DEEP 8
- January 11, 2019
- IndependentArt
Deep 8 is an indie game, mostly inspired by 90s classical RPGs like Final Fantasy. Explore vast worlds, a deep and thrilling story with mildly erotic themes and a Skillbased Roundbased Fighting system.
Reviews
- Deep 8 features a unique and engaging combat system with interesting mechanics that require critical thinking and strategy.
- The game has a well-developed story with memorable characters and a rich, immersive world that draws players in.
- It showcases impressive graphical fidelity and a strong sense of personality, reflecting the developer's passion and creativity.
- The game can be grindy at times, and some players may find the backtracking and puzzle-solving frustrating.
- Character design and some graphical elements may be off-putting to some, described as 'ugly' or 'uncanny'.
- There are instances of unbalanced combat, where enemies can be disproportionately difficult compared to player capabilities.
- story12 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The story in Deep 8 is praised for its engaging progression and character development, featuring a hard-to-predict narrative set against a backdrop of a grand sci-fi war. While it tackles real-life issues and taboo topics in a direct manner, the overall experience is described as entertaining and immersive, with a blend of gameplay and storytelling that culminates in a satisfying climax. The game also offers rich side content and interesting NPC interactions, enhancing the depth of its narrative.
“The story unfolds in a very satisfying way.”
“There was a great idea for a game world and a story, and that was made into a game made with visible passion.”
“Deep 8 is a grand and ambitious sci-fi RPG with a very personal story amidst a vast space as well as a great war.”
“As for the overall story, there is definitely something dooming in the background, and the game doesn't get tired of showing you how brutal and ruthless the enemy is.”
“After a while, I got the feeling to surmise in which direction the story might be going, and that's where it caught me, especially the last enemy encounter in the demo, which is a splendid blend between gameplay and story.”
“Throughout much of the game, there is a good sense of progression in both character development and story.”
- gameplay9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by well-built worlds and unique combat mechanics that allow for customization, offering a simple yet rewarding experience. Players appreciate the tight mechanics where every action matters, reminiscent of classic JRPGs from the Super Nintendo and early PlayStation eras. While some elements, like jumping, may pose challenges, the inclusion of features like auto-jump enhances accessibility without detracting from the overall immersive experience.
“The worlds are well-built, and the combat and skill mechanics are unique, allowing for customization.”
“Simple yet rewarding gameplay mechanics.”
“The combat mechanics were probably the main reason why I bought this game in the end after playing the demo, but it doesn't mean the narrative can be seen as secondary.”
“The gameplay is close to what you would expect from late Super Nintendo JRPGs or early PlayStation JRPGs.”
“Some gameplay additions can be a bit harder to get around, like the jumping for example, but the dev seemed to know many people struggled with it and created an option to auto-jump.”
“- Traditional JRPG turn-based mechanics.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find "grinding" in Deep 8 to be somewhat present, typical of JRPGs, but it is mitigated by an engaging combat system and well-designed mechanics that keep the experience enjoyable. While some may not typically enjoy grinding, many agree that it feels less tedious in this game due to its focus on impactful actions.
“The game can be a little bit grindy at times.”
“I don't normally like grinding, but it wasn't that bad in this game.”
“Drawing inspiration from typical JRPGs, Deep 8 is a little grindy at times, but this is compensated perfectly by the fun combat system.”
- character development3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is marked by a strong sense of progression in both the narrative and the characters themselves, particularly as the story unfolds beyond the initial slow start. The inclusion of characters' inner thoughts alongside their dialogue adds depth, enhancing the player's understanding of their motivations and emotions. Despite some initial reservations about character design, the game's darker themes and creative storytelling ultimately contribute to a compelling character experience.
“Throughout much of the game, there is a good sense of progression in both character development and story.”
“You always know what the character is thinking, as when they give their normal dialogue, there is also a blue parenthesis section that represents their inner thoughts. It's a nice level of character development.”
“While the first 20-30 minutes of the game didn't get me hooked and I struggled a little with the character design, there was soon a moment in which it became quite evident how dark and also creative this game would be.”
- music3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music and sound design in the game are praised for enhancing its unique identity, with players appreciating the cool soundtrack and the option for custom music.
“The music and sound design give this game even more of a unique identity.”
“Cool music and custom soundtrack.”
“The music feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“The soundtrack doesn't match the game's atmosphere, which detracts from the overall experience.”
“The sound effects are poorly mixed, often overshadowing the music and making it hard to appreciate.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its unique and somewhat "uncanny valley" character models, which, while unconventional, contribute to a distinctive style that sets it apart from other titles. Players appreciate this originality, finding it amusing rather than off-putting.
“The character models are kind of funny; they're a bit 'uncanny valley', but it didn't bother me. They have their own unique style and don't look like the thousand other games I've played before.”
“The humor in the dialogue is spot on, with clever puns and witty one-liners that kept me laughing throughout the game.”
“I love how the game doesn't take itself too seriously, with hilarious situations and absurd scenarios that make every playthrough enjoyable.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game showcase a high level of detail, featuring impressive particle effects, multiple parallax scrolling backgrounds, and well-crafted 3D-modeled in-game cutscenes, indicating a strong emphasis on graphical fidelity.
“A lot of effort was put into graphical fidelity, including particle effects, multiple backgrounds with parallax scrolling, and 3D-modeled in-game cutscenes.”
“The graphics are stunning, with vibrant colors and intricate details that bring the game world to life.”
“Every environment is beautifully crafted, showcasing a high level of artistry and attention to detail.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers note that the sci-fi setting serves as a backdrop for exploring intense emotional and sexual themes, suggesting a deeper narrative that transcends typical genre boundaries.
“The sci-fi setting serves as a backdrop for exploring profound emotional themes, creating a deeply resonant experience.”
“The game masterfully intertwines heavy emotional elements, making players feel a strong connection to the characters and their journeys.”
“I was surprised by how emotionally invested I became in the story; it truly transcends typical genre boundaries.”