The Kite

About

The Kite is a small dramatic point-and-click adventure. The game highlights the problems of an unsuccessful family.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

78%

Audience ScoreBased on 239 reviews

story49 positive mentions

stability4 negative mentions

The game features a compelling and emotional story that addresses serious themes like domestic abuse and family struggles.
The art style is beautifully crafted, creating a dark and atmospheric experience that enhances the narrative.
As a free-to-play title, it offers a short yet engaging gameplay experience that is worth trying for fans of point-and-click adventures.

The puzzles can be overly convoluted and lack clear guidance, leading to frustration and reliance on walkthroughs.
The game is very short, with some players feeling that it ends abruptly and leaves the story feeling incomplete.
Initial language settings are in Russian, which can confuse players unfamiliar with the language and hinder the experience.

story
129 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
60%
2%
The story of the game is a poignant exploration of domestic issues, particularly focusing on themes of abuse and family struggles, conveyed through a short but impactful narrative. While the art style enhances the emotional weight, many players found the execution lacking, with some describing the plot as predictable or rushed. Overall, the game is recommended for those seeking a brief yet meaningful experience, despite its shortcomings in depth and character engagement.
- “The kite is a short point & click game that tells the sad story of a woman and her family issues, doing her best to protect her only child.”
- “The story is touching but I wouldn't recommend this.”
- “This game has a deep story, told in a short time but still very understandable - I don’t like it when game stories are incomplete or don’t make sense, so I was very happy with this one :) great work!”
- “The story is simplistic and doesn't have a satisfying ending, but I think that may be the point.”
- “The plot never takes flight and is always predictable.”
- “The story is sad and pretty alright.”
graphics
45 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
62%
31%
7%
The graphics of the game have received praise for their unique and beautiful art style, often described as hand-drawn and reminiscent of animated films, which effectively complements the game's dark themes. While some players noted inconsistencies and a simplistic aesthetic, the overall visuals are considered engaging and atmospheric, enhancing the storytelling experience. Despite the game's brevity, the combination of art and music has left a positive impression on many reviewers.
- “The art style is amazing, mostly monochromatic, with a very dark aesthetic.”
- “Well written story, amazing hand-drawn graphics, challenging puzzles, and programming all done by the same developer.”
- “The artwork is eerily beautiful, while the storyline is dark and very real.”
- “Art style was a bit messy and when I loaded the game my menu was in Russian, but overall it had an engaging storyline; it wasn't too short and it was fun to play.”
- “Graphics: 6/10 (for the style they were going for).”
- “Super short, items are not always apparent on the screen, much different art style than I prefer, story arc is very predictable and simplistic.”
gameplay
29 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
62%
17%
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it frustrating and confusing due to poor mechanics and unclear puzzles. While some appreciated the art style and story, the overall experience is often described as generic and short, with many resorting to guides to progress. Overall, the gameplay lacks polish and can be tedious, leaving players divided on its enjoyment.
- “While after my second playthrough I changed my mind a bit, the first gameplay left me both in awe and shock.”
- “The game is not a masterpiece but it still delivers good gameplay, and with an unexpected ending, it might leave you shocked and give you something to think about.”
- “Very good art style (though some people may find it odd), excellent story (rather dark one), and smooth gameplay.”
- “This does however sometimes interfere with the gameplay as the coloring makes it harder to spot items you need to progress.”
- “Frustrating puzzles and gameplay that don't make sense half the time; I used a guide for about half of it and kept thinking, 'How was I supposed to know that?'”
- “If you like forced depressing themes, being confused as to what goes where and what to do, and a disappointing 35 minutes of gameplay as a reward for 15 minutes of hunting for the next step, this is the game for you.”
music
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
25%
13%
The music in the game has received widespread praise for its beautiful and well-chosen compositions, often described as fitting perfectly with the game's atmosphere and themes. Many reviewers noted the effective use of classical music, which enhances the emotional depth of the story, while the overall soundtrack contributes significantly to the game's artistic appeal. Despite some comments on the music being basic or comical at times, it is generally regarded as a strong aspect that elevates the gaming experience.
- “Next to this, the sound effects and music also fit the theme and atmosphere of the game perfectly.”
- “The developer/s really created something more than just another game, for example the game's atmosphere and story and visuals/art really take you in, the music really blends in.”
- “Nice touching story with awesome classical music.”
- “Music is just basic classical music, but it actually goes well with the game.”
- “Though the art and music is well made, the puzzles are confusing and some events have no indication that they need to be done.”
- “The classical music adds to the scenery, although almost too much so.”
atmosphere
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
50%
15%
The game's atmosphere is consistently described as dark, murky, and emotionally charged, effectively immersing players in a bleak, eurocentric setting that complements its family drama narrative. The art style and sound design are praised for enhancing this atmosphere, although some players feel that certain language choices detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game is recognized for its strong atmospheric presence, which plays a crucial role in its storytelling.
- “Looking at the art style, I think it really suits the game's theme well, giving it a dark atmosphere overall.”
- “The developer/s really created something more than just another game; the game's atmosphere, story, and visuals/art really take you in, and the music blends in perfectly.”
- “With a murky atmosphere and about family drama.”
- “This indie point-and-click adventure immerses you in a depressing atmosphere.”
- “An adventure game that lives by its atmosphere (the story and settings and music), not so much by the puzzles.”
emotional
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised for its touching and powerful narrative, complemented by beautiful art and music that enhance the overall atmosphere. Many players describe it as a heart-wrenching experience, though some note that its brevity and certain gameplay elements can detract from the emotional impact. Overall, the game effectively conveys deep feelings, making it a memorable experience for those who appreciate emotional storytelling.
- “The story is so touching and the art style is amazing.”
- “Very powerful and emotional.”
- “The colour scheme conveys the emotional state of the main character throughout her story.”
stability
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
80%
The game's stability is marred by translation issues, vague mission guidance, and various glitches, which detract from its otherwise strong artistic and sound design. While not excessively buggy, players report challenges with environmental interactions and puzzle clarity, indicating a need for improved game mechanics and player convenience. Overall, the developers have potential but must address these stability concerns to enhance the gaming experience.
- “A real pity because a lot of good bits, like the art and sound, are spoiled by poor translation and buggy environment interactions and puzzles that only make sense to you after you solve them.”
- “Overall, I can see the dev making some really good games with a unique and creative artistic style; they just need to work on game mechanics, player conveniences, and keep an eye on glitches and errors.”
- “Buggy.”
grinding
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, often involving repetitive back-and-forth movement to collect items for seemingly pointless tasks.
- “It involves very tedious running back and forth, collecting items to do nonsensical tasks with.”
- “The grinding feels endless and repetitive, making the game more of a chore than an enjoyable experience.”
- “I spent hours doing the same tasks over and over, which completely drained my enthusiasm for the game.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The game's replayability is generally considered low, with a rating of 2.5 out of 10, indicating that players find limited incentive to revisit the experience after completing it.
- “The replay value is disappointingly low, sitting at just 2.5 out of 10.”
- “Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to go back and play it again.”
- “The lack of meaningful choices and consequences makes replaying feel tedious and uninteresting.”
humor
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The humor in the game is highlighted by the replay of a scene where a character humorously interacts with a "dead" body, adding a darkly comedic twist to the narrative. This blend of absurdity and situational comedy contributes to the game's overall lighthearted tone.
- “If you go back to the rooftop, the scene where Mary kills Oliver will replay. It's funny because the body of 'dead' Oliver is on the floor too.”
- “The game's humor is spot-on, with clever dialogue and hilarious situations that keep you laughing throughout.”
- “I love how the characters have such witty banter; it adds a lighthearted touch to the intense moments.”