Gamedec - Definitive Edition

Gamedec is a very interesting game, with a lot of world-building depth that is only partially utilized. I feel like they wanted to make a much larger/longer game but ended up shortening greatly. This is most obvious when at a certain point you are railroaded into a series of final missions at interesting locales that you can't do much at, because there is only one thing to do, which then moves you to the next thing you can only do one thing at. There's a good intelligence in a lot of the information you gather, and choices you can make, although I probably need a dummy mode that makes decisions clearer. The journal/info screens are pretty well organized(for a change), although I wish it would highlight all new info discovered, instead of having to search for it. More successful I think, is the Ken DLC, which plays like a standard detective case, although I somehow failed almost every quest in it! I particularly like the final conclusion in it, because if you choose one option you don't even know what you truly did until the credits wrapup tells you.(which led me to retry and find out the truth) I would not be opposed to more adventures in this world, with improvements made. Would be a shame to lose all the worldbuilding in it.

Gamedec has many positive attributes, but some flaws in its presentation. The concept and resulting philosophical ideas of layers of simulation are interesting, but mean little. Ultimately agency, relations, and interactions are rendered meaningless because the tale told is explored through the lens of detective gameplay. Although exploring whether simulated lives, emotions, and decisions that can be instantly erased is meaningful, gamedec expressing this by investing the player with its characters and worldbuilding to demonstrate the possible depths, depravity, and benefits of simulation - only to tear him away from the illusion. Interesting, yes, but when the only scene of any real consequence is the last yet the player still prattled around pleasing people to find worthless information, it removes player agency and seems like time wasted. The changes between dialogue and consequences of the players actions are minimal at best and influence little. The best illustration is through the professions. Much care was taken to craft the various dialogue options, to give the player abilities based on his character as determined by interaction choices. Yet they don't alter the game, just a guarantee to get the next clue. The last nitpick being that the player never changes costume, stands out like a sore thumb, and isn't challenged or inhibited by this. 47 is ashamed. The product would have been more pleasing by exploring the simpler premise initially offered, rather than becoming too convoluted - aligning better with the games scope and still offering identical intrigue. An alternate solution being making an interactive novel instead. That is to say, the novels from which the game is inspired appear to make the entire affair redundant. A scathing sentiment not unreasonably founded, a audio-visual experience I yearn to praise that is missing the critical puzzle piece. Sitting in limbo, too neutered in style and writing to open eyes, so grandiose that it spoils itself.

I really enjoyed this game, overall. Pretty good and interesting detective mechanics and some really interesting worldbuilding. The character writing is a little weak, there weren't many characters that I really cared about, and particularly as I got close to the end, I often felt unsure as to what my motivation was supposed to be. The writing is also hampered by what seems to be poor translations -- every once in a while, statements are written in a way that feels unnatural or unclear -- and sometimes the English translation doesn't show up at all, and you'll get a bit of Polish text instead. These issues were pretty minor, though, and I don't regret buying the game. Give the demo a shot, maybe look up some reviews online, and if you like what you see, buy the full game!

I would say it's 4.5 / 5. The plot is interesting, NPCs actions are logical. Never faced any bugs. The game lacks some point-gaining balance, so game progress would feel better. Price could be a little bit lower, but still ok (completing the game will take about 10h). If you like text/plot-rich games - it's for you.

Very interesting premise average story that feels a little recycled based on existing stereotypes average characters mediocre Choice / Profession System The game falls short in capturing attention with its characters and lacks significant development, as the one character showing promise quickly fades into irrelevance. Only two crucial characters exist, and their development occurs solely in the final act. Regrettably, the remaining characters are entirely inconsequential. I wish there was more interaction and consequences within the world and its characters. Each location feels disconnected from the main storyline, rendering choices insignificant and endings arbitrary. While the game holds potential, its ultimate downfall lies in its lackluster storytelling and character portrayal, which are essential for this genre's success.