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Sacred Reviews: False Spaces (Demo)

Foreword

I'll admit upfront that I'm probably not the best person to review the demo for "False Spaces" since I'm not a fan of horror games or visual novels and this project happens to be both. So if your looking for a detailed analysis by someone that loves these types of games I'd suggest looking else where since I'm probably going to be more subjective than usual while discussing this project.

The Review

"False Spaces" is a visual novel that centers around psychological horrors. At least the game is meant to be built around psychological horror. At the time of writing this review the game is still in development and the demo dumps the player in the middle of the action. As a result the player really doesn't have that much of a clue what is going on. As I result, I'm more confused by the events taking place in the game than scared of them. And having some of the writing appear as a bloody red doesn't change that.



After all, I didn't have the necessary context to understand why the main character would hear voices in her head saying stuff like this at the time it appeared. At least not from within the game itself. Oh well, at least these messages become a little less fuzzy by the end of the demo. At least it does on the route I was on. If the others offer up any interesting insights I'll probably never know since the way this game presents itself really gets under my skin.

This is because the game doesn't just present one message like the one shown up above, but a dozen or so messages with the game acting like it's screaming at the player with an ever louder voice after each one. I suppose that was probably the intended effect that SigmaSuccour was going for, but it just rubs me the wrong way since the lack of context just makes the game come across as rude. I know some people really love presenting stories out of order, but most people lack the necessary skills to be the next Alfred Hitchcock in my opinion. So I hope the game isn't going to be like this when it's finished.

On a more positive note the game contains a lot of custom artwork. As such the game definitely has a unique visual flair going for it. Albeit I'm not the biggest fan of the three dimensional models used in certain sections of the game since they come across as more lifeless than your standard two dimensional sprite. So much so that the only thing I can really compare them to is that creepy lifeless looking image of Rikku when she screams the word monkey in "Final Fantasy X-2".



Thankfully the game does contain some better artwork in other areas of the game that try to go for a more two dimensional feel to them.



On the audio side of things the game uses some tracks that definitely don't come from the RTP for RPG Maker XP. On the plus side it means this game has a bit of unique identity on the audio side of things. On the other hand the most remarkable part of the current series of selected tracks in my opinion is that one of them includes lyrics. Which is something I usually advice against unless the song really fits what is happening like a glove like the song "What's Up Danger" by Blackway & Black Caviar in "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse". Other wise the song will only stand out as an odd if not out right annoying track to have playing in the background while your playing.

As for if this demo is worth taking a look at. I'm a lot less willing to offer up an opinion on that since this game falls into two genres that really aren't my cup of tea as it were. Though the game only containing around forty minutes or so worth of content if you go out of your way to explore every possible choice you can make is something to keep in mind if you are interested in checking this one out.

Posts

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thesacredlobo=I'll admit upfront that I'm probably not the best person to review the demo for "False Spaces" since I'm not a fan of horror games or visual novels and this project happens to be both.
I'll admit upfront that I'm probably not the best person to review the demo for "False Spaces" since I'm not a fan of horror games or visual novels and this project happens to be both.


Super happy you still decided to download and play the game. Giving it a chance.
I deeply appreciate this TheSacredLobo.

thesacredlobo=...the way this game presents itself really gets under my skin.
...but it just rubs me the wrong way since the lack of context just makes the game come across as rude.
So I hope the game isn't going to be like this when it's finished.



Ahaha... ha...ha... (¬‿¬ ) Yeah that's how the whole game goes.
The girl tries to sleep, but those rude thoughts force her awake. Then there's a cutscene of her trying to resolve those thoughts. Which adds context.
Then she tries to sleep again. And the cycle continues


thesacredlobo=On a more positive note the game contains a lot of custom artwork. As such the game definitely has a unique visual flair going for it.

Happy to hear! (⁀ᗢ⁀)


thesacredlobo=Albeit I'm not the biggest fan of the three dimensional models used in certain sections of the game since they come across as more lifeless than your standard two dimensional sprite. So much so that the only thing I can really compare them to is that creepy lifeless looking image of Rikku when she screams the word monkey in "Final Fantasy X-2".


Ahahaha... I agree. Glad I used both. The 3D model, and 2D sprites.


thesacredlobo=As for if this demo is worth taking a look at. I'm a lot less willing to offer up an opinion on that since this game falls into two genres that really aren't my cup of tea as it were. Though the game only containing around forty minutes or so worth of content if you go out of your way to explore every possible choice you can make is something to keep in mind if you are interested in checking this one out.


Thank you so much for mentioning all this. (╥﹏╥)
Thank you for this review. And for being completely raw. ( ´ ▿ ` )


P.S, super sorry for attending to your review this late.
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