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Afterimage

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Afterimage
Item: Afterimage
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, RPG, Single Player

AvailableApr 25, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperAurogon Shanghai

Overview

Reveal the hidden secrets of a fantasy land in Afterimage! Explore the magnificent landscapes and ruins of an ancient metropolis, meeting mysterious colossal beings and adorable roaming spirits along the way. The thrilling adventure of this marvelous 2D hand-drawn world awaits you!

Elsewhere

7.9

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

After analyzing the opinions of multiple videogame reviewers regarding the Story of Afterimage, it is evident that there are both positive and negative sentiments towards the narrative. In terms of positives, critics such as MondoXbox and Noisy Pixel praise the game for its fascinating and intricate narrative, as well as its unique premise and well-developed characters. MondoXbox specifically mentions that the narrative keeps players engaged for around 20 hours, indicating a strong sense of immersion and interest. Additionally, But Why Tho?? highlights the engaging growth and motivations of the main character, adding depth to the story. On the other hand, there are several critics who express negative opinions about the story. GameSpew and God is a Geek criticize the narrative for being convoluted, superfluous, and plain bad. IGN France and Multiplayer.it also mention that the story lacks originality, is poorly explained, and may be confusing for players. Furthermore, critics like TheGamer and GameGrin find the narrative incomprehensible and lacking in character development or explanation of fantasy terms, making it hard to become invested in the story. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed. While some reviewers appreciate the intricate and engaging narrative of Afterimage, others find it confusing, convoluted, and lacking in originality. The positive aspects of the story include its unique premise, well-developed characters, and engaging growth of the protagonist. However, the negative aspects revolve around the narrative being convoluted, poorly explained, and lacking in character development or motivation. It is important to note that the opinions of critics such as MondoXbox, Noisy Pixel, and But Why Tho?? provide a more positive perspective on the story, while critics like GameSpew, God is a Geek, and Multiplayer.it highlight the negative aspects. Ultimately, players' enjoyment of the narrative in Afterimage may vary depending on their preferences for complex storytelling and their ability to navigate through potentially confusing plot elements.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed views on the narrative of the videogame Afterimage. Some praise its intricate story, unique premise, and well-developed characters, while others criticize it for being convoluted, lacking originality, and confusing. Positive aspects include engaging growth of the protagonist, but negative points focus on poor explanation and character development. Reviewers like MondoXbox and Noisy Pixel offer a more positive perspective, while GameSpew and God is a Geek highlight the negatives. Overall, enjoyment of Afterimage's story depends on players' preferences for complex storytelling and ability to navigate through confusing plot elements.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

76%

Mixed (50-79)

24%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Afterimage are generally positive. Many critics praise the combat system, highlighting its variety, flexibility, and impact. The game offers a wide range of weapons, spells, and abilities, allowing players to strategize and adapt to different situations. Critics like MondoXbox and Pure Nintendo specifically mention the rewarding and thrilling combat experience. The combat is described as enjoyable, with enemies having unique behaviors and attacks that are cleanly telegraphed, as mentioned by Noisy Pixel. TheXboxHub and Hey Poor Player appreciate the variety of weapons and stat buffs, and the need for proper leveling and quick reactions during boss fights. The traversal abilities in the game also make exploration easier, as mentioned by TheXboxHub. The movement and combat mechanics are praised for their superb and responsive nature, with satisfying traversal abilities and diverse enemy encounters, according to Nintendo Life. The gameplay of Afterimage is further enhanced by its RPG elements, such as skill trees, character upgrades, and customization options, as mentioned by Screen Rant, Gamereactor UK, and SpazioGames. However, there are some negative aspects of the gameplay that critics point out. Backtracking and the need for grinding experience points can be frustrating, as mentioned by But Why Tho??. Unlocking new abilities can feel slow and somewhat random, according to GameSpew. The breadth of choice in weapons and abilities can be overwhelming for newcomers to the genre, as mentioned by Gamereactor UK. Collision issues and attacks going through walls are also mentioned by IGN France as minor flaws in the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Afterimage offers an enjoyable gameplay experience with its precise and fluid controls, Metroidvania-style gameplay, and RPG elements. The combat system is robust, with a variety of weapons and abilities to use. The movement and combat mechanics are highly praised, providing a sense of progression and satisfaction. The game features challenging difficulty spikes and well-designed enemies, encouraging strategic thinking and mastery. While there are some minor flaws and frustrations, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics appreciating the solid and fun gameplay that Afterimage offers.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Afterimage's gameplay for its rewarding combat system, diverse weapons and abilities, and satisfying traversal mechanics. The game offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience with strategic depth and engaging enemy encounters. However, some critics note issues like backtracking and overwhelming choices for newcomers. Overall, Afterimage impresses with its precise controls, Metroidvania-style gameplay, and RPG elements, despite minor flaws.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Afterimage are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game's stunning hand-drawn visuals, with mentions of vibrant colors, beautiful backgrounds, and captivating character models. Meristation describes the game as "visualmente impresionante, con un mundo dibujado a mano que es muy colorido y hermoso." MondoXbox and Movies Games and Tech also highlight the artistically stunning hand-drawn visuals and the stunning blend of colors, interesting backdrops, and captivating character models with smooth animation, respectively. The hand-drawn frames and attention to detail in Afterimage are mentioned by But Why Tho?? and New Game Network, enhancing the overall quality of the experience. The game is also praised for its gorgeous and vibrant visuals, reminiscent of Ori, according to God is a Geek and Hey Poor Player. The unique designs of the weapons, spells, enemies, and different lands in the world of Engardin are highlighted by New Game Network. The visuals are described as beautiful, rich, colorful, vivid, and masterfully crafted, making Afterimage one of the most beautiful metroidvanias, as stated by GameSpew. The game's visuals are also commended for their melancholic atmosphere and gorgeous presentation by Noisy Pixel. However, there are a few criticisms mentioned by some critics. XboxEra points out that there are issues with foreground visuals blocking the player's vision and layering/depth issues. GameGrin mentions that moving objects feel disconnected from the rest of the world. Gamereactor UK describes the visual presentation as mixed, with strikingly beautiful stills but a lack of depth and texture. Nintendo Life notes that the Switch struggles to do justice to the art when docked, with muddy visuals and frame drops. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Graphics and Visual Design of Afterimage are highly impressive and visually stunning. The majority of the critics express their admiration for the game's hand-drawn art style, attention to detail, and the diverse and beautiful environments it presents. The stunning visuals, vibrant colors, and captivating character designs contribute to making Afterimage a visually appealing experience. Despite a few minor criticisms, the positive opinions of the critics outweigh any negatives, solidifying the game's strong visual appeal.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics unanimously praise Afterimage for its stunning hand-drawn visuals, vibrant colors, and captivating character designs, calling it visually impressive and artistically stunning. Some minor criticisms include issues with foreground visuals and disconnected moving objects. Overall, the game's gorgeous presentation and attention to detail make it one of the most beautiful metroidvanias, with critics overwhelmingly admiring its visuals.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Afterimage are largely positive. MondoXbox praises the sound design and music, describing it as excellent and enhancing the game experience. Movies Games and Tech also has positive feedback, stating that the music is magical and the soundtrack is relaxing, with fantasy sound effects that contribute to the overall fantasy theme of the game. TheGamer mentions that the peaceful and melodic tunes in Afterimage enhance the atmosphere of the game. IGN France and Multiplayer.it both highlight the enchanting and immersive nature of the soundtrack, with IGN France specifically mentioning the wonderful themes present. However, there are some negative opinions regarding the Sound Design and Music of Afterimage. New Game Network criticizes the voice acting for not matching the majesty of the visuals, with the protagonist's voice being soft-spoken and the companion's voice being grating. Additionally, New Game Network mentions that while the OST matches the tone of the levels, it is not particularly memorable. The Games Machine also expresses mixed feelings, stating that while the soundtrack has some good atmospheric pieces, it can also feel generic and repetitive. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Afterimage are positive aspects of the game. The music is often described as enhancing the overall experience and atmosphere of the game. Critics such as Hobby Consolas and COGconnected mention that the music is nice and the sound design is good. Screen Rant highlights how the soundtrack captures the tone of the game with precision, bringing the enticing melancholy of a crumbling world to life. Despite some criticisms regarding voice acting and the occasional forgettable or generic track, the majority of critics appreciate the soundtrack and sound design of Afterimage, with many praising its immersive and enchanting qualities.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics largely praise the sound design and music of Afterimage for enhancing the game experience with excellent, magical, and immersive elements. Positive feedback focuses on the relaxing soundtrack, fantasy sound effects, and enchanting themes. However, some critics criticize the voice acting for not matching the visuals and find the music occasionally forgettable or repetitive. Overall, critics agree that the sound design and music contribute positively to the game's atmosphere, despite some mixed opinions.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The overall sentiment regarding the voice acting in Afterimage is mostly positive, with several critics praising the performances and the impact they have on the game. MondoXbox and Movies Games and Tech both describe the voice acting as fantastic and well-crafted, indicating a high level of skill and characterization. XboxEra also commends the voice acting for being well-acted, suggesting that the performances are effective in bringing the characters to life. But Why Tho?? specifically highlights the performances of Kira Buckland as Renee and Christina Assaf-Costello as Ifree, noting that their portrayals make the players care about the characters' struggles. COGconnected describes the voice acting as charming, further emphasizing the positive impact it has on the game. These positive opinions indicate that the voice acting in Afterimage successfully enhances the overall experience and creates a connection between the players and the characters. However, there are a few critics who have some negative opinions about the voice acting in Afterimage. New Game Network criticizes the voice acting for not matching the majesty of the visuals, specifically pointing out the soft-spoken voice of the protagonist and the grating voice of the companion. Push Square also mentions that the sidekick character has a grating voiceover. These criticisms suggest that there are instances where the voice acting may not meet the expectations set by other aspects of the game, potentially impacting the immersion and enjoyment for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Afterimage is a positive aspect of the game. The praise for the performances and the impact they have on the characters and the players' engagement with the story outweigh the few negative opinions. TheXboxHub highlights that the game being fully voiced adds life and personality to the characters, while GameSpew appreciates the unusual but welcome choice of having all dialogue voiced. The positive opinions of MondoXbox, Movies Games and Tech, XboxEra, But Why Tho??, and COGconnected further support the overall positive sentiment towards the voice acting. While there are a few criticisms from New Game Network and Push Square, they do not detract significantly from the overall consensus that the voice acting in Afterimage is well-executed and enhances the overall experience of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics mostly praise the voice acting in Afterimage for its impact on the game, highlighting fantastic performances that bring characters to life. Some critics criticize certain voices for not matching the visuals, but overall, the consensus is positive, with the voices adding charm and depth to the game. The few negative opinions do not overshadow the general acclaim for the well-executed voice acting that enhances player engagement and connection to the story.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

18%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the Xbox Series X, the majority of critics had positive experiences. MondoXbox and Movies Games and Tech both praised the smooth performance of Afterimage on this platform, with no loading times except for the initial startup. This indicates that the game runs seamlessly on the Xbox Series X, providing players with a buttery smooth experience. These positive opinions suggest that the technical performance on this platform is a standout feature of Afterimage. On the PC platform, opinions regarding the technical performance of Afterimage were more mixed. Game Rant mentioned a few quirks with the platforming and feedback, but overall found the core gameplay engaging. IGN France also highlighted smooth and fluid graphics, but noted issues with the mini-map and collision detection. However, Gamereactor UK and The Games Machine had more negative experiences, with Gamereactor UK stating that the game feels unpolished and unfinished, and The Games Machine mentioning slightly longer loading times. These mixed opinions suggest that while the PC version of Afterimage has its strengths, such as engaging gameplay and smooth graphics, it also suffers from technical issues that can impact the overall experience. The Nintendo Switch platform received more negative feedback in terms of technical performance. Nintenderos mentioned certain technical issues that slightly affect the overall experience compared to other platforms. Nintendo Life pointed out frame drops and muddy visuals when docked, but mentioned better performance when undocked on an OLED screen. NintendoWorldReport criticized the game for its unstable framerate and long load times, while Pure Nintendo mentioned a lengthy start-up time and a clumsy user interface. Siliconera mentioned long loading times, but it is unclear if this is a widespread issue or specific to the reviewer's experience. These negative opinions indicate that the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch platform is a weak point for Afterimage. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the technical performance of Afterimage varies depending on the gaming platform. The Xbox Series X version received positive feedback, with smooth performance and no loading times except for startup. The PC version had mixed opinions, with some critics praising the engaging gameplay and smooth graphics, while others criticized the game for feeling unpolished and having longer loading times. The Nintendo Switch version faced more negative feedback, with issues such as frame drops, long load times, and technical issues affecting the overall experience. It is important for potential players to consider these platform-specific technical performance aspects when deciding which version of Afterimage to play.

TL;DR

technical performance

Xbox Series X shines with seamless performance in Afterimage, while PC version has mixed reviews highlighting engaging gameplay but technical quirks. Nintendo Switch lags behind with negative feedback due to frame drops and long load times. Choose your platform wisely for the best technical experience in Afterimage.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

Afterimage, according to the opinions of multiple reviewers, offers a significant amount of replay value. Critics such as Movies Games and Tech, TheXboxHub, Hey Poor Player, New Game Network, Multiplayer.it, Screen Rant, The Games Machine, and Nintenderos all mention the presence of multiple endings in the game, which is a positive aspect for replayability. Additionally, Movies Games and Tech and Multiplayer.it highlight the vast arsenal of weapons and upgrades available, as well as the numerous secrets and hidden items to uncover. These elements provide incentive for players to explore and revisit the game. IGN France and The Games Machine also note the substantial amount of content, with completion times ranging from 20-30 hours, indicating that players can engage with the game for a significant period of time. On the negative side, some critics mention that the game may require patience and willingness to backtrack in order to fully appreciate its potential. Screen Rant specifically states that Afterimage takes time to embrace its potential and relies on players' willingness to sniff out secrets and backtrack. While this may not be seen as a negative aspect by all players, it does suggest that the game may not be immediately accessible to everyone. Additionally, SpazioGames mentions that achieving 100% completion in Afterimage can take much longer than the initial playthrough, which may be a deterrent for some players who prefer to fully complete a game in a shorter timeframe. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Afterimage offers a rich and engaging gameplay experience with significant replay value. The presence of multiple endings, hidden items, and optional content are highlighted as positive aspects that can keep players engaged for extended periods of time. The game's completion times ranging from 20-30 hours, as mentioned by IGN France, Multiplayer.it, and The Games Machine, further support the notion that Afterimage offers a substantial amount of content. While some critics mention the need for patience and willingness to backtrack, the overall sentiment is that Afterimage provides ample rewards in terms of fluid combat, a gorgeous world, and a strong gameplay loop, as noted by Screen Rant.

TL;DR

replay value

Discover the rich world of Afterimage with multiple endings, vast arsenal of weapons, and hidden secrets that promise hours of engaging gameplay. While patience and backtracking may be required, the game's substantial content and rewarding experience make it worth the investment according to critics.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

47%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Afterimage, a metroidvania game, has received a generally positive response from critics. The game is praised for its visually stunning design, captivating story, engaging gameplay, and enjoyable combat. Critics such as MondoXbox, Movies Games and Tech, XboxEra, and Push Square highlight the game's impressive visuals and commend its level design. The combat system is also highly praised by XboxEra and But Why Tho??, who both mention it as a standout feature. Additionally, the game's compelling story and fascinating world are appreciated by critics like But Why Tho?? and Pure Nintendo. The deep combat and excellent visual design are also noted by Push Square, further solidifying the positive sentiment towards Afterimage. However, there are some criticisms that arise from the reviews. Some critics, such as GameSpew and New Game Network, mention issues with the game's difficulty and frustrating fast travel system. The lack of challenging enemies is also mentioned by XboxEra as a downside. IGN France and NintendoWorldReport point out the incomprehensible story and poorly explained systems and mechanics as hindrances to the overall experience. Gamereactor UK also notes that the game feels unpolished and unfinished, stumbling over its own ambitions. These criticisms highlight areas where Afterimage falls short and could have been improved upon. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Afterimage is a visually stunning metroidvania game with enjoyable gameplay and engaging combat. The game's impressive visuals, captivating story, and enjoyable quests are mentioned by Movies Games and Tech, while TheXboxHub and Game Rant highlight the challenging and enjoyable gameplay. The positive sentiment towards Afterimage is further supported by TheGamer, who mentions the game's enjoyable gameplay and visuals. However, there are some criticisms regarding the game's difficulty, frustrating fast travel system, lack of challenging enemies, and incomprehensible story. Despite these issues, critics generally agree that Afterimage is worth playing and offers a satisfying experience.

TL;DR

Afterimage, a metroidvania game, impresses critics with its stunning visuals, captivating story, and engaging combat. Praise for its design and gameplay comes from various sources like MondoXbox and Push Square. However, criticisms include issues with difficulty, fast travel, and story coherence. Overall, critics agree that while Afterimage has its flaws, it still offers a visually striking and enjoyable gaming experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

49 reviews found

Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 5

Apr 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Strayed Lights is a strongly designed action adventure with a melancholic atmosphere. Despite potential issues like low difficulty, it is an exceptional debut outing.

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MondoXbox

Xbox Series X

Apr 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Afterimage is a technically fluid and visually stunning metroidvania game with a captivating story and engaging gameplay

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The Games Machine

May 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Afterimage is a well-made metroidvania with above-average content.

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Multiplayer.it

Apr 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Afterimage is a visually stunning metroidvania game with enjoyable gameplay and a large world to explore. The story could have been better explained, but overall it offers a satisfying experience.

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Everyeye.it

May 3, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Afterimage offers a visually appealing and engaging metroidvania experience.

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SpazioGames

Nintendo Switch

May 3, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Afterimage is a solid and engaging game worth trying, even for those unfamiliar with the metroidvania genre.

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Movies Games and Tech

Xbox Series X

May 30, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Afterimage stands out with a wonderful story, incredible visuals and sound, slick combat, and enjoyable quests, with minor issues of overwhelming world and difficulty remembering abilities

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Hey Poor Player

PlayStation 5

Apr 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is highly praised and recommended, with a final verdict of 4 out of 5.

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Game Rant

Apr 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Afterimage is a magical Metroidvania that shines, despite a few issues that require patching. It is an absolute gem for Metroidvania fans.

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Screen Rant

Apr 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Afterimage captures some of the best elements that the Metroidvania genre has to offer. It may not do anything particularly new, but it does many things quite well. The high points provide ample rewards in fluid, engaging combat and a gorgeous world.

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