The soundtrack is exceptional, providing a unique and enjoyable experience that enhances the gameplay.
The game features an interesting concept where the platforms are generated by the music, creating a dynamic and engaging environment.
It's a free game, making it accessible for anyone to try without any financial risk.
The gameplay can be buggy and frustrating, with issues like unpredictable hitboxes and respawning into traps.
The graphics are basic and lack detail, which may detract from the overall experience for some players.
The story and dialogue can be confusing, especially for players who do not understand the Czech lyrics, making it hard to fully grasp the game's narrative.
music
111 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
53%
3%
The music in the game is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting its integral role in shaping the gameplay experience, as levels are dynamically generated based on the soundtrack. The licensed tracks from the Czech band Zrní are described as soothing and engaging, often overshadowing the game's gameplay mechanics. While some players noted the language barrier with the lyrics, they still found the music enjoyable and a significant reason to play, likening the experience to a "playable album."
“The soundtrack is easily the best part of the game, at least in my opinion.”
“It's a platformer, but the ground is generated with the music; intense songs make it bumpier and calm songs make it smoother.”
“The soundtrack is so good and heartwarming even though I don't understand what they are singing about.”
“The music's language didn't do anything for me since I don't understand it.”
“There is a distinct contrast between the fast-paced action and the soothing music with Czech lyrics, severely limiting the intended experience for the international audience.”
“While it's not a bad game, it's clear that the focus is more on the music than the actual game.”
gameplay
29 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
76%
10%
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while the concept is intriguing and the music is enjoyable, the execution is often marred by bugs, unpredictable mechanics, and simplistic design. Some find the gameplay engaging enough to complement the soundtrack, describing it as a "playable album," while others criticize it as boring and lacking depth. Overall, the gameplay is seen as a weak point, but the music and atmosphere may still appeal to some players.
“A nice game in which the music interacts with the gameplay, creating a really relaxing gaming experience.”
“The gameplay side of it is decent, and the elements they introduce keep the gameplay engaging enough. The soundtrack carries everything else, which, even if you don't understand the language, allows you to feel the overarching narrative.”
“Overall, the gameplay does enough to keep you listening to that soundtrack, so I'd say this is a pretty great 'playable album' if you're into the music.”
“It feels like the game is fairly buggy, with weird enemy hitboxes and the chance of breaking through the floor, so gameplay is probably not a strong point for the game.”
“Great experience hindered by poor and frustrating gameplay.”
“The gameplay is boring, and there seems to be no point to it.”
story
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
66%
17%
The story in the game is primarily conveyed through the lyrics of the background music and the protagonist's monologues, which can be confusing and vague, especially for non-Czech speakers. While some players appreciate the relaxing atmosphere and engaging soundtrack, many find the narrative lacking depth and coherence, leading to a sense of ambiguity about the plot. Overall, the story is seen as an underdeveloped aspect of the game, overshadowed by its gameplay and visual elements.
“The story is told by the lyrics of the background music, with quotes from the protagonist throughout the game to help non-Czech speakers understand the story.”
“Game itself is good (a normal platformer) but music is the most important part; it's basically telling the story.”
“Just like some other comments stated, Hrdina is an interactive game in which the main character (a 'figure') monologues about his harsh life and existence as he progresses through the unusual story.”
“The story is confusing, and the dialogue makes no sense, and the ending is strange.”
“The protagonist has English versions of what the story is supposed to portray, but even then, it's vague and ends on a note of making you wonder what the point even was.”
“The game is simple but entertaining, but there is no context explaining the story.”
graphics
17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
53%
18%
The graphics in the game are a mix of basic pixel art and simple 3D designs, creating a cozy atmosphere, though they are often described as lacking depth and innovation. While some players appreciate the aesthetic and how it complements the music, others find the visuals to be underwhelming and reminiscent of older styles. Overall, the graphics are functional but do not significantly enhance the gameplay experience.
“Hrdina was created using Unreal Engine, so the graphics are very polished.”
“The graphics are comprised of a lot of pixel graphics translated to one block deep 3D figures, with some assets having actual depth.”
“The graphics are rather basic 3D pixels and the music...is okay.”
“About the graphics, I do not have much to comment: the idea of putting 3D merged with 2D is interesting, even though it has been saturated for a long time; and this gives a very cozy atmosphere to the game.”
stability
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game suffers from significant stability issues, including bugs related to enemy hitboxes and environmental interactions, which detract from the overall gameplay experience. While the concept is intriguing, the execution is marred by these inconsistencies, leading to a perception of unfairness, particularly in randomly generated elements.
“The concept driving the gameplay is interesting, but the execution is a bit buggy.”
“It feels like the game is fairly buggy, with weird enemy hitboxes and the chance of breaking through the floor, so gameplay is probably not a strong point for the game.”
“It's interesting and a great source of inspiration, but the gameplay is sometimes buggy and 'unfair' (usually caused by random generation, I guess)...”
emotional
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the emotional aspect of the game particularly impactful, highlighting the powerful and heartwarming soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. The vocals are praised for their emotional depth, with many recommending the game primarily for its music, which surpasses expectations set by the trailer. Overall, the game's ending and dramatic moments resonate strongly with players, leaving a lasting emotional impression.
“The soundtrack is so good and heartwarming even though I don't understand what they are singing about.”
“The trailer doesn't exactly do the music (the strongest part) of this game much justice, but the actual vocals in the game are amazing. I would recommend it just for the soundtrack alone; it's far more impressive than the trailer may lead you to believe. The soundtrack is solid with plenty of emotional, passionately sung and performed tracks and some dramatic moments that felt at times somewhat surreal.”
“We want Hrdina 2; the ending was emotional <3”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's atmosphere is characterized by a cozy blend of 3D and 2D graphics, which, despite being somewhat overused, contributes positively to the overall experience. Additionally, the enjoyable music enhances the ambiance, making the gameplay feel more engaging and atmospheric, even if the mechanics themselves are not particularly innovative.
“The idea of merging 3D with 2D is interesting, even though it has been done before; this combination creates a very cozy atmosphere in the game.”
“I had a lot more fun in this game than I thought I would. The music was surprisingly enjoyable, even without understanding the lyrics, and the game offered a few different play styles as it progressed. While the gameplay isn't super innovative, it still feels neat and atmospheric. Give it a try!”
grinding
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Players indicate that grinding in the game can be quite demanding, often requiring significant time and effort, suggesting that it may feel like a second job or life to achieve desired progress.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The grinding feels endless and tedious.”
“I spent hours grinding, and it felt like I made no progress.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Many users feel that the game lacks replayability, with some expressing little motivation to return due to a perceived absence of engaging content or features that encourage multiple playthroughs.
“I don't see myself returning to this one as replayability just doesn't seem to be there.”