The Deer God

59%
Game Brain Score Based on 176 reviews
  • graphics
  • story
  • gameplay
The Deer God Game Cover
This game is really fun to play, but it does have many issues. Nothing you would not expect from a Beta version of the game. Once they get this fixed, the game should do rather nicely.
Starting at $4.99Buy now
Get on Steam Get on itch.io Store

"The Deer God" is a pixelated, side-scrolling adventure game where you play as a deer. Seeking redemption, you must navigate through a procedurally generated world, solve puzzles, and interact with various creatures, some of which can be hostile. Your actions and choices will affect your character's development and the outcome of your journey. Reference: ]

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Mobile Platform
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station Vita
  • Tablet
  • Wii
  • Wii U
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

59%
Audience ScoreBased on 176 reviews
graphics45 positive mentions
stability25 negative mentions
  • The game features beautiful graphics and a relaxing soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
  • The gameplay offers a unique concept of playing as a deer, with elements of exploration and survival that can be enjoyable.
  • The game provides a calming atmosphere, making it a good choice for players looking for a peaceful gaming experience.
  • The gameplay can feel repetitive and lacks clear objectives, leading to a sense of aimlessness.
  • There are numerous bugs and glitches that can disrupt the experience, including issues with AI and collision detection.
  • The game is criticized for its lack of depth and meaningful content, making it feel unfinished and not worth the full price.
  • graphics72 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their beauty and artistic style, with many reviewers highlighting the stunning visuals and immersive atmosphere created by the combination of graphics and soundtrack. However, some players note that while the aesthetics are impressive, they do not compensate for gameplay shortcomings, glitches, and repetitive mechanics. Overall, the game's visuals are considered its strongest aspect, though they are often accompanied by critiques of the overall experience.

    • “The graphics... the soundtrack... together, they really bring you into a new level of immersion.”
    • “It's an excellent combination of modern 3D lighting and effects over a wonderfully drawn and realized pixel art style.”
    • “The visuals are stunning, the music and sounds along with the visuals create a beautiful atmosphere.”
    • “The overall feel of the game doesn't really fit the aesthetic they were going for in my opinion.”
    • “Other than the graphics, there isn't much else here to make it an enjoyable experience.”
    • “Once you get past the pretty visuals in the back, you quickly realize that there isn't very much to this game.”
  • story69 mentions

    The game's story is generally perceived as simplistic and lacking depth, with many players noting that it serves more as a backdrop to the gameplay rather than a central focus. While some appreciate the atmospheric and mythical elements, others criticize the repetitive quests and minimal narrative progression, leading to a sense of disconnection from the plot. Overall, the story is described as enjoyable but underdeveloped, leaving players wanting more substance and direction.

    • “It looks amazing, has amazing sprite work, and for what story there is, it still keeps you captivated.”
    • “The story is simple but neat.”
    • “I highly recommend this game; the story is fun, the graphics make me feel warm and fuzzy inside, and even the music is relaxing and enjoyable.”
    • “The storyline isn't really all there and none of what is doesn't actually seem to have a reason for being.”
    • “They've sold it on having some sort of profound spiritual content in the story, but the story barely exists.”
    • “There is such a lack of direction and purpose to the 'story' that I can't even justify telling anyone to play it.”
  • gameplay64 mentions

    The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it repetitive and lacking clear objectives, leading to a sense of aimlessness. While some appreciate the beautiful visuals and relaxing atmosphere, others criticize the simplistic mechanics and frustrating bugs that hinder the experience. Overall, the game offers a blend of platforming and survival elements, but many feel it falls short in depth and engagement.

    • “The gameplay is a simple platformer and runner mixed with an odd type of open world and survival elements that come together as a lovely little relaxing adventure without getting bored just roaming aimlessly.”
    • “A minimalistic runner/platformer, this game actually manages to put a decent amount of challenge into a small package, and rewards you for perseverance in mastering its mix of survival and puzzle mechanics with progressively better items, skills, and powers.”
    • “Between the breathtaking graphics, satisfying gameplay, fun little puzzles, more than comfortable controls, and the absorbing music; I have come to the conclusion that this epic platformer simply has too much to offer to just pass by.”
    • “The gameplay loop feels boring, repetitive, and without purpose: no map, no 'real' objectives, it incentivizes the player to have babies as a respawn whose AI dies 2 seconds after birth.”
    • “There's very little instruction, most of the environments are samey so it's easy to get lost, and the mechanics are simple and repetitive.”
    • “The core gameplay is rather repetitive and predictable after a short time, and whilst the puzzles break it up a bit towards the end, there's simply not enough there to break up the monotony.”
  • music51 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its relaxing and atmospheric qualities, enhancing the overall immersive experience alongside the beautiful graphics. While many players find the soundtrack to be enjoyable and fitting for the game's aesthetic, some note that it can become repetitive and occasionally buggy. Overall, the combination of soothing music and appealing visuals creates a calming environment, making it a great choice for players seeking a tranquil gaming experience.

    • “The soundtrack completes the experience as you embark on an epic journey.”
    • “The soundtrack and environments are pleasantly relaxing, making it a game best enjoyed at your own pace.”
    • “The visuals are stunning, the music and sounds along with the visuals create a beautiful atmosphere.”
    • “Also the sound/music seemed buggy as hell.”
    • “Visually it gets repetitive quickly, the gameplay is boring and uninteresting and the music is pretty but doesn't play all that often.”
    • “This is not 1998, it is not acceptable to force-feed users your music with your game.”
  • stability25 mentions

    The game's stability is widely criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and unfinished mechanics that significantly hinder gameplay. While the visuals and atmosphere are praised, the frequent technical issues, such as getting stuck in areas and problematic puzzles, detract from the overall experience, leading many to feel the game is incomplete and in need of urgent patches. Overall, the consensus is that despite its potential, the game suffers from severe stability problems that make it frustrating to play.

    • “Overall, the game is just buggy and feels incomplete.”
    • “I wanted to play through the entire game to give it a fair judgment, but unfortunately it's quite buggy; I ended up getting stuck in an area that was too high to double jump out of, and dying and respawning there over and over again due to the game's hunger mechanic.”
    • “The game has several puzzles, most of which are extremely finicky - such as requiring you to hit a rock in a very specific place or it won't break and you have no indication, you just have to keep doing it until you hit the right spot - or outright buggy - such as a lightning puzzle where you must get rid of all that stands on a couple of light pillars, except the puzzle may or may not be solved when you do it right.”
  • atmosphere11 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its stunning visuals and immersive music, creating a captivating experience that enhances gameplay. Many players appreciate the beautiful sceneries and the dynamic day-night cycle, which contribute to a lively environment. However, some reviewers note that while the atmosphere is impressive, it is somewhat undermined by repetitive gameplay and unclear objectives.

    • “The sceneries are simply beautiful and the day-night cycle gives the world a nice atmosphere and makes it that much more alive.”
    • “With the gorgeous 2D scenery to soak in and atmospheric music, The Deer God was a wonderful success for me; I found it to be a blast to play.”
    • “The visuals are stunning, and the music and sounds, along with the visuals, create a beautiful atmosphere.”
    • “The game's atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to truly engage players.”
    • “Despite its beautiful visuals, the atmosphere fails to create a sense of tension or immersion.”
    • “The world feels empty and lifeless, making it hard to get lost in the experience.”
  • replayability3 mentions

    The game's replayability is generally viewed as low, with players expressing frustration over persistent bugs that hinder their ability to fully experience all features. While some find it replayable, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment due to these technical issues.

    • “Replayable”
    • “Honestly, the replayability factor for me is summed up in 'has this bug been fixed already?' and it's frustrating to try and get all features of the game when you keep encountering the same problems keeping you from achieving completion.”
    • “It doesn't have much replay value.”
    • “Honestly, the replayability factor for me is summed up in 'has this bug been fixed already?' It's frustrating to try and get all features of the game when you keep encountering the same problems that prevent you from achieving completion.”
  • optimization3 mentions

    The game currently suffers from optimization issues, with players noting sensitivity problems in the controls and various glitches that need addressing. While there is potential for improvement, users are eager for enhancements and additional features to elevate the overall experience.

    • “I believe it has great potential, but I'd like to see it optimized. I hope the controls in the inventory/power screen become a little less sensitive, and that more features are added while the glitches are mostly ironed out.”
    • “The game ends and starts from the beginning after death, but you can compare the performance of growth or the distance to justify your progress.”
    • “The game is not optimized.”
    • “After dying, the game restarts from the beginning, but you can compare your performance growth or distance traveled to justify your progress.”
  • grinding2 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating, particularly due to the limited combat capabilities of the deer character, which can lead to repetitive gameplay.

    • “The combat can get tedious after a while; I wouldn't expect to do much fighting as a deer in the first place.”
    • “It's so tedious it makes you want to scream.”
  • character development1 mentions

    While the character designs are praised for their pixelated aesthetic and the game features impressive lighting effects that enhance the atmosphere, there is little mention of depth or growth in character development. Overall, the focus seems to be more on visual appeal than on evolving character arcs.

  • emotional1 mentions

    Players express a strong emotional connection to the portrayal of deer in the game, highlighting feelings of empathy and attachment that enhance their overall experience. This emotional engagement adds depth to the gameplay, making interactions with these creatures particularly impactful.

    • “I felt a deep emotional connection to the story, especially during the moments involving the deer.”
    • “The game beautifully captures the emotional bond between the characters and the wildlife, particularly the deer.”
    • “Every encounter with the deer left me feeling a mix of joy and sadness, showcasing the game's emotional depth.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

48% average critic score

Buy The Deer God

Play time

7hMedian play time
6hAverage play time
5-8hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games