The Master
- January 26, 2018
- Concrete Games
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"The Master" is a unique first-person game that tasks you with climbing an endless staircase to reach the top. With a minimalist design, the game features hidden secrets and online features where players can place and view others' panels. A warning is issued for those who may find the game boring, but a finished playthrough can help in rating and understanding "The Master" better.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and calming experience, perfect for clearing your mind.
- Players can leave and read humorous signs from others, adding an interactive element.
- Despite its simplicity, the game has a charming atmosphere and can be entertaining for a short while.
- The graphics are poor, with a distracting film grain effect that detracts from the experience.
- Gameplay is extremely short, lasting only about 10-20 minutes with little to no narrative or depth.
- Many players feel the game lacks purpose and seems like a rushed project with minimal effort put into it.
- graphics9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received largely negative feedback, with many users describing them as minimalistic, outdated, and at times an eyesore due to a distracting film grain effect. While some secret areas offer improved visuals, the overall consensus is that the graphics are underwhelming and detract from the gaming experience.
“But if you care to stray off the path, there are several secret areas with more nice visuals.”
“The launcher didn't seem to respect my graphics settings, but that's okay because it was better fullscreen anyway.”
“I probably would enjoy the aesthetic if it wasn't for that film grain effect.”
“Really boring, bad graphics and no story.”
“Graphics are an eyesore, there is this weird, old, film haze.”
“Graphics are minimalistic (if not ugly and the grain effect only makes things worse) and the same goes for the game's soundtrack which consists of the occasional Chinese gong effects only.”
- music5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game's music is minimalistic, primarily featuring occasional Chinese gong effects and ambient sounds like wind, which change in intensity as players ascend the stairs. While the sound design effectively enhances the atmosphere, it lacks a substantial soundtrack, resulting in a solitary auditory experience that some may find underwhelming.
“As you walk up the stairs, the noises you hear change, from quite silent to roaring winds to echoing music until you reach the top where the music stops echoing and becomes closer as you open a door and talk to 'the master'.”
“No major soundtrack accompanies your solitary journey up a massive set of stairs except for the wind and echoing gongs.”
“The game's soundtrack consists of the occasional Chinese gong effects only.”
“Game's soundtrack consists of the occasional Chinese gong effects only.”
“Graphics are minimalistic (if not ugly and the grain effect only makes things worse) and the same goes for the game's soundtrack which consists of the occasional Chinese gong effects only.”
“No major soundtrack to accompany your solitary journey up a massive set of stairs except for the wind and echoing gongs.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is described as a mix of intriguing and unique elements, particularly in its visuals and sound, though some users feel it lacks depth and effort, suggesting a more minimalistic approach. Overall, while it has potential, opinions vary on its execution and impact.
“The master is a curious game that offers an astonishing and singular atmosphere.”
“Extremely short game with an interesting visual and sound atmosphere.”
“I guess it has some atmosphere, but all in all, it just felt like the bare minimum effort scraped together to earn money on Steam.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Gameplay experiences are mixed, with some users encountering crashes shortly after starting, while others appreciate the brief but engaging gameplay.
“I bought this game out of pure curiosity, and I was thrilled by the short but neat gameplay it had to offer.”
“It crashes after 2 minutes of gameplay.”
“I bought this game for pure curiosity, but I was disappointed by the short gameplay experience.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the humor in the signs left by others, which enhance interactivity and comedic elements in the game. However, some users feel that the humor is lacking or not engaging enough to justify a purchase, even at a low price.
“The signs left by players add an extra layer of humor and interactivity.”
- story2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The story aspect received mixed feedback, with some users finding it boring and lacking depth, while others appreciated the moral message conveyed, especially considering the low price point.
“For $0.99, the moral of this seemingly storyless journey is probably one of the best ones I've seen.”
“The story is really boring and lacks depth.”
“The graphics are bad and the narrative is non-existent.”
“There is no engaging story to keep players interested.”
