- April 12, 2022
- Marina Kittaka
Sephonie
Platforms
About
"Sephonie" is a 3D adventure game where you parkour through an uninhabited island's cave network as three biologists. Use acrobatic moves, grapple with creatures, and solve puzzles via the "Puzzle Grid" system to research unknown creatures. Experience a unique spiritual landscape with lush caverns, subterranean oceans, and surreal cityscapes.
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- Sephonie features a beautifully crafted world with unique environments and a captivating narrative that explores deep themes of connection and identity.
- The platforming mechanics are innovative and enjoyable, encouraging exploration and creativity, while the puzzle elements provide a relaxing break from the action.
- The music and art style are exceptional, creating a nostalgic and immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.
- The platforming controls can feel clunky and imprecise at times, which may frustrate players, especially during more challenging sections.
- Some players may find the dialogue and narrative pacing to be overly lengthy or convoluted, potentially detracting from the gameplay experience.
- The puzzles, while enjoyable, are often too easy and may not provide enough challenge for players seeking a more demanding experience.
story
212 mentions Positive Neutral NegativeThe story of "Sephonie" is described as a deeply introspective and emotional journey, exploring themes of alienation, love, identity, and environmental issues through the experiences of three scientists. While some players found the narrative abstract and less cohesive compared to previous titles from Analgesic Productions, many appreciated its unique storytelling approach and the way it intertwines gameplay with character development. Overall, the game is praised for its heartfelt plot, beautiful world, and the ability to provoke thought and reflection long after playing.
“The story, setting, platforming, and music are all wonderful.”
“The enviroments are wonderful and really sell the setting (along with the music, which is fantastic), and the plot is heartfelt, thoughtful, and has some cool ideas.”
“The story is very effective and bittersweet, exactly the same sort of contemplative and moving writing that led me to love Anodyne 2 so much.”
“Story feels a bit haphazard (seeing as it was directly inspired by their experiences with the COVID pandemic) and I didn't connect with it as much as their other games.”
“Personally, while all of their games suck me in, I have thought that Analgesic has struggled to find balance in their stories with both conveying their desired message and telling a coherent story.”
“The game barely scrapes the iceberg on the concept and throws it aside for an ending where the data is just a plot device to resolve a story that could have ended 15 minutes prior with no effective difference.”