Divine Favor
- August 10, 2020
- Samantha Arehart
"Divine Favor" is a brief kinetic novel following Leon Montgomery's journey in Heaven after his death. Confused and in darkness, Leon must adapt to his new surroundings with the guidance of a kind old man's voice. The game offers a unique and introspective look at the afterlife, inviting players to reflect on their own beliefs and values.
Reviews
- The game features stunning visuals and excellent sound design that enhance the haunting atmosphere.
- It presents a thought-provoking narrative that challenges traditional concepts of morality and existence.
- Despite its short length, the story is engaging and effectively delivers a powerful psychological horror experience.
- The game lacks any gameplay mechanics, making it feel more like a short story than a traditional game.
- Some players may find the brief run time of 5 to 10 minutes unsatisfying.
- The content may not appeal to everyone, as it is a niche genre that requires a specific taste for existential horror.
- story18 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The story of "Divine Favour" explores complex themes of morality and human desire, challenging conventional perceptions through a narrative that unfolds gradually, often shrouded in darkness. Its effective use of sound and visuals enhances the unsettling atmosphere, creating a thought-provoking experience that lingers with players long after completion. Overall, the concise yet impactful storytelling invites deep reflection, making it a compelling and memorable journey.
“The story of Divine Favour hinges on the idea that morality is an inherently human concept, and for this reason, the game successfully avoids rooting its horror in a malevolent force.”
“What is so expertly executed from a narrative standpoint is how the more visual cues we are given, the more our perception of the situation is deconstructed, the more foreign we realize the world of the story is, and the more we are taken out of the comfort of our presumptions.”
“The story isn't meant to be long and extravagant, and it does what it intends to perfectly at the length it is.”
“The only time morality is invoked in the story is with respect to human desires, and even then it is invoked in a way that contradicts the way we typically perceive it - a noble cause, where those who engage in it are esteemed, respected, and elevated to an honorable character.”
“For the beginning section of the story, we are shown nothing but black - everything is up to our own imagination.”
“As the story progresses, the darkness is lifted and we are offered glimpses into what the world we've been placed in might actually be like beyond our imagination.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The graphics are described as sparingly used yet highly effective, enhancing the storytelling experience and creating a deeper sense of unsettlement. The visuals, including backgrounds and text design, are praised for their stunning quality, contributing significantly to the overall impact of the narrative.
“Visuals are used sparingly, but this makes them all the more effective and impactful.”
“This is a story that could have been effective without any visuals at all, but the art elevates the experience and creates an even deeper sense of unsettlement.”
“A short story with stunning visuals; everything from the backgrounds to the text boxes and scrawled names is fantastic.”
“The graphics feel outdated and lack the polish expected from modern games.”
“Character models are poorly designed, making it hard to connect with the story.”
“The environments are bland and uninspired, failing to draw players into the game world.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of "Divine Favour" is highly praised for its evocative sound effects and subtle white noise, which together create a deeply existential experience. Reviewers note that the game's unique niche as a visual novel enhances its beautifully crafted ambiance, making it a compelling choice for those who appreciate atmospheric storytelling.
“The sound effects used throughout the narrative perfectly supplement the story and evoke emotions in the player, and the subtle white noise that plays throughout the game creates a perfectly existential atmosphere.”
“Divine Favour is quite a niche genre of visual novel, but for those who can appreciate what it does, it is a gorgeously atmospheric existential experience.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users have noted that the game lacks any meaningful gameplay, indicating a complete absence of interactive elements or engaging mechanics.
“In hindsight, I should have known this, but there is absolutely zero gameplay.”
“The gameplay feels incredibly repetitive and lacks any real depth.”
“I found the controls to be unresponsive, making the gameplay frustrating.”