State of Mind

The graphics of the game are characterized by a distinctive low-poly art style that evokes nostalgia for retro gaming while effectively complementing its cyberpunk themes. Many players appreciate the unique aesthetic, noting that it enhances the storytelling and atmosphere, despite some criticism regarding character models and animations. Overall, the visuals are seen as a strong point, contributing to an immersive experience, even if they may not appeal to everyone.

The gameplay in this title is largely characterized as simplistic and repetitive, functioning more as an interactive story than a traditional game, with minimal mechanics primarily involving walking, dialogue, and basic puzzles. Many players found the controls clunky and the gameplay elements lacking depth, often describing it as a walking simulator with a few underwhelming mini-games. While the narrative and visual style received praise, the overall gameplay experience was deemed dull and unengaging, making it more suitable for those who prioritize story over interactive gameplay.

The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to enhance the atmosphere, with many reviewers noting its fitting and immersive qualities. While some tracks are described as repetitive, the overall soundtrack is considered beautiful and well-composed, contributing significantly to the game's emotional depth and setting. Additionally, the voice acting complements the music, creating a cohesive audio experience that many players found enjoyable.

The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and a compelling blend of dystopian and futuristic elements, creating a captivating experience that resonates with players. Many reviewers highlight the effective use of music and environmental details that enhance the overall ambiance, making it particularly appealing to those who prioritize story and atmosphere over gameplay complexity. Despite some criticisms regarding gameplay and pacing, the atmospheric qualities remain a standout feature, drawing players into its richly crafted world.

The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting occasional freezes and glitches, particularly during character interactions and scene transitions. While some users experienced no significant issues, others noted frequent crashes that required reloading from checkpoints, which detracted from the overall experience. Overall, the game's performance appears to vary widely depending on individual setups and circumstances.

The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant stuttering and unresponsive controls during specific scenes, particularly on lower-end systems and non-standard resolutions. However, many users reported stable performance at 60 fps on mid-range hardware, especially on Linux, with some praising the overall optimization and smooth gameplay. While the visual style is appreciated, it appears that the game struggles with performance in certain scenarios, indicating a need for further optimization.

Overall, the game's replayability is limited due to its linear storytelling and lack of significant choices, with many players noting that once the story is experienced, there is little incentive to replay. While some players appreciate the ability to explore different endings or unlock achievements, the general consensus is that the game is best played once, as the core experience does not change significantly upon subsequent playthroughs.

The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being tedious and boring, with many players finding the puzzles, character interactions, and extensive cutscenes to be more of a chore than an engaging experience. The lack of manual save options and repetitive gameplay elements contribute to a sense of frustration, making the overall experience feel drawn out and unfulfilling. While some players appreciate the interactive movie style, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game suffers from excessive grindiness and a lack of meaningful content.

The game elicits strong emotional responses from players, with many expressing that it made them cry and left a lasting impact, particularly through its engaging story and character motivations. However, some critiques highlight issues like stiff dialogue and pacing that can detract from the emotional experience. Overall, it is recommended for those who appreciate deep, philosophical narratives, despite some gameplay mechanics that may hinder immersion.

Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players criticizing the weak characterization and stilted dialogue, leading to a lack of emotional engagement. While some appreciate the unique character designs and their fit within the game's themes, others find them unattractive and poorly executed. Overall, the potential for meaningful character development exists, but it often feels underwhelming and inconsistent throughout the gameplay.

The humor in the game is highlighted by the absurdity of its antagonist resembling a former Apple CEO, which adds a comedic layer to an otherwise shallow narrative about transhumanism. While the story fails to deliver serious drama, it inadvertently becomes amusing, evoking nostalgic vibes reminiscent of earlier titles from Daedalic Entertainment. Overall, the humor is a notable aspect, even if it stems from the game's shortcomings.