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The Shape of Time

90%Game Brain Score
graphics, music
gameplay, optimization
90% User Score Based on 79 reviews

Platforms

PCWindows
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About

This virtual exhibition has one goal: In half an hour, it will drastically alter your understanding of what time is.

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The Shape of Time screenshot
The Shape of Time screenshot
The Shape of Time screenshot
The Shape of Time screenshot
The Shape of Time screenshot
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90%
Audience ScoreBased on 79 reviews
graphics6 positive mentions
gameplay3 negative mentions
  • The Shape of Time offers a unique and visually stunning experience that effectively conceptualizes the abstract idea of time through art.
  • The exhibition is beautifully rendered, providing a calming and immersive environment that captivates viewers and encourages reflection.
  • As a free experience, it is a worthwhile 20-30 minute exploration that introduces interesting concepts and artistic interpretations of time.
  • The experience lacks interactivity and gameplay elements, making it feel more like a passive art exhibit rather than a game.
  • Some users reported performance issues, including lag and crashes, particularly on lower-end computers.
  • The exhibition focuses heavily on a single concept without exploring alternative interpretations or providing a broader context, which may leave some viewers wanting more depth.
  • graphics
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics in the game are generally praised for their quality and appeal, showcasing impressive visuals powered by Unreal Engine 4. However, while the visuals are a highlight, some reviewers feel that the gameplay does not match the high graphical standards, and there are concerns about the game's performance demands and limited graphics options. Overall, the graphics are a strong point, but they are not enough to elevate the overall experience without equally compelling gameplay.

    • “The graphics in this game are really quite good, which at least makes the game look more appealing.”
    • “Excellent visuals and a really interesting concept executed marvelously.”
    • “A short exhibit with stellar visuals and interesting concept.”
    • “It's a shame because computer graphics can show things like density and adjust speed of time and rotate through dimensions, but that wasn't played with at all!”
    • “I wish there were more graphics options available as the game is quite demanding considering how small the area is set in.”
  • gameplay
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is criticized for lacking traditional mechanics, focusing instead on exploration and interaction with artistic elements, which some players find unsatisfactory. While the visuals are praised, the overall gameplay experience is deemed mediocre or non-existent, failing to meet the expectations of engaging gameplay.

    • “Games made by artists usually look great but have mediocre or non-existent gameplay, and it's normal.”
    • “Traditional standards of gameplay can't apply here, as you wander around and interact with the presented art, watch videos and images, and at the end even get to be inside the art.”
    • “Well, no gameplay.”
  • music
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is generally appreciated for its pleasantness and fitting sounds, enhancing the overall experience, particularly in relation to the game's beautiful visuals and interactive elements. However, some users found the music to be forgettable and noted issues with its smoothness during playback.

    • “The music was very nice as well.”
    • “The building is gorgeous, the rewinding music was fun, the museum reacting to you was a nice touch, and the interior design is lovely.”
    • “The music didn't always play smoothly, but other than that it was a beautiful experience.”
    • “The music is forgettable; if there even is much, the sounds are fitting.”
    • “The music didn't always play smoothly, but other than that, it was a beautiful experience.”
  • optimization
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization is notably poor, leading to performance issues that detract from the experience. However, despite these shortcomings, some players still find enjoyment in the game.

    • “It's free, so if the description above has piqued your interest, you might as well take a stroll through this poorly optimized Unity game's museum.”
    • “Aside from bad performance, I still managed to enjoy the game.”
  • emotional
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional impact of the game is generally perceived as minimal, with some users noting it lacks significant emotional depth. However, it may still appeal to those who appreciate experiential gameplay over traditional gaming narratives.

  • atmosphere
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere is characterized as serene and enjoyable, making the exhibition a delightful experience to explore.

    • “The atmosphere was serene, and the exhibition was fun to explore.”
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