They Always Run

The gameplay of the game is visually appealing and features creative mechanics, but it suffers from clunky controls and a lack of polish, leading to frustrating experiences, especially during combat and platforming sections. While some players appreciate the engaging combat and unique elements like the third arm mechanic, others find the gameplay repetitive and the difficulty spikes overwhelming. Overall, the game offers a mix of enjoyable moments and significant design flaws that detract from the overall experience.

The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning art style, fluid animations, and vibrant aesthetics, often compared to classic 2D titles. Players appreciate the unique visual design that enhances the overall atmosphere and storytelling, making it a standout feature of the game. However, some critiques mention that while the visuals are impressive, they are occasionally marred by gameplay issues and control difficulties.

The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many praising its strong soundtrack that enhances the overall tonal identity and atmosphere. Composed by deallry, the soundtrack features a mix of nostalgic and emotional tracks, with standout moments that resonate deeply with players. However, some critiques mention that certain pieces feel out of place or lack dynamics, suggesting room for improvement in the overall sound design.

The game's atmosphere is widely praised, characterized by beautiful visuals, a captivating soundtrack, and a cohesive style that enhances the overall experience. Many players feel that the atmosphere is the game's strongest aspect, often overshadowing minor gameplay issues and clunky controls. Overall, it successfully immerses players in a unique and engaging universe, reminiscent of a true space bounty hunter adventure.

The game suffers from significant stability issues, including frequent bugs and glitches that disrupt gameplay, such as falling through floors, animation errors, and problematic boss fights. While some players noted moments of polish and enjoyable mechanics, the overall experience is marred by jankiness, collision problems, and a lack of thorough testing, leading to frustrating moments that detract from the fun. Despite its potential, many reviewers express disappointment in the game's stability, indicating a need for substantial patches and improvements.

The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by a beautifully crafted story that builds to a poignant conclusion, though some players found the ending to be abrupt and anti-climactic. While the music and art design enhance the emotional experience, there are criticisms regarding the intensity of the soundtrack during key moments and gameplay mechanics that detract from immersion. Overall, the game evokes strong feelings, with some players expressing deep emotional responses, including tears, despite some frustrations with the narrative delivery.

Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be largely tedious and repetitive, with combat described as clunky and uninspired. Boss battles, particularly the Mueller fight, are criticized for lacking challenge and excitement, contributing to an overall sense of monotony. Long levels and a weak narrative further exacerbate the feeling of grind, making the experience feel more like a chore than engaging gameplay.

The humor in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players finding the dialogue and writing to be genuinely funny and entertaining, while others describe it as cringeworthy and eye-rolling. Despite the divided opinions, many agree that there are standout moments of humor that enhance the overall experience, complemented by strong visuals and engaging gameplay.

The game's optimization is a mixed bag; while some players report solid performance with a stable 60fps, others experience significant issues such as hitching, stuttering, and janky movement, particularly in later areas. There are calls for improvements in both general optimization and specific gameplay mechanics, indicating that while the game has potential, it currently falls short in performance consistency.

Overall, the game has been criticized for its lack of replayability, with many players noting that once the single-player campaign is completed, there is little incentive to return. Reviewers suggest that incorporating more player choices and agency could have significantly enhanced the game's replay value. Despite being reasonably priced and offering around 10 hours of gameplay to achieve 100%, the consensus is that the game falls short in encouraging multiple playthroughs.

Character development is noted for its appealing design and charming atmosphere, with backgrounds and character designs described as artistically engaging. However, some players feel that the overall gameplay experience is hindered by its hardcore difficulty, which may detract from fully appreciating the characters.

The monetization strategy of the game has been widely criticized, with users expressing that it feels exploitative and primarily focused on generating revenue rather than enhancing the player experience.