I knew this game had a reputation when it came to life-sim pseudo-novels, but damn, still I was impressed.
Exocolonist is a game about tragedy, and subverting it. It's a game that requires you to run through it a myriad of times, similar to Signs of the Sojourner or Citizen Sleeper, but this game really does LEAN into the replay value by having run-based knowledge play into future runs. Oh you knew that dog was there? BAM, explosive trap.
This game does a lot in a short run and it's written beautifully, every character is unique and special in their own way, you get to see stupid kids you play ball with turn into militaristic turncoats, or isolationists bloom into explorers. There is a lot and I can't do justice to how well the characters are written and how well the development plays out. There are many mini-events, side-stories, side-quests, entire hidden areas and events. Each of my runs really felt unique each time, even if spamming tasks to raise scores became a bit of a chore.
The only complaints I really have are my not-too-much-love for the overworld design and some of the repetitive aspects of the game, but even if you do eerily-similar things, you still get massive sweeping changes you'd not have noticed before. I will warn you though, the first run is going to beat the ever-loving sh-t outta you, things will happen, you won't know how, and you'll need to learn how to get further. It's like the game sets you up to fail, to convince you to continue forward.
It's really a great game and deserves the praise it gets. While I'm unsure if it's systems work as well in-unison as some other titles like Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood, or even Beacon Pines in some regards. It definitely plays it's hand well and got me addicted to keep running it over and over.
Simply great.
Exocolonist is a game about tragedy, and subverting it. It's a game that requires you to run through it a myriad of times, similar to Signs of the Sojourner or Citizen Sleeper, but this game really does LEAN into the replay value by having run-based knowledge play into future runs. Oh you knew that dog was there? BAM, explosive trap.
This game does a lot in a short run and it's written beautifully, every character is unique and special in their own way, you get to see stupid kids you play ball with turn into militaristic turncoats, or isolationists bloom into explorers. There is a lot and I can't do justice to how well the characters are written and how well the development plays out. There are many mini-events, side-stories, side-quests, entire hidden areas and events. Each of my runs really felt unique each time, even if spamming tasks to raise scores became a bit of a chore.
The only complaints I really have are my not-too-much-love for the overworld design and some of the repetitive aspects of the game, but even if you do eerily-similar things, you still get massive sweeping changes you'd not have noticed before. I will warn you though, the first run is going to beat the ever-loving sh-t outta you, things will happen, you won't know how, and you'll need to learn how to get further. It's like the game sets you up to fail, to convince you to continue forward.
It's really a great game and deserves the praise it gets. While I'm unsure if it's systems work as well in-unison as some other titles like Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood, or even Beacon Pines in some regards. It definitely plays it's hand well and got me addicted to keep running it over and over.
Simply great.
this game had such an emotional impact on me, it is one of the best stories I've experienced in a game! re-playing the game and seeing all the ways that your choices impact the story is so beautiful. I would die for basically any character from this game. also the pronoun and presentation sliders are so cool, I love that they're in the game!
This review contains spoilers
This game had me hooked right from the start with its immersive life simulation and captivating characters. Like full ADHD hyperfixation didn't move from my bed for 10 hours bones sore from lack of movement full iPad kidding it at my switch.
The art and world-building are stunning, offering deep lore and plenty of discovery. It's definitely designed for replayability, with subsequent playthroughs offering new paths and challenges in a super, super cool way to me... However, there are a few gripes.
The endings feel too generic compared to the engaging gameplay. Some plot twists in the epilogue seem to come out of nowhere, like suddenly falling in love with a character with little foreshadowing. The pacing also feels slightly off, with important plot points sometimes happening abruptly. While the game captures the feeling of helplessness well, it can leave character plotlines feeling underdeveloped.
Despite these issues, the world lore is incredibly rich and immersive, making the fictional planet feel like it's been around for longer than the game. However, the character writing doesn't always match up to the world-building. Despite its flaws, I was drawn in by the intense world-building and emotional impact of the game. The card game was enjoyable, but I was left disappointed by some incomplete storylines and lackluster romances. Regardless, I'm def gonna play again because its beautiful. And the music!!!!
TLDR; Bought it for the puppy boy, stayed for the childhood ptsd simulator
The art and world-building are stunning, offering deep lore and plenty of discovery. It's definitely designed for replayability, with subsequent playthroughs offering new paths and challenges in a super, super cool way to me... However, there are a few gripes.
The endings feel too generic compared to the engaging gameplay. Some plot twists in the epilogue seem to come out of nowhere, like suddenly falling in love with a character with little foreshadowing. The pacing also feels slightly off, with important plot points sometimes happening abruptly. While the game captures the feeling of helplessness well, it can leave character plotlines feeling underdeveloped.
Despite these issues, the world lore is incredibly rich and immersive, making the fictional planet feel like it's been around for longer than the game. However, the character writing doesn't always match up to the world-building. Despite its flaws, I was drawn in by the intense world-building and emotional impact of the game. The card game was enjoyable, but I was left disappointed by some incomplete storylines and lackluster romances. Regardless, I'm def gonna play again because its beautiful. And the music!!!!
TLDR; Bought it for the puppy boy, stayed for the childhood ptsd simulator
This game is compelling for a plethora of reasons but my reason for not being able to put this game down is because I wasn't satisfied with the endings I was getting. Because of that I kept playing and each playthrough, each session there was something new to learn whether it be about the world or the characters I loved that.
Starting off with the music it works in tandem with the game being effective when it wants to be and being unconcerned and peaceful otherwise. I daresay this is my favorite cast of characters in any game of all time I could only find one I didn't like but that's because I personally found him revolting but he could also be the best and I'm just missing out. The main plot is great. The art is very good. The gameplay is in a interesting spot for me. I like it and had trouble understanding it to its core but once you do it just clicks.
This is a must-play if you don't mind reading and love getting enthralled with a great world with amazing characters.
Starting off with the music it works in tandem with the game being effective when it wants to be and being unconcerned and peaceful otherwise. I daresay this is my favorite cast of characters in any game of all time I could only find one I didn't like but that's because I personally found him revolting but he could also be the best and I'm just missing out. The main plot is great. The art is very good. The gameplay is in a interesting spot for me. I like it and had trouble understanding it to its core but once you do it just clicks.
This is a must-play if you don't mind reading and love getting enthralled with a great world with amazing characters.
at first I thought "oh, yet another VN with a silly name". this game broke me in the best way possible. I had been craving for a good story driven game for a while now.
at first I ignored its existence, but then in the last steam sale it popped up and I was like "oh it has a demo? ok why not". immediately bought the game after the demo.
amazing story and characters, with cool time management and challenge mechanics.
at first I ignored its existence, but then in the last steam sale it popped up and I was like "oh it has a demo? ok why not". immediately bought the game after the demo.
amazing story and characters, with cool time management and challenge mechanics.
proper review coming when i get through more playthroughs but i just have to get this out: this game has some bonafide pure autism flavor CRACK in it.....tell me why i spent AN ENTIRE DAY playing this, literally trapped in tism'd tunnel vision trying to make That Stupid JROTC Twunk go to therapy. the PERILS of good character design the PERILS of promising + relatable early characterization the PERILS of dropping lore as insane as [insert genetic enhancement] right as im starting to get tired of his ass. just pissed me off so bad omggg [character in abusive relationship/Psychological Bondage with twunk] i UNDERSTAND you, we are sisterwives atp
anyway ive given up on that endeavor bc like i have a LIFE and a HOME and a MAN and PHOTOSENSITIVITY and RENT TO PAY i cannot be glued to the SteamDeck® like this! i really just got so irked that I didn't get the outcome i was casually seeking out that i spent hours backtracking and/or save-scumming (if it should be called that in such a game) to resolve the frustration and dissonance. classic erik moment #MentalHealthMatters
unfortunately this mental reset will NOT free me from this game's clutches (ive done three? four?playthroughs, technically) bc every playthrough my blue hair and pronouns femme queen will stumble upon a piece of interesting game-changing lore that i know i can learn more about it if i reincarnate and start EngineerMaxxing from birth 😭 Nigerian Father Mode ON ☝🏿
anyway . shit need to come with a surgeon generals warning.....its 5 am, i have work today......five stars
anyway ive given up on that endeavor bc like i have a LIFE and a HOME and a MAN and PHOTOSENSITIVITY and RENT TO PAY i cannot be glued to the SteamDeck® like this! i really just got so irked that I didn't get the outcome i was casually seeking out that i spent hours backtracking and/or save-scumming (if it should be called that in such a game) to resolve the frustration and dissonance. classic erik moment #MentalHealthMatters
unfortunately this mental reset will NOT free me from this game's clutches (ive done three? four?playthroughs, technically) bc every playthrough my blue hair and pronouns femme queen will stumble upon a piece of interesting game-changing lore that i know i can learn more about it if i reincarnate and start EngineerMaxxing from birth 😭 Nigerian Father Mode ON ☝🏿
anyway . shit need to come with a surgeon generals warning.....its 5 am, i have work today......five stars