Imitosis
- June 7, 2024
- One Over Games
Imitosis is an experimental 5-minute visual novel. You are a synthetic IMI-X unit that has been brought out of cold storage to respond to a pressing security matter aboard the IMI-29 space station. Thank you for keeping IMI-29 safe.
Reviews
- A unique and intriguing short experience that effectively combines storytelling with immersive visuals and audio.
- Highly recommended for fans of experimental horror and sci-fi, offering a clever twist and engaging world-building.
- The game is free and takes only about 10-20 minutes to play, making it an accessible and worthwhile experience.
- The game is extremely short, leading to concerns about replayability and depth, with some players feeling it lacks substantial content.
- Some mechanics, like the shaking screen and email subscription prompt, detracted from the overall experience for certain players.
- The narrative may feel predictable to some, and the lack of clarity regarding the game's purpose left some players wanting more.
- story19 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its engaging and immersive storytelling, enhanced by strong visual and audio elements. While it is a short experience, lasting around 5 to 13 minutes, players appreciate the intriguing mysteries and worldbuilding that encourage multiple playthroughs. Some critiques mention the brevity and logical inconsistencies in the ending, but overall, the narrative is well-written and captivating.
“The devs did a great job of using visual and audio to strengthen the story being told.”
“The idea is nice, there's a lot of mysteries to uncover, and you might need more than one run to learn as much as possible about the place the story takes place in, and there's a fun surprise at the end :)”
“Engaging worldbuilding, solid pacing, and the interactive element of the story carries on past your initial playthrough.”
“Eh, interesting idea and short sci-fi story, but I don't like that it asks for your email.”
“I think I caught on quickly to the gimmick, but not sure if the choices made a difference other than revealing more of the story.”
“Short but sweet game, I really liked feeling like I was in a well-established world containing giant amounts of lore even though it was only 5 minutes before completing the storyline.”
- gameplay5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its innovative mechanics and engaging time-loop elements, serving as a love letter to a previously unplayable game. Reviewers express hope that it will inspire other developers to explore and evolve this unique subset of gameplay. Overall, it offers a clever and enjoyable experience that hints at deeper layers of complexity.
“Short, sweet, and fun time-loop mechanics.”
“A love letter and spiritual successor to a mechanically interesting and sadly infamous now unplayable game.”
“Without wanting to spoil anything, there are some clever mechanics and ideas packed in here which hint at something deeper.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is consistently praised for its immersive and unique qualities, creating an intense emotional experience. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke strong feelings, particularly in its exploration of themes like fear and isolation, all within a visually appealing and atmospheric setting. Overall, it is described as a short yet impactful visual novel that leaves players eager to uncover its deeper layers.
“A short, atmospheric experience that allows you to feel the crushing fear of rejection in the loveless vacuum of space.”
“A short but intense and very atmospheric visual novel.”
“Good atmosphere, excited to see what depth it has yet to reveal.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are praised for their strong aesthetic, combining a lo-fi and glitchy style that enhances the spooky and mysterious atmosphere. Reviewers appreciate the visual design as both brilliant and fitting for a short horror experience, contributing significantly to the overall sense of dread.
“Very aesthetic, spooky, and meta experience.”
“A brilliant (and free!) short horror game with a strong aesthetic.”
“The lo-fi/glitchy general aesthetic is cool, and the backgrounds are decent and appropriate.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is considered low, with some users noting it offers a bit of intrigue that encourages multiple playthroughs despite its short duration. While it is quick to play, the limited replay value may not sustain long-term interest.
“Pretty short, but very intriguing with a bit of replayability.”
“Even if there's no replayability or a long playtime.”
“[*][b][u]Replayability[/u][/b]: low”
“Also, it's quick to play and has some replayability as well, so it's got that going for it.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is criticized for lacking replayability and raising doubts about its legitimacy as a game, with some users perceiving it more as an advertisement. Additionally, there are no in-game purchases available.
“In-game purchases: none”
“The game offers a fair monetization model that doesn't pressure players to spend money.”
“I appreciate that there are no paywalls, allowing everyone to enjoy the game equally.”
“Zero replayability as it is, and I question if it is a game at all or just an advertisement.”
“In-game purchases are non-existent.”