Desierto

About

Desierto is a single player management game with a horror theme. It was developed by Josyan and was released on December 19, 2024. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

This is a game about getting lost.

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96%

Audience ScoreBased on 68 reviews

story4 positive mentions

Creative and original concept as a simulated OS with puzzles and secrets.
Engaging and enjoyable short experience with a unique horror twist.
Free to play with good music, sound design, and a relaxing retro aesthetic.

Story is vague, confusing, and lacks coherence, leaving many players puzzled.
Visuals are basic pixel art that some find unattractive or poorly executed.
Short length may limit appeal; some find gameplay and mini-games too simple.

story
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
37%
27%
The story is noted for its unconventional and creative approach, particularly through clever use of achievement pop-ups to convey narrative elements, but many users found it confusing, vague, and fragmented. While some appreciated its twists and originality, others felt the story lacked coherence, detracting from the overall experience.
- “But the best part I did not even realize it was a horror game at first and I love that. Great game, would for sure recommend for a quick horror experience. I think talking about the story and breaking the fourth wall through achievements was genius.”
- “Bonkers storytelling, but a very clever use of the Steam achievements API.”
- “Omg this is a glorious game 10/10, story writing is amazing, gameplay is just on point, and this is the best game I've played this year.”
- “The gameplay is basic and the story was confusing overall.”
- “The problem, however, lies right here: once the game is finished, even when you unlock all the achievements, the story remains foggy, confusing, and there are too many beginnings that don't seem to connect with each other.”
- “I found the story too vague and I wasn't really able to make much sense of it, which really took out the enjoyment for me.”
graphics
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
14%
43%
The graphics are predominantly retro and pixelated, with mixed opinions ranging from nostalgic appreciation to criticism of their low quality. While some view the visuals as charming and well-stylized, others consider them lacking compared to modern standards, though this hasn't hindered gameplay enjoyment.
- “Stellar graphics, sound, and performance... and it even comes with new friends!”
- “And it has a good artstyle.”
- “Old school graphics, a side quest where you have to find diamonds, not bad at all.”
- “This features really godawful pixelcrap "art" instead of real graphics.”
- “It's hard to say if this was because the developer didn't have the skill to do the job of creating 3D visuals, or couldn't afford to hire someone who does, but it also doesn't matter.”
- “Games like Terraria and Stardew Valley succeeded despite the bad graphics, not because of them.”
music
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
83%
17%
The music in the game is generally praised for being fantastic, suspenseful, and top-notch, with several users highlighting specific favorite tracks. However, some criticism arises from the expectation to purchase a soundtrack DLC, viewed by some as a form of digital panhandling. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a strong and enjoyable aspect of the game.
- “Music is fantastic, and it's a surprisingly suspenseful experience.”
- “Aside from the story, I enjoyed everything else, especially the soundtrack.”
- “Very good game, music and sound are top notch; 'muszenmusic' is my favorite track.”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor is characterized as simple and old-school, delivering a lighthearted and amusing experience that playfully evokes a sense of being monitored, adding a quirky twist to the game’s charm.
- “You should try a simple and funny old school game.”
- “Funny that it makes you think the FBI is watching.”
optimization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is well-optimized, delivering stellar graphics and sound without compromising performance, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience.
gameplay
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The gameplay is generally described as good, indicating a positive and enjoyable experience for players.