “Graphically minimal even for a visual novel but makes up for it in charm, soundtrack, and immersion.”
  • replayability72 mentions

    The game offers some replayability primarily through multiple endings and achievements, which can entice players to revisit it. However, many reviewers note that the experience can become tedious due to repetitive dialogue and a relatively short playtime, leading to a consensus that while there are incentives to replay, the overall replay value is limited. Overall, it is recommended for those interested in narrative-driven experiences, especially if purchased on sale.

    • “It's definitely one of my favorite interactive novel experiences and I would recommend it to those looking for an intriguing (and often heartbreaking) story with a lot of replay value.”
    • “This game has multiple endings, so there is great replay value, and a sequel coming soon!”
    • “Multiple endings promote replayability, and the deeper mystery of the story is engrossing enough for the time you play the game.”
    • “A major weakness is its low replayability.”
    • “The replayability value of this game, however, is quite low; if you're after the multiple ending achievements, you're really likely to just click through the game from an existing save or beginning.”
    • “However, it's really short with very little replay value other than for the purpose of unlocking Steam achievements or getting a particular save file in place of the purposes of importing into the sequel.”
  • humor48 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as a blend of clever writing, self-referential jokes, and a mix of dark and light-hearted moments, appealing to an adult audience with its sexual and violent themes presented in a funny way. Players appreciate the endearing and humorous character interactions, as well as the amusing plot twists and dialogue that balance the game's more serious elements. Overall, the humor is seen as a key component that enhances the storytelling and player experience, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

    • “These games are at once thrilling, soothing, hilarious, and heartbreaking.”
    • “The right mix of humor, mystery, and tragedy.”
    • “Analogue is a stunningly moving, funny, and disturbing game whose medium is perfectly tuned to its content.”
  • atmosphere36 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its immersive and emotional qualities, largely enhanced by a fitting and atmospheric soundtrack that complements the writing and setting. Reviewers note that the minimalistic design and contemplative mood create a compelling experience, drawing players into a world that evokes strong feelings and encourages exploration of deeper themes. Overall, the atmosphere is described as captivating, engaging, and integral to the game's impact.

    • “It's a great combination of a contemplative mood with building tension, and the music works fantastically with the writing to create that atmosphere.”
    • “The music creates a great electronic atmosphere to pull you into the game.”
    • “Gameplay is almost nonexistent, interactions are minimal and backgrounds are completely absent, but this minimalistic approach works so well for this game's atmosphere.”
    • “This is one of those games where it's more about the atmosphere it creates and the emotions it inspires than the actual content.”
    • “It's refreshing, and it makes the game's atmosphere really 'work' - you're not trying to find the 'right answer', you're trying to find the truth.”
  • character development26 mentions

    Character development in this game is widely praised, with reviewers highlighting its depth and ability to evoke empathy for the characters. Many agree that it sets a high standard for visual novels, showcasing strong writing and engaging storytelling that goes beyond mere visual appeal. Overall, the intricate character arcs contribute significantly to the game's emotional impact and overall enjoyment.

    • “In my opinion, it should set the bar for the standard that all visual novels should strive to achieve; with good writing, animation, and interesting character development, being an exciting, shocking, and altogether enjoyable read.”
    • “But fortunately, the storytelling is strong enough to evoke emotions of empathy for these heroines through strong character development.”
    • “I won't say much more about it, because that will ruin some of the story, but there is gripping and intricate character development at work here.”
    • “Boring storyline and flat character design.”
    • “However, it's a visual novel -- what matters is ambiance, quality of writing, the plot itself (which in this case is interesting, as most of it takes place in the story's own past) and, above all, character design.”
    • “And high levels of character development.”
  • grinding24 mentions

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly during replay attempts to achieve multiple endings. While the initial playthrough is engaging due to its unique format and compelling story, subsequent sessions often feel repetitive and frustrating, with extensive reading and sorting through logs contributing to the monotony. Despite these drawbacks, some players appreciate the narrative depth and support the visual novel genre.

    • “Unfortunately, this process quickly becomes tedious and after 2 hours of it, I was frustrated and bored.”
    • “An aspect of the genre I find hard to reconcile is that I want to see multiple endings, but the process of replaying and trying new things to get to those endings is exceedingly tedious.”
    • “You spend the rest of the game rather tediously sorting through encrypted ship logs one by one...the only boring part of the game, really.”
  • monetization2 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game is closely tied to its marketing strategy, which effectively appeals to fans of sci-fi, horror, and transhumanism, leading to strong initial purchases. However, the reviews do not provide specific details on ongoing monetization practices or additional costs post-purchase.

  • stability2 mentions

    The game experiences significant stability issues, particularly during the initial activation of the AI, where players report frequent glitches and unresponsive commands.

    • “Tried getting past the first part of activating the AI, yet it glitches out and none of the commands work.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

73% average critic score

Buy Analogue: A Hate Story

Play time

6hMedian play time
41hAverage play time
4-97hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 10 analyzed playthroughs

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