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Review of Beautiful Desolation on PS4

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo May 2021
Cover image of Beautiful Desolation on PS4
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Platform: PS4 PS4 logo
Released: 28 May 2021
Genre: Adventure game
Developer: The Brotherhood
Publisher: Untold Tales

Introduction

Imagine being plucked from a mediocre life and dumped into a bizarre, post-apocalyptic future where talking animals, quirky robots, and bizarre civilizations abound—all because a UFO decided to abduct you along with your brother. Welcome to *Beautiful Desolation*, the point-and-click adventure where things get weird real fast, and you’ll need all your wits and a stubborn sense of humor to navigate the chaos.

Gameplay

In *Beautiful Desolation*, you play as Mark Leslie, one-half of a brotherly duo stuck in a futuristic pickle thanks to some alien mischief. Your mission is straightforward: find a way back home while also trying not to let the fabric of reality unravel in the process—a tall order when you’re dealing with mischievous technology and a slew of eccentric NPCs. Gameplay revolves around resolving various puzzles, many of which involve interacting with bizarre objects that will make you question what you thought you knew about the universe (and your sanity). But here's the kicker: unlike many games where every decision can lead you to one of five terrible endings, most of your choices simply add some spice to the journey. This means players won’t be locked out of, say, seeing the true ending just because they couldn’t figure out how to retrieve a lost sock. However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows—some puzzles can frustrate like a stubborn jar lid that just won’t budge, leaving you pixel hunting and backtracking. So, prepare to lean back in your chair, scratch your head, and think “Why do I do this for fun?” on several occasions. Combat is as rare as my motivation to attend a Monday morning lecture. Sure, you can partake in the occasional arena battle, but let’s be honest: you’re not here for the fights; you’re here for the weirdness and the humor that accompanies every encounter. The narrative drive mixed with the unique dialogue creates a memorable experience you might just find yourself chuckling at as you traverse the beautifully rendered landscapes.

Graphics

When it comes to visual design, *Beautiful Desolation* really pulls out all the stops with its vibrant isometric art style. Each scene is meticulously crafted, boasting a level of detail that could make you feel like you strayed into a surreal painter's dream. The color palette is a feast for the eyes, marrying lush landscapes with futuristic ruins, just like a robocop decided to take a leisurely stroll through a nature reserve. Plus, the backgrounds are so engaging, you might find yourself gazing at them instead of focusing on your quest. But what about frame rates, you ask? Well, they run as smoothly as your typical 3 AM snack cravings, ensuring that you can easily get lost in the environment without any frame-drops interrupting your immersion or pacing. Sound design complements the visual feast well, creating an atmosphere of mystery and wonder—perfect for anyone juggling their existential crisis while trying to locate a cosmic relic.

Conclusion

Overall, *Beautiful Desolation* is a whimsical yet thought-provoking excursion into a bizarre post-apocalyptic world full of quirky characters and head-scratching puzzles. The story weaves a narrative that—while sometimes meandering—is packed with enough charm and humor to keep you engaged. Just be prepared for the fact that not everything will come easy; you'll need both perseverance and a sense of humor to truly appreciate the ride. So, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to navigate a world where you can have philosophical conversations with anthropomorphic animals while solving puzzles from the Twilight Zone, then buckle up. *Beautiful Desolation* might just be your cup of tea—albeit a lukewarm, slightly unhinged cup that’s best enjoyed with a side of snark. Now, go on and save your brother before he runs off with a local robot! What could possibly go wrong?

See Latest Prices for Beautiful Desolation on PS4 on Amazon

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