The 257th Element

About

In "The 257th Element," players navigate a futuristic Tokyo where a scientific experiment gone awry has led to the reanimation of individuals who had previously died. These "Araragi Humans" bring both hope and controversy to the society. The game revolves around Shinsei Shonogamigakuen High School and the mysterious Island Where Dreams Come True, both of which play significant roles in this thought-provoking narrative. This steam game promises a unique blend of science, mystery, and human drama.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

100%

Audience ScoreBased on 26 reviews

story7 positive mentions

gameplay3 negative mentions

The game features beautiful character designs and impressive graphics that enhance the overall experience.
The storyline is engaging and offers a unique blend of sci-fi elements with well-developed characters, making it a captivating read.
The music and sound design are well-crafted, adding depth to the gameplay and creating an immersive atmosphere.

There are pacing issues and narrative contradictions that detract from the overall storytelling experience.
The main character lacks appeal and personality, which may hinder player connection.
Some players have noted technical issues that need to be addressed for a smoother gameplay experience.

story
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
38%
19%
The story of the game is described as a rich and engaging blend of science fiction, mystery, and fantasy, featuring well-written characters and unexpected plot twists. While some players noted pacing issues and narrative contradictions, many praised the intriguing premise and immersive worldbuilding, which includes hidden clues and character interactions that shape the narrative. Overall, the game is seen as a captivating experience with a unique scientific touch that enhances its dramatic depth.
- “Thanks to several recommendations, I have found a sci-fi visual novel deep-rooted in the old fantastic yet unexpected adventures, full of drama, well-written characters, who unexpectedly find themselves in the middle of the, yet to be counted, plot twists that this novel portrays.”
- “Engaging storyline: the premise of the game is intriguing, blending elements of science fiction, mystery, and fantasy.”
- “The main difference I found in this game is that it has a touch of scientific knowledge, because the story is about a new element and how it affects the daily life of the characters. This makes the story more dramatic and profound, getting hooked since the first hour I played.”
- “I was able to play all the way past chapter 2, and what I have to say is that the story is okay, but there are a lot of pacing mistakes and narrative contradictions. I'm looking forward to the voice acting, which may make this game more enjoyable, just to sit down and watch.”
- “The main difference I found in this game is that it has a touch of scientific knowledge, because the story is about a new element and how it affects the daily life of the characters. This makes the story more dramatic and profound, getting me hooked since the first hour I played.”
- “Exploring the experiences of these characters and their interactions with the protagonist could offer deep storytelling opportunities.”
music
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
71%
29%
The music in the game has received high praise for its quality and variety, with many players noting how well it complements the gameplay and enhances the overall experience. While some users feel that the soundtrack could benefit from more diversity, the majority appreciate its emotional impact and connection to the game's narrative. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's appeal.
- “The music is amazing, how can I find it on Spotify?”
- “Great game, excellent graphics, 10/10 music and an excellent story.”
- “I loved this game, the music is the first thing that attracted my attention, because of the variety of it and how each song matches perfectly with the situation in the game, the color palette is nice and the graphics are beautiful.”
- “Nothing noteworthy to comment on the story, good art, good music.”
- “Is there an OST available for purchase?”
gameplay
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
29%
43%
The gameplay in "the 257th element" is characterized by innovative mechanics that incorporate abstract concepts instead of traditional elements, offering players a variety of interactions through puzzles, quests, and crafting. Regular updates based on player feedback enhance the experience, while intuitive mechanics allow for seamless storytelling and immersion. Overall, the game promises a captivating and diverse gameplay experience.
- “Players could engage with these elements through puzzles, quests, or crafting mechanics, allowing for diverse gameplay experiences.”
- “Overall, 'The 257th Element' has the potential to be a captivating and immersive gaming experience, combining intriguing storytelling, rich worldbuilding, and engaging gameplay mechanics.”
- “Feedback and iteration: regular updates and patches based on player feedback could improve the overall gameplay experience.”
- “Gameplay mechanics: the inclusion of elements as abstract concepts rather than traditional atoms is an interesting twist.”
- “The game mechanics are intuitive, making it easier for me to fully enjoy the storytelling.”
graphics
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The graphics in the game are widely praised for their imaginative visuals and high quality, effectively bringing the futuristic Tokyo and mysterious island to life. Coupled with an immersive sound design and a well-matched musical score, the overall aesthetic significantly enhances the player's experience.
- “Visual and audio design: imaginative visuals and immersive sound design could enhance the player's experience, bringing the futuristic world of Tokyo and the mysterious island to life.”
- “Great game, excellent graphics, 10/10 music and an excellent story.”
- “I loved this game, the music is the first thing that attracted my attention, because of the variety of it and how each song matches perfectly with the situation in the game, the color palette is nice and the graphics are beautiful.”
character development
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
150%
Character development in the game is highlighted by the introduction of Araragi humans, which adds suspense and provokes thought about identity and existence. Players are drawn in by engaging character designs and a refreshing, unique sci-fi narrative that enhances their overall enjoyment.
- “I came here with a recommendation and was not expecting much, but I'm really enjoying this game. From the beginning, I was hooked by the character design and, of course, the refreshing story and unique sci-fi touch.”
- “Character development: the introduction of Araragi humans adds an element of suspense and raises questions about identity and existence.”
- “The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the protagonists.”
- “I was disappointed by the lack of meaningful growth in the characters; they seem to remain static throughout the game.”
humor
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The game's humor is well-received, with players finding it genuinely funny, complemented by impressive artwork for both backgrounds and characters.
- “Its humor is funny, and it features great art for backgrounds and characters as well.”
- “The witty dialogue and clever puns kept me laughing throughout the game.”
- “I love how the game uses absurd situations to create hilarious moments.”
atmosphere
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The atmosphere is characterized by vibrant colors, futuristic technology, and immersive soundscapes, all contributing to a captivating and engaging ambiance.
- “Vibrant colors, futuristic technology, and atmospheric soundscapes create a captivating ambiance.”
- “The immersive environment draws you in, making every moment feel alive and engaging.”
- “The haunting melodies and intricate details of the surroundings evoke a sense of wonder and exploration.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
300%
Players highlight that meaningful choices and consequences significantly boost the game's replayability and immersion, encouraging them to explore different paths and outcomes in subsequent playthroughs.
- “Player agency and choices: providing players with meaningful choices and consequences enhances replay value and immersion.”
- “The variety of paths and outcomes keeps me coming back for more; every playthrough feels fresh and exciting.”
- “With multiple endings and character builds, I find myself replaying the game to explore all the possibilities.”
- “The lack of meaningful choices and consequences really diminishes the replay value of the game.”
- “Once you've completed the game, there’s little incentive to go back and experience it again.”
- “The game feels linear, and without varied paths or outcomes, replayability is severely lacking.”