BAPTISM
- November 30, 2017
- Samantha Arehart
Get on SteamBaptism is a short kinetic novel about a madman, a child, and a lake.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The artwork and character designs are stunning and unique, contributing to the game's atmospheric and eerie tone.
- The writing is well-crafted, with a lyrical quality that enhances the storytelling and keeps players engaged.
- The game successfully creates a dark and immersive atmosphere, supported by fitting music and intriguing themes.
- The game lacks interactivity, as it is a kinetic novel with no choices or branching paths, which may disappoint players looking for a more engaging experience.
- The story feels short and ends abruptly, leaving players wanting more depth and a more satisfying conclusion.
- Some visual elements, such as static sprites and certain background images, clash and detract from the overall experience.
- story27 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The story of "Baptism" is praised for its intriguing premise and well-written narrative, though many reviewers feel it lacks depth and a memorable climax, leaving the ending feeling abrupt and unsatisfying. While the kinetic novel format offers a compelling reading experience, the absence of choices and a longer storyline leaves some players wanting more. Overall, the story is engaging and beautifully presented, but it suffers from pacing issues and a desire for greater development.
“I find this one of the strongest aspects in this visual novel, that the story is very enjoyable and pleasant to read.”
“Very well written story that keeps you hooked until its short ending.”
“Both the story and writing are very well done, and the character design is distinct and striking, capturing the weight of the characters and their situations quite well.”
“Baptism is a kinetic novel; there are no choices, no dividing paths, you only need to read the story to complete it.”
“As a strong and frequent advocate of walking simulators and such, even I'd opine that a product in which you click through a linear story and never once make anything resembling a choice is not really a 'game'.”
“This clearly also came from time and budget restraints, which is unfortunate, as with more material it could have expanded the story further or offered differentiating narrative decision paths for the reader to choose between, much like other visual novels might.”
- music7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The music in the visual novel is praised for its atmospheric quality and ability to enhance the overall experience, effectively complementing the artwork and narrative. However, some reviewers noted that the music's tone diverges in the final act, and the absence of additional sound effects or voice acting limits immersion. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a strong element, though it could benefit from more variety and consistency.
“A short atmospheric visual novel with great music and artworks.”
“The art, the pictures, and the music really bring it alive.”
“The music, though sparse outside of the ending, does its job well, expanding the mood created by the images and words to a satisfying end.”
“And a voice cast or addition of any sound effects outside the music would have added further immersion and truly completed a couple of already great moments.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are generally praised for their stunning artwork and atmospheric design, particularly the animated personas and backgrounds. However, some users note a clash between the sprite and background art styles, suggesting that photobashing could have improved the overall visual coherence. While the visuals are considered suitable for the ambiance, the game's content is perceived as lacking despite the appealing aesthetics.
“A short atmospheric visual novel with great music and artworks.”
“Absolutely stunning artwork.”
“‘Okay’ visuals (suitable to ambiance), and I did like the animated design of the personas a lot (including the ‘eyes’ and ‘sun/light’ signs – I think I fully understand their meaning), and the mansion.”
“The photographs for the backgrounds serve their purpose well, so they don't bother me at all, but I wonder if photobashing would have removed the complaints about the sprite and background art style clashing, which is mentioned in other reviews.”
“The thing about visual novels is that they're basically books, or at best, comic books, when they feature enough artwork.”
“The visuals are 'okay' (suitable to ambiance), and I did like the animated design of the personas a lot (including the 'eyes' and 'sun/light' signs – I think I fully understand their meaning), and the mansion.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its captivating visuals, evocative music, and compelling writing, all of which contribute to a dark, religious theme. The use of faceless characters enhances the emotional depth, making the characters' innermost feelings feel distant and enigmatic. Overall, the combination of art direction and atmosphere creates a memorable and immersive experience.
“A short atmospheric visual novel with great music and artwork.”
“A short but atmospheric visual novel that has beautiful writing and interesting art direction for the dark religious theme.”
“The facelessness totally works for the atmosphere, making the innermost feelings of the characters unreachable.”
- character development4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is highlighted by unique and striking human character designs that reflect the weight of their situations, contributing to a gripping narrative. The combination of well-crafted writing and memorable visuals creates a lasting impression, enhancing the overall storytelling experience.
“Great character designs, and a gripping story.”
“Both the story and writing are very well done, and the character design is distinct and striking, capturing the weight of the characters and their situations quite well.”
“The serene yet off-putting character designs and beautiful background photographs fill the story with memorable images and imaginings that stick in the mind past completion of the game.”
