PAGAN: Autogeny
- October 31, 2019
- OLEANDER GARDEN
- 2h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Pagan: Autogeny" is a single-player Horror Role Playing game, set in the digital ruins of a largely abandoned MMORPG. It boasts good gameplay, a perfect atmosphere, and unique features such as over 100 acres of handcrafted playable space, five major zones, cursed gender magic, and over 7000 gear combinations. The game offers a challenging and mysterious experience, with an increasingly esoteric series of secret endings and four repeatable boss fights.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- PAGAN: Autogeny delivers a unique and atmospheric experience that effectively combines horror elements with exploration and storytelling.
- The game captures the trans experience and themes of dysphoria in a way that resonates deeply with players, making it a significant piece of digital art.
- Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke feelings of nostalgia and unease, creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after playing.
- Many players experienced technical issues, including game crashes and a lack of clear direction, which detracted from the overall experience.
- The gameplay can feel lacking, with some reviewers noting that the first 20 minutes do not showcase interesting content or mechanics.
- The absence of settings options and the potential for progress loss upon death frustrated some players, leading to a perception of the game as unpolished.
- graphics22 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are described as a unique blend of 2D and 3D elements, reminiscent of PS1-era aesthetics, which some players found charming and fitting for its surrealist horror theme. However, issues with shaders led to visual inconsistencies, such as large black shadows and completely black screens, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, the graphics contribute to a distinct atmosphere that enhances the game's narrative and artistic intent.
“I don't really know what to say about it other than I loved everything about it: interesting graphics, incredible sound design, hands-off gameplay, and a story and setting I'm still trying to unravel.”
“All in all, it's a very interesting experience if you like surrealist horror and especially if you really like PS1-era graphics.”
“These games are the result of genuine passion and artistry; Oleander Garden utilizes every aspect of the games - audio, gameplay, narrative, graphics, etc. - to create a wonderfully focused and thought-provoking experience.”
“The graphics direction is very weird, with 2D objects at times and 3D at other times.”
“The shaders used to give 'PS1'-esque graphics often failed, leading to spots with large black shadows directly in the center frame or completely black screens.”
“It looks nothing like any MMO I've ever played before; having pixelated graphics and simple geometry is not enough to pass it off as an old dead MMO, so it fails in that vibe.”
- atmosphere18 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is consistently praised for its ability to create a tense and immersive experience without relying on cheap jump scares. Reviewers highlight its mysterious and eerie qualities, enhanced by exceptional audio design, which evokes feelings of dread and emptiness. Overall, it is recommended for fans of atmospheric horror, particularly those who appreciate the unique vibes reminiscent of classic PSX games.
“The game delivers a mysterious and atmospheric experience that most games can’t achieve for only $8.”
“The audio design is insanely well done, the atmosphere of an alien, dead place crafts a dreary emptiness that looms over the spirit.”
“This is a game that leans heavily on its 'atmosphere'; 'vibes'; whatever word you want to use to articulate 'emotions that pervade the experience'.”
“Pagan: Autogeny has an atmosphere that I have been searching for for the longest time.”
“The atmosphere is there, reminds me strongly of... Britain?”
- gameplay16 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the depth and mechanics that require engagement, while others criticize it for being lacking and uninteresting, especially in the initial stages. Many noted that the first 20 minutes offer little more than exploration and skill collection, which may not appeal to everyone. However, the game's artistic elements and narrative are often highlighted as compensating factors, creating a unique and thought-provoking experience despite the gameplay shortcomings.
“But at the same time, I think that figuring out those mechanics and interactions within the game’s world is part of the fun.”
“These games are the result of genuine passion and artistry; Oleander Garden utilizes every aspect of the game - audio, gameplay, narrative, graphics, etc. - to create a wonderfully focused and thought-provoking experience.”
“I don't really know what to say about it other than I loved everything about it: interesting graphics, incredible sound design, hands-off gameplay, and a story and setting I'm still trying to unravel.”
“The game is severely lacking in terms of both gameplay and content.”
“No real gameplay within the first 20 minutes besides walking around picking up 'stats' in skills.”
“These games are the result of genuine passion and artistry; Oleander Garden utilizes every aspect of the games - audio, gameplay, narrative, graphics, etc. - to create a wonderfully focused and thought-provoking experience.”
- story12 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The story in "autogeny" is both introspective and reflective, intertwining the main character's journey with the player's own gaming experiences, prompting thoughts about past games. While it may lack dramatic or emotional depth at times, the narrative is engaging and leaves a lasting impression as players unravel its meaning. Overall, the storytelling is complemented by captivating graphics and sound design, making it a fulfilling experience for long-time gamers.
“I don't really know what to say about it other than I loved everything about it: interesting graphics, incredible sound design, hands-off gameplay, and a story and setting I'm still trying to unravel.”
“It doesn't have the most dramatic or emotional story - hell, at times it feels like there is no story - but it's one that will stick with you once you understand it.”
“At the same time, Autogeny manages to tell a story about both its main character and the game you explore, while also getting you to think about all the other games you've played in the past.”
“Unraveling the story and meaning of the series has been one of the most fulfilling experiences I've had in my two decades of gaming.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game evokes a profound sense of unease and psychological distress, leaving players feeling as if they are being watched in unsettling environments. While it may lack a dramatic narrative, the emotional impact is significant, with many players recommending it despite the mental toll it can take. Overall, it creates a lasting impression that resonates deeply, even if it is not traditionally emotional in storytelling.
“A lot of zones made me feel a sense of unease, as if someone was watching me in the blurred distance or in the fog of certain zones.”
“10/10 never touching this ever again for the safety of my mental state and family respectively, highly recommend this game; it was absolutely awesome and has no business causing me severe psychological and emotional distress.”
“It doesn't have the most dramatic or emotional story - hell, at times it feels like there is no story - but it's one that will stick with you once you understand it.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that grinding in games has become a common element, often involving repetitive tasks like defeating enemies for loot or optimizing character stats. While some players find this aspect tedious, others appreciate the blend of exploration and narrative that accompanies these mechanics, suggesting a shift in focus from traditional combat to immersive world-building.
“It was surprising to find myself doing very typical MMO things like grinding mobs for card drops, min-maxing my stats to kill the Scarab Lord, standing on hills and looking around at the environment.”
- music2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music aspect of the game is largely unassessed due to frequent crashes that prevent players from experiencing more than the starting screen and its accompanying soundtrack. As a result, users expressed frustration and disappointment, leading some to refund the game.
