The Dot
- November 14, 2023
- Viktor Dunets
Get on Steam"The Dot" is a collection of unconventional mini-games that takes players through a series of bizarre and humorous experiences. The game features a catastrophically thicc pigeon, numerous folders, and gameplay that extends beyond the game window. With its unique and unexpected elements, "The Dot" encourages players to embrace the unexpected and enjoy the ride.
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and engaging meta-narrative that encourages players to reflect on their own lives and choices.
- The humor and emotional depth of the game resonate well with players, providing moments of genuine connection and laughter.
- The exploration of folders and subgames creates an intriguing experience that some players find enjoyable and thought-provoking.
- Many players feel disappointed by the lack of substantial gameplay and find the navigation through folders tedious and frustrating.
- The game is criticized for its unclear marketing and false advertising, leading to unmet expectations regarding content and gameplay.
- Some players report physical discomfort due to the repetitive clicking mechanics and the inability to save progress, making the experience less enjoyable.
- story11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The game's story unfolds through a series of text notes and files that detail the protagonist Viktor's estrangement from Egan, but many players find it overly stretched and lacking depth, often feeling bored by the repetitive gameplay. While some appreciate the emotional resonance and relatability of the narrative, others criticize it for being too fragmented and not engaging enough to justify the game's price. Overall, the storytelling is seen as a mixed bag, with potential for connection but hampered by its delivery.
“Over the course of diving into an ever-deepening chain of directories, Viktor paints a story through text notes of the circumstances that led Viktor to drift apart from Egan.”
“Came for the pigeons, stayed for the amazing story and emotions.”
“The story and emotional aspect of the game is very nice and is personally somewhat relatable.”
“This story, which can be boiled down to a quick paragraph without losing any nuance that I am aware of, is stretched out and interspersed among a seemingly endless delve pit of folders.”
“Wad, it's not worth 15 dollars; if anything, it's worth 1 or 2. Do not buy this game if you are looking for actual gameplay, and even story-wise it's not that interesting. I got bored halfway through hoping something cool would happen, but no, it's just the same gameplay loop and it gets boring and repetitive.”
“See many dead projects and notes of a game developer, and piece together a story that won't make sense the first time through.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The gameplay is criticized for being repetitive and lacking depth, leading to boredom for players. While there are some appealing assets and art, the overall experience does not justify the price, with many reviewers suggesting it offers little in terms of engaging gameplay or story.
“Wad, it's not worth 15 dollars; if anything, it's worth 1 or 2. Do not buy this game if you are looking for actual gameplay, and even story-wise it's not that interesting. I got bored halfway through hoping something cool would happen, but no, it's just the same gameplay loop and it gets boring and repetitive.”
“Now, I unfortunately have not played a lick of TBG (I will definitely get around to it at some point), but from the very limited gameplay I happened across years and years ago, I can tell you with confidence that this game is not TBG and Viktor Dunets is most definitely not Davey Wreden.”
“There is some very cool potential in here, mostly in assets/art and a little bit of gameplay.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is consistently praised for being funny and well-executed, often blending emotional messages with moments of confusion that enhance the experience. Many players found themselves laughing out loud at unexpected moments, though some suggested that the overall execution could be improved for a broader audience. The writing and narration received particular acclaim for their effectiveness in delivering comedic elements.
“A great balance of humor and emotional messages along with a sprinkle of confusion that keeps you going; the writing and narration were executed excellently.”
“The humor is really good and caught me off guard, where I burst out laughing tons of times.”
“On a good note, I'll say it was pretty funny throughout; the games and features that were entertaining really stood out.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is praised for its excellent balance of humor and heartfelt messages, creating a relatable and inviting experience. Reviewers highlight the effective writing and narration, which contribute to a wholesome and engaging story.
“A great balance of humor and emotional messages along with a sprinkle of confusion that keeps you going; the writing and narration were executed excellently.”
“The story and emotional aspect of the game is very nice and is personally somewhat relatable.”
“Inviting, wholesome, emotional, birb.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with some users appreciating the humor and entertainment value, while others feel that the execution could be improved to be more accessible and better aligned with the game's advertising.
“The monetization system feels overly aggressive, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending extra money.”
“I found the in-game purchases to be frustratingly necessary to progress, which really detracts from the overall experience.”
“It's disappointing that the game prioritizes profit over player enjoyment, with constant prompts to buy more content.”
