Pretend

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Pretend is a multiplayer action game. It was developed by whitesquare and was released on January 6, 2021. It received neutral reviews from players.

"Pretend is a massively multiplayer arcade game for 2-1

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58%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,128 reviews

gameplay7 positive mentions

monetization5 negative mentions

gameplay
31 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
67%
10%
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its fun and entertaining mechanics, unique ideas, and engaging multiplayer features like proximity chat. However, it has also faced criticism for being reminiscent of "Among Us," suffering from technical issues, and having a toxic community. Overall, while some players appreciate the originality and depth, others find it buggy and unpolished, leading to a varied experience.
- “Such a beautiful and in-depth lore and the gameplay, such original and unique ideas that really set this game apart from any other.”
- “Proximity chat - having voice chat proximity opens up so many new layers to gameplay and allows you to keep in touch with people.”
- “The music, gameplay, and atmosphere all tie together to make the holy grail of all games.”
- “I don't hate this game because of its content (it's in development, which is understandable), but because it just screams 'Among Us' copy at the top of its lungs from the visuals to the trailer gameplay (no actual players).”
- “Millions of gameplay bugs: you can't click on anything, click out and walk away.”
- “On the surface, it's a blatant rip-off of 'Among Us'; the gameplay is a little buggy and the UI leaves a lot to be desired.”
graphics
25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
64%
12%
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising its unique art style and high-quality visuals, likening them to top-tier games like Half-Life: Alyx. However, many users criticize the graphics as being subpar, reminiscent of other titles like Among Us, and lacking in originality. Overall, while there are standout elements, the game's visual presentation is seen as inconsistent and in need of improvement.
- “The graphics are astounding, better than Half-Life Alyx without any question!”
- “The graphics are so good I had an eyegasm just watching the trailer.”
- “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.”
- “Something else that's wrong with it is that the visuals are kinda bad and not as iconic or appealing as the real game.”
- “The graphics are horrible and the toxicity from the people in proximity chat.”
- “The graphics are almost exactly the same and if you see an Among Us version, you would know too.”
story
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
15%
70%
15%
The game's story is described as deeply immersive and emotionally impactful, with players feeling a strong connection to the narrative and characters. It features a unique and engaging plot that intertwines various storylines, keeping players on the edge of their seats while emphasizing the significance of their choices. Overall, the storytelling is praised as groundbreaking and a key reason for the game's acclaim.
- “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 pretend is immaculate, ground-breaking storytelling here, folks!”
- “The story keeps you on the edge of your seat, with a riveting narrative.”
- “The game will then cut to a small animation of that person being thrown off the 12th story of the building you're in.”
- “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.”
- “While the story itself is linear, the actions you take throughout the game make you feel like you made a difference.”
humor
19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in this game is widely appreciated, with players finding it both absurd and entertaining, often comparing it to "Among Us" for its comedic potential. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to generate laughter through chaotic gameplay and funny interactions, despite acknowledging its flaws and bugs. Overall, it’s seen as a fun experience, especially when played with friends, leading to memorable and hilarious moments.
- “This game had me laughing in one scene and crying in the next.”
- “Grab a friend or two, and you got a whole day to spend laughing and you'll enjoy yourself!”
- “10/10, was hilariously bad just from the lobbies alone.”
music
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
46%
23%
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its calming qualities and connection to other well-regarded titles like The Stanley Parable, while others criticize it for being repetitive, loud, and lacking originality. Some users expressed frustration over the music's persistence, even after closing the game, leading to a sense of it being inescapable. Overall, while the music contributes to the atmosphere for some, it is viewed as a significant drawback by others due to its perceived low quality and reliance on copyright-free tracks.
- “The music, gameplay, and atmosphere all tie together to make the holy grail of all games.”
- “The lovable characters and beautiful music, and it has stood the test of time and is still good as hell in triple A standards.”
- “I relaxed for 5 minutes to this music long enough to realize that I was going to be okay.”
- “The pain... it was unbearable... the music wouldn't stop even after I closed the game... even after I turned off my computer... it was inside my head, I couldn't escape... I am writing this review to try and connect with other people that may have this curse... I am sorry to all who had to read this... I must go...”
- “The music: loud, and just copyright-free stuff ripped from actually good games like The Stanley Parable.”
- “That moment when you copy Among Us and steal soundtracks from The Stanley Parable!!!!”
optimization
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
14%
43%
The game's optimization has received significant criticism, with players reporting extremely low frame rates (around 15 fps) on average setups and describing it as poorly optimized overall. While some acknowledge that it may still require further optimization, others express indifference due to its free-to-play nature.
- “Awfully optimized for PC: this game runs around 15 FPS on an average setup.”
- “Maybe the game has been updated to remove the bit miner, but I cannot get the CPU performance spike similar to what was mentioned.”
- “Maybe it's mining your PC, but I just think it's really unoptimized.”
- “The dev claims it's just poorly optimized, and I'm inclined to believe it.”
- “Still needs a little bit of optimization, but it's free, so hey, who cares anyway?”
monetization
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
83%
The monetization strategy of the game has drawn mixed reviews, with some users labeling it a cash grab due to technical issues and aggressive ad placements. While initial in-app purchases were reduced and later made free, concerns persist about the game's reliance on ads and the overall lack of communication from developers, leading to skepticism about its long-term value.
- “Mira HQ and Polus were initially priced at $4 via in-app purchase, but their prices were reduced to $2 on January 6, 2020, and then made free on June 11, 2020.”
- “It's not one of these soulless cash grabs that make a quick game for a quick buck, an unforgettable experience.”
- “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.”
- “Bad, it won't let me play; it's just a white screen and nothing else. Don't buy, it's a cash grab.”
emotional
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players report that the game evokes a profound emotional response, ranging from tears of joy to deep connection with its characters and narrative. Many describe it as a transformative experience that transcends traditional gaming, highlighting its artistic merit through heartwarming writing and impactful moments. Overall, the emotional depth of the game leaves a lasting impression, making it a standout in its genre.
- “This game made me cry.”
- “This game made me feel so much joy to the point where nothing else will ever make me happy, unless it is better than this.”
- “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.”
stability
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game suffers from significant stability issues, including frequent bugs, glitches, and unreliable servers, which detract from the overall experience. Players have reported problems such as restarting rounds incorrectly and random deaths, alongside concerns about developer behavior in response to feedback.
- “On the surface, it's a blatant rip-off of Among Us. The gameplay is a little buggy, and the UI leaves a lot to be desired.”
- “Occasional glitches, like restarting a round as ghosts and having no tasks as the innocents.”
- “Servers are buggy and barely existent. I died randomly after teleporting and witnessed a developer abuse and swear at a player in Discord, banning them after said player provided negative gameplay feedback.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The game's atmosphere is described as a masterfully crafted blend of music, environment, characters, and narrative, creating an exciting and immersive horror experience that captivates players for hours. Many users feel that this strong atmosphere significantly enhances gameplay, making it a standout title in the genre.
- “The music, gameplay, and atmosphere all tie together to make the holy grail of all games.”
- “Everything about this game is masterfully crafted - the atmosphere, the environment, the characters, the narrative.”
grinding
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players consistently express that the grinding required in the game is excessively time-consuming, suggesting that it feels like one would need a second life to fully engage with it.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Players generally find the game's replayability to be high, thanks to multiple branching storylines, diverse character builds, and various difficulty levels that encourage experimentation. Many reviewers appreciate the inclusion of unlockable content and seasonal events, which provide fresh experiences upon replaying. However, some note that certain gameplay elements may become repetitive over time, slightly diminishing long-term engagement.
- “Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to go back. The story doesn't change, and the side quests feel repetitive.”
- “After finishing the main storyline, I found myself with no desire to replay it. The lack of meaningful choices really limits replayability.”
- “The game offers a great experience the first time, but there's not enough variety in gameplay to make me want to play it again.”