The Wonderful End of the World
- July 17, 2008
- Dejobaan Games, LLC
- 6h median play time
Get on Steam"The Wonderful End of the World" is a quirky action-adventure game where players control a fez-wearing cartographer. Your mission is to save the earth's citizens as the world comes to an end, by transforming them into constellations using a magical pencil. Along the way, solve puzzles, overcome obstacles, and enjoy a unique narrative filled with humor and charm.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game captures the fun and addictive gameplay of Katamari, allowing players to absorb objects and grow larger.
- The colorful graphics and quirky soundtrack create a charming atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.
- It's a great casual game that can be enjoyed in short bursts, making it perfect for quick gaming sessions.
- The game is quite short, with only a few levels, leading to limited replayability once completed.
- There are issues with collision detection, causing frustration when trying to absorb certain objects.
- The controls can feel clunky and less responsive compared to the original Katamari games.
- music80 mentions
- 61 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with many players praising its catchy and upbeat nature, often comparing it favorably to the iconic soundtracks of the Katamari series. However, some reviews note that the quality and variety of the music can be inconsistent, with certain tracks feeling repetitive or not fitting the game's atmosphere. Overall, while the soundtrack enhances the game's charm and replayability, it may not reach the same heights as its inspirations.
“The music is amazing; I'd almost say it's worth buying the soundtrack.”
“The music and atmosphere in this game is so fun; I drop back in from time to time and play some levels.”
“Wonderful music, wonderful colorful levels, and classic katamari gameplay.”
“The audio in the game is quite repetitive, and with no option to turn off the title screen music, nor the sound effects, this can be quite irritating.”
“The music ranges from kind of terrible to 'I guess this is alright' but it very rarely seems to fit the motif of the stage you're in and most of the stage music seems to be loops that you end up hearing several times over through the course of your stuff absorbing.”
“The graphics are amateur and inconsistent, the music is annoying and the voiceover stuff blows.”
- gameplay75 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay is heavily inspired by "Katamari Damacy," featuring a simple collect-and-grow mechanic that is both enjoyable and frustrating at times. While it captures the essence of the original, many reviews note that it lacks the depth, creativity, and polish of its predecessor, resulting in a shorter and more straightforward experience. Overall, the game is seen as a fun, albeit shallow, homage to the classic, with some technical issues and outdated graphics.
“The gameplay is smooth and bug-free.”
“Charming aesthetic, solid gameplay, replayability, and some nice music.”
“The core gameplay loop of Katamari is there, and it's a solid foundation; the overall funkiness, soundtrack, and level design are quite good.”
“The core gameplay loop of Katamari is there, and it's a solid foundation, but it's a very stripped down, simplified, feature-poor shell of that.”
“The gameplay is almost strictly worse than Katamari, and there is almost no humor in comparison, and far smaller levels.”
“Outdated graphics, outdated gameplay, outdated mechanics, short game, too easy.”
- graphics51 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely criticized for being outdated and rudimentary, often likened to titles from the early 2000s or even the 64-bit era, with many reviewers noting poor animations, glitches, and a lack of polish. Despite these shortcomings, some players appreciate the charming, simplistic art style and the unique aesthetic changes across levels, which contribute to the overall fun of the gameplay. Overall, while the visuals may not impress, they do not significantly detract from the enjoyment of the game for those who prioritize gameplay over graphics.
“I also liked how the art style changes as you go to different levels.”
“The graphics while I am not crazy about fit the style quite well, for its cartoony element.”
“The graphics are basic but do the job well.”
“Terribly dated graphics combined with a neat item collection mechanic that is surprisingly fun and annoying all at the same time.”
“The graphics are ugly, the sound effects are annoying, and it's lacking any of the charm of the series it takes its inspiration from.”
“Outdated graphics, outdated gameplay, outdated mechanics, short game, too easy.”
- story24 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally considered weak and minimal, with many players noting that it lacks depth and engagement, often feeling more like an afterthought. While some appreciate the simple premise of a girl collecting items before the world ends, others find the storytelling threadbare and uninspired, reminiscent of classic indie FPS titles. Despite this, a few players have found emotional resonance in the implicit narrative, suggesting that there may be more to uncover for those willing to dig deeper.
“Drawing inspiration from such classic tales as 'The Art of War' and 'Yoga for Middle-Aged Women', this story inspires the player to continue valiantly toward their goal of rescuing the people of this fair town using the most reliable method available to her - a marionette with the ability to consume and protect everything from a small toffee delight to a blimp the size of your head (if your head were to be approximately the size of three Empire State Buildings).”
“Overall, the story ends on a melancholy note, with the intense visual signs of the end of the world (including little fires, a red sky, and the intense concentration of apes, orangutans, and other simians) which inspires the player to save what can be saved before the impending, undefined apocalypse.”
“A small number of well-tuned and imaginative levels, a handful of punishing but rewarding achievements, and an implicit story which actually brought me to tears by the end.”
“The storytelling is as threadbare as any indie FPS.”
“The store page has more storyline than the game.”
“Don't expect to be particularly challenged or sucked into a storyline by this game.”
- replayability22 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is considered limited, with most players noting that it can be completed in a short time and lacks significant incentives to replay after the initial experience. While there are different modes and opportunities for high score challenges, many feel that once the content is fully explored, there is little motivation to return. The charming aesthetics and fun atmosphere provide some enjoyment, but the repetitive nature and short length diminish long-term replay value.
“The game has some replayability as it offers other play styles and has a fun atmosphere.”
“From what I played, this is a fun time waster with some surprising challenge and replay value to it, nothing special but fun nonetheless.”
“I also found that despite the replayability, I still love going back to it years after buying it and playing it every few months.”
“It is very short (first time playing through the game took me just over an hour) and honestly, there's not a lot of replayability, but there are 3 different modes for each level to help with that.”
“The game is fairly short and there's almost zero replay value.”
“The music is very well done and as with most Dejobaan games, the overall design of the game is well put together, comical and tight, though there are issues that can be nitpicked. The controls are at times quite loose, it is not a very hard game or long either; you can beat the whole game in one sitting (in fact, there is an achievement for doing that) and though the levels are very well made with unique art designs, there is very little replay value.”
- humor16 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, reviews indicate that the humor in the game is significantly lacking compared to its predecessors, particularly the Katamari series, which is noted for its quirky charm and comedic elements. While some players appreciate the unique humor found in certain titles, many feel that the game fails to deliver the same level of wit and creativity, resulting in a less engaging experience. The contrast between the original's humor and the current offerings highlights a disappointment among fans seeking the same comedic flair.
“I'm really glad Dejobaan Games exists; their bizarre alt-history meta-narrative is hilarious and has talked me into buying a number of their products.”
“Wonderful soundtrack, great sense of humor, charming on pretty much every level.”
“A quick, fun game with an oddball sense of humor and Katamari-style gameplay.”
- stability10 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is frequently criticized, with users reporting numerous glitches, buggy controls, and poor collision detection that detract from the overall experience. While some players noted they encountered few issues, the general consensus highlights significant stability problems that hinder gameplay enjoyment.
“Clunky, buggy controls; poor collision detection; and none of the story, humor or charm of the original Katamari games.”
“Horrible controls, glitchy and buggy gameplay and a difficulty curve that is more like a random scribble on a cocktail napkin.”
“Buggy as crap and I hate it.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- -40 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by its fun and engaging vibe, enhanced by an original soundtrack that reflects a nostalgic 90s aesthetic. While it draws inspiration from Katamari, its unique charm and intentional graphics contribute to a distinctive experience that appeals to fans of quirky indie titles. Overall, players appreciate the game's replayability and the enjoyable ambiance it creates.
“The music and atmosphere in this game is so fun; I drop back in from time to time and play some levels, or maybe play through the whole game.”
“What we've got here is a short romp through a game that is a copy of Katamari, but is still good for what it offers. It also has a wonderful atmosphere and original soundtrack, which goes to show how much effort was put into it.”
“Overall, this game at its heart is a weird homage to Katamari and is definitely a game that is fitting for those fans, but its atmosphere features 90s style poor graphics (which are not degrading to the game and were intentional). While I can mention that you shouldn't expect this game to be a worldwide phenomenon or one that everyone tries, I can say it's a weird game, but a fun one.”
“The atmosphere feels disjointed and lacks the immersive quality that I was hoping for. It doesn't draw you in like other games do.”
“While the graphics are intentionally retro, the overall atmosphere feels outdated and doesn't resonate with modern gaming expectations.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its heartwarming narrative set in a small metropolis facing its final days, evoking strong emotional responses. However, some players felt confined by the gameplay, suggesting that it limited their overall emotional experience.
“A truly heartwarming tale about the life of a small metropolis in the last remaining days on Earth.”
“The game evokes a deep sense of nostalgia and longing, making every moment feel significant.”
“Each character's story is beautifully crafted, leaving a lasting emotional impact that resonates long after playing.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is generally straightforward, allowing players familiar with its mechanics to complete it in just over an hour, though an artificial performance grading system may hinder access to the final level temporarily.
“If you know the basic concepts of Katamari, it'll take you a little over an hour to beat, thanks to the artificial gameplay performance grading system that temporarily bars you from the final level.”
“The optimization in this game is impressive, allowing for a smooth experience even with complex mechanics.”
“I appreciate how the game encourages players to refine their strategies for better performance, making each playthrough feel rewarding.”
“If you know the basic concepts of Katamari, it'll take you a little over an hour to beat, with an artificial gameplay performance grading system that temporarily bars you from the final level.”
“The optimization in this game feels rushed, leading to frustrating performance issues that detract from the overall experience.”
“Despite its potential, the game suffers from poor optimization, resulting in lag and stuttering that make it hard to enjoy.”
