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Review of Always Sometimes Monsters on PS4

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Oct 2017
Cover image of Always Sometimes Monsters on PS4
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Platform: PS4 PS4 logo
Released: 10 Oct 2017
Genre: Role-playing
Developer: Vagabond Dog
Publisher: Devolver Digital

Introduction

Okay, picture this! You wake up, and suddenly your life is a mess. You got booted from your apartment, and your one true love is marrying the world's biggest jerk across the country. Welcome to Always Sometimes Monsters, where the most challenging part isn't dodging dragon fire but trying to figure out your life as a broke author chasing after lost love. Yes, I know, romantic, right? Now buckle up because this game is more than just sappy moments - it's a test of wit, strategy, and a hefty dose of survival skills.

Gameplay

In this narrative-driven RPG from the indie gods over at Vagabond Dog, you take the role of a jilted author (or author in a jam, really) who must traverse the perilous landscapes of human emotion and paycheck-less days to win back their beloved. Picture your life: you're essentially living in a classic rom-com, but all the good montage music has been replaced by the sad violin music because... well, you have no cash! Throughout your journey, you'll find yourself having to make multiple choices that will determine the direction of your life. Do you get a job as a burger flipper? Or do you sell your prized possessions for some quick cash? It's all about survival, folks! Money doesn't grow on trees, unlike love, which appears to escape you faster than my willpower around a box of pizza. The gameplay runs on a solid 30-day timer, so you're hustling from dawn until dusk crafting your destiny, one bad job and awkward conversation at a time. Each choice impacts your character's story and earning potential, making it crucial to strategize like it's a game of chess. From choosing dialogue options to deciding whether to take that extra shift or spend time with a friend, every decision counts! Spoiler alert: Prepare for some really cringy situations if you don't choose wisely. And if that doesn't scream 'pressure', I don't know what does!

Graphics

Now, let's chat about visuals. The game uses a retro, pixel-art style that screams indie charm. Think 8-bit graphics and animations that remind you of the good old days when gaming didn't mean ultra-realistic graphics. It's almost like they took all the charm from those old school RPGs, threw them in a blender, and the result looks cute but slightly surreal. The character portraits are colorful and expressive - perfect for those moments when your character's trying to convey the essence of 'I just lost my apartment and my heart.' It's all about giving you the feels, without requiring you to actually figure out how to maintain a healthy love life! You get to witness heartwarming scenes like "Your character looking sad near a dumpster while contemplating life choices." Ah, artistic expression at its finest!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Always Sometimes Monsters is not just another indie game; it's a heartfelt experience where you navigate emotional turmoil while trying to survive in a world that feels both awesome and miserable-kinda like high school. While it might not challenge your reflexes, it certainly tests your ability to make tricky decisions under pressure! Sure, sometimes the gameplay can feel repetitive, and with some frustratingly slow moments, it packs a punch with its storytelling and unique choices. This isn't just a game; it's an emotional rollercoaster set in pixelated glory! For those who enjoy narratives over button-mashing, this game will keep you glued to the screen like a bag of chips at a sleepover. So, grab a controller, step into your less-than-perfect shoes, and start your adventure! You might just find love, redemption, or at the very least, a new appreciation for your own life decisions!

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