Red Embrace: Mezzanine
- July 9, 2021
- Argent Games
Get on SteamRed Embrace: Mezzanine is a short, free visual novel/point-and-click game set in the vampire-themed Red Embrace universe.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a beautifully written and engaging story that explores deep themes of loneliness and depression, making it a poignant experience.
- The art direction and music are stunning, effectively setting a moody atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.
- As a free visual novel, it serves as a compelling introduction to the Red Embrace universe, leaving players eager for future installments.
- The game is very short, with some players feeling it lacks depth and could benefit from more content.
- Technical issues, such as freezing during critical moments, have been reported, which can hinder the overall enjoyment of the game.
- The lack of a save feature and limited gameplay mechanics may frustrate players looking for a more interactive experience.
- story20 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The story is a short yet atmospheric narrative that explores themes of loneliness, loss, and human despair, centered around a young girl named Beth. While some reviewers found it engaging and well-written, others criticized it for being somewhat clichéd and lacking depth. Overall, it is appreciated for its emotional impact, art direction, and meaningful choices, making it a decent experience for a free-to-play title.
“A short, yet atmospheric story.”
“It is a short, profound story capturing the beauty of human despair.”
“Actually competent storytelling in my opinion, especially given the small scale.”
“The story is okay, I guess.”
“You might think I'm being unfair calling this badly written, but let's face it... if these guys could write professionally, they'd be published authors, rather than needing to pay $100 to self-publish their non-game short story e-book on Steam as if it was a game.”
“Unlike the song, the story is about a young girl named Beth who was just recently dumped by her boyfriend and she's been living with this trash-energy ever since.”
- music8 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its evocative and atmospheric qualities, enhancing the overall experience alongside the stunning art direction. Reviewers note that the soundtrack effectively sets a gloomy mood, contributing significantly to the game's emotional depth and storytelling. Overall, the combination of music and visuals creates a compelling and immersive environment for players.
“This is a very well-written game with a great visual style and an evocative soundtrack.”
“Not only is the art stunning, but the writing and music really set the mood and made the game shine.”
“I have almost nothing to complain about: visuals are great, music is perfect to set that gloomy mood, the writing is so potent dragging you deep into that dark atmosphere.”
“These two final words remind me of that song from Scooter, 'Apache Rocks the Bottom'.”
“- Fitting music.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the wonderful character artwork and diverse visual styles that enhance the atmosphere, while others criticize the limitations on resolution and some mediocre artwork. Overall, the visuals are noted for their ability to create a compelling and immersive experience, particularly through the use of unique art styles and effective mood-setting elements.
“The visuals are great, music is perfect to set that gloomy mood, the writing is so potent dragging you deep into that dark atmosphere.”
“I like how the graphics in one area are completely different than another area.”
“Also, mediocre artwork, and you can't set any resolution beyond 1080p.”
“Learn from me: do not change any graphics settings... unless you have a very large monitor!”
“I really go into the mixed art styles and what looks like watercolors for the skyline and buildings.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game excels in creating a rich, melancholic atmosphere that resonates deeply with players, effectively transporting them to a nostalgic, late 90s vibe. With its striking visuals, haunting music, and compelling writing, it immerses players in a dark and mysterious narrative that enhances the overall experience.
“This game does a really good job setting up a melancholy atmosphere.”
“[i]mezzanine[/i] definitely succeeds in creating an atmosphere - I found myself transported back to the late 90s when I was a Portishead-obsessed kid with a bleak view on life not unlike the main character.”
“I have almost nothing to complain about: visuals are great, music is perfect to set that gloomy mood, the writing is so potent dragging you deep into that dark atmosphere.”
“I found myself transported back to the late 90s when I was a Portishead-obsessed kid with a bleak view on life, not unlike the main character.”
“The visuals are great, the music is perfect to set that gloomy mood, and the writing is so potent, dragging you deep into that dark atmosphere.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users report significant stability issues, with the game frequently freezing during loading screens, particularly at the "I'm going to be having a long smoke" message. This has led to frustrating gameplay experiences on PC.
“It tries to load, then just freezes.”
“I'm running the game on PC, and it freezes right on the screen that says 'I'm going to be having a long smoke,' so that textbox stays onscreen during the freeze.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The gameplay is criticized for lacking fundamental elements expected in a PC game, such as engaging gameplay loops and meaningful interactions, which suggests it falls short of standard gaming expectations.
“Like all e-books that were self-published on Steam, it doesn't meet the very basic requirements anyone would expect of an actual PC game, such as gameplay loops or meaningful interaction.”
“The gameplay feels incredibly repetitive and lacks any real depth, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“There are numerous bugs and glitches that disrupt the gameplay experience, leading to frustration rather than enjoyment.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game to be deeply emotional and moody, creating a relaxing experience that resonates with them. Additionally, there are appreciated references to other beloved titles, enhancing the emotional connection.
“It's moody, very emotional yet relaxing to play, and I liked the little nod to re:h, which I still love to pieces.”
