The Master
- January 27, 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, allowing players to reflect while climbing the stairs.
- Players can leave messages for others, adding an interactive and humorous element to the game.
- Despite its simplicity, some players found it thought-provoking and appreciated the atmosphere.
- The game is extremely short, lasting only about 10-20 minutes, which many players felt was not worth their time.
- Graphics are low quality, with a distracting film grain effect that detracts from the experience.
- The gameplay is repetitive and lacks depth, with most of the experience revolving around climbing stairs with little else to do.
- graphics10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received largely negative feedback, with many users describing them as low quality, minimalistic, and marred by a distracting grainy effect. While some secret areas offer slightly better visuals, the overall aesthetic is considered unappealing and lacks depth, contributing to a generally uninspiring 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.”
“It's a walking simulator with very low quality graphics and a weird grainy effect on top.”
“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.”
- 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. When you reach the top, 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 occasional Chinese gong effects, adding a unique auditory element to the experience.”
“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 minimal effort and intriguing elements; while some players find it lacking and reminiscent of a cash grab, others appreciate its unique and captivating visual and sound design. Overall, opinions are divided, with some highlighting its singular atmosphere despite its brevity.
“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 elements.
“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 and lackluster gameplay it had to offer.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is enhanced by player-generated signs, which contribute to its interactivity. However, some players feel that the humor falls flat, with one reviewer expressing disappointment and suggesting it wasn't worth even a minimal purchase 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 of the game receives mixed feedback; while some users find it boring and lacking depth, others appreciate the moral conveyed, suggesting that it offers a meaningful message despite its simplistic presentation.
“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.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users highlight the emotional aspect of the game as deeply impactful, often prompting heartfelt and encouraging responses that inspire resilience and motivation in others.
“I chose to respond with something heartfelt and encouraging, in hopes that someone else would see it and be inspired to keep going.”
