Manifest 99
- September 12, 2017
- Flight School Studio
Manifest 99's story and visuals carries it quite far, even if the short running time and lack of gameplay put a bit of a brake on things.
Get on SteamManifest 99 is a Virtual Reality experience that takes you on a journey through the afterlife on a mysterious train inhabited by crows. Using gaze-based navigation, you'll move between perches, uncovering secrets about your travel companions and seeking redemption. The game features a unique visual style and is played without a controller, providing an immersive and eerie atmosphere.
PC
Virtual Reality
Windows
PlayStation
PlayStation VR
Reviews
- The game offers a touching and emotional experience, effectively conveying a poignant story in a short amount of time.
- Visually stunning with a unique art style and excellent sound design, creating an immersive atmosphere.
- It's a creative and artistic interactive experience that showcases the potential of VR as a medium for storytelling.
- The experience is very short, lasting only about 20-30 minutes, which may not justify the price for some players.
- Many players feel it lacks traditional gameplay elements, as it primarily involves watching rather than interacting.
- Some users found the story and pacing confusing, making it difficult to connect with the characters or fully engage with the narrative.
- story31 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The story of "Manifest 99" is a brief yet emotionally resonant experience, lasting around 20-30 minutes, that combines stylish visuals and a compelling soundtrack to convey themes of redemption and connection. While some players found the narrative to be simple and touching, others felt it lacked depth and character engagement, leading to mixed reactions about its storytelling effectiveness. Overall, it is praised for its artistic presentation, though its short length and minimal interactivity may limit replay value.
“Stylish visuals aged very well and the story is simple yet touching.”
“The art style and sound design are top-notch, and the story made me tear up a little.”
“An emotional story with an unexpected twist.”
“It's more of a very short story that you watch by looking in the right direction.”
“Expect around 30 minutes of playtime; you don’t really act, it’s rather you follow a story that you slowly gather the pieces of while you follow the path that the environment shows to you.”
“I mean it's very visually appealing from the screenshots, however the way the pacing and story take off leaves you no time to connect with any of the characters in any meaningful way.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stylish and well-aged art style, complemented by excellent lighting and sound design. While some reviews note occasional clumsiness in execution, the overall visual quality is considered top-notch, effectively enhancing the game's emotional storytelling. Ratings for the graphics generally hover around 8.5/10, highlighting their significant contribution to the game's impact.
“Stylish visuals aged very well and the story is simple yet touching.”
“The art style and sound design are top-notch, and the story made me tear up a little.”
“Quality is top notch, graphics and sound are great.”
“A pretentious 20-30 minute VR movie that has a decent minimalistic art style and an uninvolved story.”
“A friend had told me about this game and how it was quite good for only 15 minutes, and that it was a 'test for how well your headset could deal with tears.' I completely doubted him but was still curious thanks to the art style.”
- emotional8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highly praised, with players describing it as a touching and poignant experience that elicits strong feelings, including tears. The story, while simple, is impactful and encourages self-reflection, making it a memorable and essential VR experience. Overall, it stands out for its ability to create a deep emotional connection in a short timeframe.
“I loved this; I found it very touching, poignant, and there's no fat on this game at all.”
“This game is so emotionally impactful and just generally a must-have for such a short game.”
“I cried; it was so beautiful.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay is minimal and primarily serves as an experiential element rather than a traditional game, leading to mixed reviews; some players appreciate the unique gaze mechanic and artistic presentation, while others criticize the lack of movement and interaction, deeming it unsatisfactory for those seeking conventional gameplay. Overall, it is recommended for those open to a more artistic experience rather than traditional gaming.
“Loved the art very much and the gaze mechanic with the crows really worked well.”
“For the best experience, I highly recommend not to watch any gameplay videos before.”
“An lastly there is the stare mechanic which is nice but could have been much more, I think.”
“For that reason, gameplay is pretty much non-existent, but as I previously said, this is more an experience than a game.”
“Gameplay 2/10”
“Will not be for those who are looking for gameplay or wanting the most bang for their buck.”
- music8 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game has been widely praised for its fantastic quality, beautifully complementing the visuals and enhancing the overall experience. Reviewers highlighted the soundtrack's ability to set the tone and contribute to the storytelling, with many describing it as phenomenal and integral to the game's emotional impact. Overall, the combination of excellent music and stunning art creates a compelling and immersive atmosphere.
“The soundtrack was fantastic and really set the tone for the whole thing.”
“The visuals and music worked well together to tell a compelling short story about redemption.”
“Excellent music and of course beautiful art!”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant optimization issues, with players frequently encountering glitches such as getting stuck inside walls, and it is criticized for its short length and lack of narrative.
“There is no story; it's very poorly optimized (you'll often find yourself inside walls), and it's insanely short.”
“The game suffers from severe optimization issues, leading to frequent crashes and long loading times.”
“Despite its potential, the optimization is lacking, resulting in frustrating frame drops and stuttering gameplay.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is characterized as gloomy, which may create a sense of discomfort for some players. This dark ambiance contributes to the overall mood of the game, enhancing its immersive experience.
“The game immerses you in a beautifully gloomy atmosphere that can evoke a sense of unease.”
“The haunting ambiance creates a captivating experience that keeps you on edge.”
“The atmospheric design is so rich and detailed that it draws you into its world.”
“The game has a gloomy atmosphere that might make some players feel a bit uncomfortable.”
“The overall ambiance feels heavy and oppressive, which can detract from the enjoyment.”
“The dark and unsettling atmosphere can be overwhelming for those who prefer a lighter gaming experience.”
