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The Source

85%Game Brain Score
story, music
gameplay
100% User Score Based on 36 reviews

Platforms

Mac OSMac OSPCPCWindowsWindowsLinuxLinux
Buy Nowfrom $4.99
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About

"The Source" is a sci-fi visual novel following heroes Joe and Eva on their journey to Source City, experiencing action, love, and tragedy as they visit alternate Earth's historical locations. The game offers 17 chapters of original story, full English voice acting, original character art, and a steam achievements. Despite its engaging storyline, it's important to note that there are no choices or minigames to make in this game. Original soundtrack included. 'You can play with no hands' as described by the game.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
The Source screenshot
The Source screenshot
The Source screenshot
The Source screenshot
The Source screenshot
The Source screenshot

100%
Audience ScoreBased on 36 reviews
story32 positive mentions
gameplay3 negative mentions
  • The story features an engaging and thought-provoking narrative with unexpected twists, particularly in the second half.
  • The game is fully voiced with decent voice acting, enhancing the immersive experience of the visual novel.
  • The art style is unique and refreshing, with hand-drawn character sprites that stand out despite some background blurriness.
  • The pacing in the second half of the story feels rushed, leading to a lack of closure and satisfaction for some players.
  • There are instances of voice lines being cut off abruptly, which can detract from the overall experience.
  • The non-traditional naming conventions for characters can be confusing and may hinder immersion in the story.
  • story
    104 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story is a linear, immersive experience that unfolds through well-voiced narration, allowing players to follow the lives of key characters without any agency to alter the narrative. While the first half is described as standard and slow-paced, the second half introduces unexpected twists and deeper revelations, though some find it rushed and unsatisfying. Overall, the engaging plot and character development, combined with high-quality voice acting, make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre, despite its lack of interactivity.

    • “The ending to the story will probably be unexpected to most readers, and respect to the writer for coming up with something that creates the possibility of reasoned explanation for everything that has gone on before: even the seemingly arbitrary decisions made by some of the historical characters we get to witness take on a more believable aspect once everything is clarified.”
    • “I really enjoyed the twists and turns of the story.”
    • “If you enjoy a good story that'll keep you guessing what'll happen next, breaks preconceived notions and ideas, and don't mind the lack of choices, then it's worth taking a look.”
    • “The player reads on as an outsider following the unfolding events of a couple of story characters, with no agency to alter the narrative.”
    • “The story starts off slow and then picks up pace and rushes through the second part; while it takes an interesting flip to showcase the other side’s perspective, it is too rushed.”
    • “And considering this is the epitome of a visual novel (in this case with voice acting) and not really a game since you're just watching a story unfold like in a movie or show or when you read a book, I wouldn't even call this a game.”
  • music
    18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received positive feedback, with many players noting that it complements the narrative and enhances the overall experience. The soundtrack is described as haunting and beautiful, fitting well with the game's setting, while the voice acting is also highlighted as a strong aspect. Overall, players appreciate the quality of the music, considering it a delightful addition to the game.

    • “A visual experience set to a haunting and beautiful soundtrack.”
    • “From what I've played so far, the narrative is interesting and the soundtrack is a banger!”
    • “I didn't give a huge amount of attention to the supporting music as the voicing took precedence (which tends to happen when it is present in full), but what I did notice sounded pretty good and in line with events taking place.”
    • “The soundtrack is another delight to the ears and fits the setting of the game very well.”
    • “I do not dislike this game because it has its moments and the voice acting and music are very well done.”
  • graphics
    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics in the game are generally well-received, with users appreciating the cohesive color palette and aesthetically pleasing art style. However, some backdrops are noted to have good detail that players feel is underutilized, limiting their enjoyment. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the game's engaging narrative and audio support.

    • “I think that this is a good idea when the palette for both lead and support graphics is the same as it prevents color merging between them – but many of these backdrops appear to have some good detail in them and we are denied the chance to enjoy them fully in their own right.”
    • “Considering that there is complete vocal support from start to finish, user-friendly controls, good graphics, and a story competent enough to remain engaging through to completion; my final verdict is that at the quoted full price, this story represents fair, if not exceptional, value; and is unlikely to leave fans of the genre feeling short-changed.”
    • “In regards to the art, I found it aesthetically pleasing.”
    • “I think that this is a good idea when the palette for both lead and support graphics is the same as it prevents color merging between them – but, many of these backdrops appear to have some good detail in them and we are denied the chance to enjoy them fully in their own right.”
  • gameplay
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is described as kinetic, meaning players progress through the story without any choices, simply moving from beginning to end. Achievements are automatically unlocked upon completing each chapter, reinforcing the linear nature of the experience.

    • “As for the gameplay, no choices are presented, so you just play through the story from beginning to end.”
    • “From a gameplay point, this novel is kinetic, so there are no choices to make.”
    • “With regards to gameplay, all of the achievements unlocked for me as I finished up each chapter.”

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