Sunday Gold
- October 13, 2022
- BKOM Studios
- 13h median play time
Successfully marrying two completely different types of gameplay while still making sure they're sufficiently deep is no mean feat, but Sunday Gold offers up that and more with its excellent gameplay and lovable cast of foul-mouthed characters.
"Sunday Gold" is a point-and-click, turn-based adventure game set in a gritty, dystopian future. As a trio of criminals, you must hunt down the secrets of an evil mega-corporation and its ruthless billionaire leader. Experience a blend of escape room puzzles, combat, and RPG mechanics as you explore the poverty-stricken streets of near-future London.
Reviews
- Unique blend of point-and-click adventure and turn-based RPG mechanics, providing a fresh gameplay experience.
- Stunning art style and excellent voice acting that enhance the overall atmosphere and immersion.
- Engaging story with well-developed characters that keep players invested throughout the game.
- Combat can become tedious and repetitive, especially with bullet sponge enemies and unbalanced boss fights.
- The game suffers from some bugs, including issues with save files and minor glitches that can disrupt gameplay.
- The ending feels abrupt and leaves many plot points unresolved, which may disappoint players seeking closure.
- story325 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally engaging, featuring well-developed characters and a compelling narrative that draws players in, though it often suffers from predictability and a rushed conclusion. While the art direction and voice acting enhance the experience, many players feel the story lacks depth and leaves several plot points unresolved. Overall, it presents a mix of intriguing elements but ultimately feels like a setup for a larger narrative that remains unfulfilled.
“It's a game dripping with style and coherent artistic vision, good performances, and a story that's easy to follow.”
“The story-driven narrative style with comic-book elements packed in a turn-based combat system with excellent voice acting and script.”
“Great game and compelling storyline.”
“Too bad they're wasted on a story that is so predictable and short.”
“Story turned from a generally decent dystopian cyberpunk mystery into an easy-to-predict ending which is super rushed; the game ended abruptly with a 30-second cutscene after a 30-minute boss fight that felt like forever.”
“There were so many loose ends you couldn't help but feel the story was condensed and was supposed to have another chapter, or at least better foreshadowing in the previous chapters.”
- gameplay265 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay of *Sunday Gold* is a mixed bag, featuring a unique blend of point-and-click mechanics and turn-based RPG elements that some players find engaging, while others criticize it for being tedious and unbalanced. Many reviews highlight interesting mechanics like the composure system and action point management, but they also point out issues such as bullet sponge enemies, cumbersome combat, and a lack of polish that detracts from the overall experience. While the game is visually appealing and has a compelling story, the gameplay often feels repetitive and underdeveloped, leading to a frustrating experience for some players.
“Sunday Gold experiments with mechanics and visuals I've never really seen in other games, and they work very well too. Yes, there are some minor frustration factors here and there, but that's nothing compared to the good of this game.”
“Combining what is essentially a straightforward point-and-click adventure game with a tactical element is quite inspired, and while that gameplay aspect might be a little simple, it functions marvelously in the context of being an intruder and thief, as it helps nail the tone of being under pressure, while not forcing you into an uncomfortable stressful situation.”
“The gameplay is a mix of point-and-click and party-based RPG, which offers a refreshing take on the genre, providing both engaging puzzles and strategic combat.”
“The systems/mechanics themselves were neat, but every enemy is a bullet sponge and bosses are even worse.”
“A genre mix that does neither of its parts well, which leads to an ultimately subpar experience in each of its gameplay segments.”
“Overall I would have to give it a 5/10; it was a pretty unique albeit slightly repetitive game that was completely ruined by a few unnecessary and bad gameplay mechanics.”
- graphics191 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Sunday Gold" are widely praised for their unique and vibrant art style, reminiscent of comic book aesthetics and drawing comparisons to titles like "Persona 5" and "Disco Elysium." Reviewers highlight the stunning visuals, character designs, and effective use of color, which contribute significantly to the game's atmosphere and storytelling. While some minor visual issues and gameplay frustrations are noted, the overall artistic direction and voice acting are considered standout features that enhance the gaming experience.
“The art style is like nothing I've seen before: it's a beautiful combination of comic-book art styles, backgrounds with vibrant colors and extreme detail, and 3D character models that just blend right into everything else.”
“The visuals are absolutely beautiful, both in the character art and the backgrounds.”
“It's dripping with style, with striking visuals, snappy combat sequences, a soundtrack that'll get stuck in your head, and voice acting that brings the game's cast of big personalities to life.”
“I also encountered a bunch of little bugs (from background graphics not appearing, the HUD occasionally deciding to be in the foreground so you can't click on stuff in the world behind it to crashes, there is sure to be something for everyone).”
“The game is a classic 'comic' point and click, the graphics are a bit reminiscent of Persona, but we are not at those levels.”
“The art style isn't such that it would be upsetting to everyone but it might put some off.”
- music87 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its quality, catchiness, and ability to enhance the overall atmosphere. While some noted occasional glitches and a lack of variety, the soundtrack is often described as outstanding and integral to the game's immersive experience. Overall, the combination of excellent music, unique art style, and strong voice acting contributes significantly to the game's appeal.
“Don't overlook this, the music and sound design for Sunday Gold is seriously outstanding.”
“The voice acting is very well done and fits the characters perfectly, the soundtrack is great and the art style is very unique, and I mean that in the best sense of the word.”
“Sunday Gold has fantastic art, fantastic music, and industry-best voice acting.”
“I've had some music glitches in the game sometimes but nothing game-breaking that a quick restart didn't help.”
“- the background music bugged out in act 3 and was just a mess.. my ears need vacation now”
“It's pretty good, don't get me wrong, but there's so little variety that you're much better off listening to your own music and then putting the earbuds back in when there's dialogue.”
- grinding54 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, particularly during combat sequences that can drag on for extended periods. Many reviews highlight the long animations for skills, minimal enemy diversity, and a lack of engaging mechanics, which contribute to a sense of monotony. While the game features beautiful art and voice acting, the gameplay loop often feels like a chore rather than an enjoyable experience.
“The combat gets a bit tedious after a while since it is quite basic and repetitive.”
“It's original, but at the end of the day, the battles are long and repetitive, taking away the fun and just feeling like a tedious task you need to finish to return to the game.”
“The bosses were alright but the rest of the combat was tedious at times and the challenge completely disappeared after the first chapter because I figured out what the best abilities were and I just leveled up my characters (unless you count trying not to fall asleep as a challenge).”
- humor23 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's humor is a standout feature, characterized by well-written characters like Gavin, Frank, and Sally, who deliver funny dialogue and exhibit great chemistry. Players appreciate the blend of dark humor and satirical elements, with comedic scenarios that cleverly intertwine with gameplay mechanics, such as using drugs to avoid fights. Overall, the humor enhances the engaging story and unique dystopian setting, making it a memorable experience.
“The three main heroes (Gavin, Frank, and Sally) are very well written and come with funny dialogue.”
“Multiple times I've had a character do a bump of coke to avoid a fight, which is super funny, but also a fantastic way of making the gameplay intertwine with the story.”
“It makes the game stand out while fitting the dystopian setting, satirical tone, and dark humor.”
- atmosphere14 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its stunning visuals, engaging soundtrack, and well-developed characters, which collectively enhance the overall experience. However, some players find that combat sequences can disrupt the immersive quality of key story moments. Overall, the combination of art style, music, and character interactions creates a charming and vibrant atmosphere that resonates with players.
“I love the characters, the voice acting, the music (I wish the OST was sold somewhere), and the overall atmosphere is amazing.”
“It gives more charm to the atmosphere; I can’t even imagine playing it without hearing Frank’s sarcasm, Gavin’s complaints, and Sally’s thoughts about their (not great) situation.”
“RPG-ish take on the point-and-click adventure formula with stunning visuals and atmosphere.”
“The puzzles are fun to solve and discover, but they annoyed me when I had to end the turn, enter a 10-minute combat just to move a box, or in a super important part of the story, enter a fight with random characters that disrupt the atmosphere of the scene.”
“It gives more charm to the atmosphere; I can't even imagine playing it without hearing Frank's sarcasm, Gavin's complaints, and Sally's thoughts about their (not great) situation.”
“Love the art style, which has a dark but vibrant atmosphere!”
- replayability8 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is limited, with many players feeling it offers a "one and done" experience after approximately 20 hours. While there are multiple ways to approach problems that provide some exclusive scenes and dialogue, the lack of diverse character builds and a broader enemy pool diminishes the incentive to replay.
“They don't impact the story in a meaningful way, but they give you multiple ways to solve a problem, each with exclusive scenes and dialogue, adding some replay value.”
“However, at 20 hours total, I think you must understand that this is it - no replay value, 1 and done.”
“I think this game needs a bit more diversity in character builds, a couple more playable characters, and a bigger pool of enemies, because right now the combat, even though it is a great addition to this style of a game, feels a tad bit superficial.”
“Not sure how much replay value there is.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight that the game's optimization is commendable, showcasing a coherent artistic vision and style that enhances the overall experience. The voice acting is particularly praised for its captivating and humorous delivery, contributing to a compelling narrative that is easy to follow.
- stability6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, players report occasional music glitches and buggy mechanics, particularly in Sally's strength game, which can be frustrating but not game-breaking. While some issues may stem from older systems, the game remains enjoyable and is considered a must-play despite these stability concerns.
“Additionally (and this may be because I played the game on an older system), Sally's strength game can either be extremely buggy, or just downright undoable.”
“Mechanics and fights sometimes feel overwhelming and sound is buggy, but nonetheless a must-play.”
“I've had some music glitches in the game sometimes, but nothing game-breaking that a quick restart didn't help.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users express a sense of frustration and disappointment regarding the emotional impact of the game, particularly due to repetitive tasks and an unsatisfying ending that left them feeling unfulfilled.
- character development4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
While the game features impressive character designs, art style, and voice acting that some reviewers compare favorably to titles like Disco Elysium, the overall character development is perceived as lacking, with the gameplay itself described as merely average.
“I love the art style, the character design, the voice acting, and the worldbuilding.”
“The game looks amazing too; I'd put these character designs and portraits beside Disco Elysium's.”
Critic Reviews
Sunday Gold Review – Not their Sunday best
A silky, suave graphic novel art-style and engaging Cyberpunk world can’t save Sunday Gold. With every strength on offer comes some weird design choices or bugs that will ruin your fun at every turn. This game is an experimental risk, blending both the point-and-click genre with turn-based combat, peppering in RPG progression. That mixture shows promise at the start but ultimately ends up being an average net loss. A gamble that’s not worth taking. Don’t place your bets on this one. Go all in elsewhere.
50%Sunday Gold Review
Sunday Gold is a pretty decent turned-based action RPG with an acceptable story that carries the player until the end but there is so much lost potential in it as well.
80%Sunday Gold Review (PC)
In between silly remarks, turn-based combat and puzzle solving, Sunday Gold provides enough entertainment to keep you going until the end, which is probably around 12-15 hours if you figure out the puzzles and finish the boss fights faster. Sunday Gold is a hybrid of two genres, point & click adventure and turn-based RPG, that simply works. It doesn’t make everything perfect, but at least it comes up with some interesting ideas that could be refined in a future title. BKOM’s game is trying to do something different and, partly, it succeeds. I enjoyed many parts of the game and some of the mechanics, and the story, while pretty generic, it did make me feel like I’m playing in a Guy Ritchie movie. Ultimately, Sunday Gold is entertaining and that’s what I expect from a game, so I consider this a successful experiment. Review code provided by the publisher.
85%