Walkerman
- May 22, 2017
- ScalemaiL
- 4h median play time
Get on Steam"Walkerman" is a single-player, erotic adventure visual novel that offers around 4 hours of playtime. As a "walkerman," you hunt supernatural creatures in the city of Midgard by uncovering and using their unique rules against them. Most of the game is spent investigating creatures through visual novel-style gameplay, with careful attention to detail and item usage determining success.
Reviews
- The game features a unique premise rooted in Scandinavian folklore, offering an intriguing story and well-drawn setting that sets it apart from typical visual novels.
- The character development is notable, particularly the main character's complex personality and moral dilemmas, which provide depth to the narrative.
- The combat mechanics are engaging, requiring players to investigate and strategize before facing monsters, creating a satisfying blend of storytelling and gameplay.
- A significant portion of the game is devoted to tedious exposition and character interactions that detract from the monster-hunting experience, leading to a lack of engagement.
- The main character's abrasive personality and problematic views can be off-putting, making it difficult for players to connect with him or enjoy the story.
- The episodic nature of the game, with limited content currently available, raises concerns about the completion and pacing of the overall narrative.
- story39 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The story of the game is generally praised for its intriguing narrative and unique lore-building, encouraging players to engage deeply with the world and its characters. However, some critiques highlight issues with the protagonist's likability and the limited impact of player choices on the overall storyline. Overall, while the game shows promise with its supernatural elements and immersive presentation, it currently leaves players wanting more depth and development in future acts.
“So far, a great story that deserves more attention.”
“The lore building itself is unique as the story challenges the players to piece together the world state by drawing inferences from the conversations and not by frequent info dumps.”
“The title presented an intriguing storyline that was just a pleasure to read while illustrating it with phenomenal artwork and amazing sound quality.”
“The story here is bland and the protagonist is mostly unlikeable.”
“The story could have focused so much more heavily on the interesting elements of what being a walkerman entails and having more encounters with the weird, but instead it chooses to linger on its protagonist's reactionary political views.”
“Which would be more tolerable if the story itself didn't read like a much blander version of The Witcher.”
- gameplay12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Walkerman is notable for its unique integration of board game mechanics into the visual novel format, offering players a blend of narrative and interactive elements, including light puzzle-solving. While it diverges from traditional visual novels by incorporating these gameplay features, some reviews suggest that the execution of the battle system feels incomplete, lacking the depth of a fully realized turn-based combat system. Overall, the inclusion of gameplay elements is seen as a refreshing trend in the genre, enhancing the storytelling experience.
“Walkerman takes a very unorthodox approach to lore building, character development, and gameplay.”
“Walkerman sets itself apart from other visual novels by the fact that it actually has gameplay mechanics in the form of a board game aesthetic for battle sequences.”
“There is definitely some gameplay as well as lite puzzle solving involved, which is a nice addition to the story progression of this visual novel. I've been starting to notice more and more visual novels include some form of gameplay in their narratives, and for me, this is a very welcome trend that I hope continues.”
“The game they're going for here means I understand why you can't give the player actual control of a tile-based combat system, but it feels like they wanted to do something turn-based and instead had no time, budget, or couldn't make the system work, so they just left it in there minus the gameplay.”
“As for the gameplay, it's your standard visual novel, except for when it comes to the 'battle' part of the game.”
“This is not to say that is the only thing that happens in Walkerman, but it undoubtedly takes the largest chunk of the currently 4 hours of gameplay, with the horror/detective elements making up the second largest bit.”
- music9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally enjoyable and well-orchestrated, effectively complementing the atmosphere and narrative, though some players find it underwhelming overall. While the soundtrack features standout moments, such as a dedicated music room, certain elements, like the "walkerman" outro and occasional silence during conversations, detract from the experience. Overall, the music fits the theme and enhances the world, but it may not be memorable enough for players to seek out the original soundtrack.
“The soundtrack is very well orchestrated and blends in nicely with the entertaining narrative.”
“Last but certainly not least is a music room for the title's wonderful soundtrack for you to listen to at your leisure.”
“The rest of the soundtrack is great though!”
“The sound/music is alright, nothing to write home about, but the blaring 'walkerman' headbanger outro after each act... fml.”
“The music is nothing to write home about but it fits the theme and environments.”
“The sound is pleasant enough to leave running for the duration of your stay, but nothing to buy an OST over as of yet.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The graphics in Walkerman are widely praised for their breathtaking art style, superb colors, and fantastic effects, which enhance the overall atmosphere of the game. While the battle sequences adopt a board game aesthetic that limits player movement, the effort put into the visuals is appreciated, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the narrative experience. Overall, the combination of stunning artwork and high-quality sound contributes significantly to the game's immersive worldbuilding.
“The art style used in this title is just breathtakingly eye-catching with superb colors, gorgeous shading, and fantastic effects.”
“The title presented an intriguing storyline that was just a pleasure to read while illustrating it with phenomenal artwork and amazing sound quality.”
“With me, I don't really care about the art being poor if the narrative in the visual novel is good, but if the artwork also happens to be terrific, then that is just icing on the cake, and in this aspect, Walkerman does not disappoint.”
“The battle sequences put you (the protagonist) onto a board game essentially, but you can't move or do anything other than make choices... so why they went through the extra effort in visuals, I just don't get it.”
“Walkerman also sets itself apart from other visual novels by the fact that it actually has gameplay mechanics in the form of a board game aesthetic for battle sequences.”
- character development4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Character development in Walkerman is criticized for being inconsistent and lacking depth, as players feel that the episodic format delays the exploration of characters' backstories. While the character designs are generally well-received, there is a noticeable disparity in the attention given to male and female characters. Overall, the development feels incomplete and unsatisfactory.
“That's the problem of episodic gaming, I guess. You know the character has some currently untold tragic background and character development, but you have to wait until it's written!”
“Character designs are good for the most part, though obviously the ladies got more work put into them than the men.”
“Walkerman takes a very unorthodox approach to lore building, character development, and gameplay.”
“That's the problem with episodic gaming, I guess. You know the character has some currently untold tragic background and character development, but you have to wait until it's written!”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Replayability is noted to be high due to the branching storyline that offers numerous choices, allowing players to experience different outcomes. However, some users feel that this variety may not significantly enhance the game's overall replay value.
“This means the game barely has any replay value.”
“Replayability is quite high as there are a number of choices to make in the branching storyline.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate that the grinding in the game is engaging and not tedious, as battles remain exciting and players are motivated to seek out items that enhance their combat effectiveness.
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by the protagonist's ongoing struggle with the consequences of his beliefs, which are challenged by the complexities of life, resulting in a deeply resonant and thought-provoking experience.
“However, what straddles the border of annoying and interesting is that he is forced to grapple with the consequences of his views in the face of the complex realities of existence again and again, often with heavy emotional overtones.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is highly praised for its immersive quality, with graphics, music, and worldbuilding effectively bringing the game world to life. Players feel deeply engaged and transported by the cohesive design elements that enhance their overall experience.
“The atmosphere, with its stunning graphics, immersive music, and intricate worldbuilding, truly makes the world come alive.”
“The game's atmosphere is captivating, drawing you into its beautifully crafted environment and enhancing the overall experience.”
“Every element of the atmosphere, from the haunting soundtrack to the detailed visuals, creates a rich and engaging world.”
“The atmosphere is lacking; the graphics and music fail to create an immersive experience.”
“Despite the potential, the world feels empty and uninspired, making it hard to get lost in the atmosphere.”
“The ambiance is underwhelming, with repetitive sound design and bland visuals that don't engage the player.”
