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M1: A Death in the Desert

M1: A Death in the Desert Game Cover
47%Game Brain Score
humor
story, music
71% User Score Based on 17 reviews

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M1: A Death in the Desert Game Cover

About

M1: A Death in the Desert is a single player casual action adventure game. It was developed by Dracula's Cave and was released on August 8, 2017. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

When M wakes up in an abandoned hotel he has no memory of how he got there. In the bedside draw he finds a list with three names and a gun with three bullets, but what he does with this information is up to you. Embark on a violence-soaked post-apocalyptic adventure where the answers to your questions come at a price. How far will you go to discover the truth?

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M1: A Death in the Desert screenshot
M1: A Death in the Desert screenshot
M1: A Death in the Desert screenshot
M1: A Death in the Desert screenshot
M1: A Death in the Desert screenshot
M1: A Death in the Desert screenshot
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71%
Audience ScoreBased on 17 reviews
humor1 positive mentions
gameplay3 negative mentions
  • The game features a nostalgic art style reminiscent of classic adventure games and visual novels.
  • It offers easy achievements and a short playtime, making it accessible for casual gamers.
  • The soundtrack is well-composed and adds to the overall experience, enhancing the quirky and philosophical narrative.
  • The story fails to engage players, with many finding it hard to connect with the characters.
  • Gameplay is limited, with minimal choices that often feel inconsequential, leading to a lack of meaningful interaction.
  • The writing contains numerous grammar errors and awkward dialogue, detracting from the overall quality of the experience.
  • story
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it unengaging and giving up early, while others appreciate its quirky, post-apocalyptic themes and existential choices that shape the narrative. The delivery is noted as enjoyable, complemented by fitting music, though the gameplay does not align with the action suggested by the tags. Overall, it is seen as a unique, albeit surreal and disjointed, experience worth exploring for those interested in unconventional storytelling.

    • “So overall, a neat short story that happened to mesh well with a shower thought from a couple of days ago on my part.”
    • “The story and delivery are fun to follow, and that was enjoyable, as was the music!”
    • “This is an existential story; how our lives are defined by our choices.”
    • “The story absolutely didn't hook me, so I've given up on this experience pretty early on.”
    • “The game tags are not accurate; there is no action (at least in the gameplay, there is narrated action in the story).”
    • “The story is surreal and disjointed.”
  • music
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is generally well-received, featuring a nicely composed soundtrack by indie composer Falcon Ave that enhances the engaging narrative and pixel art visuals. However, some players noted that the transitions between scenes can disrupt the listening experience due to abrupt silences, and personal preferences may vary, with some expressing a growing dislike for the soundtrack over time. Overall, the music is considered a strong aspect, adding to the game's atmosphere despite some minor issues.

    • “Along with having an engaging little tale that's well written, this game boasts an admittedly good looking pixel-based visual style along with a nicely composed soundtrack by indie composer Falcon Ave.”
    • “It's one of the most surprisingly relaxing soundtracks I've heard in a post-apocalyptic setting, definitely worth the extra small fee of 99 cents being asked to download it via a separate DLC.”
    • “Violent and bizarre pixel game (interactive novel) with beautiful compositions, pleasing color scheme, and good music.”
    • “I found, however, that I was never really on one scene for long enough to get a full taste of the music.”
    • “Also, the OST does not fade in or out, and so a change of scene brings jarring silence.”
    • “I think I'm actually even beginning to dislike this soundtrack!”
  • graphics
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics are characterized by a blend of classic adventure game art styles and visual novel aesthetics, appealing to fans of nostalgia. However, the visuals are described as crude and largely static, with minimal animation limited to graphical changes during events.

    • “It's like a mix of classic adventure games and visual novels in terms of art style.”
    • “If you enjoy visual novels and are drawn in by nostalgic visuals, you might want to give this one a shot.”
    • “The graphics feature a unique blend of styles that evoke a sense of nostalgia.”
    • “The only animation consists of some graphical changes when things happen, e.g., when someone dies.”
    • “The graphics are very crudely drawn and are almost entirely static.”
    • “It's like a mix of classic adventure games (art style) and visual novels.”
  • gameplay
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is criticized for its lack of action and depth, with players noting that the game tags are misleading. While there is narrated action in the story, meaningful gameplay only emerges at specific narrative forks, leaving much to be desired.

    • “The game tags are not accurate; there is no action (at least in the gameplay, there is narrated action in the story).”
    • “Gameplay finally arrives when you reach a fork in the narrative.”
    • “Gameplay is not deep.”
  • humor
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's humor is characterized by quirky dialogue and eccentric characters, blending lightheartedness with elements of existentialist philosophy, which adds depth to the post-apocalyptic setting.

    • “From there you engage in a trek filled with intrigue, a bit of existentialist philosophy, some quirky humor, and dialogue with the very eccentric residents of this game's post-apocalyptic world.”
  • replayability
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game offers a short and straightforward experience, but it maintains a decent level of replayability that encourages players to return.

    • “The game offers a variety of choices that make each playthrough feel unique.”
    • “I love how different strategies can lead to entirely new experiences every time I play.”
    • “Short and simple, with a decent replay value.”
    • “The game lacks enough variety to keep me coming back for more.”
    • “Once you finish the main story, there's little incentive to replay.”
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Frequently Asked Questions

M1: A Death in the Desert is a casual action adventure game.

M1: A Death in the Desert is available on PC, Mac OS, Windows and Linux.

M1: A Death in the Desert was released on August 8, 2017.

M1: A Death in the Desert was developed by Dracula's Cave.

M1: A Death in the Desert has received mostly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its humor but disliked it for its story.

M1: A Death in the Desert is a single player game.

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