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The Wonderful End of the World Game Cover

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The Wonderful End of the World is a single player casual action adventure game. It was developed by Dejobaan Games, LLC and was released on July 17, 2008. It received mostly positive reviews from both critics and players.

"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.

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78%
Audience ScoreBased on 575 reviews
gameplay35 positive mentions
story5 negative mentions

  • Fun and simple gameplay reminiscent of Katamari, making it enjoyable for casual play.
  • Colorful and quirky art style with a catchy soundtrack that adds to the overall charm.
  • Offers a unique twist on the collect-and-grow mechanic, providing a light-hearted experience.
  • Extremely short, with the game being completed in just a couple of hours, leading to limited replay value.
  • Lacks the polish and charm of the Katamari series, with some levels feeling empty and poorly designed.
  • Controls can be clunky, with issues related to collision detection and getting stuck on objects.
  • gameplay
    105 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is heavily inspired by the Katamari Damacy series, featuring a simple and enjoyable mechanic of collecting objects to grow larger, which many players find relaxing and fun. While the game offers a variety of levels and modes, it suffers from outdated graphics and some technical issues, leading to a perception of it being a lesser version of its inspiration. Overall, it provides a charming and quirky experience, though it may feel shallow compared to more polished titles in the genre.

    • “I'm also fond of how they ensured that each level had a different feel to it, both gameplay-wise and in its scenery, not really hitting any points of repetition, as even the stages with similar types of scenery would be structured in a way to feel very different.”
    • “The gameplay is solid, and the controls are so good that I keep thinking I'm playing console Katamari and slowing myself down thinking that The Wonderful End of the World has the same limitations.”
    • “The unique mechanic of absorbing objects leads to fun running about and seeing more and more of the world unfold before you.”
    • “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.”
    • “Horrible controls, glitchy and buggy gameplay and a difficulty curve that is more like a random scribble on a cocktail napkin.”
  • music
    104 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is generally praised for its catchy and upbeat nature, often compared to the iconic soundtracks of the Katamari series, though some tracks are considered less memorable or fitting for the gameplay. While many players appreciate the fun and quirky atmosphere created by the soundtrack, there are mixed opinions regarding its overall quality, with some finding it repetitive or lacking polish. Overall, the music is seen as a significant aspect of the game, enhancing the experience despite some criticisms.

    • “The music is amazing; I'd almost say it's worth buying the soundtrack.”
    • “The soundtrack is amazing, and the visuals are hilarious.”
    • “The music is fun and catchy; the graphics are decent, but I care far more about gameplay than photorealistic visuals.”
    • “The stages leave much to be desired; the music and sound effects (with the exception of the main menu theme) are bland and boring. It's incredibly short, and overall the game just seems very unpolished.”
    • “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.”
    • “It's enjoyable to play once through, to take pleasure in the soundtrack and the game, but don't expect too much out of it.”
  • graphics
    69 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are generally described as outdated and rudimentary, reminiscent of early 2000s indie titles or even late 90s console games, with many reviewers noting poor animations, glitches, and a lack of polish. Despite these shortcomings, some players appreciate the charming, simplistic art style and find it fitting for the game's quirky gameplay, while others feel the visuals detract from the overall experience. Overall, the graphics are seen as a mixed bag, with a nostalgic appeal for some and a significant drawback for others.

    • “Charming aesthetic, solid gameplay, replayability, and some nice music.”
    • “The graphics are appropriate for the setting, although a few levels break the style and use random different art styles for better and for worse.”
    • “The fun and simple gameplay and the entertaining visuals make for a relaxing game.”
    • “Terribly dated graphics combined with a neat item collection mechanic that is surprisingly fun and annoying all at the same time.”
    • “But if you're a graphics nut, this will likely offend your eyes and cause your ocular nerves great distress and you should probably go elsewhere.”
    • “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.”
  • story
    31 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story is generally considered weak and simplistic, with many reviewers noting that it lacks depth and cohesion, often feeling more like an afterthought than a central element. While some appreciate the quirky premise of a girl collecting items before an impending apocalypse, the overall narrative fails to engage players, leading to a consensus that the game is more about gameplay mechanics than storytelling. Despite its shortcomings, a few players found emotional resonance in the implicit themes, suggesting that there is potential for a deeper narrative if one looks beyond the surface.

    • “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.”
    • “Doesn't really have a story, but you also don't play this style of game for a story.”
    • “The storytelling is as threadbare as any indie FPS.”
    • “The store page has more storyline than the game.”
  • replayability
    23 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's replayability is generally considered limited, with most players noting its short length and lack of substantial content to revisit after the initial playthrough. While there are multiple modes and the potential for high score challenges, many feel that once the game is completed, there isn't much incentive to return. However, some players appreciate the charming aesthetic and occasional fun challenges that can provide a bit of replay value.

    • “The game has some replayability as it offers other play styles and has a fun atmosphere.”
    • “There's definitely some replayability as well, which is great.”
    • “On the other hand, I found it quite difficult reaching the A+ grade for each level, requiring me to figure out my own strategy for each level and giving it replayability.”
    • “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.”
    • “It's repetitive and unchallenging, with no real replay value to speak of.”
  • humor
    20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is largely criticized for lacking the charm and wit of its predecessors, with many reviewers noting a significant drop in comedic elements and character. While some appreciate the quirky visuals and funny music, the overall consensus is that the game fails to deliver the engaging and humorous experience that fans expect, often feeling barren and uninspired. However, a few players do find enjoyment in its oddball humor and creative narrative, suggesting that there are moments of fun amidst the shortcomings.

    • “The soundtrack is amazing, and the visuals are hilarious.”
    • “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.”
    • “You can barely call it a game as it more resembles some totally random map made of boredom in one evening in some editor.”
    • “The humor falls flat and feels forced, making the experience more cringeworthy than entertaining.”
    • “I expected witty dialogue, but instead, I got a series of tired clichés that left me rolling my eyes.”
  • stability
    11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    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 fewer issues, the general consensus highlights a frustrating level of instability that hampers 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.”
    • “So many bugs and glitches but I couldn't stop playing.”
  • atmosphere
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's atmosphere is described as fun and engaging, enhanced by a unique original soundtrack that reflects the effort put into its design. While it draws inspiration from Katamari, its intentionally retro graphics and quirky charm create a distinctive experience that appeals to fans of the genre. Overall, the atmosphere contributes significantly to its replayability and enjoyment, making it a memorable indie title.

    • “The game has some replayability as it offers different play styles and has a fun atmosphere.”
    • “The music and atmosphere in this game is so enjoyable; I drop back in from time to time to 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 it still delivers a wonderful atmosphere and an original soundtrack, showcasing the effort 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, with 90s style poor graphics (which are not degrading to the game and were intentional), is what sets it apart from other games. 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.”
  • grinding
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and lacking in quality, leading to a frustrating experience.

    • “The grinding feels tedious and lacks quality.”
    • “It's a mind-numbing experience that drags on for far too long.”
    • “The repetitive nature of grinding makes it feel like a chore rather than fun.”
  • emotional
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    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 the experience lacked depth and lasting impact.

    • “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.”
  • optimization
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    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 smooth gameplay and quick loading times that enhance the overall experience.”
    • “I appreciate how the game balances performance and visuals, ensuring that even on lower-end systems, the gameplay remains fluid and enjoyable.”
    • “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.”
    • “I encountered numerous bugs and glitches that made the gameplay experience less enjoyable, highlighting a lack of proper optimization.”
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80%Critics’ scoreBased on 1 critic reviews
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5h Median play time
6h Average play time
5-8h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 5 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

The Wonderful End of the World is a casual action adventure game.

The Wonderful End of the World is available on PC and Windows.

On average players spend around 6 hours playing The Wonderful End of the World.

The Wonderful End of the World was released on July 17, 2008.

The Wonderful End of the World was developed by Dejobaan Games, LLC.

The Wonderful End of the World has received mostly positive reviews from both players and critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its story.

The Wonderful End of the World is a single player game.

Similar games include Donut County, Flower, BEEP, Polarity, PixelJunk Eden and others.