Newcomer : A Language Learning RPG
- November 20, 2023
- Jason Kappes
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Get on itch.io Store"Newcomer: A Language Learning RPG" is an immersive game designed for English speakers looking to improve their Spanish, French, or Italian skills. It offers beginner to intermediate language learners the opportunity to practice communication through visits to vibrant villages and interactions with native speakers. The game includes features such as chunk translations, unlockable words and phrases, and pronunciation practice to help players form meaningful connections with the target language.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a unique approach to language learning by allowing players to interact with NPCs and solve problems using their own words, supported by an in-game translator.
- Players appreciate the engaging gameplay that combines language practice with RPG elements, making learning feel fun and immersive.
- The developer is responsive to feedback and continues to support the game with updates, showing potential for future improvements and additional content.
- Many players find the requirement to create an account before playing intrusive and frustrating, especially on platforms like the Steam Deck.
- The game suffers from bugs and technical issues, such as problems with the save feature, unresponsive voice-to-text functionality, and tedious combat mechanics.
- Some users feel that the game lacks depth in its story and content, with repetitive quests and limited gameplay variety, making it feel short and underdeveloped.
- story11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The story in the game is largely criticized for being simplistic and lacking depth, primarily consisting of basic fetch quests with minimal motivation to engage in combat. Players note that while the casual nature of the narrative offers some charm, it ultimately feels underdeveloped and repetitive, with significant content missing and some quests entirely absent. Overall, the plot fails to provide a compelling or immersive experience.
“I decided to choose French (as I know the least compared to the other available languages), the intro worked well to familiarize me with the general mechanics of the game and set the story in motion.”
“I also enjoy the very casual nature of the game; the general story is to do some repairs with side quests to solve certain issues.”
“I find the story provides just the right amount of curiosity but isn't too dramatic or overdone.”
“The quests so far have been fetch quests; nothing fancy.”
“There is no motivation to kill enemies, so I've been trying to avoid them to get the quests done.”
“There is no story.”
- music5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its quality and integration with the art style, particularly the nostalgic 8-bit elements. However, some users feel that the combat music could be more intense to enhance the experience. Additionally, there are technical issues with the music not resuming properly after being muted.
“I also love the choice of art and music.”
“Great music and art.”
“I like the 8-bit graphics and music.”
“The music doesn't unmute after you mute and remute in the same region.”
“Combating could have more scary, exciting, or intense music.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their simplicity, cleanliness, and nostalgic 8-bit style, contributing positively to the game's atmosphere. While the art style is generally well-received, some users express a desire for it to remain functional and not hinder gameplay. Overall, the visuals enhance the gaming experience without overwhelming it.
“The graphics are simple, nice, and clean.”
“I love the graphics and atmosphere.”
“I like the 8-bit graphics and music.”
“I'm fine with the art style, but it should not make the game hard to play.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay is described as cute and easy to learn, with an effective introduction that familiarizes players with the mechanics and story. However, some users find the combat to be dull and feel that the gameplay lacks variety, especially in its early access state.
“The gameplay is cute, and learning is pretty easy.”
“I decided to choose French (as I know the least compared to the other available languages); the intro worked well to familiarize me with the general mechanics of the game and set the story in motion.”
“It's very early access, and at 0.4 hours I've only completed the first town and have yet to visit the second, but I doubt the mechanics will be different there.”
“It's very early access and at 0.4 hours I've only completed the first town and have yet to visit the second, but I doubt the mechanics will be different there.”
“The gameplay just felt a little off to me and I found the combat to be boring.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating, particularly due to cumbersome combat mechanics and excessive text navigation. The requirement to repeatedly construct phrases and sift through large amounts of hard-to-read text detracts from the enjoyment, making the experience feel more like a chore than a fun challenge.
“Combat is very tedious.”
“The pagination is making battles very tedious.”
“You have to actually ask what he has on offer... and if you go back to him and forgot the answer, you have to ask again... and you can't just ask, you have to build a phrase, going through pages and pages of gigantic and hard to read text... every time... I know it's about learning, but this is not fun, it's tedious.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users report significant stability issues, with frequent game freezes impacting overall gameplay experience.
“It just freezes the game up.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it unplayable.”
“I experience constant lag and instability during gameplay.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers consistently praise the game's graphics and atmosphere, highlighting them as standout features that enhance the overall experience.
“I love the graphics and atmosphere.”
“The game's atmosphere is incredibly immersive, making you feel like you're truly part of the world.”
“Every detail contributes to a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that keeps you engaged.”
