D.N.Age
- July 29, 2016
- REMIMORY
- 11h median play time
Get on SteamD.N.Age is a single-player Role Playing game with good mechanics that allows you to merge monsters' DNA for creation of stronger specimens. It features a unique growth system, customizable assistant, over 140 exploration stages, 25 types of monsters, and 180+ quests. The game's focus is on exploration and monster merging instead of traditional leveling up.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features cute graphics and an interesting DNA breeding mechanic that can be enjoyable for players who appreciate genetics.
- It provides a fun experience for a short period, especially for those who enjoy monster collection and breeding.
- The game has potential and could be improved with more depth and player influence in gameplay.
- The gameplay becomes tedious and grindy, with a heavy reliance on RNG, making progression frustrating.
- Combat is automated and lacks player control, leading to a passive gaming experience that feels more like a chore.
- The game feels like a poorly executed mobile port, lacking depth and meaningful content, which diminishes its overall appeal.
- gameplay17 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The gameplay has been criticized for being excessively grindy and monotonous, with players often feeling like mere spectators rather than active participants. While the DNA and monster merging mechanics show potential, they are hampered by randomness and lack of depth, leading to repetitive actions and a lack of engaging combat. Overall, the game fails to deliver a satisfying gameplay experience, despite some interesting concepts.
“In fact, I feel like a game based around this revised version of the mechanic, which isn't about forcing RNG so much as it is fun experimentation, would be a very fun thing in its own right, provided it has fun mechanics to back it up.”
“The monster merging mechanic is interesting but feels poorly done due to the sheer randomness.”
“Sporting an interesting premise that could have been a great game mechanic, the game ultimately suffers from a complete and utter lack of depth and forces the player into becoming a spectator, which is a cardinal sin.”
“The gameplay is extremely grindy and not the fun type of grind. After 11 hours of gameplay, I eventually gave up the game and abandoned it. The monster drop rate is too rare, forcing you to repeat the same area over and over until you get the monster you need. You will always need to get two of the same monster to start breeding, and to progress to another chapter, you need the best-bred version of this monster. The battle mechanic is too boring; all you do is click and wait for the monsters to finish the fight, then proceed to the next fight. The only thing the player does here is click next.”
“The implementation was terrible, the game mechanics were boring, and there wasn't even any good art to enjoy.”
“The rest of the game is mostly automated, which would be fine if the core mechanic wasn't so weak.”
- grinding13 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has been widely criticized for being excessively tedious and monotonous, with players often feeling forced to repeat the same tasks for hours in hopes of achieving favorable RNG outcomes. While some appreciate the genetic simulation elements, many find the combat and overall grinding experience to be unengaging and frustrating, leading to a lack of enjoyment and eventual abandonment of the game. Overall, the grind is seen as lacking the fun and variety necessary to keep players invested.
“I understand that the game was balanced to not be too easy, but the drop rate of monsters and the tedious breeding, which depends almost solely on RNG, take all the fun down to hell.”
“It's one of the most frustrating and tedious grinds I've ever played, and unlike some 300+ hour RPGs in the running for that title, this is a game that grates on the nerves only 2-3 hours in.”
“The game has an interesting concept, but the 'adventuring' is super grindy, having no variation aside from what monsters you face, and once you figure out how to get the best DNA for a species, it is super grindy to do that, sometimes requiring more grinding of the adventuring variety.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally praised for their cuteness and visual appeal, contributing to an enjoyable experience, especially for those familiar with the game's themes. However, some users feel that while the graphics are a strong point, the overall execution and gameplay mechanics may not meet expectations, likening it to lower-quality games found on social media platforms.
“This game has really nice graphics, and it is enjoyable to play through the beginning of the game.”
“Cute graphics, and fun game, if you like/know a little about gene inheritance.”
“As a PC game, it fails in pretty much every area except for stability and graphics.”
“When I say it feels like a Facebook game, I mean the aesthetic and the automated combat all remind me of some of the 'monster gatherer' style games on that website.”
“But otherwise, the artwork is cute, but it is too much work to get it.”
- story6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story is described as engaging but marred by frustrating gameplay mechanics, such as excessive backtracking and a lack of balance in mission difficulty. Players feel a sense of stagnation when pursuing collectibles, leading to a perception that the game can feel more like a chore than an enjoyable experience. Ultimately, the narrative conveys a moral about perseverance in the face of challenges.
“Moral of the story: you never know what life has in store for you, and if I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
“You will feel that you are not progressing while looking for a creature, because when you advance in the story, some creatures stop showing up. For collectors who want the best creatures, it feels more like a job than a game.”
“After every single mission, you need to go back and turn in, then re-accept a quest, sell trash monsters, order more potions, and accept them again. This process takes far too many clicks and has bizarre pauses before you receive your rewards.”
“Balance is terrible, with cakewalk missions suddenly slamming into a brick wall when a new super-powerful enemy is introduced.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users suggest that the game's optimization could be improved by incorporating minigames that influence outcomes, such as monster acquisition and breeding mutations, based on player performance. This would enhance engagement and provide a more interactive experience.
“Instead of just having a chance to get a monster, I would love to see a minigame where my performance directly influences whether I get a monster and which one it is.”
“I appreciate the breeding options, but it would be even better if I could influence the mutations based on my performance in a minigame.”
“The optimization in this game feels lacking; instead of just a chance to get a monster, there should be a minigame that determines which monster I receive based on my performance.”
“Breeding options are available, but the lack of control over mutations is frustrating. I wish I could influence the outcomes through my performance in a minigame.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviewers note that the game's monetization model is reminiscent of mobile games, but it lacks microtransactions, which some players find refreshing while others feel it detracts from the overall experience.
“The monetization model is fair and doesn't feel intrusive, allowing players to enjoy the game without constant pressure to spend money.”
“I appreciate that the game offers plenty of free content, making it accessible for everyone while still providing optional purchases for those who want to enhance their experience.”
“The balance between free and paid content is well done, ensuring that players can progress without feeling forced to spend money.”
“Without these, this game feels like a mobile game, just without microtransactions.”
“The monetization strategy is frustrating and feels exploitative.”
“It's disappointing to see a game with such potential marred by aggressive monetization tactics.”
- music1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as soothing and calming, providing a relaxing experience that can help players feel at ease.
“I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
