Analogue: A Hate Story

94%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,250 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.

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  • PC
  • Windows
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Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

94%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,250 reviews
story470 positive mentions
grinding12 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-written characters with depth, allowing players to empathize with their struggles and moral dilemmas.
  • Heavy reliance on text can be overwhelming for players who prefer more action-oriented gameplay.
  • Confusing Korean names and family structures may make it difficult for some players to keep track of characters.
  • Limited replayability due to the linear nature of the story and the need for multiple playthroughs to unlock all endings.
  • story1,431 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 navigate a dystopian society marked by misogyny and familial intrigue, piecing together the past while interacting with two AI characters who provide differing perspectives. While the storytelling is praised for its depth and emotional impact, some players find the non-linear structure and heavy reading requirement challenging, yet ultimately rewarding for those who appreciate a rich narrative experience.

    • “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 deep, capable of stirring up your emotions and the logs do a good job of tying you to the characters they mention.”
    • “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.”
    • “You have to force yourself to continue to even become engaged with the story, which is a hallmark of bad writing.”
  • music136 mentions

    The music in the game is generally praised for its atmospheric and unobtrusive quality, effectively enhancing the storytelling and mood without being overly memorable. While many players appreciate the soundtrack's ability to create a contemplative atmosphere, some note that its simplicity and limited variety can lead to repetitiveness. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a strong point of the game, contributing significantly to the immersive experience, though some players wish for more diverse tracks.

    • “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, and despite all its reading, overall as a game it's short.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
  • gameplay134 mentions

    The gameplay in "Analogue: A Hate Story" is primarily text-based, focusing on reading logs and interacting with AI characters to uncover the story behind a derelict spaceship. While it features some unique mechanics, such as a command-line interface and light puzzle elements, the overall experience is heavily narrative-driven with minimal traditional gameplay. Players who enjoy deep storytelling and character exploration will find it engaging, but those seeking more interactive gameplay may be disappointed.

    • “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 gameplay is pretty much reading through letters and journal entries, trying to understand what caused the death of the ship's inhabitants.”
    • “Gameplay is almost nonexistent, interactions are minimal and backgrounds are completely absent, but this minimalistic approach works so well for this game's atmosphere.”
    • “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.”
  • emotional117 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised for its deeply touching and often heartbreaking narrative, which explores heavy themes such as oppression, abuse, and moral conflict. Players report feeling a strong emotional connection to the characters and their stories, with many describing the experience as an emotional rollercoaster that evokes a range of feelings from sadness to empathy. The writing is noted for its power and depth, making it a memorable and impactful experience for those willing to engage with its complex themes.

    • “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.”
    • “The story is heartbreaking, but while trying to piece together the whole picture, it is also quite intriguing.”
    • “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.”
    • “Boring storyline and flat character design.”
    • “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.”
  • graphics84 mentions

    The graphics in this visual novel are minimalistic, featuring a simple interface and limited artwork, primarily focusing on two character designs against plain backgrounds. While some players appreciate the clean and thematic presentation that complements the story, others find the lack of visual variety disappointing, especially if they prefer more visually rich experiences. Overall, the graphics serve the narrative well, but those seeking elaborate visuals may be left wanting more.

    • “One of the most gripping and emotional visual novels I have ever played.”
    • “The art style is very pleasing, has a very interesting plot, and is very well made with an amazing soundtrack.”
    • “The graphics are good, the story line interesting, and the way it's all presented to the player works really well.”
    • “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.”
  • replayability36 mentions

    The game offers moderate replayability primarily through its multiple endings and achievements, which encourage players to explore different narrative paths. However, many reviewers note that the experience can become tedious due to repetitive dialogue and linear gameplay, leading to a perception of limited long-term replay value. Overall, while there are incentives to replay for completionists, the game may feel short-lived for those seeking extensive replayability.

    • “Multiple endings and unlockables add some replay value.”
    • “This game has multiple endings, so there is great replay value, and a sequel coming soon!”
    • “For an entirely narrative-based game, a good 3 hours of gripping gameplay is quite a feat, and with only half the content unlocked and plenty more endings to see, there's a lot of space for replayability!”
    • “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.”
    • “It's relatively linear, fairly short, and light on replay value.”
  • humor24 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as a blend of dark, self-referential wit and lighthearted, cute moments, appealing primarily to an adult audience. Players appreciate the clever writing and funny character interactions, which balance the more serious themes of the story. Overall, the humor is seen as a key element that enhances the game's intriguing narrative and emotional depth.

    • “These games are at once thrilling, soothing, hilarious, and heartbreaking.”
    • “The right mix of humor, mystery, and tragedy.”
    • “Extremely well written, hilarious characters, fascinating lore, interesting puzzle mechanics, and a heart-wrenching twist towards the end.”
  • atmosphere18 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive and engaging qualities, enhanced by a fitting soundtrack that complements the setting and narrative. Reviewers note that the minimalistic design and contemplative mood contribute to a powerful emotional experience, making players feel deeply connected to the story and its characters. Overall, the atmosphere is described as a standout feature that elevates the game beyond its gameplay mechanics.

    • “The soundtrack is atmospheric and the setting really got under my skin.”
    • “It's a great combination of a contemplative mood with building tension, and the music works fantastically with the writing to create that 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.”
    • “Gameplay is almost nonexistent, interactions are minimal and backgrounds are completely absent, but this minimalistic approach works so well for this game's atmosphere.”
    • “The music is quite fitting as it brings a mysterious atmosphere.”
  • character development13 mentions

    Overall, the reviews highlight strong character development as a standout feature of the game, with many praising its ability to evoke empathy and create engaging narratives. While some mention flat character designs, the majority emphasize that the writing and character arcs elevate the experience, setting a high standard for visual novels. The combination of well-crafted characters, compelling storytelling, and quality visuals contributes to a memorable gaming experience.

    • “Great character development, solid music and art; overall a great experience and I'm looking forward to playing the sequel.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
  • grinding12 mentions

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly during replay sessions aimed at uncovering multiple endings. While the initial playthrough is engaging due to its unique format and compelling story, subsequent attempts often feel repetitive and frustrating, with extensive reading and sorting through content contributing to the monotony. Despite these drawbacks, some reviewers appreciate the careful writing and overall experience, suggesting that the game still holds value for visual novel enthusiasts.

    • “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.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    The monetization strategy for the game appears to be effective, as it successfully attracts fans of sci-fi, horror, and transhumanism, leveraging targeted advertising to drive purchases.

  • stability1 mentions

    Users report significant stability issues, particularly with glitches occurring during the initial activation of the AI, rendering commands ineffective and hindering progress.

    • “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

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Play time

6hMedian play time
41hAverage play time
4-97hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 5 analyzed playthroughs

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