Decaying Delicacy

About

Decaying Delicacy is a single player arcade role playing game with horror and anime themes. It was developed by AestheticGamer and was released on April 29, 2021. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

Collect keys to unlock gates to get those delicious delicacies while avoiding strange threats in a 2.5D arcade collection game, or at least that's the game some of the time. Read your diary, or don't. The game has several different endings based on your performance, and a number of alternative paths based on your choices and how you're doing.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

62%

Audience ScoreBased on 13 reviews

atmosphere3 positive mentions

gameplay3 negative mentions

The game features a unique 2.5D art style and a trippy atmosphere that many players found appealing.
The soundtrack is well-received, with players enjoying the music and sound design that enhances the overall experience.
There is potential in the story and gameplay mechanics, with some players appreciating the themes of mental struggle and the surreal elements.

The gameplay is often described as repetitive and frustrating, with many players finding the maze-like levels and enemy mechanics to be tedious.
The story lacks cohesion and depth, with many players feeling that it is poorly presented and fails to engage them fully.
The game is very short, with limited endings and a lack of meaningful choices, leaving players wanting more substance and content.

story
17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
64%
18%
The story in the game has been described as lacking cohesion and depth, primarily conveyed through text boxes rather than engaging gameplay or character development. While some reviewers appreciate the intriguing concept and atmospheric elements, they feel the execution falls short, resulting in a bland narrative experience that fails to fully engage players. Overall, the potential for a compelling story exists, but it is hindered by a lack of clarity and immersive storytelling techniques.
- “If going through all of that to unlock some snippets of text for an admittedly intriguing story sounds interesting or fun to you, hey, this might actually be the little experience for you.”
- “Insanely creepy and surreal but it also keeps a pretty tangible story.”
- “The story is a bit abstract, and definitely takes a backseat to the atmosphere.”
- “The story is a little bland and delivered primarily through text boxes, and I would've appreciated getting to know our main character a little more.”
- “To be clear, there is a lot of potential here, story-wise and with the zany elements, but the gameplay and presentation of the story left a lot to be desired.”
- “The concept is cool in theory, yet dull in practice, as this means Decaying Delicacy lacks the interesting environments, characters, horror, and opportunities for story that their other games have.”
music
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
20%
40%
The music in the game has received high praise for its quality, particularly a standout song performed by a talented vocalist, which many players found to be a highlight of the experience. The sound design complements the game's atmosphere effectively, enhancing the overall immersion. Reviewers express a strong desire for the soundtrack to be made available for purchase, underscoring its impact on their enjoyment of the game.
- “I cannot recommend this enough; I hope the soundtrack gets sold here as well, it was super good.”
- “It has a real neat song that I honestly really liked; the developer really seems to appreciate the music, and the vocalist does a great job every time. In a way, the game is worth it just for that.”
- “The music and sound design are both very well done and synergize perfectly with the setting.”
- “That being said, this definitely isn't the title to judge the creator on, and I assure you they have much better titles, including ones you can support them through (or free ones you can buy the soundtrack through to support them).”
gameplay
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
75%
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing disappointment in its execution despite appreciating the art direction and atmosphere. While there is potential in the story and unique elements, the gameplay loop and overall presentation are seen as lacking, detracting from the overall experience.
- “First off, I think it's important for future buyers to be perfectly clear about the gameplay loop.”
- “Overall, I can't bring myself to say this game is bad, even though all signs point to it - I really do love the art direction and atmosphere it brings to the table, if only the gameplay, plot, and storytelling were better, I think Decaying Delicacy could've definitely been something special.”
- “I really enjoy everything about this game except the actual gameplay.”
- “Overall, I can't bring myself to say this game is bad, even though all signs point to it - I really do love the art direction and atmosphere it brings to the table. If only the gameplay, plot, and storytelling were better, I think Decaying Delicacy could've definitely been something special.”
- “To be clear, there is a lot of potential here, story-wise and with the zany elements, but the gameplay and presentation of the story left a lot to be desired.”
atmosphere
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
50%
The atmosphere of "Decaying Delicacy" is highly praised for its unique art direction and immersive qualities, making it a standout feature despite criticisms of gameplay and storytelling. While it may not deliver the highest scare factor compared to other titles from Yai Gameworks, it offers a bizarre and atmospheric horror experience that appeals to fans of the genre. Overall, the game's ambiance is considered its strongest asset, overshadowing its abstract narrative.
- “I really do love the art direction and atmosphere it brings to the table; if only the gameplay, plot, and storytelling were better, I think Decaying Delicacy could've definitely been something special.”
- “If you're looking for a bizarre, short (and sweet) atmospheric horror game, Decaying Delicacy is for you.”
- “Compared to other Yai Gameworks games, I would say Decaying Delicacy is lower on the overall scare factor but dripping in atmosphere.”
- “Overall, I can't bring myself to say this game is bad, even though all signs point to it. I really do love the art direction and atmosphere it brings to the table. If only the gameplay, plot, and storytelling were better, I think 'Decaying Delicacy' could've definitely been something special.”
- “The story is a bit abstract and definitely takes a backseat to the atmosphere.”
graphics
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The graphics are praised for their cool and fun art style, featuring great artwork and a captivating theme. However, some users express a desire for a more streamlined experience, as the object collection mechanics can detract from the overall visual enjoyment.
- “The art style is cool and fun.”
- “It has great artwork, theme, soundscape, and everything.”
monetization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players appreciate the game's affordable pricing, noting it offers quality gameplay without resorting to exploitative monetization practices or being a cash grab.