Black Skylands: Origins

Gameplay reviews highlight a mix of intriguing mechanics and solid concepts, but many players feel that the execution is bogged down by clunky controls, slow pacing, and repetitive elements. While some aspects, like the shooting and weapon mechanics, are praised for their fun and uniqueness, others, such as airship navigation and resource management, are criticized for being tedious and unrefined. Overall, the game shows potential but requires significant improvements to its core gameplay systems to enhance player engagement and enjoyment.

The graphics of the game have received positive feedback for their nostalgic pixel art style, reminiscent of classic Super Nintendo and PS1 games, and are praised for their beautiful aesthetics and smooth animations. However, some users noted performance issues on higher settings and criticized the character portraits for lacking variety and expression. Overall, the visuals are considered a standout feature, enhancing the game's atmosphere and gameplay experience.

The music in the game has received generally positive feedback, with many players praising the fitting soundtrack that enhances the overall experience, particularly during combat and exploration. However, some users expressed frustration over the inability to adjust volume settings independently and noted issues with repetitive loops and abrupt transitions. Overall, while the music contributes significantly to the game's atmosphere, there are areas for improvement to enhance immersion and emotional impact.

Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while the farming and resource gathering add depth and financial rewards, many describe these tasks as tedious and not particularly intuitive. The combat and customization elements are enjoyable, but the necessity of frequent repairs and resource collection can feel like a chore, detracting from the overall fun. Overall, the game offers a blend of action and farming, but the grinding mechanics may require patience from players.

Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed feedback, with many users reporting significant performance issues such as stuttering and FPS drops, particularly in specific areas and during certain activities. While some players noted that the demo runs smoothly, others expressed a strong need for improved optimization settings and better performance management to enhance gameplay experience. Customizable key configurations and future updates are anticipated to address these concerns.

The game currently experiences significant stability issues, including bugs that affect sound, grappling mechanics, and gameplay freezes, particularly while piloting. However, players note that the developers are actively addressing these problems, and despite the glitches, the game shows potential and is considered worth trying for a few hours.

The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its captivating ancient sky city setting, characterized by beautifully crafted pixel art and effective parallax effects. Players appreciate the immersive visuals and fitting soundtrack, which enhance the overall experience and provide a compelling backdrop to the action.

Many users feel that while the character artwork is visually appealing, it falls short in conveying emotional depth, as characters often display the same bored expression even during pivotal emotional moments. This lack of emotional expression detracts from the overall impact of the game's narrative.

Character development is highlighted through impressive character designs and engaging voice acting, which enhance the overall appeal of both protagonists and antagonists. Users appreciate the distinct visual styles that contribute to the game's narrative depth.

The humor in the game is highlighted by a funny introduction and amusing villains, whether intentionally or not, contributing to an overall lighthearted tone. Players appreciate the comedic elements alongside the smooth gameplay mechanics.

The game offers very limited replayability, primarily revolving around gathering supplies and engaging in combat as a top-view shooter. Players may find little incentive to replay beyond these core mechanics.

Reviewers express concern that the game's monetization strategy may resemble a cash grab, particularly due to its association with a Russian studio and the anonymity of its developers, who lack a strong social media presence. Potential buyers are advised to approach with caution.