Annie Amber
- June 17, 2016
- @CarlosGameDev
Get on Steam"Annie Amber" is a VR puzzle game that takes players on a poetic journey through the fragmented memories of the titular character. Using motion controls, players solve puzzles and experience Annie's life in a surreal and dreamlike setting. The game features minimalistic visuals and powerful piano tracks, conveying a subtle beauty and intensity.
PC
Phone
Windows
Android
Mobile Platform
Tablet
Reviews
- The visuals are stunning and create a captivating atmosphere.
- The musical score is beautiful and enhances the overall experience.
- Some players found the game to be a unique and meditative experience.
- The gameplay is mostly a walking simulator with very basic puzzles, leading to a lack of engagement.
- Many players experienced motion sickness due to the movement mechanics.
- The story is considered uninteresting and fails to create an emotional connection.
- story12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The story has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it emotionally unengaging and lacking depth, often describing it as abstract and uninteresting. While some appreciate the surreal and existential themes, the method of storytelling—primarily through environmental cues—fails to create a strong connection with the characters or plot. Overall, the narrative is seen as a weak point, overshadowed by the game's visuals and gameplay mechanics.
“A surreal existential journey through a topsy-turvy world full of wonder, fast on the heels of Thalamus Annie. The game tells the story of Annie in a Dark Souls fashion, with little details scattered around the levels.”
“But at the end of the game and the story conclusion, I felt it was a worthwhile trip in VR, and the price point is fair for the length of game time.”
“The point of the visuals, of course, is to tell the story of a woman's life.”
“The story (if you can call it one) fails to invoke any emotional connection in me.”
“I don't think the way it's told is particularly engaging either, just seems like a very limp attempt at environmental storytelling that's just an excuse for some interesting visuals.”
“The issue I had, if it is unclear in the review, is that the method of storytelling used in this game failed to connect with me personally.”
- music11 mentions
- 73 % positive mentions
- 9 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its beauty and ability to enhance the immersive experience, with many reviewers highlighting the emotional connection it fosters. While the soundtrack is considered fitting and enjoyable, some suggest that the overall experience may not justify the price, especially for those sensitive to motion sickness. Overall, the music is a standout feature that contributes significantly to the game's atmosphere.
“Leaving on an upnote, the musical score was really beautiful.”
“The soundtrack fits perfectly in the scenes.”
“My favourite moment of the game was the very end just floating through on a gentle abstract rollercoaster listening to the nice piano music.”
“I think that this game would be much better repurposed as a short and free VR music video or something.”
“I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are described as stunning and meditative, offering a captivating visual experience, though some players feel that the focus on navigating through circles detracts from appreciating the scenery. While the visuals are praised, there are mixed opinions on their effectiveness in storytelling, with some reviewers finding the environmental narrative lacking and unengaging. Overall, the graphical quality is noted as a highlight, but concerns about motion sickness and the game's short length may affect its value for potential buyers.
“The visuals are stunning; the experience is meditative, thought-provoking if you allow it to be, and captivating.”
“The point of the visuals, of course, is to tell the story of a woman's life.”
“The visuals are okay, but since you have to look at the circles to go to them, all you end up doing is looking at the circles, not the scenery.”
“I bought it even though it had mixed reviews because the graphical quality seemed to be what I was after at the time.”
- gameplay5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The gameplay is criticized for its lack of depth and complexity, with simple puzzles that often rely on trial and error rather than skill or strategy. While it may appeal to those seeking a mood-driven experience, it is not recommended for players looking for engaging mechanics or challenging gameplay.
“If you are a person into mood and experience as much as game mechanics, then you could love this game as much as I do.”
“No point to it, no proper gameplay, and not really poetic or anything as advertised.”
“If you're looking for involved gameplay, don't expect it here.”
“Also, there isn't a lot of gameplay; the puzzles are pretty simple and mostly brute force, moving back and forth trying combination after combination.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, with puzzles that can feel repetitive, despite the beautiful scenery. Overall, the experience may lack engagement due to the monotonous nature of the tasks.
“The puzzles are tedious; while the scenery is beautiful, it still leaves something to be desired.”
“Grinding feels like a never-ending chore rather than an engaging part of the game.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding makes it hard to stay invested in the game.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is largely criticized, with users expressing that the story does not succeed in creating any meaningful emotional connection.
