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MONSTER

Capes

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Capes
Item: Capes
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresIndie, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableMay 29, 2024

PlatformNintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5

DeveloperSpitfire Interactive

Overview

Superheroes clash in this turn based strategy game. Recruit, train, and deploy your team in order to take back the city from the villains that hold it hostage.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

"Capes" receives a mostly positive response for its engaging superhero narrative and themes of power and social justice, with critics praising character interactions and a unique take on societal outcasts. However, some reviewers criticize its execution as awkward and lacking depth, leading to a mixed reception that reveals both its strengths and notable flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

46%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

54%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding the story of "Capes" is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its engaging narrative and thematic depth. GameCritics highlights the compelling storyline of a new generation of superheroes battling an oppressive corporation, emphasizing themes of power and responsibility. Similarly, God is a Geek appreciates the depth added by character interactions among the outlawed heroes in a totalitarian city. Gameliner echoes these sentiments, noting the unique portrayal of superheroes as societal outcasts, while Checkpoint Gaming commends the diverse cast and the exploration of social justice themes. The narrative's homage to classic comic book tropes is also recognized by Nintendo Life, who appreciates the serviceable plot and fitting twists that resonate with comic book fans. However, not all reviews are favorable, as some critics express dissatisfaction with the story's execution. PC Gamer criticizes the narrative for being awkward and lacking depth, suggesting that it fails to effectively engage with its themes. PCGamesN echoes this sentiment, describing the story as straightforward and stale, lacking the necessary exploration of its darker elements. RPGamer points out pacing issues and flat character arcs, indicating that attempts to introduce nuance fall short, leading to a basic superhero versus supervillain storyline. These critiques highlight a divide in the reception of the narrative, with some reviewers feeling that it does not live up to its potential. In summary, while "Capes" is recognized for its engaging narrative and thematic exploration by several critics, there is a notable concern regarding its depth and execution. Critics like GameCritics and Gameliner celebrate its unique take on the superhero genre, while others like PC Gamer and RPGamer point out significant flaws that detract from the overall experience. The consensus suggests that while the story has the foundation for a compelling superhero narrative, its execution may leave some players wanting more, resulting in a mixed reception that highlights both its strengths and weaknesses.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Capes impresses with strategic depth and teamwork-focused gameplay, but faces criticism for balance issues and limited player agency. While praised for its tactical complexity and character synergy, some see it as a mediocre XCOM clone. Players may enjoy its superhero twist, but flaws could frustrate those seeking a polished experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

62%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Capes has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, emphasizing its strategic depth and tactical complexity. Reviewers like GameCritics and Checkpoint Gaming highlight the game's focus on character synergy and strategic positioning, which encourages players to creatively combine heroes' abilities for effective teamwork. The turn-based mechanics, as noted by God is a Geek and Nintendo Life, allow for diverse combat strategies, with unique hero abilities and linked combos adding layers to the gameplay experience. The rewarding nature of the gameplay is further echoed by critics such as RPG Fan and The Games Machine, who appreciate the balance of mission requirements and character application, making each encounter feel like a satisfying puzzle to solve. However, not all feedback is positive, as some critics point out notable shortcomings. Gaming Age describes the gameplay as a "mediocre XCOM clone," suggesting that it lacks the engaging combat and depth found in other tactical games. Additionally, PCGamesN mentions a lack of player agency and customization options, which can detract from the overall experience. Gameliner raises concerns about character balance, indicating that some abilities may feel underpowered or unbalanced, which could frustrate players. RPGamer also notes that while the tactical gameplay is engaging, the later stages can become overwhelming and unfair, potentially alienating some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Capes offers a compelling tactical experience with a focus on teamwork and strategic planning, it is not without its flaws. The game is praised for its depth and engaging mechanics, as highlighted by PC Gamer and Worth Playing, but it also faces criticism regarding balance and player agency. Critics seem to agree that Capes successfully combines superhero elements with strategic gameplay, but it may not fully meet the expectations set by genre leaders like XCOM. Thus, players looking for a tactical RPG with a superhero twist may find enjoyment in Capes, albeit with some caveats regarding its execution.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Capes features appealing comic-style visuals and engaging cutscenes praised by some critics, but suffers from significant flaws, including stiff animations, plastic character models, and dated graphics. While there are strengths in its aesthetic, the overall execution detracts from the gaming experience, leaving many players unsatisfied.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of Capes reveal a mix of positives that some critics appreciate. Notably, Gameliner highlights the game's comic-style visual design, which enhances storytelling, particularly during cutscenes. The engaging visual design noted by The Games Machine also contributes positively to the overall experience, suggesting that certain aspects of the game resonate well with players. Additionally, Merlin'in Kazanı finds the 2D visuals appealing, indicating that the aesthetic choices can be effective, especially when viewed on larger screens. Some critics, like God is a Geek, acknowledge that while the visuals are decent, they are complemented by good visual novel-style cutscenes, which provide a narrative depth that some players may enjoy. However, the criticisms of Capes are quite pronounced and reveal significant issues with the game's graphics. Several reviewers, including PC Gamer and Gaming Age, point out the plastic or waxy quality of character models, which detracts from the overall visual experience. The animations are frequently described as wooden or stiff, with RPGamer noting that the cutscenes lack personality and are marred by rough animations. Nintendo Life emphasizes the dated visuals and limited character expressions, which can hinder gameplay clarity. Furthermore, Worth Playing mentions that certain combination attacks lack impact due to unclear representation, suggesting that the visual design sometimes fails to convey the necessary excitement or clarity during critical gameplay moments. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Capes has some appealing visual elements, particularly in its comic-style design and engaging cutscenes, it suffers from significant shortcomings. The recurring themes of stiff animations, plastic character models, and dated visuals create a negative impression that overshadows the strengths of the game. Critics like RPGamer and Checkpoint Gaming highlight that the visuals are passable but ultimately fail to elevate the gaming experience. The mixed reviews suggest that while there is potential in the visual design, it is marred by execution issues that leave many players wanting more polish and refinement.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

"Capes" features commendable voice acting that enhances immersion and character depth, earning praise from critics like GameCritics and RPGamer. However, inconsistencies and sound balancing issues detract from the experience, with some calling the overall sound design mediocre. While the music complements gameplay, it lacks variety, leading to a mixed reception that highlights both strengths and significant room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

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

The opinions of various critics regarding the sound design and music of "Capes" reveal several positive aspects that enhance the overall gaming experience. Notably, GameCritics praises the high-quality voice acting, which significantly enriches character interactions and contributes to immersion. RPGamer echoes this sentiment, highlighting that great voice acting adds depth to the characters, while Worth Playing notes that the voice acting is occasionally excellent, emphasizing its importance in a game where character development is crucial. Additionally, RPG Fan appreciates the decent music score, describing it as complementing the gameplay with impactful tunes that resonate during key moments. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the sound design and music that suggest room for improvement. God is a Geek points out inconsistencies in the tone of the voice acting, describing it as ranging from over-the-top and cheesy to fitting the story, which detracts from the game's atmosphere. Nintendo Life mentions sound balancing issues in certain scenes, indicating that the enthusiastic voice acting does not always align with the game's context. Gaming Age presents a more critical view, labeling the voice acting as mediocre and the overall sound design as less-than-great, suggesting that it fails to meet the expectations set by the game's narrative ambitions. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a mixed reception for the sound design and music in "Capes." While some reviewers, like GameCritics and RPGamer, commend the voice acting for its quality and character depth, others, such as God is a Geek and Gaming Age, highlight inconsistencies and mediocrity that hinder the experience. The music, while noted as decent by some, is criticized for lacking variety and becoming background noise as the game progresses. This blend of praise and criticism suggests that while "Capes" has a solid foundation in sound design and music, it ultimately falls short of achieving a consistently high standard, leaving room for future enhancements.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in "Capes" receives mixed reviews: praised for enhancing character depth and narrative by some critics, while others criticize inconsistencies and lackluster performances. Highlights include lively delivery from GameCritics, but flaws like emotional shallowness and clichéd dialogue are pointed out by others. Overall, it’s a mixed bag—strong in some areas, but with significant room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

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

The voice acting in "Capes" has garnered a range of positive remarks from several critics, highlighting its role in enhancing the game's narrative and character depth. GameCritics praised the high-quality voice acting, noting that it effectively brings the characters to life and enriches the storytelling experience. Similarly, Gameliner described the voice-over as lively, contributing positively to the overall narrative, while Worth Playing acknowledged that the voice acting is "fine and occasionally excellent," underscoring its importance in character development. These positive remarks suggest that, for many players, the voice acting is a strong point that adds to the game's immersive qualities. However, not all opinions are as favorable. Nintendo Life pointed out the inconsistency in the voice acting, suggesting that while the performances are enthusiastic, they sometimes lack the necessary emotional depth due to limited character expressions in cutscenes. Gaming Age described the voice acting as mediocre, indicating a lack of standout performances that could elevate the experience. Additionally, PCGamesN criticized the dialogue as cliched and reminiscent of comic book tropes, which may detract from the overall impact of the voice performances. This mixed reception reveals that while some elements of the voice acting are appreciated, there are significant shortcomings that affect the overall quality. Overall, the consensus among the critics indicates a divided sentiment regarding the voice acting in "Capes." While some reviewers, like GameCritics and Worth Playing, commend the quality and contribution of the voice performances to character development, others, such as Nintendo Life and Gaming Age, highlight notable inconsistencies and mediocrity. This disparity suggests that while the voice acting has its strengths, particularly in enhancing character depth and narrative engagement, it also suffers from inconsistencies and a lack of standout performances that may leave some players wanting more. As a result, the voice acting in "Capes" appears to be a mixed bag, with both commendable efforts and areas for improvement.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

technical performance

Description unavailable

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics generally praise "Capes" for its engaging structure, strategic character upgrades, and diverse missions that enhance replayability. However, concerns over grinding, limited character options, and repetitive gameplay may dampen long-term interest for some players. It's a mixed bag: great for strategy lovers, but potentially tedious for those seeking variety.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

54%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of "Capes" is predominantly positive among critics. Many reviewers highlight the game's structure, which includes main missions and a variety of side stories, as a significant factor that enhances replayability. GameCritics notes that engaging in various challenges for character growth adds depth to the experience, while God is a Geek emphasizes the fun derived from synergizing between party members and upgrading heroes through XP earned from side missions. Additionally, critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Nintendo Life appreciate the opportunity to experiment with different party combinations and tackle optional objectives, which not only provide hours of entertainment but also encourage strategic thinking. The presence of diverse characters and skills to unlock is frequently mentioned as a core aspect that keeps players returning for more. However, not all opinions are as favorable. Some critics express concerns about the game's replay value being hindered by aspects such as grinding and a limited character roster. Gaming Age explicitly states that the need for grinding detracts from the fun, leading to a low replayability rating. Similarly, PCGamesN points out that while replaying missions can be enjoyable, the lack of customization and limited character options may dampen long-term engagement. RPG Fan also suggests that the main story's lengthy duration, combined with the potential for repetitive gameplay, might lead players to lose interest by the halfway mark. The Games Machine echoes this sentiment, noting that the requirement to repeat missions for progression could negatively impact the overall replayability for some players. In summary, while the majority of critics recognize the potential for replay value in "Capes" through its diverse missions, character upgrades, and strategic elements, there are notable concerns regarding the grinding mechanics and limited customization options that may restrict long-term engagement. Critics like Worth Playing and RPGamer highlight the positive aspects of optional challenges and team-up attacks, but the criticisms from Gaming Age and others indicate that the game's design may not cater to all players' preferences. Overall, "Capes" presents a mixed bag of replayability, with a strong foundation for those who enjoy depth and strategy, but potential pitfalls for those seeking a more varied or less repetitive experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

52%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

48%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment towards "Capes" from various critics is largely positive, highlighting its engaging gameplay and fresh take on the turn-based tactics genre. GameCritics commends the game for its strong emphasis on character and story, making it a recommended choice for fans seeking something different. Similarly, Checkpoint Gaming praises the deep tactical gameplay and engaging narrative, particularly noting its social justice themes and charming character cast. Many reviewers, including Nintendo Life and Gameliner, appreciate the game's solid mechanics and enjoyable experience, even appealing to those who typically shy away from superhero games. The variety of characters and gameplay elements also receive accolades, suggesting that "Capes" successfully combines traditional strategy with innovative features. However, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings that detract from the overall experience. God is a Geek mentions flaws in visuals and voice acting, while PCGamesN critiques the lack of depth in the story and player agency, indicating that the game may not fully satisfy all players. Gaming Age expresses disappointment, stating that "Capes" falls short compared to other superhero titles and XCOM-alikes. RPGamer echoes this sentiment, noting that while the game starts strong, it falters in later stages, leading to an unsatisfying conclusion. These critiques suggest that while the gameplay is engaging, the presentation and narrative elements leave something to be desired. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that "Capes" is a commendable entry in the turn-based strategy genre, particularly for fans of superhero themes. While it boasts engaging gameplay and a unique premise, it is not without its flaws, particularly in terms of visuals, story depth, and some gameplay balance issues. Critics like PC Gamer and The Games Machine affirm that despite its shortcomings, "Capes" stands out as a solid title worth exploring, especially for those who appreciate tactical gameplay blended with superhero elements. Overall, "Capes" is recognized as a fun and refreshing game, albeit with the caveat that it may not fully meet the expectations of all players.

TL;DR

"Capes" garners positive reviews for its engaging gameplay and unique take on turn-based tactics, praised for character depth and social themes. However, critics note visual flaws, shallow story depth, and balance issues that may disappoint some players. Despite these shortcomings, it's considered a solid choice for fans of superhero games and tactical strategy.

MONSTER

Reviews

44 reviews found

GameCritics

PlayStation 5

Sep 27, 2024