Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical (First Impressions)
Developer: Summerfall Studios
Publisher: Humble Games
Released: Aug 3, 2023
Price: $30 USD
If you told me there was a game in which the gods of Greek mythology lived normal lives in the lands of the mortals, I wouldn't even raise an eyebrow or blink at the idea.
However, after more consideration. You would start to realize. It's more than simply a game about the Greek gods. It's a play on one of the Greek gods' powers that, while in terms of inconsistency, works surprisingly well as a concept for a novel game.
Presentation
Fantastic
Ever since Steins Gate or The Wolf Among Us, I haven't seen such a unique technique with aesthetics in the context of a visual novel. The cell shading is excellent, however the musical portions were either hit or miss. So far, I've been enjoying the game's aesthetics for hours at a time without feeling overly overdone.
Issues
Consistency
So far, I'm really enjoying the story and character design centered on all of the people and their subsequent idols and powers. But I find it difficult not to boo the voice actors off the stage when the main character turns everyone she talks to into a spontaneous musical due to how inconsistent they feel.
You can select which "style" you want the character to have. They can be aggressive, clever, or understanding, but they rarely fit the tone of the musical. Grace, in my opinion, is more of a punk, and her lyrics should reflect that, rather than cheerful singing songs that don't fit her voice or style. But then the following section comes out with a great burst of energy that throws me for a loop and pulls me back in!
Gameplay
It's more reading & listening with choices than actual gameplay
The game is more of a linear point and click novel game with some minor choices in the direction, which isn't bad. This is the point of the game. It's more about the game not being for somebody looking for something fascinating and adrenaline pumping, unless you get that feeling from a decent mystery novel. The first five hours were spent gathering information, speaking with the gods, and occasionally fitting things together. While rather boring, it kept my attention and I can't wait to learn more.
Conclusion
It's very good so far
I enjoy well-done acting and the visual approach with a comic book aesthetic. But I can't say I'm a big lover of musicals, especially when they don't sound consistent or are overdone, with no way to evoke any feelings within me towards the topic.
As previously indicated, it is warming up on me. While some parts of the musicals can make me cringe like I'm watching High School Musical. Other times, the vicious lyrics make me feel like I'm listening to a rap battle, only to be drowned out by more sappy lyrics that destroy the flow and tempo when they should have kept it going.
My initial thoughts on this game come to a close with the caveat that, while others may disagree, that is what makes gamers unique. You don't have to share their interests or agree with them and are welcome to critic me on mine.
If you want to catch me on one of my streams or locate me on social media, you may do so at the following locations, I'm always playing something new.
- Pawkt
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