Pretend

59%
Game Brain Score Based on 549 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • story
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"Pretend is a massively multiplayer arcade game for 2-1

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Reviews

59%
Audience ScoreBased on 549 reviews
gameplay6 positive mentions
music3 negative mentions
  • gameplay21 mentions

    The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many praising its fun and entertaining elements, unique ideas, and engaging mechanics like proximity chat. However, some players criticize it for being derivative of other games, particularly "Among Us," and report issues such as bugs and a toxic community. Overall, while the gameplay is seen as enjoyable by some, it is marred by technical problems and negative player interactions.

    • “It received favorable reviews from critics on account of its fun and entertaining gameplay.”
    • “Such a beautiful and in-depth lore and the gameplay, such original and unique ideas that really set this game apart from any other.”
    • “The music, gameplay, and atmosphere all tie together to make the holy grail of all games.”
    • “Toxic community overflowing with idiots, and horrible gameplay.”
    • “Servers are buggy and barely existent, died randomly after teleporting, witnessed a dev abuse/swear at a player in discord and ban them after said player provided negative gameplay feedback.”
    • “I have no friends and got called the n-word on multiple occasions during my gameplay.”
  • graphics14 mentions

    The graphics of the game are noted for their unique and appealing art style, which sets it apart from competitors and enhances its overall visual experience. However, some users feel that the technical aspects, such as a lack of customization options and outdated graphics in certain areas, detract from the game's potential. Overall, while the art style is praised, there are calls for improvements in graphical fidelity and options.

    • “Honestly has a really nice art style going for it, and that's the extent of anything good that can be said about this game.”
    • “I think Pretend's art style makes it stand out from the competition and adds its own visual flair!”
    • “This game uses state-of-the-art graphics to deliver an amazing gaming experience mixed with active ray tracing, and you've got a stunning looking game.”
    • “As for the graphics, sounds, and technical aspects of the game, I feel that not much else can be said other than looking at the trailers at the top of this page.”
    • “Currently this game has a similar art style and game system but it is going to change.”
    • “No in-game options (no custom keybinds, no graphical options, nothing).”
  • story11 mentions

    The game's story is described as deeply immersive and emotionally impactful, with players feeling a strong connection to the narrative and its characters. While some find the linearity of the plot limiting, many appreciate the unique storytelling approach and the emotional weight it carries, culminating in a powerful experience that resonates long after gameplay. Overall, the narrative is praised as groundbreaking and a significant draw for the game.

    • “I remember crying when I finally beat the final boss, the culmination of hundreds of hours of in-depth story, many plotlines merging into one point, a point of singularity, a point where all that was meant was that one is, not that one does, or wants, but **is**.”
    • “Now, the lore of this game is immaculate; it's ground-breaking storytelling, folks!”
    • “The main concept for this game has never been envisioned before. What you get with this purchase is an action-packed, lag-free masterpiece that, by the end of its gripping story, will leave you in tears.”
    • “While the story itself is linear, the actions you take throughout the game make you feel like you made a difference.”
    • “Fans of large, open world games might be upset when a character they help doesn't show up later in the story to reward them with some inside knowledge or a brand new item, but that isn't the point this game is trying to drive.”
    • “Now, the lore of pretend is immaculate, ground-breaking storytelling here, folks!”
  • humor11 mentions

    The humor in the game is frequently highlighted as a major draw, with players finding it both hilarious and absurd, often comparing it to "Among Us." Despite its flaws and bugs, many users report having a great time laughing with friends, indicating that the comedic elements can overshadow the game's shortcomings. Overall, the humor is described as wacky and entertaining, making for a fun experience.

    • “This game had me laughing in one scene and crying in the next.”
    • “At the time of posting this, I have 69 minutes on this game, and I think that's kinda funny.”
    • “Grab a friend or two, and you got a whole day to spend laughing and you'll enjoy yourself!”
  • music6 mentions

    The music in the game is highly praised for its calming and relaxing qualities, contributing significantly to the overall atmosphere and gameplay experience. Some users noted its similarity to tracks from "The Stanley Parable," which sparked discussions about originality. Despite some technical issues, the soundtrack enhances the game's appeal, making it a standout feature.

    • “I relaxed for 5 minutes to this music long enough to realize that I was going to be okay.”
    • “The music in the trailer is from the game Stanley Parable.”
    • “Sure it wouldn't load a game and send me back to the elevator with the annoying but very calming music.”
    • “That moment when you copy Among Us and steal soundtracks from The Stanley Parable!!!!”
    • “The music, gameplay, and atmosphere all tie together to make the holy grail of all games.”
  • emotional4 mentions

    Players have expressed that the game evokes strong emotional responses, with many reporting moments of deep connection and even tears. The writing is praised for its heartwarming and artistic qualities, contributing to a profound sense of aliveness and engagement with the narrative.

    • “This game made me cry.”
    • “Through what can only be described as genius, heartwarming writing, I believe that this game not only succeeds as a video game, but as an art form.”
    • “Tears welled up in his eyes when he realized what exactly was at stake.”
  • grinding3 mentions

    Players consistently express that the grinding required in the game is excessively time-consuming, suggesting that it demands an unrealistic commitment akin to having a second life.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
  • stability3 mentions

    The game experiences occasional glitches, such as players restarting as ghosts and innocents having no tasks, alongside buggy servers that can lead to random deaths. Additionally, there are concerns about developer behavior in the community, which may affect overall stability and player experience.

    • “Occasional glitches - like restarting a round as ghosts, having no tasks as the innocents.”
    • “It's a good game for $1.00, but there are some glitches too.”
    • “Servers are buggy and barely existent; I died randomly after teleporting. I also witnessed a developer abuse and swear at a player in Discord and ban them after that player provided negative gameplay feedback.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    Users report that the game suffers from poor optimization, with one player noting that even their low-end PC can run other games smoothly, highlighting the optimization issues in this title.

    • “The dev claims it's just poorly optimized, and I'm inclined to believe it.”
    • “The game runs like a slideshow on my system, which is frustrating given its potential.”
    • “I can't enjoy the gameplay when the frame rate drops so frequently due to optimization issues.”
  • atmosphere1 mentions

    Reviewers highlight that the atmosphere of the game is a harmonious blend of music and gameplay, creating an immersive experience that many consider to be the pinnacle of gaming.

    • “The music, gameplay, and atmosphere all tie together to create the holy grail of all games.”
    • “The immersive atmosphere pulls you in and makes you feel like you're part of the world.”
    • “Every detail in the environment contributes to a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that stays with you long after playing.”
  • replayability1 mentions

    Players generally find the game's replayability to be high, thanks to multiple branching storylines, diverse character choices, and various difficulty levels that encourage different playthroughs. Additionally, the inclusion of unlockable content and seasonal events adds further incentive to revisit the game. However, some users note that certain gameplay elements may become repetitive over time, potentially diminishing long-term engagement.

  • monetization1 mentions

    Reviews indicate a general skepticism regarding the game's monetization strategy, with many perceiving it as a quick cash grab that exploits the popularity of similar titles, particularly due to poor communication from the developers.

    • “While a lot of these negatives can be rectified, I'm not very optimistic about it considering the lack of communication and the fact this game seems to be a quick cash grab capitalizing on the recent surge in popularity of Among Us.”
    • “The monetization strategy feels overly aggressive, making it hard to enjoy the game without constantly being bombarded by ads and in-game purchases.”
    • “It seems like the developers are more focused on squeezing money out of players than actually providing a balanced and enjoyable gaming experience.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

33hMedian play time
33hAverage play time
33-33hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs

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