Never give up!
- December 29, 2016
- Salamandra88
Get on Steam"Never Give Up" is a tough-as-nails platformer that challenges players to overcome seemingly impossible obstacles and traps. Featuring hand-drawn animation and Humor, the game features over 150 levels that get progressively harder, testing player's reflexes and determination. With a variety of challenges and boss battles, "Never Give Up" is a game that encourages persistence and rewards those who don't give up.
Reviews
- The artwork is beautiful and well-detailed, enhancing the overall experience of the game.
- The story, while predictable, is engaging and provides a light-hearted escape with charming characters.
- The game offers a unique perspective by allowing players to see the story from the love interests' viewpoints at the end of their routes.
- The plot is predictable and lacks depth, making it feel rushed and unsatisfying in terms of character development.
- There are several grammatical errors and awkward translations that detract from the overall immersion.
- Two achievements are bugged, requiring players to switch languages to unlock them, which can be frustrating.
- story85 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The story has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it predictable and lacking depth, particularly in character development and plot twists. While some appreciated the art and found the narrative entertaining, others felt it was overly simplistic and failed to engage them fully. Overall, the story serves as a backdrop for romance rather than a compelling plot, with potential themes left underexplored.
“The story itself is well written, it's unique enough to pique your interest and familiar enough to not lose you.”
“I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, and seeing different aspects of their story depending on what choices I made.”
“The final scene's story perspective is told from the point of view of the love interest, not Mia, and it gives interesting and unique insights into the character's thoughts.”
“Though the pacing or plot itself are decent, exposition is awkward and characters fail to express themselves in a believable, natural manner – at least in the English version.”
“While it's reasonably priced, the problem is that the plot is transparent and predictable and the romances are rushed and superficial.”
“The story itself could've been more, but I guess it's expected with the shortness of the game and the price.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 21 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning art style and beautifully crafted backgrounds, with many reviewers highlighting the intricate character designs and expressive animations. The artwork is noted for its uniqueness, moving away from typical anime styles, and significantly enhances the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the visuals are described as a standout feature, contributing to an engaging and immersive narrative.
“The artwork, especially the backgrounds, was very well done.”
“The artwork is next level, beautifully tailored per conversation, which made the playthrough much more intriguing.”
“I can't seem to get very invested in a visual novel if the artwork is poor, unless the story is top-notch perfection, and then I may be swayed.”
“The artwork was pretty and well done, and the characters changed facial expressions, eye movement, blushing, etc. as they reacted to the story.”
“As in these nights in Cairo, the artwork in Never Give Up! is lacking.”
- music10 mentions
- 70 % positive mentions
- 10 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as pleasant and appropriate for the scenes, enhancing the overall atmosphere. However, some users noted that the limited variety of only four songs can lead to a repetitive experience. The sound effects are realistic and contribute to the game's ambiance, balancing moments of creepiness with soothing melodies.
“The music is pleasant.”
“The sound effects are realistic, and I like the soothing music too.”
“The artwork in this is really good, as is the soundtrack.”
“This game is a bit rough around the edges in terms of music and background sounds.”
“The game feels a little short and it is a little creepy with the murderer and the creepy music but all that just heightens the romance at the end!”
- character development6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is mixed, with some characters like the uncle receiving more depth, while others, including the main character, are criticized for being predictable and lacking growth. Although certain routes offer unique insights into character evolution, overall, the development feels inconsistent and may disappoint players seeking a strong narrative focus.
“I haven't seen anything like this in other visual novel games, and I felt it was a unique and valued addition to the killer's character development.”
“Two of the routes (Robin and Aleister) have obvious effects (in this alternate reality) on Mia's lifestyle and character development, rather than just being 'pick a guy with your desired personality type'.”
“- Distinctive and appealing character designs.”
“The characters can be interesting at times, but the main character is a complete letdown: a pushover with absolutely no character development.”
“But if you're like me and prize the plot and character development above all, then maybe skip this one; you'll find yourself cringing quite a bit...”
“Honestly, the best friend is super predictable (but your uncle gets more character development in this route) and the old guy is kinda bland.”
- humor5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as silly and occasionally clever, making it a lighthearted choice for those seeking a fun and simple experience. While some translations may come off as oddly formal, they still contribute to the overall comedic effect, enhancing the enjoyment for players.
“And I definitely recommend it if you're looking for something funny and simple to pass the time.”
“The other 10% of the translation is not so bad that you don't understand what is happening, but it made me laugh at some of the oddly formal phrases.”
“Three dollars for a silly, sometimes clever and funny otome game.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Gameplay is criticized for its lack of variety, with limited options available to players. While there are achievements to earn, they often stem from minor gameplay changes, which may not provide a satisfying sense of progression.
“There isn't much variety in the options at all; though there are several achievements, you get them from very minor changes to your gameplay choices.”
“Trading cards and backgrounds are not so much of a con (and nothing to do with gameplay), but I was a little disappointed in the quality of the background art compared to the CG and in-game art quality.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game to have a surprisingly "wholesome" emotional tone, where despite the presence of darker themes like murder, the overall experience leaves them feeling positive and satisfied upon completion.
“The game has a wholesome feel—there's murder, but when it was finished, I just felt good about everything.”
“The emotional depth of the characters really resonated with me, making their struggles feel personal and impactful.”
“I was genuinely moved by the story; it left me reflecting on my own life and choices long after I finished playing.”
