Death Mark

The gameplay of the game is a mixed bag, featuring a blend of visual novel elements, exploration, and puzzle-solving, which some players found engaging and unique. However, many reviewers criticized the clunky mechanics, tedious movement, and slow pacing, particularly during text-heavy sections and cutscenes, leading to frustration. While the atmosphere and art were praised, the overall gameplay experience was often deemed unsatisfactory, with some players feeling that it detracted from the narrative's potential.

The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning and haunting art style, which effectively enhances the eerie atmosphere and horror elements. Many reviewers highlight the beautiful character designs and atmospheric visuals that contribute to a sense of mystery and tension, although some express concern over the portrayal of women in certain artworks. Overall, the visuals are considered a standout feature, elevating the game's overall experience despite some narrative and gameplay flaws.

The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its unsettling and immersive qualities, enhanced by beautiful, grotesque art and a haunting soundtrack that effectively builds tension and dread. Players appreciate the blend of traditional Japanese ghost stories with modern horror elements, creating a deeply engaging experience that captivates and terrifies. Despite some gameplay flaws, the overall atmosphere remains a standout feature, drawing players into its eerie world and keeping them on edge throughout.

The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to create an unsettling atmosphere, effectively complementing the beautiful and eerie art style. Reviewers note that the soundtrack enhances the horror experience, with specific tracks tailored to heighten tension and evoke emotions, making it a standout feature of the game. Overall, the sound design, including ambient effects, contributes significantly to the immersive and creepy vibe, making it a key element of the gameplay experience.

Character development in the game is largely criticized for its lack of depth, as the episodic structure and the protagonist's amnesia hinder meaningful connections with both main and side characters. While the imaginative character designs and overall artistic elements are praised, many players feel that the absence of character growth prevents them from forming attachments, ultimately detracting from the emotional impact of the story.

The grinding aspect of the game is heavily criticized for its tedious gameplay, characterized by repetitive environments and a lack of intrigue, particularly in the longer chapters. Players find the investigative elements frustrating due to arbitrary mechanics and the need for trial and error, which detracts from the overall experience and leads to a sense of wasted time and effort. Overall, the gameplay is seen as a significant drawback, overshadowing any potential enjoyment.

The humor in the game is characterized by likable characters and unexpected comedic moments, despite its horror marketing. Players find some enemy designs unintentionally funny, and the simplistic animations contribute to a humorous atmosphere that occasionally undermines the intended eeriness. While the game successfully blends horror and humor, some players feel that the comedic elements could be better balanced with more terrifying designs and improved gameplay mechanics.

The emotional aspect of the game is polarizing; while some players appreciate its eerie art and immersive storytelling, particularly in the context of Japanese horror, others find it lacking in emotional investment and pacing. Many express frustration with the gameplay mechanics, which detract from the overall emotional experience, leading to feelings of boredom and disconnection. Additionally, some achievements and narrative elements are perceived as underwhelming or confusing, further diminishing the emotional impact for certain players.

"Death Mark" offers moderate replayability with multiple endings that encourage players to explore different choices throughout the chapters and the game's conclusion. However, the replay value is somewhat limited, particularly in the next entry, as players can only save during partner switches and exploration, which may restrict experimentation.

The game suffers from significant stability issues, including frequent visual, audio, and gameplay glitches that can lead to crashes. Users report that it is particularly problematic on the Steam Deck, where it is not "verified," resulting in a frustrating experience despite its strong art, story, and writing.

While players praise the game's stunning art and engaging story, some have reported performance issues on the Steam Deck. However, overall, the game maintains solid performance during extended playtime, with one user completing 21 hours without significant issues.