oct 14
- October 13, 2024
- niomiautemn
It is October 14, 2002.In this game, you take on the role of Chichi Pyonma. She's a 15-year-old high school student from the unremarkable small town of Silver Bay, MN. Today is a particular day — a rather important one — that drastically shaped Chichi's adolescence from this point onward. It is not for the faint of heart. Before playing this s…
Reviews
- The pixel art and graphics are cute and well done, showcasing the effort of a solo developer.
- The game is part of an intriguing ARG, which adds an interesting layer for those who engage with the supplemental blog material.
- Despite its short length, some players found the experience interesting and engaging, especially when read in conjunction with the blog.
- The game lacks substantial gameplay, feeling more like a glorified cutscene with minimal interaction and a very short playtime.
- Important story elements are only found in the companion blog, leaving players who don't read it feeling lost and unsatisfied.
- Technical issues such as broken menus, crashes, and a lack of game options detract from the overall experience.
- story14 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 64 % 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 engagement, leaving players wanting more substance and exploration within the game. Overall, the storytelling is seen as lackluster and underdeveloped, 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!”
“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.”
“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.”
- 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.”
“The store page even has a little graphic of chichi fishing - when does this happen in the game???”
“I understand the dev is trying to do an aesthetic (early 2000s and #edgy!), but did that really mean sacrificing accessibility completely?”
- music6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % 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 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 two songs on the mp3 are cool.”
“This game is supposed to be a companion to the developer's debut album, so I'd assume the dev's music would be somewhere in the game.”
“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 developer'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, direction, and engaging mechanics, with only the cute pixel art being a redeeming quality. Players find the main features, such as the crusty rag and mp3 player, to be underwhelming and insufficient to create an enjoyable experience.
“The gameplay is incredibly engaging, with unique features that keep you coming back for more.”
“The main features of the gameplay include the innovative use of a rag and an MP3 player, adding a fun twist to the experience.”
“The mechanics are smooth and intuitive, making it easy for new players to jump in while still offering depth for veterans.”
“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
Reviewers highlight the game's "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.”