The Greater Good
- October 23, 2018
- Sam Enright
- 9h median play time
In "The Greater Good" , machines threaten the world while magic is fading. Join a team of misfits on a quest to discover a forgotten past and save the future. This cinematic RPG offers a fast-paced battle system, handcrafted world, original soundtrack, and secrets to uncover, providing fun for both newcomers and veterans of the genre.
Reviews
- The game features a fantastic soundtrack that enhances the overall experience and sets the mood effectively.
- It offers a charming art style and engaging characters, making it a delightful experience for fans of traditional RPGs.
- The gameplay is straightforward and enjoyable, with a good balance of humor and a solid story that keeps players invested.
- The pacing can be slow, with lengthy animations and dialogue that may frustrate players looking for a more fast-paced experience.
- There are issues with visibility in darker areas, making navigation challenging at times.
- The combat system can feel repetitive, lacking the depth and strategy that some players may desire.
- music64 mentions
- 72 % positive mentions
- 23 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its fantastic quality, unique style, and ability to enhance the overall atmosphere and gameplay experience. The soundtrack is described as sensational, bumping, and well-suited to various scenes, contributing significantly to the game's charm and enjoyment. While some noted minor issues with specific tracks during battles, the overwhelming consensus is that the music is a standout feature, making it a must-have for fans of RPGs.
“The art style is fantastic, the music is sensational, and it is exactly what I have been looking for in a very traditional RPG.”
“The best part is the soundtrack which nicely accompanies different scenery and combat encounters.”
“A brilliant game with an outstanding soundtrack that I really enjoyed.”
“The (non-boss) battle music quickly got on my nerves.”
“I would say that the only thing lacking would be victory music/sound effect.”
“Especially in an intense battle, there is some 'calming' type music that repeats.”
- story39 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The story of the game is generally well-received, featuring lovable characters and engaging narratives that blend humor and charm, though some players noted it can feel generic or contrived at times. Many appreciated the pacing and depth of the storyline, despite some critiques regarding the initial exposition and character focus. Overall, it is described as a solid, entertaining experience that effectively combines storytelling with gameplay.
“Fantastic story, entertaining and challenging game.”
“I really liked the greater good, it had an amazing story and I really like how the side scroller aspect didn't take away from the immersion.”
“Challenging and beautiful with a genuinely engaging story.”
“The storyline and gameplay sometimes lagged behind in terms of quality, but the greater good did very well considering that it is an indie game created by a single person.”
“The story was promising at first, but after just an hour into the game I got tired of the bleak 'modern' dialogue.”
“Cantankerous story with slow to play action and cinematics.”
- graphics38 mentions
- 68 % positive mentions
- 24 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a unique and charming art style that resonates well with players, despite some models being simplistic. While polygonal graphics may initially seem cheap, they are well-executed and enhance the overall aesthetic, complemented by a fantastic soundtrack. Some minor issues, like jittering effects, were noted, but the visuals are generally praised for their creativity and distinctiveness.
“The graphics are top notch, and the characters really stand out, I think.”
“An amazing game with a stunning art style and clever use of its 3D graphics.”
“Artwork is amazing with each area looking distinct and interesting.”
“I don't know if the jittering water-splash graphics bug happened because I was in windowed mode all game or not, because I remember the scene being fine the first time I saw it.”
“This is a mobile ported retro 2D platformer/RPG hybrid using papercutout/low poly graphics.”
“Graphics are almost like South Park, which is fine, but the animation is a bit stiff.”
- gameplay19 mentions
- 53 % positive mentions
- 32 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally well-received, featuring a mix of turn-based combat with unique mechanics and a light-hearted, humorous tone. While some players find it enjoyable and engaging, others note that it can become repetitive and may not appeal to those seeking a gameplay-centric experience. Overall, it combines solid mechanics with a charming storyline and characters, making it a fun, albeit sometimes uneven, indie title.
“Fantastic graphical design, fun gameplay (with a good difficulty curve throughout requiring no level grinding) and an entertaining story with well written dialogue - I really can't recommend this game enough.”
“As for gameplay, it mixes minor 2D platforming with an interesting turn-based combat system that allows characters to have an 'affinity' that enables them to use themed spells and abilities along with a party-wide 'skill meter', a resource that can be spent on much more powerful spells and is gained by using basic attacks on your opponent or using other skills. This allows for some powerful combos and pretty good theorycrafting.”
“Good writing, simple but good gameplay, unique art style, and charismatic characters.”
“But something about the gameplay loop didn't grip me.”
“My conclusion: it's a great game but don't buy it if you're looking for a gameplay-centered experience or lack patience.”
“It looked like a nice game, but it uses the ATB system, and I just can't stomach that type of gameplay.”
- humor11 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its humor, featuring a blend of funny and interesting storytelling, charming characters, and moments of fourth wall breaking. Players appreciate the balance of lightheartedness with serious themes, complemented by a fantastic soundtrack and engaging gameplay. Overall, the humor contributes significantly to the game's enjoyable and relaxing experience.
“Great soundtrack, funny and interesting plot, gameplay is basically Final Fantasy, solid game length that doesn't overstay its welcome.”
“The story is told well, with a reasonable portion of humor.”
“It has a unique art style and charming characters that have enough humor to make you laugh but serious enough to remind you of the task ahead.”
- grinding7 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 86 % negative mentions
Overall, players appreciate that the game minimizes grinding, allowing for a smooth progression with a well-balanced difficulty curve. Many reviewers highlight that the gameplay is engaging and quick-paced, enabling completion in around 10 hours without the need for tedious grinding, which enhances the overall enjoyment of the experience.
“It combines a stunning soundtrack and smooth Final Fantasy VII gameplay that is not grindy at all.”
“Warning, difficulty spike ahead! - after you're beyond the point of no return and can't stock up on healing items or do any grinding to level up.”
“You can finish the game in about 10 hours and that's the perfect time for this type of game; endless grinding to extend game time turns me off.”
“Progresses very quickly for an RPG of its type, with a minimum of grinding.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is considered solid, with minor technical issues reported but no significant performance loss. The art style and minimal effects contribute to its accessibility, suggesting that most computers should handle it well. A brightness slider is available, though it does not affect performance.
“With some minor technical issues and no performance loss, I say it's well worth the price!”
“This is largely negated by the art style and minimal effects. I don't see many computers having trouble with this. Yes, there is a brightness slider, but it won't impact performance.”
“The optimization is lacking, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.”
“Despite the game's potential, the performance issues make it hard to enjoy.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, stability in the game is generally solid, but some users have reported occasional graphical glitches, such as jittering water edges and visual artifacts, particularly in specific scenes.
“This wasn't really a problem for the most part, until I came across this scene with Lumos where the edges of the water jittered with this white speckling hardcore. I'm pretty sure it was supposed to be waves coming in and out originally that went buggy.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game offers replayability through a new game+ mode, allowing players to revisit the experience with added challenges and features.
“The game features a New Game+ mode, which adds significant replay value.”
“With multiple endings and choices that affect the story, replayability is a key highlight.”
“The variety of character builds and strategies encourages players to experience the game multiple times.”
“The game has a New Game+ mode, but it doesn't add enough to make me want to replay it.”
“Once you finish the game, there's little incentive to go back; the story doesn't change much.”
“The lack of meaningful choices means that replaying the game feels more like a chore than an enjoyable experience.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, with standout music that enhances the nostalgic experience, effectively blending traditional RPG elements with modern quality of life improvements.
“Enright has really outdone himself; his outstanding music creates the atmosphere for this nostalgic masterpiece. It's the traditional RPG style blended with much-needed quality of life features that older games sorely lack.”