the indie game scene! It's like a hipster coffee shop of video games—full of unique flavors, a little bitterness, and sometimes you'll get a whimsical slice of life you'll never forget. One such slice is 'Always Sometimes Monsters', a game that dares to spoon-feed you realism, drizzled in sad life choices and a quest for love. And yes, the title is as perplexing as trying to remember if you actually put on pants before leaving the house.
You play as an author—yes, a self-proclaimed Tolkien or (more likely) an adrift Bukowski—who wakes up to the heart-stabbing news that their one true love is about to jump the broom with someone else, and it's happening all the way across the country! Gasp! The game takes you on a cross-country adventure in a mere 30 days, where you’ll hustle for cash, make questionable moral choices, and engage with an array of sassy characters that could seriously consider a career as stand-up comedians. The dialogue trees you choose can put you in the path of romance or disaster, and your character’s journey—despite being a 2D pixel platformer—is as alive and messy as a teenager's bedroom. Whether you’re working odd jobs (Hello, dumpster diving or busking on the street), or scouring for answers, it’s all part of navigating this complex web of love and heartbreak. Just remember, in the world of 'Always Sometimes Monsters', every decision can have the weight of your high school math test looming over you; only this time, you'll actually care about the outcome.
Now, let’s talk about the graphics. The art style resembles that of a charming yet slightly unkempt sketchbook—think indie film meets minimalist art gallery. The colorful yet muted palette sets a whimsical tone but keeps it grounded enough to remind you that life is rarely a candy-coated paradise. Character designs are unique and engage you with their surprisingly expressive pixelated faces. It's not going to make you cry in awe like the latest AAA graphics, but it's definitely got a charm that will make you crack a smile—or cringe a few times while you relate all too well to their struggles.
In summary, 'Always Sometimes Monsters' on the Nintendo Switch is like chatting with a wise friend who’s been through the ringer of love, loss, and sad late-night fast food runs. It’s brutally honest yet tender, with quirky dialogue and memorable characters that stick to you like the last fry at the bottom of the bag. While it may not be for everyone (especially if you prefer mindless action and glitzy explosions), it's an experience that tugs at your heartstrings in a way that few games dare to. It's enough to earn a respectable 7.5 out of 10—because in the end, when it comes to love and life, sometimes you'll laugh, sometimes you'll cry, and sometimes, just sometimes, you might find yourself collecting the pieces of your heart one pixel at a time.