Sand Castle

About

Sand Castle is a single player action game. It was developed by Alice Nowak and was released on March 14, 2022. It received very positive reviews from players.

"Sand Castle" is a short visual novel that tells the story of a guy and girl, exploring their past and present through sad and happy moments. With a running time of around 30 minutes, the game offers three dates and two possible endings, accompanied by a soothing soundtrack and attractive backgrounds. It provides a relaxing experience, encouraging players to reflect on shared values of life.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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90%

Audience ScoreBased on 62 reviews

story10 positive mentions

graphics3 negative mentions

The art and sound design are visually appealing and contribute positively to the overall experience.
The story, while short, is touching and has emotional elements that resonate with players.
The gameplay is straightforward and includes a twist that adds depth to the narrative.

The game is extremely short, taking only 10-15 minutes to complete, which leaves little room for emotional connection.
The story feels flat and unrealistic, making it difficult for players to believe in the characters and their experiences.
The lack of depth in the narrative and character development results in a rushed feeling, especially towards the ending.

story
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
60%
9%
The game's story, while attempting to convey meaningful themes, is criticized for its brevity (10-15 minutes), resulting in a lack of emotional depth and character believability. Although some reviewers appreciated the art, music, and the potential of the narrative, many felt that the short format hindered their ability to connect with the characters or feel the impact of the plot twist. Overall, a longer and more intricate storyline could have significantly enhanced the emotional resonance of the experience.
- “Also, everything to the music, art, and dialogue was nicely put together for an intriguing story about a couple dating on a sandy beach.”
- “It was a sweet and sad story with great art.”
- “I wanna cry… this visual novel touches your heart for its incredible story...”
- “The game is very short (10-15 minutes top), the story tries to be meaningful, but it's flat and unrealistic; it's just impossible to believe the characters.”
- “Overall, I found the story readable, although as the reviewer ichigo75 has correctly pointed out, it is simply too short to give the reader time to establish any kind of emotional bond with the players, and therefore as good as impossible to really feel emotionally affected when the twist arrives.”
- “As it is, I can't say I had enough time to grow to care about anyone within the story or any of the stakes at play.”
music
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
31%
19%
The music in the game is generally praised for its beauty and emotional resonance, complementing the art and storytelling effectively. While some reviewers noted that the music could be improved, many found it soothing and fitting for the game's sentimental narrative. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a key component of the game's success, enhancing the overall experience.
- “Beautiful art, sad but sentimental story, and beautiful music and writing.”
- “The game has soothing music, the interface is in gentle colors, and there are achievements.”
- “The formula for the success of the project rests on 3 main components: setting, music, graphic content.”
- “The art and music are okay; they could have been better.”
- “The formula for the success of the project rests on three main components: setting, music, and graphic content.”
- “The game has soothing music, but it lacks variety and depth.”
emotional
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of "sand castle" is described as touching and impactful, but many reviewers feel that its brevity prevents players from forming a meaningful emotional connection with the characters and story. While the game has a sweet and wholesome quality, its short length limits the depth of the emotional experience, making it difficult for players to fully engage with the narrative twist. Overall, it is seen as a decent visual novel that could have benefited from more development to enhance its emotional resonance.
- “That was a very touching game.”
- “Short but emotionally impactful.”
- “Nice, touching visual novel.”
graphics
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
62%
38%
The graphics are characterized by a simple and low-detail artwork that, despite its minimalism, remains attractive and visually pleasing. This aesthetic contributes positively to the overall experience of the game, alongside its setting and music.
- “Graphically, the artwork is quite simple, low on detail but still attractive and pleasing.”
- “Graphically, the artwork is quite simple, low on detail but still attractive and pleasing.”
- “The formula for the success of the project rests on 3 main components: setting, music, graphic content.”
gameplay
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The gameplay is characterized by its engaging mechanics and fluid controls, providing players with a satisfying and immersive experience. Many users appreciate the balance between challenge and accessibility, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and seasoned players. Overall, the gameplay is a standout feature that enhances the overall enjoyment of the game.