Crystal Project

92%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,783 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • music
Crystal Project Game Cover
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"Crystal Project" is a first-person shooter game that takes players on a journey through a beautiful, crystalline world. As a member of a team on a mission to save humanity, players will encounter various enemies and use a variety of weapons to fight their way through different environments. With its stunning visuals and intense combat, "Crystal Project" offers an immersive and exciting gaming experience.

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Reviews

92%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,783 reviews
story73 positive mentions
grinding167 negative mentions
  • Engaging exploration with a vast world filled with secrets and rewards for players who enjoy discovering hidden areas.
  • Deep and customizable class/job system that allows for a variety of builds and strategies in combat.
  • Challenging turn-based combat that requires players to think strategically and manage resources effectively.
  • Platforming mechanics can be frustrating and may lead to tedious backtracking if players miss jumps.
  • Difficulty spikes in certain areas can be overwhelming, especially for players who prefer a more casual experience.
  • Lack of a substantial story or narrative may leave some players feeling unfulfilled.
  • story528 mentions

    The game's story is minimal and often takes a backseat to exploration and gameplay mechanics, making it less suitable for players seeking a deep narrative. While some players appreciate the light storytelling and environmental lore, many note that the plot is sparse, with little character development or direction, focusing instead on adventure and combat. Overall, if you're looking for a rich story experience, this game may not meet your expectations, but it offers engaging gameplay for those who prioritize exploration and mechanics.

    • “The story, while minimalistic, was still emotional at times and interesting to follow.”
    • “The game is non-linear and doesn't have a concrete storyline, but there are some soft story elements.”
    • “The story is very light, so that could be a deal breaker.”
    • “The story is extremely unobtrusive and borderline non-existent, all to make room for the gameplay.”
    • “If you are someone who is story-or-bust with their games, think hard or wait for a sale before getting this!”
    • “The story is pretty much non-existent which is actually a plus in my opinion.”
  • gameplay415 mentions

    The gameplay of "Crystal Project" is highly praised for its deep and engaging mechanics, combining traditional turn-based combat with a robust class system reminiscent of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy V. Players appreciate the emphasis on exploration, strategic threat management, and the ability to customize party builds, although some find the platforming elements tedious and challenging. Overall, the game is recommended for those who prioritize gameplay over narrative, offering a rich experience filled with secrets and tactical depth.

    • “While it may be lacking a detailed story or character development, the gameplay is some of the best in the genre.”
    • “The integration of the class system with combat mechanics and various items allows for a diverse range of attack strategies and synergies.”
    • “The gameplay is fantastic, especially the jobs and battle systems.”
    • “The platforming mechanic is unforgiving and tedious garbage.”
    • “I just wish those clever ideas didn't have to be chained to such tedious, repetitive, punishing gameplay.”
    • “Unfortunately, it's married to frustrating platforming mechanics.”
  • music283 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its quality and variety, with many players praising its ability to enhance the overall experience. Composed primarily of royalty-free tracks from various artists, the soundtrack is described as catchy, atmospheric, and fitting for each area, evoking nostalgia for classic JRPGs. While some reviewers noted that certain tracks may not be particularly memorable, the overall consensus is that the music significantly contributes to the game's charm and enjoyment.

    • “The music is a mix of industry vets and talented indie creators, all bangers start to finish.”
    • “The soundtrack is fantastic, perfectly straddling the line between classic design and modern quality.”
    • “The music is so good too, still have a lot of it stuck in my head.”
    • “The battle music especially sounds meh.”
    • “The music is largely royalty-free library music, which means it lacks the truly personal touch of music composed for specific events, but it's chosen from a large catalogue so it's also better than badly written game music.”
    • “Con: music variety is a little lacking.”
  • grinding173 mentions

    The game's grinding mechanics have received mixed feedback, with many players finding it tedious and time-consuming, particularly in the mid to late game. While some appreciate the depth and customization offered by the job system, others feel that the necessity to grind for levels, money, and abilities detracts from the overall enjoyment, especially when combined with challenging platforming and exploration elements. However, the inclusion of difficulty adjustments and assist options allows players to tailor their experience, potentially alleviating some of the grind-related frustrations.

    • “I was able to 100% it in 65 hours, very reasonable, and it was a blast the entire time (very little to no grinding required).”
    • “Rewarding exploration, minimal to no grinding, no drawn out exposition and a lot of variety in combat.”
    • “Tough but not grindy.”
    • “At times you may hit a spike and be grinding more than you might want; it is very likely you will get lost exploring and trying to find the next step, and the platforming can easily overstay its welcome (especially when you miss a punishing jump).”
    • “You will need to grind for abilities, and grind for cash to afford better gear and maps, and grind for consumables to sustain your party, either as drops or more money grinding to buy them.”
    • “The grinding is annoying because enemies don't just 'respawn.' You have to reset them with an inn.”
  • graphics113 mentions

    The graphics of the game are a blend of charming pixel art and voxel aesthetics, reminiscent of classic JRPGs while incorporating modern elements. While some players appreciate the nostalgic feel and simplicity, others find the voxel style less appealing, comparing it to Minecraft. Overall, the visuals are generally well-received for their unique charm and effective world-building, despite some critiques regarding their depth and detail compared to higher-budget titles.

    • “The voxel art style works very well for this play style and navigating the world is satisfying and rewarding.”
    • “The graphics are perfect for the setting, making the game feel well tied together.”
    • “The art style is beautiful, charming, and a faithful recreation of the JRPGs of old, blended with a modern voxel style.”
    • “It's slightly better than RMVX on account of being actually 3D, but it's still hideous and I remain baffled why anyone would willingly make a game in this graphical style.”
    • “The game takes place in a 3D voxel-like world that might not be to everyone's aesthetic taste, marred by somewhat clunky platforming, and an at times overtuned difficulty.”
    • “While I typically have a personal distaste for voxel graphics and environments (I hate Minecraft, sorry not sorry, it’s disgusting and an affront to gaming and art).”
  • replayability26 mentions

    The game boasts high replayability due to its extensive randomizer options, challenge modes, and customizable class systems, allowing players to create unique experiences and explore various strategies. Continuous updates from the developer further enhance replay value, while the open nature of the game encourages experimentation and exploration of different routes. However, some players feel that replay value may diminish after completing the main storyline, depending on individual play styles.

    • “Also, quite replayable thanks to its challenge mode and randomizer features.”
    • “The fully customizable randomizers and boss refights mean this game now has essentially infinite replay value.”
    • “Since releasing, the single developer has continually updated the game and added extensive randomizer options to keep replayability high.”
    • “Get it on sale, it really has no replay value, but it's very fun, again, if you just like the JRPG mechanics part.”
    • “My current big issue with the game is the lack of replay value.”
    • “Once the game is beaten, however, there is some replay value in just attempting to break the normal route as much as possible, for example, getting the last mount early, leaving the starting area without getting any crystals, and killing bosses by luring them into lava, killing them instantly.”
  • humor23 mentions

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, characterized by goofy writing, funny dialogue, and a lighthearted tone that keeps the experience engaging despite a lack of deep narrative. Players appreciate the blend of humor with exploration and collectables, often finding themselves amused by the quirky situations and NPC interactions. Overall, the game successfully balances its comedic elements with gameplay, making it a charming experience reminiscent of classic JRPGs.

    • “Really though, this game has a little bit of everything, it's a lot of collectibles, lots of exploration and finding secrets and fun little scenes. The story isn't necessarily impactful but it was engaging enough and plenty of humor showed the dev wasn't taking himself too seriously.”
    • “The game is pretty funny, the writing is pretty goofy.”
    • “The npcs and world feel alive, with all sorts of funny situations and dialogues to find.”
  • optimization17 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, with players reporting smooth performance, stability, and no significant technical issues across platforms, including the Steam Deck. While some find the optimization mechanics—such as class respec and party synergy—enjoyable and rewarding, others feel it can lead to repetitive gameplay. The combat is challenging, requiring strategic optimization, but players can adjust difficulty to suit their preferences.

    • “The game is very well optimized.”
    • “Lots of fun optimization of your party; if you enjoy the build tweaking and synergy-finding gameplay, this game will be for you.”
    • “Combat is challenging and fun, and playing on hard, party optimization is required, but you can turn the difficulty down.”
    • “They range between brutal to monotonous, where they are a puzzle that needs to be solved and once you do, you simply repeat the same optimized process on them to victory.”
    • “As frustratingly brutal as the combat can be when you encounter new enemies with a poorly optimized team, at least there's a sense that you can do something to give yourself an edge by simply going back to a save point and rearranging your builds.”
    • “This game stinks of MMO stat and gear optimization and isn't really fun after the first half.”
  • emotional12 mentions

    Players find the emotional aspect of the game to be impactful, with a minimalistic yet engaging story that evokes nostalgia and a sense of exploration reminiscent of childhood. The balance of freedom and emotional rewards creates a unique experience, allowing players to connect with the game on a deeper level without feeling overwhelmed by traditional RPG mechanics. Overall, the game successfully delivers a heartfelt experience that resonates with players, making it a standout in the genre.

    • “The story, while minimalistic, was still emotional at times and interesting to follow.”
    • “The sense of exploration and the rewards you get, both physical and emotional, are something I haven't had replicated by another game.”
    • “This game made me feel like a kid again and is a phenomenal return to JRPGs for me.”
  • character development8 mentions

    Character development in this game is generally viewed as minimal, with many reviewers noting a lack of deep storytelling and character arcs. While players can form a party of diverse heroes and enjoy some light banter, those seeking intricate character growth or a compelling narrative may find the experience lacking. Overall, the focus leans more towards gameplay mechanics than character-driven storytelling.

    • “In terms of character development, you make a party of four heroes chosen from a variety of classes, then go out and adventure.”
    • “An excellent combination of open world exploration and character development.”
    • “While it may be lacking a detailed story or character development, the gameplay is some of the best in the genre.”
    • “This is both a pro and a con; while you won't have to be bothered by watching uninteresting unskippable cutscenes, there isn't going to be any intrigue or character development that pulls you into the game's world.”
    • “If you play JRPGs primarily for story and character development, then you'll probably find Crystal Project to be lacking.”
  • stability8 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is praised for its bug-free experience and solid performance across various platforms, including home PCs and Steam Decks, with users reporting no crashes or significant glitches. However, some players noted issues such as game freezes when reconnecting controllers, indicating that while the game is generally stable, there are still occasional technical hiccups.

    • “But it was heavily outweighed by the utter completeness and bug-free experience I've had with the Crystal Project.”
    • “+64 bit game - runs great on your M1 Mac (will heat up during certain parts but rarely ever drops framerates on max settings).”
    • “From having a well-built and relatively (at least in my experience) bug-free game, to crediting the music that's playing as it comes on, this game screams passion.”
    • “Reconnecting a controller usually freezes the game until restart.”
    • “It is extremely buggy and can take you minutes to get back to the jump you failed.”
  • atmosphere8 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its vibrant and adventurous vibe, enhanced by a well-curated soundtrack that complements the visuals and character interactions. Players appreciate the blend of modern graphics with traditional pixel art, creating a unique and immersive experience that is both relaxing and engaging. Overall, the atmosphere is described as captivating and well-composed, contributing significantly to the game's charm.

    • “Presentation-wise, I loved the vibe and atmosphere of the game.”
    • “Luckily, it's very well picked; much of it is by Vindsvept - it adds an insane amount of atmosphere, in particular of the 'hell yeah adventure!' kind.”
    • “I really enjoyed the music; it's super relaxing, atmospheric, and with a unique theme for each area, it is thankfully not repetitive, a common issue in this genre.”
    • “The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to engage players.”
    • “Despite the interesting character interactions, the overall atmosphere fails to create a compelling world.”
    • “The game attempts to create an immersive atmosphere, but it often falls short, leaving players feeling disconnected.”
  • monetization2 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized for misleading advertising, as it promotes itself as an open-world adventure while not delivering on that promise, leading to disappointment among players.

    • “I get that people want retro and what they enjoyed as kids, but the game advertising itself as an open adventure or go-where-you-like sandbox is pretty misleading, in my opinion.”
    • “I do not think this is a bad game, but I have to give a negative review here because of the inaccurate advertising.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

31hMedian play time
60hAverage play time
15-92hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 23 analyzed playthroughs

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