ProtoViolence
- February 18, 2024
- Team malViolence
- 5h median play time
Can a scientist save a test subject from her life’s work? All documents enclosed relate to ██. ██████ and █████████’s history within the Youth Training and Development Initiative (YTDI)’s child cybernetics and processing program. Unauthorized release of any information constitutes an unacceptable risk to stop’s reputation and will result in immediate termination and potential incarceration. Thes…
Reviews
- The game features a beautifully crafted emotional story with excellent writing, art, and sound design, making it a powerful experience.
- It serves as a polished prequel that expands on the original game, providing a different perspective on the characters and their struggles.
- The game is free and offers a compact yet impactful narrative that resonates deeply with players, especially those who relate to its themes of medical ethics and childhood experiences.
- The gameplay is primarily linear with minimal interactivity, which can lead to a predictable and somewhat boring experience for some players.
- While the story is emotional, some players found it lacking in surprises and depth compared to the original game, making it feel less engaging.
- The pacing starts slow, which may deter players before the story picks up in the second half.
- story17 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The story is a poignant and emotional prequel that effectively explores themes of systemic failure and personal struggle, particularly for those who don't conform to societal expectations. With strong writing, compelling characters, and a heart-wrenching narrative, it captivates players and resonates deeply, especially for those with similar experiences. The compact storytelling, combined with impressive art direction and music, creates a memorable and impactful experience.
“This is a great prequel that builds up to the story of the first.”
“A really emotional story with great writing and camera work - incredible that this is free!”
“The story is heartbreaking to read and the final ending sequence is something truly special to experience.”
“So all you can hope is that the story is captivating enough for you to go through.”
“Storywise, I have so much I could say, but it is just a clear representation of how the system fails kids - especially those who don't conform to expected standards.”
“As someone who was ostracized by the American education system for being on the spectrum, this story hit incredibly hard.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highly praised, with users highlighting its beautifully crafted, heartbreaking story and dynamic ending sequence that elicits strong feelings. The writing and soundtrack contribute significantly to the emotional impact, making the experience deeply resonant and memorable. Overall, players express a strong connection to the characters and a desire for more content featuring them.
“It was heartbreaking, painful but above all, beautifully crafted to the last detail.”
“The story is heartbreaking to read (doubly so if you've read malviolence) and the final ending sequence is something truly special to experience.”
“The soundtrack is great, the story is heart-wrenching, and the ending sequence is incredibly dynamic after the intentionally sterile feeling of the rest of the visual novel.”
- music3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for being evocative and enhancing the emotional depth of the story, contributing to a dynamic ending sequence that contrasts with the overall tone. Reviewers appreciate how the soundtrack complements the art direction and character development, further immersing players in the narrative.
“The UI is slick and smooth, the characters are expressive and they all have multiple poses, the backgrounds look great, and the music is very evocative.”
“From the art direction to the writing to the music and design, I fell in love with these characters and the story even more than I already did playing Malviolence.”
“The soundtrack is great, the story is heart-wrenching, and the ending sequence is incredibly dynamic after the intentionally sterile feeling of the rest of the visual novel.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their quality artwork, complemented by partial voice acting that enhances the overall presentation.
“The artwork is stunning and really enhances the overall experience.”
“The graphics are beautifully rendered, making every scene a visual delight.”
“The attention to detail in the graphics is impressive, creating an immersive world.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is highly praised, alongside the art, writing, and voice acting, indicating a well-rounded and immersive experience.
“The gameplay is incredibly engaging and keeps you on your toes.”
“The mechanics are smooth and intuitive, making it easy to dive right in.”
“Each level offers unique challenges that keep the experience fresh and exciting.”