Afterimage

The story of Afterimage receives a mix of praise for its creative ambition and narrative structure. Critics like MondoXbox highlight its "fascinating and intricate narrative" that sustains engagement over 20 hours, while Movies Games and Tech applauds the non-linear storyline, allowing players to define their own paths with special endings. TheXboxHub notes the game’s immersive approach, where lore is revealed through hidden notes and item descriptions, creating a sense of discovery. But Why Tho? appreciates the amnesiac protagonist’s relatable journey, calling it "familiar but approachable," and New Game Network acknowledges memorable side-character moments despite the dense narrative. Additionally, Noisy Pixel praises the unique premise and vivid character personalities conveyed through action and cinematics, while Push Square highlights the vibrant world of Engardin as a backdrop for Renee’s quest. These positives suggest the game’s story has layers that resonate with players who enjoy exploration and thematic depth. However, several critics find the narrative confusing or underdeveloped. God is a Geek calls it "plain bad," while TheGamer describes the plot as "incomprehensible" and lacking character development. GameSpew criticizes the story as "convoluted and superfluous," with players prioritizing action over narrative, and Hey Poor Player notes the "dense and incomprehensible overarching narrative." Gamer Escape finds the apocalyptic backdrop "standard and less engaging," while IGN France mentions the story is "light throughout" and requires exploration to grasp. Multiplayer.it and RPG Fan both highlight poor explanations of lore and undercooked themes, with Screen Rant criticizing excessive proper nouns that obscure world-building. Even Softpedia and SpazioGames point to confusion stemming from vague storytelling and translation issues, suggesting the narrative struggles to balance complexity with clarity. Overall, the critical reception of Afterimage’s story is divided. While some praise its ambition, non-linear structure, and immersive world-building—particularly on platforms like Xbox and PC—others find it overly convoluted or underwhelming. MondoXbox and Movies Games and Tech champion its depth, whereas GameSpew, God is a Geek, and TheGamer dismiss it as incoherent or unengaging. The narrative’s reliance on environmental storytelling and fragmented lore appeals to players who enjoy piecing together mysteries but frustrates those seeking clear exposition. Despite mixed opinions, the game’s story remains a polarizing element, with its strengths and flaws reflecting the broader debate over whether its approach to narrative is innovative or overly opaque.

The gameplay of Afterimage is widely praised for its engaging combat mechanics, exploration, and RPG elements. Critics highlight the game’s "precise and fluid control" (Meristation) and "variety of weapons, spells, and abilities" (MondoXbox), with many emphasizing the Metroidvania-style progression that rewards discovery. TheXboxHub notes that traversal abilities enhance exploration, while Gamer Escape and GameSpew commend the sense of progression through upgrades and diverse weapon options. Combat is frequently lauded for its "impactful weapons and upgrades" (God is a Geek) and "robust system with varied abilities" (Hey Poor Player), with Screen Rant praising the "vast array of weapons" and "imaginative enemies." The game’s skill tree and customization also draw praise, as seen in IGN France’s acknowledgment of its "deep yet simple character progression system," while New Game Network highlights the "precise and snappy combat." However, several critics point to repetitive or frustrating aspects of the gameplay. But Why Tho? and Hey Poor Player criticize the "backtracking and grinding" that can feel tedious, with RPG Fan noting "tedious backtracking" and a "lack of meaningful scaling for weapons." Pocket Tactics describes combat as "basic and becomes monotonous quickly," while Screen Rant mentions late-game difficulty spikes that make some fights too easy. Additionally, some reviewers, like GameGrin, note that the "variety of enemies and attacks" can become overwhelming, and IGN France points out minor issues like "collision problems and attacks going through walls." TheXboxHub also notes that "some optional bosses are overleveled," creating imbalance, while NintendoWorldReport warns that combat "breaks down if the player enters an area they’re not high enough level for." Overall, critics agree that Afterimage delivers a solid Metroidvania experience with strong combat and exploration, though it faces challenges in pacing and repetition. The game’s "enjoyable" and "satisfying" mechanics (TheGamer, Pure Nintendo) are balanced by critiques of grinding and difficulty spikes, as highlighted by But Why Tho? and Screen Rant. While some platforms like the Nintendo Switch receive praise for "thrilling combat" (Pure Nintendo) and "well-balanced gameplay" (SpazioGames), others note inconsistencies in exploration (Pocket Tactics) or early-game limitations (Screen Rant). Despite these issues, the consensus leans positive, with many reviewers acknowledging the game’s potential to reward dedicated players. TheXboxHub’s observation that "combat is enjoyable with a variety of weapons and stat buffs" encapsulates the broader sentiment: Afterimage is a compelling entry in the genre, even if it occasionally falters under its own complexity.

The graphics and visual design of Afterimage are overwhelmingly praised by critics, with a strong emphasis on its hand-drawn art style and vibrant aesthetic. Multiple reviewers highlight the game’s “stunning blend of colors” (Movies Games and Tech), “gorgeous 2D artwork” (New Game Network), and “beautifully drawn” environments (XboxEra). The game’s hand-painted visuals evoke comparisons to titles like Hollow Knight (Gamer Escape) and Ori, with its “vibrant, vivid world” (GameSpew) and “memorable environments” (TheGamer). Critics like Meristation and MondoXbox laud the “visually impressive” and “artistically stunning” worlds, while others such as GameGrin and Screen Rant celebrate the “massive open world full of life” and “diverse environments” that enhance exploration. The attention to detail in character models, enemy designs, and fantastical landscapes—such as the “unique weapon designs” (New Game Network) and “lovingly designed enemies” (Push Square)—further solidify its reputation as a visually captivating experience. Despite the widespread acclaim, some critics note technical and design flaws that slightly detract from the visual experience. XboxEra points to issues with “foreground visuals blocking the player’s vision” and “layering/depth issues,” while GameRant mentions enemies occasionally blending into dense backgrounds. Gamereactor UK critiques the “lack of depth and texture,” noting that moving objects feel disconnected from the world, and Nintendo Life highlights that the Nintendo Switch struggles to render the art cleanly when docked, resulting in “muddy visuals” and frame drops. Additionally, TheXboxHub mentions navigation challenges due to a lack of markers, though this is more gameplay-related than a visual flaw. These criticisms, while notable, are relatively minor compared to the overall praise for the game’s artistic direction. The majority of critics agree that Afterimage’s graphics and visual design are its standout features, with only isolated technical issues tempering the experience. The consensus leans heavily toward admiration for its “gorgeous hand-drawn 2D visuals” (Softpedia) and “stunning artistic direction” (Starbit), with even those pointing out flaws acknowledging their minor nature. While Nintendo Life’s concerns about the Switch’s performance and Gamereactor UK’s critiques of depth are valid, they do not overshadow the universal praise for the game’s aesthetic appeal. As Screen Rant notes, the “sheer breadth of art” and cohesive world-building elevate Afterimage above competitors, making its visual design a defining strength that resonates across platforms and perspectives.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Afterimage, highlighting their immersive and thematic contributions to the game. MondoXbox and Movies Games and Tech lauded the "excellent" and "magical" audio, emphasizing how it enhances the overall experience. TheXboxHub noted that most tracks align well with the game’s world, while Gamer Escape described the soundtrack as unobtrusive yet fitting for its fantasy setting. IGN France called the score "enchanting and immersive," and Multiplayer.it praised its ability to elevate both exploration and combat. Additionally, Pocket Tactics and SpazioGames highlighted how the ethereal and elegant compositions complement the game’s fantasy atmosphere, with Nintenderos noting the high production quality of the orchestral recordings. These reviews collectively underscore a strong appreciation for the audio’s role in creating an engaging and atmospheric experience. However, some critics pointed to specific shortcomings. TheXboxHub noted that one boss track felt "out of place," while The Games Machine criticized the soundtrack for being "generic and repetitive." Hobby Consolas found certain songs "forgettable," and New Game Network mentioned that the OST, though thematically consistent, lacked memorability. RPG Fan and New Game Network also critiqued the voice acting as distracting or poorly delivered, which indirectly affected the audio’s impact on storytelling. While these concerns were less widespread, they reflect a minority view that the music, while functional, did not consistently stand out or leave a lasting impression. The balance between atmospheric support and originality remained a point of contention among reviewers. Overall, the consensus leans heavily toward positive reception, with most critics agreeing that Afterimage’s sound design and music effectively enhance its fantasy world. While there were minor criticisms about repetition, memorability, and one off-putting boss track, these did not overshadow the general acclaim. The diversity of praise—ranging from "enchanting" to "peaceful and melodic"—suggests that the audio elements successfully catered to different aspects of the game’s tone and setting. Even with some reservations, the majority of reviewers, including IGN France, Multiplayer.it, and Pocket Tactics, emphasized that the soundtrack and sound design were integral to the game’s immersive quality, reinforcing their significance in shaping the player’s experience.

The voice acting in Afterimage receives generally positive acclaim from multiple reviewers, with several praising its ability to breathe life into characters and enhance the narrative. Critics like MondoXbox highlight that the voice acting is "well-crafted and characterized," while Movies Games and Tech calls it "fantastic acting." TheXboxHub emphasizes that the game’s fully voiced dialogue gives characters "life and personality," and XboxEra notes that the performances are "praised for being well-acted." But Why Tho? specifically commends the standout work of Kira Buckland as Renee and Christina Assaf-Costello as Ifree, crediting their performances with making players care about the characters’ struggles. Additionally, COGconnected describes the voice acting as "charming," suggesting a cohesive and engaging auditory experience that aligns with the game’s tone. These positive assessments collectively underscore the voice acting’s role in elevating the game’s storytelling and emotional depth. However, several critics point to notable flaws or inconsistencies in the voice acting, particularly regarding specific characters or technical aspects. Gamer Escape notes that while the voice acting is "good enough," some performances are "annoying," with the main character’s delivery fitting her role but others falling short. New Game Network criticizes the protagonist’s "soft-spoken" voice and a companion’s "grating" tone, while Push Square explicitly calls out the sidekick’s "grating voiceover." RPG Fan goes further, calling the voice acting "half-baked and frustrating," particularly for the character Ifrit, which detracts from the narrative. Additionally, GameSpew mentions that all dialogue is voiced but offers no specific commentary on quality, while Pocket Tactics points out accessibility issues with subtitles lacking size or contrast adjustments. These critiques highlight uneven execution and moments where voice acting fails to match the game’s ambitions. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for the voice acting’s presence and some standout performances, even as technical and character-specific flaws are acknowledged. While many reviewers praise its ability to enhance immersion and character development—particularly in the work of Kira Buckland and Christina Assaf-Costello—the criticisms about certain voices being grating or generic suggest that the quality is not uniformly high. MondoXbox, Movies Games and Tech, and TheXboxHub emphasize the positive contributions, whereas New Game Network and RPG Fan highlight significant drawbacks. Despite these contradictions, most agree that the voice acting adds a meaningful layer to the game’s presentation, even if it doesn’t consistently meet expectations. The divide between praise and criticism reflects a game where voice acting is a notable strength but not without its flaws.

The technical performance of Afterimage varies significantly across platforms, with notable strengths on Xbox Series X and PC, while the Nintendo Switch faces more challenges. On Xbox Series X, critics like MondoXbox and Movies Games and Tech praised the game for its "smooth performance" and "buttery smooth" gameplay, with no loading times except for the initial startup. For PC, IGN France highlighted "smooth and fluid graphics," while The Games Machine noted that the game runs well on modern systems despite slightly longer loading times. On Nintendo Switch, Starbit acknowledged stability at 60 FPS despite technical limitations, suggesting improvements via patches. These positives indicate strong optimization on higher-end hardware and some commendable efforts on the Switch. However, technical issues plague several platforms. On PC, Gamereactor UK criticized the game as "unpolished" with questionable hitboxes and a weak narrative, while IGN France and Softpedia pointed to specific flaws like mini-map glitches and collision damage problems during boss fights. For Nintendo Switch, multiple critics highlighted significant drawbacks: Nintendo Life noted frame drops and muddy visuals when docked, NintendoWorldReport cited unstable framerates and long load times, and Pure Nintendo described a "clumsy user interface." Even Starbit acknowledged the Switch’s technical limitations, though patches mitigated some issues. These negatives suggest that Afterimage struggles with polish and consistency, particularly on less powerful hardware. Overall, the consensus leans toward Xbox Series X being the most technically refined version, with minimal issues and smooth performance, while PC offers a generally solid experience despite minor glitches. The Nintendo Switch version faces the most criticism, with frame rate instability, loading times, and visual compromises affecting its appeal. While some critics like Starbit and IGN France acknowledged efforts to address technical shortcomings, the broader sentiment suggests that Afterimage’s technical performance is strongest on high-end platforms and less consistent on the Switch, where optimization remains a hurdle despite patches. The mixed reviews for PC highlight a balance between engaging gameplay and lingering bugs, reflecting a game that prioritizes design over flawless execution across all systems.

The majority of critics highlight Afterimage’s strong replay value through its diverse content and design elements. MondoXbox praises the “rich and interesting quest options,” while Movies Games and Tech emphasizes the “massive world, multiple endings, countless character builds, and a vast arsenal of weapons” as key drivers for repeat playthroughs. TheXboxHub notes the game’s “optional content” and similarities to Hollow Knight, suggesting depth beyond the main story. XboxEra and Softpedia both point to multiple endings shaped by player choices, while IGN France and Multiplayer.it cite extended completion times (20–30+ hours) that reward exploration and side missions. Screen Rant adds that the game’s “fluid combat” and “gorgeous world” provide lasting engagement, even if it doesn’t innovate radically. These elements collectively create a sense of discovery and variety, appealing to players seeking depth. However, some critics caution that Afterimage’s replay value may not be universally accessible. Gamer Escape warns that the game’s “grinding and difficulty” could deter casual players, while Screen Rant acknowledges its demand for patience and backtracking. TheXboxHub’s 19-hour first playthrough suggests a steep learning curve, and Hey Poor Player notes that dedicated players might spend weeks uncovering hidden items. Additionally, the game’s reliance on exploration and non-linear progression may frustrate those preferring structured experiences. While critics like New Game Network and The Games Machine praise the “New Game + mode” and multiple endings, these features are framed as rewards for committed players rather than universal appeals. Overall, the consensus leans toward Afterimage offering substantial replay value, particularly for fans of exploration-driven games. Most reviewers agree that its multiple endings, character builds, and hidden content provide meaningful incentives to revisit the world. However, the game’s difficulty and time investment are seen as barriers for casual audiences. Critics like Multiplayer.it and SpazioGames emphasize the 30+ hour commitment required for full completion, while others, such as IGN France and The Games Machine, acknowledge its accessibility for dedicated players. Despite minor criticisms about grind or pacing, the general sentiment is that Afterimage succeeds in delivering a rewarding experience that justifies repeated playthroughs for those who embrace its challenges.