Joyville
- August 23, 2023
- Sahsa84YT
- 6h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Joyville is a single-player Horror-Puzzle Adventure game set in a creepy, abandoned children's camp with stunning visuals. As the player, you'll uncover Joyville's dark past and confront your fears over 5 hours while solving puzzles with the help of a trusty teddy bear. Prepare for a gripping journey filled with suspense and haunting secrets."
Reviews
- The game features great graphics and a charming atmosphere, reminiscent of other successful mascot horror games.
- Puzzles are fun and challenging, providing a good mix of trial and error that keeps the gameplay engaging.
- The game has a solid foundation with unique characters and a creepy vibe, making it an exciting experience for fans of the genre.
- The game is very short, with many players completing it in under an hour, leading to complaints about the $10 price tag being too high for the content offered.
- Chase scenes can be frustratingly difficult, especially with the need to input codes while being pursued, which detracts from the overall enjoyment.
- There are concerns about the game being a cash grab, with many players feeling it lacks originality and depth compared to other titles in the mascot horror genre.
- gameplay22 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it decent and atmospheric, while others criticize its short length and high price point, feeling it lacks content for the cost. Many comparisons are drawn to "Poppy Playtime," noting similarities in design and mechanics, but some appreciate the unique elements introduced. Overall, while the gameplay mechanics are functional, the experience is marred by concerns over value and execution.
“Overall, I'd give it a recommendation as it's decent enough: the visuals are fine, sound design's good enough, the gameplay itself works and there's definitely a bit of creepy atmosphere in places.”
“I suck at horror games normally (except for doors, poppy playtime/project playtime, and Garten of BanBan) and having that number pad in the chase scene just is a way of extending the gameplay.”
“This reminded me so much of Poppy Playtime in so many ways but delivered its own gameplay and mechanics.”
“So we pay 10 euro for 60 to 80 minutes of gameplay, depending on how fast you solve the puzzles. If your game isn't finished, developers shouldn't release it. Don't charge 10 euros for such a short game, and then expect us to pay more for a chapter 2. It's not worth any money. I refunded it and got my money back, so I win twice: I got my money and avoided your unfinished game. Next time, show some respect for your buyers and release a finalized game.”
“There's really only around 30 minutes or less of gameplay in this game currently.”
“Its exploitative mechanics, lackluster gameplay, and overall quality make it a prime example of a game that fails to care about its own standards.”
- story19 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 89 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players expressing hope for future developments while others criticize its brevity and lack of depth. Many feel that the narrative has potential but is currently underdeveloped, with comparisons made to other games like Poppy Playtime highlighting its shortcomings. Overall, the consensus suggests that while the characters are unique and intriguing, the storytelling is minimal and needs significant improvement.
“The story is to be continued with Joyville, but so far the characters are unique in their own way and even quite cute/creepy.”
“I am looking forward to see what more is in store and I like the story so far.”
“Very reminiscent of Poppy Playtime in terms of graphics and story, but with maybe a little Portal feel to the story.”
“For less than 2 hours of gameplay and not much of a storyline, 10 bucks isn't really worth it.”
“Game is very short, few puzzles, and minimum storytelling.”
“Story-wise, there's barely anything in this first installment.”
- graphics15 mentions
- 53 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received positive feedback, with many users praising their stunning quality and vibrant, childlike aesthetic reminiscent of titles like Poppy Playtime. While the visuals are generally considered impressive, some players noted a lack of variety that can lead to repetitiveness over time. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's appeal and atmosphere.
“The visuals are stunning.”
“Graphics-wise, the game looks great.”
“It does feel like the dev took a bit of inspiration from Poppy Playtime, as the graphics have that same colorful, childlike vibe to them.”
“It does feel like the dev took a bit of inspiration from Poppy Playtime, as the graphics have that same colorful, childlike vibe to them (hell, they look like they could have come straight out of a Poppy Playtime game).”
“The Poppy Playtime aesthetic is strong but the puzzles were better in my opinion.”
“Very reminiscent of Poppy Playtime in terms of graphics and story, but with maybe a little Portal feel to the story.”
- atmosphere7 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its blend of child-like charm and dark, creepy elements, creating a refreshing take on the mascot horror genre. Reviewers highlight the effective sound design, engaging visuals, and unique puzzles that enhance the overall experience, making it both fun and thrilling. Overall, the atmosphere is described as fantastic, with a successful execution that stands out among similar titles.
“The horrifying chase scenes, the puzzles, the dark atmosphere is absolutely amazing, and was such a breath of fresh air after seeing some horrible mascot horror games.”
“This game was amazingly executed, it has elements of old mascot horror games but also has new elements, it still has a great atmosphere and look to its map and surroundings that is better than other mascot horror games and for a first in a series and a first by this creator it was amazingly executed.”
“Fantastic atmosphere, sound, and scares.”
“Overall, I'd give it a recommendation as it's decent enough: the visuals are fine, sound design's good enough, the gameplay itself works, and there's definitely a bit of a creepy atmosphere in places.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mix of trial and error, which can feel adventurous for some but tedious for others. Many suggest that the grinding is so extensive that it may require significant time investment, likening it to needing a "second life" to fully engage with it.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- monetization3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game has been widely criticized, with users labeling it a "cheap cash grab" that detracts from the genre's reputation. Many express disappointment over its aggressive advertising tactics, suggesting it fails to offer value to players.
“It's a real disappointment because this genre is already getting so much flak from creators about being a cash grab genre, and this game isn't doing the genre any favors.”
“The game has an immediate advertising issue.”
- music3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game effectively enhances the tension, particularly during chase scenes, contributing to an engaging and immersive experience. Reviewers praise both the quality of the soundtrack and its ability to maintain excitement throughout gameplay.
“The soundtrack carries the tension just as it should!”
“The chase scenes and music kept me on edge.”
“Oh, and the music is good too.”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
While the game's environments receive praise for their visual appeal, the character designs are criticized, suggesting a lack of depth or quality in character development.
“The character development feels shallow and uninspired, lacking any real depth or growth throughout the game.”
“I was disappointed by how one-dimensional the characters are; they don't evolve or change in any meaningful way.”
“The lack of meaningful choices in character development makes the experience feel stagnant and unengaging.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players feel that the game's focus on profit undermines any chance for genuine emotional engagement or connection, leaving them feeling disconnected from the experience.
