Annie and the AI
- May 22, 2023
- NoSleepGames LLC
Get on Steam"Annie and the AI" is a story-driven puzzle game set in the late 2020s, where you play as Esme, an AI developed by a shut-in programmer named Annie. Your main goal is to solve visual puzzles using pattern and emotional matching of images from Annie's life, while uncovering details about her complicated family situation. The game features hand-drawn illustrations, an original soundtrack, and voice-acting led by Katy Bentz of Life is Strange.
Mac OS
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Windows
Reviews
- The game features a beautifully written and emotionally complex story that keeps players engaged from start to finish.
- The voice acting, particularly by Katy Bentz, and the music are exceptional, enhancing the overall narrative experience.
- The puzzles are enjoyable and challenging, providing a good balance with the storytelling, making it a unique and immersive experience.
- The game is relatively short, leaving some players wishing for more content or additional levels.
- Some puzzles are not fully intuitive or explained, which may lead to confusion for players initially.
- There are display issues on the Steam Deck that can hinder gameplay, requiring players to use 'Desktop Mode' for a better experience.
- story29 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story is a short yet emotionally complex narrative that captivates players from start to finish, blending engaging puzzles with a beautifully crafted plot about family dynamics and human-AI interaction. While many players wish for a longer experience, the game's pacing and artistic presentation enhance its impact, making it a memorable journey that resonates deeply. Overall, it is highly recommended for those who appreciate a strong narrative intertwined with gameplay.
“The story is surprisingly emotionally complex and touching.”
“The game told a beautiful and emotional story with a perfect balance of puzzles and storytelling that kept me invested the entire time.”
“It's a deeply personal story, as the focus (even if they don't want it to be) is on Annie, the creator of a new AI, and the difficult family relationships they have to navigate.”
“The game proceeds at a leisurely pace, rarely rushing you in its puzzles, with each success rewarding you with the next snippet of the story, which is a blend of visual novel style text and well-illustrated comic style panels.”
“It's a deeply personal story, as the focus (even if they don't want it to be) is on Annie, the creator of a new AI, and the difficult family relationships they have to navigate.”
“With the current spotlight on ChatGPT and advanced machine learning, 'Annie and the AI' is a timely story of human/AI interaction.”
- music7 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its ability to enhance the narrative and emotional tension, with a soundtrack that complements the visuals and voice acting effectively. Players appreciate the catchy puzzle music and the overall quality of the voice performances, which contribute significantly to the immersive experience. Overall, the music is described as a beautiful and integral part of the game's artistic expression.
“The story, the art, the acting, the music... is just a beautiful work of art.”
“This is basically a narrative/visual novel that requires you to solve a puzzle in order to 'turn the page.' The main character's voice acting and the soundtrack completely carry the narrative tension that develops as you get through the game.”
“There is excellent voice acting throughout the game, for example, Annie being portrayed by Katy Bentz of Life is Strange fame, and the music complements the game scenes well; the puzzle music, in particular, is a bit of an earworm.”
“The music is forgettable and fails to enhance the overall experience of the game.”
“The soundtrack feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“While the voice acting is strong, the music does not match the emotional tone of the narrative.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its emotionally complex and touching narrative, effectively blending storytelling with gameplay to create a deeply engaging experience. Players highlight the beautifully crafted visuals and the ability of the story to evoke strong emotions, making it a poignant journey that resonates long after playing.
“The story is surprisingly emotionally complex and touching.”
“The game told a beautiful and emotional story with a perfect balance of puzzles and storytelling that kept me invested the entire time.”
“A beautifully crafted visual novel that tugs at the heartstrings, enveloping players in a poignant, emotionally charged journey.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The reviews do not provide relevant information regarding the game's optimization, focusing instead on a performance nomination issue. Therefore, no summary can be made about optimization based on the provided text.
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is subtly woven into the narrative, balancing the characters' tragic elements with positive themes that elicit genuine chuckles from players.
“The characters definitely have a shade of tragedy to them, but there are a lot of positive themes that emerge, and I even found myself chuckling a few times.”
“The humor is cleverly woven into the storyline, making even the most serious moments light-hearted and enjoyable.”
“I couldn't stop laughing at the witty dialogue and absurd situations the characters found themselves in.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is user-friendly and effectively integrates with the narrative, allowing players to engage actively while also providing the freedom to explore various topics of interest.
“The gameplay is easy to understand and effectively breaks up the story, involving the player while providing the freedom to explore topics of interest.”
