The Ring of Truth
- July 20, 2019
- Useless Machines
Get on Steam"The Ring of Truth" is a narrative-driven walking simulator, set in an abandoned factory where you uncover the truth about your father's past. By examining objects and listening to old recordings, you'll piece together his separate life and why he never contacted you. The main gameplay element involves ordering recordings chronologically to understand the full story. Features include a short story, collectibles, and an ordering puzzle, with a focus on exploration and discovery. Please note that the game does not include voice acting or advanced movement mechanics.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a well-crafted atmosphere of an abandoned factory, which enhances the exploration experience.
- The soundtrack is calming and well-composed, contributing positively to the overall ambiance.
- The story, while simple, resonates with players who have experienced similar themes of family and absence.
- The gameplay can become tedious due to the difficulty in finding hidden objects and recordings, leading to potential boredom.
- The story's twist is poorly executed, creating plot holes that undermine the narrative and player investment.
- The game suffers from technical issues, such as slow movement and a confusing jump mechanic, which detract from the overall experience.
- story16 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The story is generally perceived as mediocre and somewhat bare-bones, with players noting that while it unfolds through the collection of recordings, it can feel tedious and lacks depth. Some found the narrative relatable and touching, particularly in its exploration of familial themes, but many criticized a significant plot twist that undermines the protagonist's motivations. Overall, the story is seen as adequate for a short game, with a mix of engaging elements and frustrating inconsistencies.
“Honestly, coming from a broken home, the story actually rings true to my own childhood with the exception of my father having been a workaholic.”
“First of all, the story comes together really well and it is well written.”
“There is one positive thing about the game and that is the story, which you piece together right at the end and it's interesting and touching.”
“While the story unfolds 'decently' well as you find the recordings and piece it together, the story to me was a little bare-bones and the 'plot twist' at the end introduced a pretty big plot hole that kind of nullifies your entire reason for being there.”
“Unfortunately, the story just isn't interesting or relatable, and the end makes no sense in that there's absolutely no reason for you to be there in the first place because, as we learn, your father did not like you and would not have sent you a letter.”
“The story is mediocre but absolutely fine for such a short game; I didn't expect much more depth.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Overall, the graphics of the game received mixed reviews; while some players appreciated the atmospheric visuals and found them suitable for an indie title, others criticized them as poor, particularly noting issues with text readability and character movement.
“Otherwise, decent graphics, interesting enough place to explore, good music.”
“The graphics and music are not bad as well.”
“The graphics are really poor; the font is tiny, so you almost need a magnifying glass to read the text. The character speed is slow, and there is no run option. If there was, the game would probably last about 20-30 minutes tops.”
“Other reviewers have made complaints about the visuals, but honestly, for an indie game, I was quite pleased with it. They did a pretty good job setting up the atmosphere of an abandoned remote train factory.”
- music4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game has been praised for its calming and lovely soundtrack, composed by Alexander Hoff and Dylan Owen, though one track has drawn comparisons to the Daredevil show's intro. Overall, the music contributes positively to the gaming experience, complementing the decent graphics and exploration elements.
“The soundtrack is pretty nice and calming; good work by Alexander Hoff and Dylan Owen.”
“Otherwise, decent graphics, interesting enough place to explore, good music.”
“As a plus, the music is lovely.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by amusing moments, such as the character's unexpected loss of jumping ability, which adds a lighthearted touch. Additionally, players find humor in the soundtrack, particularly in its playful resemblance to the Daredevil show's intro music.
“After that, the character magically loses the ability to jump (although it's not really needed), which is funny.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by slow movement and clunky mechanics, which some players find off-putting, while the game does provide transparency about its mechanics in the description. Additionally, the absence of voice acting contributes to the overall janky experience.
“They are at least open about the game's mechanics in the game's description.”
“Slow movement, janky gameplay, and no voice acting?”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is generally well-received, with many players appreciating the effective portrayal of an abandoned remote train factory, despite some criticisms of the visuals. Overall, the indie game's setting successfully contributes to an immersive experience.
“Other reviewers have made complaints about the visuals, but honestly, for an indie game, I was quite pleased with it. They did a pretty good job setting up the atmosphere of an abandoned remote train factory.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its emotionally engaging story, which culminates in a touching and interesting conclusion that players piece together by the end.
“The story is incredibly moving, and the way it all comes together at the end is both interesting and touching.”
“The emotional depth of the characters really resonated with me, making the experience unforgettable.”
“I was genuinely moved by the narrative; it left a lasting impact and made me reflect on my own experiences.”
