Nocturnals

The graphics of the game have received mixed feedback, with many praising its unique art style that blends 2D and 3D elements, creating a visually appealing experience. While some users noted graphical mishaps and limitations due to budget constraints, the overall aesthetic and character designs were highlighted as standout features that enhance the game's narrative. Despite some criticisms regarding simplicity and performance on older systems, the art style is generally regarded as a strong point, contributing to the game's charm and immersive atmosphere.

The gameplay is heavily influenced by Telltale's style, featuring straightforward mechanics that emphasize storytelling and player choices, which many found immersive. However, the game is criticized for its short runtime of under two hours, leading to mixed feelings about its value, with some players desiring more interactive elements and puzzles. Overall, while the narrative and mechanics are praised, the brevity of the gameplay experience leaves some players wanting more.

The emotional aspect of the game is highly praised, with many players expressing that it evoked strong feelings, including tears, through its heartfelt storytelling and character relationships. The game is noted for its ability to create emotional attachments quickly, blending wholesome moments with darker themes, and is particularly appreciated for its representation and genuine character chemistry. Overall, it is recommended for those seeking a touching experience, despite its brevity.

The music in the game has received widespread praise for its ability to enhance the storytelling and atmosphere, with many reviewers describing the soundtrack as divine and fitting for the game's post-apocalyptic setting. While some noted a lack of audio adjustment options, the overall consensus is that the music is chill, enjoyable, and effectively complements the game's visuals and emotional depth. Many players appreciate the effort of the small development team in creating a memorable auditory experience.

The game offers significant replayability with multiple endings—reportedly six to eight—encouraging players to experience different outcomes through multiple playthroughs. However, some players noted that the endings can feel similar, and the inability to skip cutscenes may detract from the experience during repeated runs. Overall, it is praised for its engaging story and mechanics, making it a worthwhile investment for those who enjoy narrative-driven games.

The game's stability has received mixed feedback, with some players experiencing significant bugs, such as freezing shortly after starting, while others noted minor issues like camera warping. Despite these problems, many users expressed optimism for future fixes and highlighted the game's overall enjoyment, particularly on platforms like the Steam Deck.

The humor in the game is characterized by its engaging and unorthodox voice acting, which some may find unprofessional but ultimately adds to the comedic experience. Players appreciate the blend of dark humor with gore, exemplified by witty one-liners during intense moments, and the unique art style contributes to the overall hilarity. The dry British humor, especially in high-stress situations, enhances the game's charm and keeps players entertained.

Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious due to the lack of options to skip cutscenes and dialogue, making it challenging to achieve 100% completion without replaying the game from the start multiple times. This design choice detracts from the enjoyment of a "choices matter" experience, as it requires significant time investment for completionists.

Reviewers praise the character development for its charm and cuteness, highlighting the appealing art style and character designs as standout features that enhance their overall enjoyment of the game.

The game's atmosphere is profoundly enhanced by its evocative soundtrack and striking artwork, effectively immersing players in a lonely, ominous post-apocalyptic world. The emotional depth of the characters and their evolving relationships adds significant meaning to the experience, making the short yet impactful story resonate deeply with players. Overall, the atmosphere is a standout feature that contributes to the game's emotional weight and storytelling.