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 game offers a stunning visual experience with beautiful environments and a captivating soundtrack, making it a unique and immersive journey.
- It provides a thought-provoking exploration of life memories, allowing players to connect emotionally with the narrative.
- The float locomotion system enhances the atmosphere, making the experience feel more engaging and meditative.
- The gameplay is minimal, often described as a walking simulator with very light puzzles, which may not satisfy players looking for more interactive content.
- Many players experienced motion sickness due to the movement mechanics, which can detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.
- The narrative and puzzles are considered weak or uninteresting by some, leading to a lack of emotional connection and engagement with the story.
- music18 mentions
- 72 % positive mentions
- 11 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its relaxing and beautiful qualities, enhancing the immersive experience of the visuals and environments. Many players found the soundtrack to be a standout feature, contributing significantly to the overall atmosphere and emotional impact of the game. However, some reviewers noted that the short length of the experience may not justify a full-price purchase, suggesting it might be better suited as a free VR music video.
“The music is relaxing and pleasant.”
“The soundtrack fits perfectly in the scenes.”
“The soundtrack and the environments are what make this game a truly awesome experience.”
“I think that this game would be much better repurposed as a short and free VR music video or something.”
“The soundtrack and the environments are what make Annie Amber a truly awesome experience.”
“I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
- story17 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has received mixed to negative feedback, with many players finding it disjointed, uninteresting, and lacking emotional depth. While some appreciate the surreal journey and visuals, they feel the narrative fails to engage or connect with the player, often relying on abstract storytelling that leaves them confused or indifferent. Overall, the storytelling is seen as a weak point, with many reviewers suggesting that it does not provide a compelling or meaningful experience.
“A surreal existential journey through a topsy-turvy world full of wonder, fast on the heels of Thalamus Annie, Amber is perhaps a more complete game than the previous one's disjointed style. The game tells the story of Annie and tells it in Dark Souls fashion with little things 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 a fair one for the length of game time.”
“The point of the visuals, of course, is to tell the story of a woman's life.”
“If you're looking for some story (or really any point to this at all), it's not there (or at least I couldn't find it).”
“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 (failed to give me any connection to a character) that's just an excuse for some interesting visuals.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally praised for their stunning and captivating quality, with some users highlighting the abstract and meditative visuals. However, there are criticisms regarding the gameplay mechanics that limit the player's ability to appreciate the scenery, as well as concerns about the effectiveness of the environmental storytelling. Overall, while the visuals are a strong point, they may not fully compensate for other gameplay shortcomings.
“The visuals are stunning, the experience is meditative, thought-provoking if you allow it to be and captivating.”
“Really loved the visuals of some planets and the final part.”
“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.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally criticized for its lack of depth and challenge, featuring simple puzzles that often rely on trial and error rather than skill. While some players appreciate the game's mood and experience over mechanics, it is not recommended for those seeking engaging gameplay or complex puzzles.
“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.”
“In terms of gameplay, it is not a walking simulator; there are some puzzles, but they are easy and not too challenging, and I think that is exactly what the developer wanted to do.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, with users highlighting the immersive floating locomotion that complements the universe setting. The locations are described as intriguing and atmospheric, enhanced by a captivating musical score that further enriches the overall experience.
“The float locomotion perfectly fits the atmosphere of the experience.”
“Atmospheric floating simulator in a universe environment.”
“The locations are interesting and atmospheric.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate a mixed emotional response to the game; while some players find it lacking in traditional storytelling and emotional connection, others appreciate its laidback exploration and subtle narrative, suggesting it can evoke feelings for those open to its unique approach.
“This isn’t a traditional game by any stretch, and that in itself will turn some people off, but if you’re looking for a pleasantly laid-back experience that revolves around exploration and a subtle, emotional narrative, Annie Amber is ideal.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, with puzzles that feel repetitive despite the beautiful scenery, which ultimately fails to enhance the experience.
“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 story.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's monetization is viewed positively, as players feel it reflects genuine effort and care rather than being a cash grab; they recommend purchasing it during sales for better value.
