This is a game at a transition stage in terms of mentality. There's convenience, speed (concern to make things enjoyable) but they are accompanied by "old school" time management, and punishing losses (you don't learn, you try until it works). With this in mind, having played older Alicesoft titles is not a requirement, it is however, recommended (being used to older games - 20+ years - helps too). If you don't meet the criteria, grasping the basics (test run), restarting and following a guide, allows you to get the harem ending (first playthrough) in 55 in-game days (give or take). Let's assume you want to find everything on your own: Good luck! Here's hoping you have a lot of time (and patience) on your hands.
Positive:
- Gal monsters - If you like monster girls, they are not it. In essence you have common archetype personalities, and their looks are lacking in diversity (the complaint is body type). What's really boosting their appeal are quirks, and unique events. For instance, all of them have "chibi" versions, some give you items, particular characters like or dislike each other, they might run away (leave the party)... The little things show care, and attention to detail. Having favorites is a thing too, playing in normal mode doesn't require optimization.
- Lighthearted and enjoyable read - The exception being some rape scenes out of place. Disregarding that, the banter between characters, the Gal reincarnation mechanics, references to previous games, the usual tropes (well executed), and more things, lead to a nice atmosphere and a fun, casual "isekai" adventure.
- Gameplay - This is important: "Galzoo" is not a hard game. The "old school" feeling comes from lack of information, and unavoidable ways to waste in-game time. The core gameplay loop (each day) is a good mix between dungeon crawler and story. Start the day → Scavenge → Check shops → Adjust party → Dungeon → night event (possible H), and many scenes in between. It's satisfying, and easy to understand.
Negative:
- Rape scenes - They are fine (or more than fine) in the right context, in this game not so much. You can't have the big bad guy be goofy, indecisive (likable even), and then he orders brutal (blood, drugs) sexual torture on one of the "Gals". It's a strange dichotomy, even if it's not unexpected (dev). Tentacles and ecstasy, sure. Actual cruelty/messing with feelings needed another setting.
Score: 7/10. Do follow a guide, there's 2 in english, and 1 Japanese, they should cover all your bases. Be ready to repeat days (reload), even when following instructions. With the right mindset (preparation), this can be a great experience. Coming here with current gaming standards as compass, is asking for infuriation.
(H-scenes in general are not great, there are exceptions in terms of concept, though).
Positive:
- Gal monsters - If you like monster girls, they are not it. In essence you have common archetype personalities, and their looks are lacking in diversity (the complaint is body type). What's really boosting their appeal are quirks, and unique events. For instance, all of them have "chibi" versions, some give you items, particular characters like or dislike each other, they might run away (leave the party)... The little things show care, and attention to detail. Having favorites is a thing too, playing in normal mode doesn't require optimization.
- Lighthearted and enjoyable read - The exception being some rape scenes out of place. Disregarding that, the banter between characters, the Gal reincarnation mechanics, references to previous games, the usual tropes (well executed), and more things, lead to a nice atmosphere and a fun, casual "isekai" adventure.
- Gameplay - This is important: "Galzoo" is not a hard game. The "old school" feeling comes from lack of information, and unavoidable ways to waste in-game time. The core gameplay loop (each day) is a good mix between dungeon crawler and story. Start the day → Scavenge → Check shops → Adjust party → Dungeon → night event (possible H), and many scenes in between. It's satisfying, and easy to understand.
Negative:
- Rape scenes - They are fine (or more than fine) in the right context, in this game not so much. You can't have the big bad guy be goofy, indecisive (likable even), and then he orders brutal (blood, drugs) sexual torture on one of the "Gals". It's a strange dichotomy, even if it's not unexpected (dev). Tentacles and ecstasy, sure. Actual cruelty/messing with feelings needed another setting.
Score: 7/10. Do follow a guide, there's 2 in english, and 1 Japanese, they should cover all your bases. Be ready to repeat days (reload), even when following instructions. With the right mindset (preparation), this can be a great experience. Coming here with current gaming standards as compass, is asking for infuriation.
(H-scenes in general are not great, there are exceptions in terms of concept, though).