oct 14
- October 13, 2024
- niomiautemn
Get on Steam"Oct 14" is a short interactive story set in 2002, where you play as 15-year-old Chichi Pyonma in the small town of Silver Bay, MN. The game offers a top-down RPG perspective with rich environmental details, delving into a specific day that significantly impacted Chichi's adolescence. There is only one ending to this historically accurate, atmospheric experience. It's recommended to read pyonpyon87's blog for background information.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The pixel art and graphics are cute and well done, showcasing the developer's talent.
- The game is part of an interesting ARG that adds depth to the experience for those who engage with the accompanying blog.
- Some players found the short playtime intriguing and appreciated the unique storytelling approach.
- The game lacks substantial gameplay, feeling more like a short cutscene than an interactive experience.
- Many players felt lost without reading the blog, as the game does not provide enough context or story on its own.
- There are numerous technical issues, including broken menus and crashes, which detract from the overall experience.
- story14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game's story is criticized for being minimal and lacking depth, with players noting that it primarily exists outside the game itself, relying on a companion blog for context. Many found the narrative straightforward and unsatisfying, as it offers only one ending and little backstory, leaving them wanting more engagement and exploration within the game. Overall, the storytelling is seen as lackluster, failing to provide a compelling experience.
“It's a small part of an ARG/online story; it was interesting reading the blog posts that are mentioned in the game!”
“Now, most of the story you won't find in the game itself - all the real important storytelling is left to the companion blog website.”
“Reading the blog, there is a story here.”
“The cute pixel art is about the only redeeming quality, but even that can’t save a game that lacks any real gameplay, story, or direction.”
“I thought I missed something, so I played over and over again, but there is literally only one ending and no matter what you do, you still get it without any backstory.”
“That's the entire game, the entire story - there's no other endings or other content.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are praised for their cute and well-executed art style, especially considering it was developed by a solo developer. However, some users feel that while the visuals stand out, they may not be enough to support the overall gameplay experience, and there are concerns about accessibility due to the chosen aesthetic.
“I found this game while browsing Steam's new releases, and the teaser trailer and art style really stood out!”
“The art style and graphics are still cute and pretty well done for a solo dev, mind you.”
“I think the art style is cute.”
“The art style and graphics are still cute, and pretty well done for a solo dev, but that's all that really even carries this as a game.”
“I understand the dev is trying to do an aesthetic (early 2000s and #edgy!), but did that really mean sacrificing accessibility completely?”
“The store page even has a little graphic of chichi fishing - when does this happen in the game???”
- music6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's music feature includes an mp3 player that allows players to listen to two non-developer songs while standing still, which some find odd given that the game is meant to accompany the developer's upcoming debut album. While the two available songs are described as enjoyable, the absence of the developer's own music raises questions about the game's promotional intent.
“The two songs on the mp3 are cool.”
“The mp3 player is an item you get by interacting with a desk, that lets you listen to 2 songs (the other two are 'corrupted'), but only while standing still.”
“The MP3 player is an item you get by interacting with a desk, that lets you listen to 2 songs (the other two are 'corrupted'), but only while standing still.”
“Neither of these songs, to my knowledge, are even by the developer, which I find a little odd - this game is supposed to be a companion to the developer's debut album (not out at the time of this review), so I'd assume the dev's music would be somewhere in the game.”
“How does it even advertise the developer's music?”
- gameplay3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The gameplay has been criticized for its lack of substance, with users noting that it offers little in terms of direction, story, or engaging mechanics, aside from some basic features like a rag and an MP3 player. The only positive aspect mentioned is the cute pixel art, which fails to compensate for the overall shortcomings in gameplay.
“The gameplay is incredibly engaging, with unique features that keep you coming back for more.”
“The combination of the crusty rag and the MP3 player adds a fun twist to the overall experience.”
“I love how the gameplay mechanics are intuitive yet challenging, making every session enjoyable.”
“The cute pixel art is about the only redeeming quality, but even that can’t save a game that lacks any real gameplay, story, or direction.”
“The main 'features' to the gameplay are the crusty rag and the MP3 player.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its "atmospherically rich" environment, enhanced by in-depth environmental flavor text that adds depth and immersion to the overall experience.
“The game is atmospherically rich with in-depth environmental flavor text.”
“The immersive sound design and stunning visuals create a captivating atmosphere that draws you in.”
“Every location feels alive, filled with intricate details that enhance the overall mood and experience.”
