Angels of Death
- December 18, 2016
- Vaka Game Magazine
- 8h median play time
"Angels of Death" is a psychological horror/adventure game where players control Zack, a serial killer, and Rachel, a mysteriously cloaked girl, as they explore an eerie building filled with dangerous beings. The game features a unique story with dark themes, challenging puzzles, and decision-making elements. With its distinctive art style and suspenseful atmosphere, "Angels of Death" immerses players in a haunting world of survival and mystery.
Reviews
- The story is engaging and emotionally impactful, with well-developed characters and unexpected plot twists.
- The game features a unique dynamic between the two main characters, Rachel and Zack, which keeps players invested in their relationship.
- The soundtrack is beautiful and enhances the overall atmosphere of the game.
- The gameplay is simplistic and often feels more like a visual novel than a traditional game, with easy puzzles and minimal challenge.
- There are some translation errors and awkward dialogue that can detract from the experience.
- The game is relatively short, with a linear story that offers no alternative endings or significant choices.
- story804 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The story of "Angels of Death" is widely praised for its depth, emotional resonance, and unique character dynamics, particularly the relationship between Rachel and Zack. Many players find the narrative compelling and engaging, with unexpected twists that keep them invested throughout the game. However, some critiques mention that the story can be convoluted or overly dark, and the gameplay itself is often seen as secondary to the storytelling experience. Overall, it is recommended for those who appreciate story-driven games, especially within the horror genre.
“The story is fantastic, but experiencing the gameplay first-hand... I didn't have fun.”
“The story is well-written and interesting - I was definitely not able to predict the main twists in the game.”
“The story is dark and deep, but it doesn't go into that cringeworthy fake depth that gets old quick.”
“The story is confusing, and it feels wrong overall.”
“I played through it, sure, but that is because I was hoping the story would get better and less convoluted.”
“The game itself is pretty linear and very story and character focused, which is fine.”
- music163 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The music in this RPG Maker horror game is widely praised for its stunning and emotionally impactful soundtrack, which enhances the storytelling and atmosphere throughout. Many reviewers highlight the variety and quality of the tracks, noting that they effectively capture the game's themes and emotions, although some mention occasional looping issues. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's immersive experience.
“The music and the art were well done, to the point that I was drawn in and captivated even more to the story than when I first read the manga.”
“The soundtrack is absolutely phenomenal, all of it is just beautiful and catchy.”
“The music captures you into the scene and makes you feel like you are very much involved directly in the story.”
“That never happens, and with the bizarre usage of almost uplifting music in the final scene, a scene where Zack comes to fulfill his promise to kill Ray, it almost feels as if I'm supposed to view this as a good ending?”
“The music tells me I should be happy, that something great is happening, but the actual events on screen are that the one character I wanted to see grow to be a better person is grinning ear to ear over the fact that a psychopath has Peter Pan-ed into her window to fulfill her dream of death.”
“I know it’s an RPG Maker game, but I paid ten bucks for a game that has obnoxiously looping music in some parts, a point where instead of putting up a gate so you can pass through they just put the floor texture over the middle of the gate, and multiple places where you walk through the backs of objects.”
- gameplay139 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Angels of Death" is generally considered simplistic and linear, often serving as a vehicle for its engaging story rather than providing substantial interactive elements. Many players noted that while the mechanics are easy to grasp, the puzzles are not particularly stimulating, and the overall experience feels more like an interactive narrative with minimal gameplay. Those seeking a rich gameplay experience may be disappointed, but fans of story-driven games will likely appreciate the captivating plot and character development.
“The gameplay is really good, but what I would like to have is more resolutions!”
“Captivating story and reasonably challenging gameplay.”
“The gameplay is fun, the music is good, but the story is contrived.”
“The gameplay issues die down around episode two and I don't remember any past then.”
“There is almost no gameplay, with the only real sections where there could be challenge being one puzzle and a maze.”
“Honestly, the gameplay is secondary to the story; besides maybe a few parts, so if you're thinking of playing it for gameplay, you might be disappointed.”
- graphics75 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally described as simple and reminiscent of retro pixel art, which some players find charming and effective in conveying the game's atmosphere. While opinions vary, many appreciate the unique art style and character designs, noting that the visuals complement the immersive storytelling despite their limitations. Overall, the graphics may not be cutting-edge, but they resonate well with the game's narrative and aesthetic.
“I really enjoyed this game's lore and art style.”
“The graphics are also good and suit the narrative/atmosphere well.”
“The artwork is amazing, the overall graphic style is pretty, the story is one I absolutely love and also fairly unique, and the music is just beautiful.”
“The graphics are nothing to write home about and the gameplay isn't exactly challenging.”
“Graphics is not the point too, this is 2022 and the graphics seem very old, but maybe it makes the game feel more familiar?”
“It's hard to judge the art since they are pixel graphics, really.”
- emotional65 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is overwhelmingly praised, with many players expressing that it made them cry and feel deeply invested in the characters and their relationships, particularly between Rachel and Zack. Reviewers highlight the unique and touching storyline, which combines heartwarming moments with darker themes, creating a powerful emotional rollercoaster. Overall, the game is described as a must-play for those seeking a compelling and emotionally charged narrative.
“The story was very moving to me; I remember feeling invested in those characters, and I really like how they made their relationships particularly unique and touching despite the very morbid nature of their intentions and goals. I think that's what made the game so powerful.”
“An amazing and beautiful story that is both heartwarming and a tearjerker.”
“This is one of the best stories I have ever read, and the characters made me feel the whole spectrum of emotions, from fear to happiness, from love to hate.”
- character development40 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is widely praised for its depth and authenticity, with players appreciating the gradual evolution of relationships and the emotional impact of character arcs. Many reviews highlight the seamless integration of character backstories and interactions, making them feel organic rather than forced. Overall, the character designs and development are considered standout features that enhance the game's narrative and player engagement.
“The character development is just awesome, and the elements the creators used to reveal more about the characters and their past never felt forced.”
“My favorite part is probably the character development especially since the changes they go through are slow and not so sudden or out of character.”
“The two protagonists are unique and have a relationship that seems real as it built up over time instead of being instant; even the antagonists are unique, but where the game shines is character development, especially with the protagonists.”
“Character development after cosmotheory went out the window?”
“I do feel like the ending wasn't as satisfying since the entire game and the character development was centered around this oath but ended up...”
“You might get frustrated with a character's lack of personality for a while, but the character development further on keeps you from wanting to drop it for sure.”
- humor27 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its blend of dark comedy and charming dialogue, particularly through the character Zack, who is often described as funny and charismatic. Players appreciate the amusing moments that arise amidst the horror elements, creating a unique contrast that enhances the overall experience. While some critiques mention a lack of depth in character relationships, the game's ability to evoke laughter alongside its darker themes has resonated positively with many players.
“It's a funny lil' horror story with goofy protagonists.”
“Game is still really funny regardless of its very negative tone.”
“It gives dark humor, yet a bit of heart-warming feels as you go through the story to the game.”
- atmosphere26 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of "Angels of Death" is widely praised for its immersive quality, effectively blending graphics, music, and character development to create a compelling and unsettling experience. Reviewers note that while the game may not rely on traditional horror elements like jump scares, its atmospheric tension and emotional depth keep players engaged and on edge. The soundtrack and setting enhance the overall mood, making it a unique and memorable experience that resonates with fans of the anime and horror genres alike.
“The setting and atmosphere of Angels of Death are fantastic.”
“The characters are amazing and the scary atmosphere puts you on edge.”
“The music fits really well with the atmosphere of each floor.”
“The horror aspects are fairly light but the general atmosphere on different levels is powerful.”
“In terms of horror, the game doesn't use jumpscares and overall isn't that scary but its atmosphere is more where the horror is focused.”
“The atmosphere which the player interacts with, while not at its full potential, couples with the game pretty well.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating, particularly due to repetitive dialogue and minigames that detract from the overall experience. While some appreciate the unique features that break up the monotony, many still feel that certain gameplay elements, like chase scenes, exacerbate the grind.
“However, it has many unique features, so it is not tedious.”
“I found it tedious and frustrating.”
“It got really tedious clicking through the dialogue in every cutscene which would appear one after the other.”
“I love the small puzzles, but overall, some of the gameplay in the game, or 'minigames' as I would like to refer to them, are a bit tedious.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game offers minimal replayability, primarily limited to achieving missed accomplishments, and players generally feel that a single playthrough suffices. While it may appeal to fans of the genre, the predictable ending and lack of additional content diminish the incentive to replay.
“There is little to no replay value, aside from getting any achievements you might have missed, which shouldn't be too many.”
“Overall, just play once and there is no replay value, but still, it was okay. It's kind of unfair because it is a Japanese RPG game, so it had a chance to be in a Whitefox anime adaptation. The ending is a bit expected and not very satisfying.”
“There is no replay value unless you like to replay the whole game.”