The Test: Final Revelation
- October 12, 2020
- Randumb Studios
- 5h median play time
"The Test: Final Revelation" is a thought-provoking puzzle adventure game where players uncover the truth through a series of challenging tests. With mind-bending puzzles and a gripping narrative, players delve into the depths of their own morality while navigating a mysterious facility. As the final installment of "The Test" series, this game promises to deliver a profound and satisfying conclusion.
Reviews
- The game provides a deeply introspective experience that encourages self-reflection and personal growth.
- Many players found the messages at the end of the game to be heartfelt and impactful, often leading to emotional responses.
- The addition of visual elements and varied question types in the final installment enhanced the overall experience.
- Some players felt the game was overly long and repetitive, with certain questions lacking depth or relevance.
- There were complaints about technical issues, such as the game freezing during play, which disrupted the experience.
- A few players found the ending messages to be overly sentimental or preachy, detracting from the overall impact of the game.
- emotional978 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of this game series has resonated deeply with players, often leading to tears and profound self-reflection. Many users describe their experiences as an emotional rollercoaster, with heartfelt messages at the end that provide comfort and validation, making them feel seen and understood. The combination of thought-provoking questions and uplifting conclusions has left a lasting impact, helping players navigate their own emotional struggles and fostering a sense of connection and hope.
“At some parts I would get emotional, put down my glasses and just cry.”
“The ending genuinely made me cry; I can't believe I didn't watch this series with a closer eye because I didn't know the second and third games of this trilogy had been released until four years later.”
“And I'm gonna be honest... I cried because I felt less alone in my suffering even if it was for 5 minutes; I finally knew what it felt like to have someone who truly understands me and cares about me.”
- story196 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 83 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The game's story has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its emotional depth and character development, particularly in the context of a trilogy that builds upon previous narratives. Some found the storytelling compelling and engaging, while others criticized it for lacking a substantial plot or coherence. Overall, players are intrigued by the potential for future storylines, especially with the upcoming title "Chasing Demons," which promises to expand on the themes and choices established in this installment.
“Destiny really filled in the story, and the meaning behind the whole project is wonderful!”
“I am astonished by this trilogy, and the story is extremely captivating!”
“This whole story line was beautiful.”
“▢ this game has no story”
“Maybe if I hadn't paid for the game, or the entirety of the funds went to charity, or if you didn't spend so long pumping up an upcoming game whilst having basically no lore or true story to base it on I wouldn't feel as dirty about it.”
“I get it, you want to make a game that is leading itself into (what I'm assuming) an actual RPG that will have all sorts of story and whatnot, but it doesn't take away from the fact that I was quite literally bored to tears towards the end.”
- humor122 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game series is described as a mix of bizarre, dark, and wholesome elements, often catching players off guard with unexpected jokes and scenarios. While earlier titles featured more lighthearted humor, the latest installment leans towards a more serious tone, with some players feeling it lacks the comedic charm of its predecessors. Overall, the trilogy is praised for its ability to balance humor with deeper, thought-provoking questions, creating a unique and engaging experience.
“This trilogy made me laugh, and had me in tears.”
“I cannot express how surreal it was to see the passion in this, making the questions quite a fascinating experience as I thought about things I haven't thought about before and having humor in the questions/dialogue that would catch you off guard and make you laugh.”
“From the creepy horror, the funny humor, and the beautiful heartfelt message at the end of each test; this was something I really needed.”
- music80 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant improvements from earlier versions, particularly in enhancing emotional engagement. While some found the soundtrack to be atmospheric and fitting for the game's themes, others felt it could be overwhelming or distracting, impacting their overall experience. Overall, the music is praised for its ability to evoke strong feelings, though opinions vary on its appropriateness and effectiveness in relation to gameplay.
“The music, the artwork, the journey, wow.”
“The music was great, the artwork was perfectly suited to the themes, and the answers and ending still left me feeling a good discomfort.”
“From unique secret words (chaos, deserving, and solace), the music gets you in tune with your emotions, and if you can face your flaws, it will help you be your best self.”
“It was a personality test with annoying music.”
“The background music felt a bit unnecessary, but I understand what the developers were going for.”
“Asking the player what emotions they're feeling from a picture while simultaneously influencing their emotions with a music selection is the kind of mistake that's going to warp a player's experience.”
- graphics68 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received mixed reviews, with some players noting a lack of significant improvement from previous installments, describing them as "copy-pasted" and technically unimpressive. However, many appreciate the unique art style, particularly the introduction of colorful, Rorschach-like visuals and the overall aesthetic that complements the game's themes. While some technical issues, such as freezing, were reported, the artwork and atmosphere were generally praised for their creativity and emotional impact.
“The final game in the test trilogy introduces colorful Rorschach test-like visuals that are basically fractal art; an interesting change of pace from previous games where the questions are all text-based.”
“The art style is amazing and the atmosphere is captivating!”
“The artwork has also improved significantly from the first game, and now it's very nice to look at.”
“Quality: the graphics appear to be nearly copy-pasted from test 2, but with a different anime portrait speaker.”
“I've tried playing this game on two separate occasions; the first time the game's visuals completely froze about halfway through the experience, and the second time the game completely froze.”
“Secondly, the picture phase of the questions is really boring. I get the idea, but you have to have some striking imagery to pull this off. It looks like a bunch of stock fractal Windows 98 screensavers that I feel absolutely nothing towards.”
- atmosphere64 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game trilogy is widely praised for its exquisite blend of eerie and heartwarming elements, drawing players in with captivating visuals, thought-provoking writing, and a haunting soundtrack. Reviewers noted that the atmosphere effectively evokes a range of emotions, from introspection to nostalgia, while maintaining a psychological depth that enhances the overall experience. Many found the combination of creepy visuals and uplifting messages to be a unique and memorable aspect of the gameplay.
“The questions were super thought-provoking, the results were scarily accurate, and the atmosphere was somehow unnerving yet reassuring all at the same time.”
“The atmosphere was great, the simplicity of it is great, the thought that went into these games is insane and I will never forget this.”
“I enjoyed the heartwarming message and the eerie atmosphere.”
“Literally from the moment I hit start, the atmosphere drew me in so completely I was just sitting crying for 3-5 minutes listening to the first audio sequences because they were that soul-wrenching for me.”
“Such a joyous message for such a grim atmosphere.”
- gameplay58 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay primarily revolves around answering questions, which some players find engaging while others criticize it for lacking depth and mechanics. Although the game introduces new elements like picture interactions, many reviewers feel it remains simplistic and could benefit from more polish and a save system. Overall, while the experience can evoke strong emotions and provoke thought, the gameplay mechanics are seen as repetitive and limited.
“Getting to look at pictures was a very interesting and fun mechanic that I really enjoyed in this game compared to the first two (which were also amazing).”
“I found this final installation from a gameplay point of view kept me engaged with new question formats, with some interesting subplot to think about.”
“The previous two games were really good, but I wasn't expecting something like this. I swear some of the questions made me laugh a lot and others almost made me cry; the entire gameplay may be only answering questions, but it accomplishes something incredibly hard: to balance the deep, the frightening, the uncomfortable, the edgy, and even the stupid to make something that feels human, and I think that's what makes the test series so great.”
“The only part of the gameplay was the screenshot images where we name things.”
“Gameplay is the same 3/10 it's always been; give it a 4 when you're asked something interesting with an answer you would actually choose as an option and knock it back down to a three when you misclick any button on your mouse or keyboard and answer a question by mistake.”
“If you really intend to make a full game out of this experiment, the gameplay and game design is absolutely going to get in the way of that message if these three games are an indication of the quality it's being created with.”
- monetization20 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized for heavily relying on self-promotion and advertising for future projects, often overshadowing the actual gameplay experience. Players feel that the developers prioritize personal advertising and pseudo-charitable messaging over genuine content, leading to a perception of the game as a cheap promotional tool rather than a standalone experience. Overall, the excessive focus on marketing detracts from the enjoyment and authenticity of the game.
“Apart from that, the rest of the content is just the developers patting themselves on the back for 'providing unity' and 'saving lives'. Much of the rest is just advertisements for their other games and absurd 'thank you' messages for playing the games (seriously, expect many minutes of thanking), and the 'main' content is just tedious.”
“Really, this game felt cheap and rushed in the main, to conclude - as many were expecting anyway - with a pyramid scheme-like advertisement for another game they are developing with content input from the users who cared enough about the other games to comment as instructed... all of this so they can pay into the pyramid scheme.”
“The real kicker is the entire series is also just an advertisement for another game.”
- grinding18 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 11 % neutral mentions
- 89 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has been widely criticized, with many players finding it tedious and overly extensive compared to previous entries in the series. While some appreciate the developers' intentions behind the grind, viewing it as part of a larger social experiment, the overwhelming sentiment is that it detracts from the overall experience, making it feel more like a chore than an engaging gameplay element.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Apart from that, the rest of the content is just the developers patting themselves on the back for 'providing unity' and 'saving lives'. Much of the rest is just advertisements for their other games and absurd 'thank you' messages for playing the games (seriously, expect many minutes of thanking), and the 'main' content is just tedious.”
“I was hoping that grinding through the first two games was worth it for some reason, but it turns out, this one is the exact same thing plus...rhyming?”
- character development16 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight a strong appreciation for the character designs, describing them as beautiful and fun, with a distinct atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. While the character development is noted to be promising, some players felt that the story's progression became oddly specific towards the end, slightly detracting from their engagement. Overall, the character design and artistic elements are celebrated as standout features of the games.
“Game wise, the character designs are promising, the atmosphere is distinct, and the story seems nothing short of thrilling.”
“I was enthralled by the premise and intrigued by the framing with its excellent character design, solid pixel art, and the hint of story.”
“I think I like this character design best so far, and was really enjoying it.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The optimization aspect received mixed feedback, with some users reporting no performance issues, indicating that the game runs smoothly and meets their needs, particularly in stressful situations. However, the overall graphics quality and user interface were rated poorly, suggesting that while performance may be stable, visual elements could be lacking.
“Graphics (quality/UI/performance) – 2/10”
“Performance: no issues.”
“It was exactly what I needed to feel better while I was in tech week for a stressful performance (I'm an actor).”
- stability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users report significant stability issues, noting frequent freezes and crashes that result in lost progress upon rebooting. This has been a common complaint, indicating a need for improvements in the game's stability.
“Only complaint is that it freezes and crashes, and when you reboot it, your progress is gone.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate a mixed perception of replayability, with some users feeling that the game lacks substantial replay value and questioning the pricing, while others argue that the series offers significant replayability despite the concerns. Overall, the consensus suggests that while there are enjoyable elements to revisit, the value proposition may not justify the cost for all players.
“For that reason, I do think these games have incredible replay value.”
“It's weird to charge for this, though it feels a bit like a scam since there's not much actual replay value, especially considering there are only three titles in this series and a multitude of other games.”
“The lack of replayability really diminishes the overall experience; once you've played through it, there's little incentive to return.”
“After completing the game, I found that there was no real reason to play it again, which is disappointing for a title that seemed promising.”