Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories
- December 17, 2020
- Granzella Inc.
- 20h median play time
I see great potential in Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories! I do think that there will be patches to fix the frame rate, and maybe even DLC chapters continuing the story.
Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories is a disaster-themed adventure game where players navigate a city struck by a massive earthquake. The goal is to survive and help others, making choices that impact the story and relationships with NPCs. Players must manage their character's hunger, thirst, and physical condition while exploring the dynamic, destructible environment.
Reviews
- The game captures the essence of the Disaster Report series, providing a mix of serious and humorous choices that fans will appreciate.
- The graphics and environmental storytelling are decent, showcasing the aftermath of a disaster in a unique way.
- The dialogue options and character interactions can be entertaining, offering a quirky charm that keeps players engaged.
- The gameplay is often linear and feels like a walking simulator, with many choices lacking significant impact on the story.
- Controls are clunky and unresponsive, leading to frustrating moments during gameplay.
- The game is overpriced for its quality, with many players feeling it does not deliver enough content or polish for the full price.
- story105 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The game's story has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it lacking in depth and coherence, often feeling that choices made throughout the game have little impact on the overall narrative. While some appreciate the quirky and darkly comedic elements, others criticize the plot for being weak and overly reliant on fetch quests, leading to a sense of frustration. Despite its flaws, the game offers engaging character interactions and a unique exploration of human reactions to disaster, appealing to fans of story-driven experiences.
“Disaster Report 4 is a story-rich survival game with lots of choices, strands, and substantial character development generated by player choice.”
“The story is quintessentially a documentary/biography of how your character survived and who they were during these 4 days, who are the friends they made and lost, who did they love, how did they feel, what was their reaction to seeing injustice?”
“The story can be brutal in some moments and shows how much trash we humans can be, so be prepared for a roller coaster ride.”
“The plot is practically nonexistent, and they tried to pull a plot twist on one of the endings which didn't work in my opinion.”
“The choices you make don't seem to significantly affect the overall storyline or the game's ending, which could make them feel somewhat superficial or pointless.”
“The game is basically talking to NPCs to advance the story, and the only shred of gameplay you would get is having to find the said NPCs scattered around.”
- gameplay34 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 82 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Disaster Report 4 has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its linearity and reliance on dialogue and exploration rather than survival mechanics. Critics highlight the dated design elements, such as fixed camera angles and slow transitions, which contribute to a sluggish experience, while some appreciate the quirky choices and nostalgic feel reminiscent of older games. Overall, while the game offers a unique narrative experience, its gameplay mechanics are often seen as clunky and lacking depth, making it a niche title that may appeal primarily to fans of the series.
“While the core gameplay mainly involves navigating through the quake-ravaged city and making choices, what sets this game apart is the sheer range and often outright bizarre nature of these choices.”
“The game’s core gameplay is mainly explorational in nature; each area is a story in itself.”
“Moreover, Disaster Report 4 is also a sterling, unadulterated blast-to-the-past, taking the player back to the sixth generation of consoles with its abundance of bygone PS2-era gameplay elements, including fixed cameras in interiors, fixed door-opening animations, and an inventory accessed through the pause menu.”
“In terms of gameplay, you're pretty much just moving around from point A to B and speaking with NPCs to progress.”
“Unlike the other titles in the series, which boasted well-thought-out survival mechanics and open-ended stories (where decisions really had an impact), Disaster Report 4 is simple and linear.”
“The gameplay consists of wandering around, picking stuff up, and choosing responses or actions from menus that pop up.”
- graphics25 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 24 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players appreciating certain scenes and lighting effects, while others criticize them as outdated and inconsistent, often resembling last-generation visuals. Despite the use of Unreal Engine 4, many find the graphics to be passable at best, hindered by technical issues and awkward controls. Overall, while there are moments of visual appeal, the graphics do not stand out in comparison to more modern titles.
“The visuals are nice and some quests are okay.”
“Rich storyline, great character, amazing graphics.”
“Graphically, the game sometimes looks amazing with some great summer daylight lighting.”
“Graphically, Disaster Report 4 is clearly not a powerhouse.”
“Unfortunately, so much of it is held back by wonky controls, terrible camera work, and now two generations old graphics/modeling.”
“It was clunky controls and the graphics look like they are from last gen (because they are).”
- humor14 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a standout feature, characterized by a mix of witty dialogue, absurd scenarios, and charming characters that create a unique tonal shift between ridiculousness and seriousness. While some players appreciate the quirky and often janky presentation, others find the overall experience marred by tedious gameplay, though the comedic elements often provide a redeeming quality. Overall, the game offers a blend of intentional and accidental humor that can be both entertaining and endearing, making it a memorable adventure for those who enjoy a lighthearted narrative.
“The humor is top notch and the set pieces never disappoint.”
“If you want a weird story-centric game with a ton of charming characters, a constantly shifting tone, where it can go from ridiculous humor to dead serious and super heavy and right back at the drop of a hat, this is the perfect game for you.”
“Charming, weird, funny, heart-breaking, and warm all in one, Zettai Zetsumei Toshi 4 is a delightful find.”
- music11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising the relaxing piano tracks and enjoyable Japanese pop elements, while others criticize the soundtrack's mixing quality and overall forgettability. Despite these criticisms, many players find the music to be a pleasant accompaniment to the gameplay, enhancing the experience in moments of tension and calm.
“The soundtrack, especially the songs in the game, are actually quite good.”
“Also, the OST of the game, easy listening Japanese pop, has always been great.”
“Pro: the soundtrack is relaxing piano music.”
“The soundtrack mixing is bad.”
“The soundtrack is forgettable.”
“If, however, you're interested in a Japanese-janky linear adventure with some survival elements and a ridiculous juxtaposition of a city falling down coupled with light easy-listening music, then this game might tickle your fancy.”
- optimization11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is a mixed bag; while some players report smooth performance on ultra settings with minimal bugs, others experience significant issues, particularly on consoles, including poor anti-aliasing and high hardware demands. Overall, the game shows decent optimization in certain aspects, but it struggles with performance in broader scenes and can lead to overheating on higher-end systems.
“The game is also quite decently optimized; during my playthrough, there were practically no bugs or any issues with my keyboard controls.”
“I had no issues with performance on ultra settings, and I encountered little to no bugs.”
“For the most part, however, it runs smoothly, though it lacks any adjustments to camera speed.”
“Disaster Report 4 is reportedly plagued with bad performance on the consoles it was released on.”
“The game’s performance leaves something to be desired, and the included anti-aliasing solution is apparently TAA, which causes the game to have a very distinguishable blur/artifacting that is often the side effect of TAA.”
“This is a game that made my RTX 2060 Super heat up like a jet engine on max settings because of poor optimization.”
- emotional7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is a mixed bag, with some players feeling it relies on manipulative tactics and shock value, while others appreciate its ability to blend heartwarming moments with humor and tragedy. Titles like "Disaster Report 4" and "Zettai Zetsumei Toshi 4" are noted for their unique charm, offering players a range of emotional experiences from touching character interactions to silly, lighthearted scenarios. Overall, the emotional depth varies, providing both heartfelt and absurd moments that resonate differently with players.
“There were some times where the game reached very real and touching moments of real character interaction.”
“Charming, weird, funny, heartbreaking, and warm all in one, Zettai Zetsumei Toshi 4 is a delightful find.”
“Seriously though, this game is both silly and touching.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Reviewers note that while the game's replayability hinges on the choice of dialogue options, it may feel tedious for some players. In contrast, older titles in the series offered better replay value by allowing players to explore different characters' stories and survival experiences.
“Replayability: Are you sane enough to play this again and go through all the puzzles just to pick different dialogue options?”
“In the older games, replayability was pretty good; after all, you had all these other characters to play as, and you learned their story and how they survived.”
“Replayability: Are you sane enough to play this again and go through all the 'puzzles' just to pick different dialogue options?”
“The game lacks meaningful choices, making replaying it feel like a chore rather than an enjoyable experience.”
“Once you've seen the story, there's little incentive to go back; the gameplay doesn't change enough to warrant a second playthrough.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players initially enjoy the grinding aspect of the game, but it quickly becomes tedious and repetitive after a few hours of play.
“It's good at first, but once you get past the first few hours, it starts to feel tedious.”
“The grinding becomes repetitive and dull after a while.”
“What initially felt rewarding quickly turns into a monotonous chore.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviewers note that the atmosphere in the latest installment of the Disaster Report series has significantly improved, showcasing enhanced technical elements that elevate the overall experience compared to previous entries.
“The technical aspects and atmosphere are a significant improvement over previous entries in the Disaster Report series.”
“The game's atmosphere immerses you in a hauntingly realistic environment that enhances the overall experience.”
“Every detail in the atmosphere contributes to a sense of tension and urgency, making each moment feel impactful.”
“The technical aspects and atmosphere are a step up from the previous Disaster Report series.”
“The game fails to create a truly immersive atmosphere, leaving players feeling disconnected.”
“Despite the potential, the atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the tension and engagement expected.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Disaster Report 4 features significant character development driven by player choices, allowing for a rich narrative experience that enhances the survival gameplay. The game's story-rich environment offers multiple paths and outcomes, making character progression feel impactful and personalized.
“Disaster Report 4 is a story-rich survival game with numerous choices, branching paths, and substantial character development driven by player decisions.”
“The character development in Disaster Report 4 is incredibly immersive, allowing players to shape their characters' personalities and relationships through meaningful choices.”
“I love how the game emphasizes character growth, making every decision feel impactful and leading to unique story outcomes.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game exhibits several technical issues, including bugs like invisible NPCs and texture glitches, but these do not significantly hinder gameplay. Despite its dated graphics and linear design, players recognize the developers' dedication to the project.
“The game is plagued by technical issues, including invisible NPCs, texture glitches, and missing heads, which detract from the overall experience.”
“Despite the developers' evident passion, the game suffers from numerous bugs that disrupt gameplay and immersion.”
“The stability of the game is questionable, with frequent glitches and a lack of polish that hinder enjoyment.”
Critic Reviews
Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories Review
Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories is an absolute mess from start to finish. The puzzles that stand in the way of your progress are almost universally illogical leading to an experience that frustrates throughout. This would perhaps – at a push – be worth persevering with if the story were engaging enough, but the tale told here is so silly that it could have been generated by pulling plot twists out of a hat. Throw in a creepy vibe, crummy production values, and dodgy controls, and you're left with an unmitigated disasterpiece that you should avoid like it's got the coronavirus.
30%Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories Review
Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories isn’t sure what it wants to be – and it shows.
40%Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories review – Stranger in a strange land
Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories is not a good game. Its design is archaic, its presentation is lacking, and its story is nonsensical. But anyone who enjoys janky, weird games will very likely have a good time with it. It might not be quality, but it's often very entertaining.
60%