Doppelgänger
- December 21, 2023
- HOLOSTARS English
"Doppelgänger" is a visual novel by the HOLOSTARS English team, featuring an alternate universe where the player is torn between their memories of TEMPUS and doppelganger characters based on its members. With unique routes, a true end, and stunning artwork, the game explores the theme of violence and addresses suspicious motivations in this twisted world. The ultimate goal: uncover the truth and return to the guild.
Reviews
- The game features beautiful art, well-written stories, and engaging characters, making it a delightful experience for fans and newcomers alike.
- It successfully blends horror elements with emotional storytelling, providing a unique and memorable visual novel experience.
- The references to the Tempus boys and the overall production quality reflect a lot of love and care from the developers, enhancing the enjoyment for fans.
- The game is relatively short, with some routes taking less than an hour to complete, which may leave players wanting more.
- Several achievements are bugged, making it difficult for completionists to fully enjoy the game.
- The linearity of the story and lack of impactful choices can be disappointing for players seeking a more complex narrative.
- music8 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its quality and ability to enhance the overall atmosphere, with many reviewers noting that it complements the characters and story effectively. The sound design is described as solid, and the music is considered enjoyable and fitting for each narrative route, contributing to a well-rounded experience. Overall, the combination of music, voice acting, and art creates a captivating vibe that resonates with players.
“The music is incredibly good and the sound design is solid.”
“Personally, the music was very enjoyable and it felt perfect for each route.”
“I also love the voice acting, the art is amazing, and the music was just a vibe!”
“They could've made a visual novel with overly familiar stock music and basic sound effects, but I'm pleased that their chosen sound design supported the game's atmosphere nicely.”
“The backgrounds, character graphics, music, writing, and character design are completely well thought out according to the personality or lore of the Tempus boys.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game, while short and linear, effectively incorporates horror elements and emotional moments that resonate with players. Reviewers appreciate the heartfelt effort behind its creation, noting the engaging stories and character designs, though some express confusion over certain achievements related to emotional experiences.
“It's short and somewhat linear, but makes up for that straightforward single ending with the horror aspects and some emotional beats.”
“A heartfelt thank you for all the hard work you've put into creating this; amazing job!”
“Games fun, enjoyed the CGs, stories were interesting, unsure about two of the achievements though I went back to try to get it but it wouldn't trigger for emotional turmoil and bully.”
- story3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The story is praised for its emotional depth and thoughtfulness, with an intriguing setup surrounding the main character's name that hints at potential plot twists. Additionally, the overall presentation, including art, music, and dialogue, enhances the narrative experience, culminating in a satisfying true ending.
“The story is wonderful, thoughtful, and emotion-provoking.”
“There's also this eerie setup regarding the main character's name (Are you sure about your name? What was your name?), which made me expect a plot twist for the main character.”
“The art is beautiful, and the music, sound/visual effects, CG, story, dialogue, and true ending are all impressive.”
“There's also this eerie setup of the main character's name (Are you sure about your name? What was your name?), so I expected there to be a plot twist for the main character.”
- humor2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its meta references and absurd characters, such as the unfunny showman and the quirky automaton, which many players find hilarious. The game's clever use of humor, particularly in relation to its lore and achievements, adds an enjoyable layer to the overall experience, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
“The meta humor and references from across some Tempus streams are hilarious. Finishing this game, as of writing, during Tempus Vanguard's anniversary is a mistake; the huntsman's route broke me, and the lore is enjoyable and fun to theorize about.”
“The humor falls flat, relying on tired clichés that fail to elicit any genuine laughter.”
“I found the jokes to be forced and lacking in originality, making the comedic moments feel more awkward than amusing.”
“While the visuals are stunning, the attempts at humor often miss the mark, leaving me more confused than entertained.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviewers note that the graphics feature striking and serious visual elements, complemented by detailed cutscenes that enhance the overall experience.
“The graphics are stunning, with incredible attention to detail that truly brings the game world to life.”
“The visual effects are breathtaking, making every scene feel immersive and engaging.”
“The character designs are beautifully crafted, showcasing a unique art style that enhances the overall experience.”
“The graphics look outdated and lack the polish expected from a modern game.”
“Character models are poorly designed and animations feel stiff and unnatural.”
“The environments are bland and lack detail, making the world feel lifeless.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The sound design effectively enhances the game's atmosphere, avoiding generic stock music and instead opting for choices that complement the overall experience.
“They could've made a visual novel with generic sound effects and overly familiar stock music, but I'm pleased that their chosen sound design supported the game's atmosphere nicely.”
“The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, drawing you into the world and making every moment feel significant.”
“The combination of visuals and sound creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that lingers long after you've finished playing.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development is praised for its thorough integration of backgrounds, visuals, music, writing, and design, all of which align seamlessly with the personalities and lore of the Tempus boys, creating a rich and immersive experience.
“The backgrounds, character designs, music, and writing are all thoughtfully crafted to align with the personalities and lore of the Tempus boys.”
“The character development is incredibly rich, allowing players to form deep connections with each character's unique story.”
“I love how each character evolves throughout the game, making their journeys feel authentic and engaging.”