Passpartout

87%
Game Brain Score Based on 2,511 reviews
  • graphics
  • gameplay
  • story
Passpartout Game Cover
Starting at $9.05Buy now
Get on Steam Get on itch.io Store

In Passpartout: The Starving Artist, you become a struggling painter trying to make a living in Paris. Create and sell your own artwork to fickle customers while managing your finances and living expenses. With humor and satire, this simulation game offers a lighthearted take on the artist's life, full of challenges, creativity, and the pursuit of success.

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Windows
  • Linux
  • Mobile Platform
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

87%
Audience ScoreBased on 2,511 reviews
graphics47 positive mentions
stability11 negative mentions
  • The game is a fun and relaxing way to express creativity, allowing players to paint whatever they want.
  • The unique characters and their humorous critiques add charm and entertainment to the gameplay.
  • Multiple endings based on different art styles provide replayability and encourage experimentation.
  • The limited tools and colors can make the gameplay feel repetitive and restrict creativity.
  • The game is relatively short, with many players completing it in just a few hours.
  • The AI's feedback can be frustratingly vague and inconsistent, leading to confusion about what sells.
  • graphics132 mentions

    The graphics of the game are generally described as charming and simplistic, with a unique art style that enhances the overall relaxing experience. While some players appreciate the aesthetic and find it immersive, others note limitations in graphical quality and drawing tools, suggesting that the visuals could benefit from more depth and customization options. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the game's atmosphere, making it enjoyable for casual play, especially with a graphics tablet.

    • β€œThe graphics are nice, as well as the music.”
    • β€œPasspartout's graphics are inviting and calming, ushering in an amazing atmosphere.”
    • β€œThe art style in the game is great.”
    • β€œThe graphics are pretty bad and you graphic hunters won't like this.”
    • β€œFor a 3D game, the graphics aren't the best.”
    • β€œLow graphics and very laggy.”
  • gameplay111 mentions

    The gameplay of the game is characterized by its simplistic painting mechanics, which some players find enjoyable and immersive, while others criticize it for being repetitive and lacking depth. Although the core concept of creating and selling art is charming, many reviews highlight that the gameplay can become stale quickly due to limited mechanics and a lack of meaningful progression. Overall, while it offers a fun experience initially, the gameplay may not sustain long-term interest for all players.

    • β€œThe simplistic gameplay of this game is so good; I somehow feel so immersed every time I launch it despite the minimal graphics.”
    • β€œThe primary gameplay loop is charming and fun at first, drawing your terrible MS Paint creations and selling them to unsuspecting curators.”
    • β€œPasspartout is an absolutely charming game, full of great music, simple yet compelling gameplay, and has a great 'indie' feel to it.”
    • β€œThe graphics of the game are number one, I love that and the characters, but the gameplay is shallow and gave me no excitement at all.”
    • β€œThe trailer was misleading, and the gameplay is extremely short.”
    • β€œThe gameplay is really not that impressive; you are essentially just drawing really quick pictures with a mouse, but I fell in love with this game.”
  • story82 mentions

    The game's story is generally perceived as simplistic and lacking depth, with many players expressing a desire for more content and progression. While some appreciate the charming atmosphere and the potential for multiple endings based on player choices, others find the narrative too short and repetitive, often comparing it to a basic art simulator rather than a fully fleshed-out story-driven experience. Overall, the story serves as a backdrop to the gameplay but leaves many players wanting more.

    • β€œThis game is amazing if you want to make art and have fun doing it; it has a good story mode, but I wish there was more than just selling art.”
    • β€œThe story and scenery are absolutely charming.”
    • β€œPasspartout definitely provides a good storyline as well, telling the story of a thriving artist as they attempt to please the crowd.”
    • β€œThe story is lacking in content and progression; you don't feel encouraged to experience each branch in it.”
    • β€œThe story is so promising, but ends too quickly.”
    • β€œThere's no story or set goal or anything; it's just doing the same thing over and over again.”
  • humor68 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised, with players finding the absurdity of selling their often ridiculous artwork to quirky NPCs both entertaining and hilarious. Many reviews highlight the comedic dialogue and interactions, which add a lighthearted touch to the gameplay, making it a fun experience despite its simplistic mechanics. Overall, the game is described as a funny and relaxing way to engage with art, often leading to unexpected and amusing outcomes.

    • β€œThey are extremely rude about your art when they don’t like it, which is honestly pretty funny.”
    • β€œPasspartout is a game that allows you to be insanely creative, and rewards you for it while also tearing you down at the same time through funny characters and dialogue.”
    • β€œThe game is good and funny because you get to draw whatever you like and it's good because of the funny things you can do as well, so I recommend this game.”
  • music67 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its relaxing and soothing qualities, enhancing the overall atmosphere and complementing the unique art style. Many players find the soundtrack delightful and fitting, making it an enjoyable backdrop for creative activities like drawing. However, some users noted that the music can become monotonous over time, leading to mixed feelings about its long-term appeal.

    • β€œThe soundtrack is chill along with a puppet theater art style that is pretty unique.”
    • β€œThe music in this game is beautiful and fits the settings you paint in fantastically.”
    • β€œA very relaxing peaceful game with great music and art style.”
    • β€œPeople like praising the soundtrack, but I was more annoyed with it by the end of my sessions because it just didn't appeal to me.”
    • β€œThe music was, however, very forgettable because I can't even remember it right now.”
    • β€œOnce you get past the graphics and the charming music, this is just a doodle game.”
  • replayability19 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players enjoying the ability to explore multiple endings and the fun of doodling, while others find it limited and repetitive. Although it offers some replay value through its short length and various outcomes, many reviewers note that the lack of substantial content and engaging mechanics diminishes its overall replay potential. Overall, it seems to appeal more to those who appreciate the creative aspects rather than those seeking deep gameplay experiences.

    • β€œEven though the game is short, it has lots of replayability. I find it fun to figure out what each person likes in each act and draw accordingly.”
    • β€œThere are apparently multiple endings you can get, but the real replay value here is in enjoying the doodling.”
    • β€œHowever, that's not exactly a bad thing, as there are multiple ways things can happen, so it encourages replay value by being both short and surprisingly entertaining with its limited drawing tools.”
    • β€œDespite the replay value diminishing after unlocking all the achievements, the game is still pretty dope for its price tag.”
    • β€œAs for replayability, the game doesn't have enough interesting content to make me want to replay it, at least not fully.”
    • β€œJust a prior warning: if you are looking for a replayable game with interesting mechanics, do not get this.”
  • atmosphere16 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its charm, creativity, and emotional depth, creating a relaxing and inviting experience for players. Many reviewers highlight the unique visuals and music that enhance the overall tone, making it a refreshing departure from typical action games. While some note that the gameplay can become tedious, the strong atmosphere compensates for any shortcomings, effectively capturing the essence of a struggling artist's journey.

    • β€œThe atmosphere and tone of the game is also spot on in my opinion.”
    • β€œI love how this game breaks away from some stereotypical 'action' games, and replaces it with unique visuals, charming atmosphere, and all-around greatness.”
    • β€œIt becomes very tedious and boring, though the atmosphere helps.”
    • β€œIt has an atmosphere that is so lonely and really embodies the mind of a struggling artist, trying to be successful with the one thing they're good at - art!”
    • β€œWhat it lacks in complexity or certain game mechanics, it certainly makes up with charm and atmosphere.”
  • emotional14 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is a mixed experience, with players highlighting its wholesome tone and charming visuals that evoke feelings of peace and nostalgia. However, some users also report deeply personal and heartbreaking moments, particularly when faced with technical issues that disrupt their emotional engagement. Overall, the game resonates strongly with those who have a connection to art, making it both touching and relatable.

    • β€œThis is the most emotional game that I have ever played in my entire life.”
    • β€œTrying to produce art as fast as you can while also naturally channeling your emotional state into it, all while trying to survive, I think naturally touches anyone who's done art for a long time.”
    • β€œPros: it is charming visually and has a perfectly nice soundtrack, the concept for the game is fantastic and relatable, and the simple narrative of a starving artist is, without any effort needed, personal and touching.”
  • stability12 mentions

    The game's stability has received mixed feedback, with many users reporting frequent bugs and glitches that disrupt gameplay, such as freezing and issues with saving. While some players find the game enjoyable despite these problems, others express frustration, leading to a negative overall impression regarding its stability. Overall, the game is seen as needing significant improvements to its stability to enhance the user experience.

    • β€œIt didn't let me finish my cat drawing and immediately closed curtains, so I rage quit and I'm never ever playing this game ever again. πŸ‘ŽπŸ‘ŽπŸ‘ŽπŸ‘ŽπŸ‘ŽπŸ‘ŽπŸ‘ŽπŸ‘ŽπŸ‘ŽπŸ‘ŽπŸ‘ŽπŸ‘ŽπŸ‘ŽπŸ‘ŽπŸ‘ŽπŸ‘ŽπŸ‘ŽπŸ‘ŽπŸ‘ŽπŸ‘ŽπŸ‘Ž (pretty fun and relaxing game, a bit buggy, will definitely play again when I'm not mad 😑)”
    • β€œSometimes the game can be frustrating since you can't fill at the start or sometimes it gets a little buggy, but otherwise a good game.”
    • β€œJust now, simply opening the game, clicking on 'main menu' freezes it.”
  • grinding11 mentions

    Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, especially when attempting to complete all playthroughs in one sitting. While some enjoy the challenge and can play for extended periods without losing interest, many agree that the experience can become boring over time, particularly when trying to cater to specific customer preferences. Overall, the game is better suited for casual play in shorter sessions.

    • β€œYou'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • β€œPlaying it all in one go for all the endings is tiring and makes the game tedious.”
    • β€œIt becomes very tedious and boring, though the atmosphere helps.”
  • character development4 mentions

    Character development in the game is highlighted by its unique and diverse NPC designs, each with distinct personalities, contributing to an engaging experience. However, players seeking a plot-driven narrative with deep character arcs may find the game lacking in this aspect, as it focuses more on gameplay and artistic style than on character progression.

    • β€œCould play for hours, fun to try to get the different endings, amazing and fun art style and NPC character designs.”
    • β€œ+ Unique character designs that have different personalities.”
    • β€œIf you're looking for a plot-driven game with dialogues, character development, a plucky protagonist foiling some antagonistic critic against all odds while gathering a ragtag band of endearing companions, then you won't find any of those in Passpartout.”
  • monetization3 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized as a cash grab, with players feeling pressured by soliciting and aggressive advertising tactics. Users express frustration over the emphasis on purchasing outfits and other in-game items, suggesting that the monetization approach detracts from the overall experience.

    • β€œQuickly developed for some sort of cash grab.”
    • β€œAlternatively, maybe you could use your cash to buy advertising or outfits for your character.”
    • β€œSoliciting, begging, auctioning, raffling, selling, advertising, referrals.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    The game faces optimization issues, resulting in a heavy load on hardware, but despite these limitations, players find the gameplay enjoyable and appreciate the educational value of the traditional painting styles presented.

    • β€œWhile the tools are limited and the game is a bit heavy on my hardware due to what I assume are optimization issues, the gameplay is genuinely fun and teaches the importance of each traditional painting style that is covered, along with a unique story ending so far.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy Passpartout

Play time

4hMedian play time
78hAverage play time
3-97hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 12 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games