Version: 0.1.3.1
Time played: ~4 hours
PROS:
- 3D modelled sprites & CGs. The game uses its own 3D modelled sprites instead of the standard 2D sprites, making the coherence between the gameplay and CGs on point. It annoys me when a game uses 2D sprites and 3D CGs, so luckily this game did it just right. If the devs proceed with the same quality, they might even compete with the games from NLT Media.
- Challenging gameplay. What makes the game challenging is the whole ammo management system. There are more zombies than you have ammo, which makes you stress out when you are getting low on supplies. This fits the genre perfectly.
- Character upgrades. Being able to upgrade your character is a nice addition.
MIXED:
- Interesting gamemechanics, but only during the beginning. The game has some obvious and less obvious interactable items, such as light switches. This mechanic can be really interesting, because you can do all kind of crazy stuff with this, but it is only used in the beginning sequence of the game. It would be a shame if they didn't keep these kinds of mechanics in the game, because they make the game more unique. Although it might too early to conclude this, because the game is practically in its early stages of development.
- UI might need some optimization. There is nothing wrong with the current UI, but some added features might buff the experience a bit more. It would be more intuitive if you have some kind of questbook/diary/journal binded to [J] and a crafting menu binded to [C].
- Compressed 3D sprites. I'm not sure if it is a compression thing or that the sprites are pixelated on perpose, but I would like the game better if the quality of the sprites were just a bit better.
CONS:
- Badass MC, but easily being forced by others. Which is a bit of a weird flex. I do understand that the MC is subjected to a number of changes, which clouds her judgment. But still it feels weird that the MC slays a big amount of zombies, but she cannot defend herself against two simple burglars.
- No indication for requirement for certain dialogue options. Sometimes you cannot choose a dialogue option, but it is not explained why not. It has something to do with the MC's corrruption, but that is not shown anywhere.
Story:
The story is alright, but that's the thing with a zombie-horror game. This genre has been around for a while, so I wasn't expecting some insane plot. But nonetheless it is still a decent story.
Gameplay:
As far as the gameplay goes, it stands pretty firm for a RPGM game. The amount of interactions with object are a bit stale, but it was okay. The obvious interactions are with stashes, such as cupboards, chests and such. But you can also interact with light switches, which might reveal a secret. Or a jumpscare! I do miss interactions with other situations, such as a boarded up door or a zombie jammed between an elevator door. If you can interact with those kinds of situations, it would greatly improve the immersion in the environment. It'll also create more depth to your character, because her personality will seep through in the way she responds to a certain situation.
Language/Grammar:
There are some typos, other than that it is well written.
Graphics:
The MC is nicely modelled and some of the characters also might look familiar, which I also like! The 3D sprites and environment also add a lot to the beauty of the game as a whole. Even though darkness is an important element of a horror game, it still feels a bit too much in some CGs. Which is a shame. There are some animations in the game, but they are a bit to jittery in my opinion. But in the same time it is really promising.
Sound:
I have no comments on this, other than that it is good that they use non-default background music.
Conclusion:
Team Venus delivered a solid game, which kept me intrigued during the whole playthrough. It still has a lot of rough edges, but it does look really promising. If they keep up the good work, they might pose a threat for the well established NLT Media guys. I'm really looking forward on how this game develops, because it has a lot of potential! (4/5)
Recommendations:
- Add a Journal [J] to track quests, character biographies, enemy details, maps, etc.
- Add a Crafting [C] shortcut to your key bindings
- Add muzzle flashes if the MC shoots, it gives you a visual feedback that you are actually firing a gun. You might also want to show the bullet impact/ricochet to show the bullet range.