Cafe 0: The Drowned Mermaid
- October 11, 2011
- ROSEVERTE MYSTERY
Get on Steam
Get on Apple Store"Cafe 0: The Drowned Mermaid" is a single-player mystery simulation game with an interesting plot. Players uncover the past of a girl named Marin Umino, who finds herself in a mysterious cafe reliving the last seven days before her death. Through interactions with characters such as Ami, Tooru, and Shou, players will uncover connections to Marin's past and determine her fate. The game features Japanese voices in the demo and deluxe versions.
Reviews
- The game features an intriguing concept where players relive the last week of a character's life to uncover the mystery of her death, providing a unique narrative experience.
- The story includes unexpected plot twists that keep players engaged and invested in the outcome, making it a memorable experience.
- Despite its short length, the game offers multiple endings and a true ending that adds depth to the overall narrative.
- The game is very short, with playthroughs lasting around 15 to 30 minutes, which many players feel does not justify the price.
- Character development is lacking, making it difficult for players to form emotional connections with the characters.
- The art style and writing quality are often criticized as mediocre, detracting from the overall experience.
- story52 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The story of "Cafe 0 ~the drowned mermaid~" is generally seen as intriguing but flawed, with many players appreciating its unique concept and unexpected plot twists, while others criticize its brevity and lack of character depth. The narrative is described as dark and engaging, though some found it overly dramatic or linear, leading to mixed feelings about its execution. Overall, while the story has potential and originality, it often falls short in depth and coherence, leaving players divided on their overall experience.
“Cafe 0 is an amazing short visual novel which explores the differing storylines of its patrons.”
“The story takes different twists and turns with all of your different choices and it all comes together in too perfect of a way in the true end.”
“It's a very bleak and dark story that kept me engaged the whole game.”
“Honestly, I didn't like the true story.”
“The whole setting and story seemed a little too depressing; I don't really support this kind of view on the world.”
“The main character was obnoxiously reactionary to everything, and you learned so little about the other characters in the story that it was hard to care about them at all.”
- graphics16 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some players finding the art style initially jarring but later appreciating its unique, somewhat creepy vibe. While the visuals are generally considered weak and not the game's strong suit, there are elements that some players found appealing, such as the character designs and professional-looking artwork. Overall, the graphics may not be the highlight of the experience, but they contribute to the game's atmosphere and storytelling.
“The artwork had a curious style that I haven't seen in a while, but time appears to have been spent on making it look professional.”
“The cgs and the artwork are most certainly not the strong suits of the game, yet I ended up liking them a lot anyhow.”
“The graphics are really above average.”
“I've played Cafe O - The Sleeping Beast on iPad and that was a much better game with better graphics, content, and longer gameplay.”
“When I first started this game, I thought the art style could've been a bit better.”
“The artwork leaves the characters looking somewhat less than human, and the plot itself sounds a bit like an angsty teenager's daydream.”
- music8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players finding it plain and forgettable, while others appreciate its ability to create an eerie and mysterious atmosphere. Overall, the soundtrack is described as average, with a few positive notes highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing the gaming experience.
“I also liked the music in this title a lot; it works nicely to give that kind of eerie/mysterious atmosphere that I love to experience in games such as these.”
“But the music is good.”
“- Nice music.”
“The soundtrack is merely okay, with the music being rather plain and forgettable.”
“The soundtrack is merely okay, with the music being rather plain and forgettable.”
“The music is repetitive.”
- gameplay7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The gameplay is described as straightforward and easy to understand, allowing players to navigate routes without much thought. While it features a unique mechanic that builds on previous runs, some players found it lacking in depth and engagement, with a focus on achieving good or bad endings rather than complex interactions. Overall, it offers a simple experience that may not appeal to everyone.
“I have always liked that mechanic because it requires you to build on what you learn from previous runs to get the whole picture.”
“Gameplay, hmm, without trying to spoil anything, it's basically a good ending / bad ending thing.”
“I've played Cafe O - The Sleeping Beast on iPad and that was a much better game with better graphics, content, and longer gameplay.”
“The gameplay is also straightforward; I was able to understand which routes I had to play first without much thinking, and the right answers are easy to guess.”
“It's unique, but I wasn't really into the gameplay at all.”
- character development3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate a significant lack of character development, with many players feeling unable to form attachments to the characters due to insufficient depth and content in their arcs. Overall, the writing is criticized for not providing enough engagement or growth for the characters throughout the game.
“There wasn't enough character development for me to get attached to the characters.”
“Character development is nonexistent.”
“As far as the writing itself goes, each day could have included much more content and character development.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is enhanced by its eerie and mysterious music, which effectively immerses players in the intended mood.
“I also liked the music in this title a lot; it works nicely to create an eerie and mysterious atmosphere that I love to experience in games like this.”
