Cloudbuilt

The story in the game is often described as minimalistic and secondary to the gameplay, with many players finding it either dull or unimportant. While some appreciate the narrative's emotional depth and the way it ties into the gameplay, others criticize it for being vague, predictable, or poorly integrated. Overall, the consensus is that while the story exists and has potential, it is not the main draw of the game, which is primarily focused on fast-paced action and mechanics.

The graphics of the game are characterized by a unique cel-shaded art style reminiscent of titles like Borderlands, which many players find visually appealing and well-suited to the game's atmosphere. However, opinions are mixed, with some reviewers noting that the art style can be distracting or lead to performance issues, particularly on older hardware. Overall, while the visuals are praised for their beauty and creativity, they may not resonate with everyone, and some players feel they detract from the gameplay experience.

The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many players praising its catchy, energetic, and emotional compositions that enhance the overall experience. While some tracks are noted for being repetitive or overly intense, the majority of the soundtrack is described as stunning and fitting, blending orchestral, electronic, and chiptune elements effectively. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the standout features of the game, contributing significantly to its atmosphere and player engagement.

The game offers high replayability due to its short length, multiple paths in levels, and a level editor that encourages community engagement. Players can enjoy improving their ranks, exploring different routes, and tackling various community-made levels, making each playthrough feel fresh and engaging. While some aspects, like gunplay and controls, received criticism, the overall replay value remains strong, appealing to both casual and competitive gamers.

The atmosphere of Cloudbuilt is widely praised for its unique aesthetic, characterized by beautiful cell-shaded graphics and a blend of atmospheric and upbeat music that enhances the gameplay experience. Reviewers note the game's comic/graphic novel style and surrealistic stages, which create a compelling environment for exploration and skill-based action. While the story is minimal, it effectively complements the gameplay, allowing players to immerse themselves in the vibrant and lively atmosphere at their own pace.

The game's performance is generally smooth with minimal stutter, but many users report that it is not well optimized, particularly on older hardware, leading to frame rate issues despite decent specifications. While the graphics and level design are praised, some players experienced hiccups even on high-performance PCs, indicating a need for better optimization. Overall, the game excels in gameplay mechanics and design but suffers from technical shortcomings that can hinder the experience.

Overall, the game's stability is a mixed bag; while it runs smoothly on decent hardware and offers a visually appealing experience, players report various bugs and minor graphical glitches that can detract from control and immersion. Some users attribute control issues to user error rather than inherent instability, suggesting that with patience, the game can be enjoyable despite its flaws.

The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by a powerful soundtrack and a touching narrative that resonates with players, often leading to a deep emotional investment in the story and gameplay. While some reviewers found the writing lacking compared to other titles, many appreciated the well-crafted character reflections that evoke a range of emotions, from triumph to trauma, culminating in a rewarding experience that can even bring players to tears. Overall, the game successfully intertwines its emotional depth with gameplay mechanics, enhancing the player's journey.

Players find the humor in the game to be unintentional, stemming from the excessive reuse of cutscenes and awkward graphics. Additionally, the presence of numerous gameplay options that fail to address control issues adds a layer of irony that some players find amusing.

Reviewers express a desire for deeper character development, particularly for the protagonist Demi, in potential sequels to "Cloudbuilt." While the game's visuals and music are praised, the narrative leaves players to piece together character motivations and backstory, resulting in a lack of substantial development that could enhance the overall experience.

Players have mixed feelings about grinding in the game; while some appreciate the ability to revisit levels and easily surpass previous records without excessive grinding, others express frustration with the pressure to achieve high ranks, leading to burnout. The repetitive nature of grinding for better scores can become tedious, detracting from the overall enjoyment of progression.

The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized for its misleading advertising, which some players find unappealing and reminiscent of outdated marketing tactics. Users advise potential buyers to be cautious and not to be influenced by the promotional material.