Made in Abyss: Binary Star Falling into Darkness

The gameplay of "Made in Abyss: Binary Star Falling into Darkness" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its clunky controls, repetitive mechanics, and frustrating survival elements. While some appreciate the core gameplay loop of exploration and resource management, others criticize the lack of depth and the tedious nature of certain mechanics, such as the curse of the abyss and weapon durability. Overall, the game offers a challenging experience that may appeal to fans of the anime, but it is marred by technical issues and design flaws that detract from its potential.

The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that they appear dated, often likening them to early PS3 or even PS2 quality. While some appreciate the art style as fitting for the anime's aesthetic, others criticize the visuals as subpar for a 2022 release, suggesting that the game could have benefited from more development time. Despite the graphical shortcomings, some players find the unique environments and overall atmosphere engaging, particularly for fans of the "Made in Abyss" franchise.

The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising its ability to set the mood and create an immersive atmosphere, while others criticize it for being repetitive and lacking the emotional depth of the original anime's soundtrack by Kevin Penkin. Many players express disappointment that the game does not feature Penkin's music, leading some to prefer using mods to replace the in-game tracks with the anime's score. Overall, while the soundtrack has its moments, it often feels generic and fails to capture the unique charm of the source material.

The game is widely criticized for its instability, with numerous reports of bugs, glitches, and unpolished mechanics that detract from the overall experience. While some players find enjoyment in the game's challenges despite these issues, many agree that it feels unfinished and can be frustrating to navigate. Overall, the consensus is that the game is a "buggy mess," often likened to a beta build, which may deter potential players unless they are fans of the source material.

The grinding aspect of the game is polarizing; while some players find it addictive and reminiscent of classic RPGs, many others describe it as tedious, repetitive, and poorly designed. The need for extensive grinding to progress, particularly in crafting and leveling, can lead to frustration, especially when combined with issues like weak weapon drops and clunky controls. Overall, enjoyment of the grinding largely depends on the player's tolerance for grind-heavy gameplay and their appreciation for the game's story and exploration elements.

The emotional aspect of the game is largely criticized for its lack of depth and impact, with many reviewers noting that the poorly animated cutscenes fail to convey the story's intended feelings. While some moments evoke genuine sadness, particularly during specific fights, the overall character development and emotional ties are deemed insufficient, leading to a bland experience that pales in comparison to the source material. The game struggles to balance humor and heartfelt moments, resulting in forgettable minor characters and missed opportunities for emotional resonance.

The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its ability to capture the mysterious and dangerous essence of the abyss, effectively immersing players in a world that evokes both dread and wonder. Despite some criticisms regarding graphics and claustrophobic elements, the art direction, music, and interconnected gameplay systems contribute to a compelling experience that encourages exploration and resource management. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout feature, making the game engaging and worth the investment of time.

The humor in the game is described as a mix of amusing moments and frustrating glitches, with players finding the absurdity of the mechanics and NPC behaviors entertaining despite the game's challenges. While some aspects, like repetitive voice lines, can be annoying, they often become funnier over time, contributing to a unique comedic experience. Overall, the humor is appreciated, even if it stems from the game's bugs and difficulties.

The game's optimization is widely criticized, with users reporting glitchy performance and notable frame drops that detract from the experience. Graphics are described as outdated, resembling PS2 to early PS3 quality, and overall performance is deemed mediocre at best. Many players feel there are significantly better-optimized games available for a similar time investment.

Replayability in the game is a mixed bag; while the abyss offers countless expeditions and hidden secrets that encourage exploration, there are no additional gameplay elements like new game plus or collectible mechanics to enhance the experience. Some players appreciate the lack of traditional collectibles, but others feel that the absence of lore-rich items detracts from the overall depth and liveliness of the game world.

While the game features impressive visuals and character design, reviewers note that character development is significantly lacking, despite the story's potential. The simplistic environmental art further detracts from the overall experience.

The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized as a blatant cash grab, with users expressing disappointment over the short and unsatisfying main story campaign that feels more like a tutorial than a substantial experience. Despite appreciation for the setting and anime, the overall impression is that the game prioritizes profit over quality.