DEAD OR SCHOOL

The gameplay is a mix of fun and frustration, featuring solid side-scrolling action with RPG elements, but marred by janky mechanics and visual clutter. While combat can be intense and challenging, with a variety of weapons and customization options, many players find it repetitive and occasionally confusing. Overall, the game offers an engaging experience with a decent core loop, but it may not meet the expectations of those seeking polished gameplay.

The graphics of "Dead or School" receive mixed reviews, with many praising the anime-inspired art style and character designs as vibrant and charming. However, criticisms arise regarding the quality of 3D backgrounds and visual noise during combat, which can detract from the overall experience. While some players appreciate the unique aesthetic, others note technical issues like framerate drops and graphical glitches that hinder the game's visual appeal.

The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising it as catchy and fitting well with the gameplay, while others note that it includes stock assets and lacks variety. Many players find the soundtrack enjoyable and fitting for combat and puzzle sections, though some express a desire for more original tracks. Overall, while the music enhances the experience, opinions vary on its quality and originality.

The reviews indicate that the game features a significant amount of grinding, which can be both a draw and a drawback depending on player preferences. While some players appreciate the challenge and the opportunity to farm for better gear and experience, others find the repetitive nature of grinding tedious and a barrier to enjoyment. Overall, the game is described as fun and engaging for those who enjoy grinding, but it may not appeal to players who dislike repetitive gameplay.

The humor in the game is a blend of playful absurdity and suggestive elements, with cutscenes and enemy intros that elicit laughter through their over-the-top presentation. While the English translation is often flawed, it inadvertently adds to the charm and comedic effect, making the dialogue entertaining despite its lack of clarity. Overall, the game maintains a lighthearted tone, filled with funny moments and quirky glitches that enhance the experience.

The game's optimization is a mixed bag; while it runs smoothly on PCs that meet the recommended specs, controller support is notably poor, limiting gameplay enjoyment for those using an Xbox controller. Players report inconsistent melee performance when switching between input methods, and while some enhancements improve performance, additional settings would be beneficial. Overall, experiences vary widely, with some users finding it well-optimized and others encountering significant issues despite having high-end hardware.

The game's stability is notably inconsistent, with players reporting various bugs affecting enemy AI, pathfinding, and combat mechanics, leading to frustrating experiences. While some glitches can be amusing, such as unexpected invincibility or rapid-fire weapons, they detract from overall gameplay. Despite these issues, the game runs well on the Steam Deck at 60 fps, though aiming controls can be unwieldy at times.

Character development in "Dead or School" is highlighted by its colorful and detailed character designs, which contribute to the overall appeal of the game. While the story may initially seem strange, it ultimately weaves together well with engaging plot twists and lovable characters, enhancing player immersion. The combination of a solid battle system and interesting weapon modifiers further enriches the gameplay experience, making it enjoyable to explore different character dynamics.

The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by heartwarming moments, particularly through the main character Hisako's innocent dream of attending a Japanese high school. Players find the narrative genuinely touching, supported by music that enhances emotional scenes, making the overall experience resonate on a deeper level.

The game offers limited replayability, primarily revolving around skill testing, achievements, and a boss rush mode, though its length can vary based on difficulty settings. Overall, players find that the core experience does not encourage repeated playthroughs.

The atmosphere is praised for its realism and immersive quality, effectively enhancing the gameplay experience. While some transitions, such as shifts in music, may not resonate with all players, the overall tone and sound design contribute to a highly engaging environment, earning a perfect score from users.

The monetization strategy has been criticized for misleading advertising, as the store page suggests a focus on sexual content and nudity, which detracts from the actual gameplay experience and gives the impression of a cash grab rather than a genuine action platformer.