[quote]A review copy was provided by the developer.[/quote]
[quote]Follow my Curator page, [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/41363546-Fruit-N-Doggie-Reviews/]Fruit N Doggie Reviews,[/url] so you can be updated whenever I post a new review.[/quote]
[h1]Overall Rating - Seriously Flawed ★★☆☆☆[/h1]
[h1]First Impressions[/h1]
Dyztopia: Post-Human RPG (DYZ) describes itself as a game about quitting your job, which combines two of my favorite subjects together. Gaming and not working. I'm no proponent of doomsday scenarios, thinking people just want something to pretend panic over, but if the stupid keeps spreading, we may come to a post-human future sooner than later. Let's take a peek at what the future may hold.
[h1]Gameplay[/h1]
Thinking about RPGs I've played, I don't remember seeing one with this kind of world exploration before. When you're in a place with enemies, your character is in a “platforming” stage, climbing ladders and across ropes, activating switches, gathering items, avoiding spikes, and using buttons to jump up or down. This winds up being a linear experience, as you can't freely explore the world and do as you please. You can only go where you're told to, basically. However, monsters will respawn if you go back and forth between areas, so you can grind if you feel too weak. Technically, the fights themselves aren't too hard to figure out, as you only have four options at any time: attack, guard, item, or magic, and each works exactly the way it sounds.
The complications stem from all the effects and statuses that can be applied. There's 12 elements in DYZ, most of which has a shield with unique attributes, aside from just reducing incoming damage. For instance, activating a bubble shield will remove all negative status effects, whereas a wood shield returns damage to enemies. There's also a number of statuses, such as being stunned, or having a headache. Just using a skill can be confusing with various conditions in place that will cause more damage, or make it unusable. Honestly, I sort of just pick ones that sound useful in the moment, and are available, “That sounds useful. Can this character cast it now? If so, I'm going for it.”
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3183527988
[h1]Controls[/h1]
Steam is incorrect when saying that DYZ isn't compatible with a controller, as it works just fine when I plug mine in. The button layout seemed a bit unusual to me, as there were buttons on my controller that did nothing and could have been used instead. For instance, having to navigate the menus with my Start button, instead of other face buttons that were available. It works once you get used to it though. Plus, an update was added, which allows you to exit the game from the menu, instead of having to minimize the window, and manually close it.
[h1]Story[/h1]
Playing as Akira, you're one of the best hunters around, presumably because you're a door-mat that will do hard labor on the cheap. Throughout the game, as you interact with others, you'll have to choose who you want to focus your attention on, and develop bonds with. I think these forced choices are unnecessary, as this is a decently long RPG to play through once already. It'd be better if people could speak with everyone they want to, without having to compromise, and get the full story options with all of your potential friends. Who really wants to play a 20 hour RPG more than once, just to explore optional dialogue with the friend you didn't choose last time?
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3183527358
[h1]Visuals[/h1]
Ultimately, I wouldn't say it's that odd how the characters that can join your party have three looks to them: one when in combat or in town, a picture in the dialogue window, and another when checking out their equipment from the menu. That isn't too uncommon in story-heavy RPGs, or visual novels. I think what makes it stand out from my perspective is the overall style of DYZ. After all, while out and about, characters have a chibi appearance, as they look a bit squashed. However, their style is more like an anime from the menu, and it makes for a somewhat odd combo, especially keeping in mind the dark tone, and moments in the story.
[h1]Sound Design[/h1]
It isn't the case for every song, but some of them are quite funky. That might sound like a negative, but I think it's the best description I could provide. The one that comes to mind specifically is called, “Come On,” and can be found on YouTube. I also liked, “Arbitrary SLASH,” quite a bit. From what I noticed, certain bosses get unique songs, which is a nice touch. Many RPGs compose a single boss tune that's used universally, except for perhaps the grand finale. When you use special moves and abilities, they have interesting sound effects. They have enough oomph to get the point across that you put some pep into your attack.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3183528704
[h1]Pros[/h1]
🌟 The options can be overwhelming, but you can customize the characters with all the equipment and skills available.
🌟 Characters are interesting to talk with.
[h1]Cons[/h1]
❌ I find the range in how much damage my characters do at any time is huge. A regular attack might hit for a dozen or so damage, while a magic attack hits for several hundred.
❌ Less is more, and there's too many conditions and effects on all the abilities you can use. Who would memorize them all?
[h1]Tips[/h1]
🔍 If you want an efficient route for achievement hunting, you should follow a guide. There's rather specific requirements to get some, and multiple playthroughs are necessary.
🔍 Take the time to double-check areas with more than one route, as you can probably go back and take another path you didn't the first time.
[h1]Final Thoughts[/h1]
My thoughts toward this release are jumbled together. Certain aspects are charming, such as the chibi appearance, goofy writing, and unique way of exploring the environment. However, the tone can turn on a dime, and creates an atmosphere I thought was confusing. It's not creepy and dark enough to be completely unsettling and freak me out, but it has enough downsides I can't just chill, and vibe with a laid-back atmosphere. There's just enough negativity it harshes my mellow, ya know? I also found the combat both too complicated, while I also just spammed whatever seemed most effective without thinking about it. From my perspective, this game is a paradox that doesn't quite come together right. I think this is an RPG with a niche audience that would really love it, but won't quite mesh with the average gamer. Based on the percentage of people finishing the game, I don't think I'm too far off the mark.
[quote][url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/32732116-IndieGems/]Follow our curator page: [b]IndieGems[/b] if you like and want to see more reviews like this one.[/url][/quote]
[table]
[tr]
[th]PC Specs[/th]
[th]Performance[/th]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]Ryzen 2700
RTX 2070
16GB RAM
ADATA SSD
1920x1080
[/td]
[td]The game ran without incident on default settings.
💖 - DYZ is healthy
[/td]
[/tr]
[/table]
