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 a unique DNA mechanic that allows for interesting monster breeding and genetic combinations.
- The graphics are cute and well-polished, providing an enjoyable visual experience.
- The game can serve as a fun, casual time-waster, especially for those interested in genetics and monster collection.
- Gameplay is overly grindy and repetitive, often requiring players to engage in tedious tasks without much variation.
- Combat is automated and lacks player control, making battles feel unengaging and reliant on RNG.
- The game feels like a poorly executed mobile port, lacking depth and meaningful content compared to its potential.
- 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 and uninspired combat. Overall, the game fails to deliver engaging mechanics, leaving players frustrated and unfulfilled.
“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.”
“Gameplay consists of forming a party, then sending it at the enemy and hoping for the best.”
“Again, I wouldn't mind if I didn't have to do it roughly a million times and there were any gameplay to break up the monotony.”
“The rest of the game is mostly automated, which would be fine if the core mechanic were not as 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 rare monster drops or breeding outcomes. While some appreciate the genetic simulation elements, many find the combat and overall grinding experience frustratingly unengaging, 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.”
- story6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story emphasizes resilience and the unpredictability of life, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. However, players express frustration with the game's pacing and quest mechanics, feeling that the balance between missions can be jarring and that the quest system detracts from the overall enjoyment and sense of progression. Collectors may find the narrative's progression limiting, as certain creatures become unavailable, making the experience feel more like a chore than a game.
“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 looking for a creature because when you advance in the story, some creatures stop showing up. For collectors who want the best creatures, you will feel that you are in a job and not in 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, then accept them, which, again, takes far too many clicks and has bizarre pauses before you get awarded your rewards.”
“Balance is terrible, with cakewalk missions suddenly slamming into a brick wall when a new super-powerful enemy is introduced.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % 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 gameplay experience is lacking, with comparisons made to less sophisticated games.
“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.”
- 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 which monster I receive.”
“I appreciate the breeding options, but it would be even better if I could control 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, I would prefer 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.”
- music1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music in the game is noted for its calming and soothing qualities, 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.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviewers note that the game's monetization model resembles that of a mobile game, 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 in-game purchases are reasonably priced and provide meaningful benefits without making it feel like pay-to-win.”
“Without these, this game feels like a mobile game, just without microtransactions.”
“The monetization model is frustrating and feels exploitative.”
“It's disappointing to see a game with such potential ruined by aggressive monetization tactics.”
