Vanity Fair: The Pursuit
- February 19, 2024
- MuYan Studio
"Game of Fame and Fortune," also known as "Vanity Fair: The Pursuit," is a real-life interactive narrative game that follows a fledgling young director's journey in the entertainment industry. Set between 2004 and 2024, players must navigate difficult "choices" and decide whether to prioritize their own success or help others. With a focus on life's "means" and "survival in the entertainment industry," players will be faced with moral dilemmas in this fictional world.
Reviews
- The game features some of the best acting in any FMV game, with a compelling and emotional narrative that keeps players engaged.
- It offers a rich story with multiple endings and choices that significantly impact the outcome, providing a sense of depth and replayability.
- High production values, including FHD videos and a well-crafted soundtrack, enhance the overall experience, making it feel like a cinematic journey.
- The English subtitles can be inaccurate or poorly timed, which may detract from the experience for non-native speakers.
- There is a significant amount of trial and error required to navigate the story optimally, leading to a more linear feel rather than an open-ended exploration.
- Some technical issues, such as interface bugs and problems launching the game, can disrupt gameplay and frustrate players.
- story104 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The game's story is highly praised for its depth and complexity, featuring a rich narrative that spans from 2004 to 2024, centered around the life of Lu Yuan, an aspiring film director. Players appreciate the multitude of choices that lead to various endings, enhancing the interactive experience, while the romance elements and plot twists add further intrigue. Overall, the storytelling is described as compelling and immersive, with strong character development and a well-matched soundtrack that elevates the emotional impact.
“This Chinese FMV is one of the best I've played in this genre; the story, acting, and even the soundtracks are outstanding.”
“If you want an emotionally charged story that subverts your expectations and takes you on a ride, buy this game.”
“A story that immerses you fully where your choices matter to such a big extent that I have not seen in any FMV to date.”
“My only complaint, and this is kind of a running theme in this style of game, is that there is tons of trial and error to try and play the optimal path to continue the story without ending it.”
“The game has too many things to explore aside from the story itself, and when you get any bad ending, a hint will be dropped to avoid it in the future by changing something in the past.”
“Unlike most other interactive storytelling games where you can make your perfect story, the only perfect story you can make for this game is in the prologue only.”
- music12 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in this Chinese FMV is highly praised for its immersive quality and exceptional composition, effectively enhancing the storytelling and emotional depth of the game. Reviewers highlight the soundtracks as top-notch, seamlessly aligning with the themes and events, contributing to an overall outstanding experience.
“This Chinese FMV is one of the best I've played in this genre; the story, acting, and even the soundtracks are outstanding.”
“The soundtrack is top-notch and matches so well with the themes and events in the story.”
“The music is immersive, gorgeous actresses, well-told story.”
- emotional8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game delivers a powerful emotional experience, featuring a range of endings that can be both joyous and heartbreaking. Players appreciate the well-balanced storytelling and character development, likening it to a compelling film, while the romance is tastefully integrated. Overall, it is highly recommended for those seeking an emotionally charged narrative that defies expectations.
“Some of the ways this game can end are joyous, and others truly heartbreaking.”
“The game is too addictive not to finish, and the ending made me very emotional (the good ending).”
“If you want an emotionally charged story that subverts your expectations and takes you on a ride, buy this game.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Vanity Fair" adheres closely to established FMV genre conventions, offering a familiar experience without any significant innovations or surprises. While there are minor issues present, they do not detract from the overall gameplay experience.
“They have a few issues here and there but nothing that will confuse you or take away from the gameplay experience.”
“If you're familiar with the FMV genre and the mechanics of 'Love is All Around', then 'Vanity Fair' doesn't do anything innovative or subvert your expectations.”
“If you're familiar with the FMV genre and the mechanics of 'Love is All Around', then 'Vanity Fair' doesn't do anything innovative.”
“They have a few issues here and there, but nothing that will confuse you or take away from the gameplay experience.”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The character development of the main character is consistently praised as being strong and satisfying, indicating a well-executed progression throughout the game.
“The character development of the main character is quite good and satisfying.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find that while completing each chapter in the game is relatively quick, achieving hidden or secret endings can become a tedious grind.
“Although 100% completion in each chapter is shorter compared to other FMVs, obtaining the hidden or secret endings can be tedious.”
- humor2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by the male lead's varied reactions to different situations, balancing between being funny and cool, which adds an engaging dynamic to the character.
“I love how the male lead reacts in different situations; it's a perfect blend of funny and cool.”
“The humor in this game is spot on, making even the most serious moments light-hearted.”
“The witty dialogue and hilarious character interactions kept me laughing throughout the game.”