The Eminence in Shadow: Master of Garden

The gameplay of "Eminence in Shadow: Master of Garden" has been widely criticized for its lack of depth and engagement, primarily relying on automated combat and repetitive mechanics that resemble idle games. While some players appreciate the casual nature and fan service, many find the gameplay to be uninspired and heavily reliant on gacha elements, leading to a grindy experience with minimal strategic challenge. Overall, it is deemed unsuitable for those seeking meaningful gameplay, as it prioritizes character collection over interactive combat.

Players have mixed feelings about grinding in the game; while some appreciate the rewarding progression and reduced grinding through auto-play features, many find the early-game farming tedious and the reliance on pay-to-win mechanics frustrating. The necessity of grinding for character upgrades and resources can lead to significant time investment, with some players feeling that their efforts can be easily undone. Overall, the grinding experience varies widely, with some players enjoying the challenge while others feel it detracts from the overall enjoyment.

The monetization in the game is heavily criticized, with frequent ads and a strong emphasis on in-game purchases that create a "cash grab" feel. While players can progress without spending money, those who pay have a distinct advantage, and the tutorial is laden with forced prompts that detract from the experience. Overall, the monetization strategy is seen as intrusive and detrimental to the enjoyment of the game.

The graphics of the game are generally praised for their appealing art style, slick visuals, and engaging animations, particularly during 3D cutscenes. However, there are notable issues, such as a lack of optimization for PC hardware, with performance capped at 30 fps despite a 60 fps option, and a reliance on anime clips that detracts from the overall experience. While fans appreciate the aesthetic and character designs, the inconsistent graphical quality and performance issues suggest room for improvement.

The game's optimization is generally well-received, particularly on PC where it runs smoothly after a lengthy download, though some users report issues with the 60 fps option not functioning correctly. While the performance is better than on mobile, with fewer bugs and frame drops, the game is best experienced with a mouse for enhanced usability, as keyboard controls are deemed ineffective. Overall, it is optimized for the Steam Deck and includes exclusive mobile features, but there are still areas needing improvement.

The music in the game is generally well-received but criticized for being repetitive, with players unable to turn it off during downloads. Additionally, the randomization of character background tracks limits the ability to enjoy a wider variety of music, leading to frequent exposure to the same songs.

Players appreciate the emotional depth provided by character interactions in the lobby, enhancing the overall experience. However, some find the storyline lacking, describing it as ridiculous and boring, which detracts from the emotional engagement.

Reviewers praise the character development for its fantastic and detailed designs, which enhance the overall experience. While the combat is noted as simple yet strategic, the emphasis on character aesthetics adds depth to the game's appeal.

The humor in the game is highlighted by its quirky situations, such as the irony of a Windows-exclusive game functioning better on Linux. Players find the storyline engaging and the characters visually appealing, with specific moments, like the "amnesia event," being particularly amusing. Overall, the game successfully blends humor with its narrative and aesthetics.