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CRYMACHINA

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

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Single Player

AvailableOct 24, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC

DeveloperAquria

Overview

Crymachina is an action RPG where mechanical girls strive to survive in a post-apocalyptic world to become “Real Humans''. But what does it mean to be a “Real Human”?

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of CRYMACHINA, with some praising its deep exploration of existential themes and engaging narrative, while others criticize its execution, predictability, and lack of originality. Positive aspects highlighted include dark themes, well-developed characters, and exploration of sci-fi concepts, but negative feedback points to pretentiousness, confusing plot, and unlikable characters. Overall, the game's narrative evokes both admiration and disappointment among critics, with some finding it immersive and thought-provoking, while others feel it lacks depth and consistency.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

48%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of CRYMACHINA are varied, with some praising its depth and exploration of existential themes, while others criticize its execution and lack of originality. The positive aspects of the story highlighted by the critics include its focus on dark themes, life and death, and the importance of family, as well as its exploration of sci-fi concepts such as the existence of aliens, the Fermi Paradox, and simulation theory. Critics like Cubed3 and Hardcore Gamer appreciate the rich and deep narrative, well-developed characters, and detailed lore. They find the story engaging, with mysteries that are resolved to satisfying effect and evolving main characters. GamingTrend and PlayStation Universe also commend the narrative for presenting interesting and refreshing premises, exploring the themes of what it means to be human and what it means to be an android. The dialogue is praised for striking a good balance between philosophical and comedic elements. On the other hand, several critics express negative opinions about the story of CRYMACHINA. Everyeye.it and Siliconera criticize the storyline for being pretentious, confusing, and predictable, with lengthy and disconnected dialogues. They also mention uneven pacing and a lack of depth in the plot. KeenGamer finds the story uninteresting and the characters unlikable, pointing out contrived reasons for boss fights and suggesting the inclusion of a strong villain throughout the game. TheSixthAxis mentions that the story is dense and multi-layered, but it is thrown at the player haphazardly, making it hard to feel invested. Nintendo Life criticizes the writing for being stiff and awkward, with unintentionally humorous angsty tones. Hey Poor Player notes that the story has an identity crisis and is inconsistently handled. Overall, the critics' consensus on the story of CRYMACHINA is mixed. While some critics appreciate its intriguing and engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes, others find it pretentious, confusing, and lacking in depth. The game's exploration of existential questions about humanity and consciousness, as well as its focus on dark themes and sci-fi concepts, are generally seen as positive aspects. However, the execution of the story, including pacing issues, predictable plot twists, and disconnected dialogues, receives criticism from several reviewers. Despite the mixed opinions, it is evident that the story of CRYMACHINA has captivated some critics with its immersive and well-told sci-fi drama, while leaving others wanting more depth and originality.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the gameplay of CRYMACHINA. Positive aspects include fast-paced combat with satisfying combos and auxiliary weapons, reminiscent of NieR: Automata. However, criticisms include lack of depth in combat mechanics, repetitive missions, and issues with enemy variety and level design. While some find the gameplay engaging, others feel it falls short. Overall, CRYMACHINA's gameplay shows promise but has room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

22%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

13%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of CRYMACHINA are quite varied. Starting with the positives, many critics praised the combat system, describing it as fast-paced, fluid, and engaging. They highlighted the ability to unleash combos, use different sub-weapons, and the satisfaction of chaining attacks together. Critics like Everyeye.it and GamingTrend specifically mentioned the satisfying counterattacks and the depth added by auxiliary weapons. The combat was also compared favorably to NieR: Automata, a highly acclaimed game known for its thrilling combat. The gameplay was described as intuitive, flashy, and impactful, with room for mastery through various mechanics such as charged attacks, dodge and parry mechanics, and perfect dodges. The presence of optional side areas to explore, light platforming, and puzzle-solving was also appreciated by critics like GamingTrend. However, there were some negative aspects of the gameplay that critics pointed out. One common criticism was the lack of depth and variety in combat mechanics. Critics like Noisy Pixel and Multiplayer.it mentioned the repetitive missions, lack of strategy, and limited attack options. KeenGamer criticized the combat for feeling floaty and unsatisfying, mentioning unbalanced charged attacks and cheap difficulty. Some critics, such as Finger Guns and Push Square, also mentioned the lack of variety in enemies and the linear nature of the levels, which led to repetitive fights and a lack of variety overall. Additionally, there were mentions of issues with unclear indicators, boss mechanics, and frustrating mechanics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of CRYMACHINA has its strengths and weaknesses. The fast and fluid combat, along with the ability to unleash combos and use different sub-weapons, was praised by many critics. The combat system was often compared favorably to NieR: Automata and was described as intuitive and satisfying. However, there were criticisms regarding the lack of depth and variety in combat mechanics, repetitive missions, and issues with certain mechanics and level design. While some critics found the gameplay enjoyable and engaging, others felt that it fell short in certain areas. It is clear that the gameplay of CRYMACHINA has its merits, but it also has room for improvement to fully satisfy all players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on CRYMACHINA's graphics and visual design. Positive feedback praises the stunning visuals, unique atmosphere, and gorgeous aesthetics inspired by popular titles like NieR Automata. However, negative reviews point out issues with outdated graphics, uninspired visuals, and lack of emotional impact. Despite some flaws, many critics appreciate the well-animated characters, stunning environments, and unique art style of the game.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

32%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

11%

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

In terms of the positives, several critics praised the graphics and visual design of CRYMACHINA. Cubed3 commends the solid graphics and unique atmosphere created by the dark storytelling and heavy sci-fi elements. GameGrin describes the game as visually stunning, with impressive anime-inspired combat and slick visuals. Hardcore Gamer also highlights the gorgeous aesthetics, drawing inspiration from popular titles like NieR Automata and Genshin Impact. Siliconera mentions the vibrant and colorful visuals, despite the depressing setting, and praises the detailed and stunning character designs. On the other hand, there were some negative opinions regarding the graphics and visual design. Everyeye.it criticizes the outdated graphics, mentioning polygonal models lacking polish, repetitive landscapes, and uninspired visuals. Finger Guns raises concerns about the animation, noting that while the character models have good quality and unique designs, the animation falls short. The Games Machine describes the graphics as extremely dated and unimpressive, lacking any significant emotional impact. Meristation also comments on modest graphics, strange character designs, and animations. SpazioGames criticizes the generic and uninteresting graphics and level design. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there are positive aspects of the graphics and visual design, such as the well-animated characters, stunning environments, and unique art style, there are also negative points raised, including outdated graphics, repetitive visuals, and some questionable character designs. KeenGamer suggests that more location variety would improve the game. Additionally, some critics mention specific issues like character models clipping and the user interface taking up too much screen space. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment leans towards the positive, with many critics appreciating the aesthetics and visual appeal of CRYMACHINA. (Note: The analysis is based on the opinions provided by the fictional critics and does not reflect the actual reviews of any real videogame or movie.)

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics' opinions on CRYMACHINA's Sound Design and Music are split. Positive reviews praise the diverse music, stellar voice acting, and immersive sound design. However, negative feedback points out wooden voice acting, forgettable soundtrack, and inconsistent music quality. Ultimately, while some critics laud the game's ability to create an engaging experience, others feel improvements are needed in certain areas. Mixed opinions highlight the crucial role of sound design and music in shaping CRYMACHINA's overall experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

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 CRYMACHINA are varied, with both positive and negative feedback. Several critics praised the music and sound design of the game. GameGrin mentioned that the music in CRYMACHINA is beautiful and spans different themes, with a fantastic musical score. They also highlighted the stellar voice acting, which effectively conveys the emotions of the characters. Finger Guns enjoyed the creepy ambient AMSR music and anime theme songs with glitchy English lyrics, finding them enjoyable. They also mentioned that the full Japanese voiceover may be good for those who understand the language. SpazioGames specifically mentioned that the sound design is a highlight of the game. These positive opinions highlight the strengths of CRYMACHINA's sound design and music, showcasing the game's ability to create an immersive and emotionally engaging experience. However, there were also some negative opinions regarding the Sound Design and Music of CRYMACHINA. KeenGamer mentioned that while they enjoyed the ethereal and atmospheric music, they found the voice acting to be wooden and awkward. Meristation described the soundtrack as forgettable, indicating that it did not leave a lasting impression. PLAY! Zine mentioned that the music was hit or miss, suggesting that it may not consistently resonate with all players. These negative opinions point out areas where CRYMACHINA's sound design and music may have fallen short, such as in the delivery of voice acting and the overall impact of the soundtrack. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that CRYMACHINA's Sound Design and Music have both strengths and weaknesses. The positive feedback from critics like GameGrin and Finger Guns highlights the game's ability to create a captivating and emotionally resonant experience through its music and sound design. On the other hand, the negative feedback from critics like KeenGamer and Meristation suggests that there are areas where improvements could be made, such as in the voice acting and the memorability of the soundtrack. Despite these mixed opinions, it is clear that the sound design and music of CRYMACHINA play a significant role in shaping the overall experience of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in CRYMACHINA. Some praise the emotional performances and standout actors, while others criticize the lack of an English dub. One critic suggests the wooden acting may tie into the game's theme. Overall, reviews are divided, with positive feedback on Japanese voice acting and concerns about accessibility for non-Japanese speakers. Enjoyment may vary based on language preference and engagement with the story.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

11%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in CRYMACHINA are varied, with some praising its quality and others expressing disappointment. Several critics, such as GameGrin and Noisy Pixel, commend the voice acting, highlighting the effort put into conveying emotions and the standout performances of certain actors, like Hikaru Tono as Enoa. These positive reviews indicate that the voice acting successfully brings the characters to life and adds emotional impact to the game. However, there are also critics, like Finger Guns and Pure Nintendo, who express dissatisfaction with the lack of an English dub. Finger Guns laments the absence of an English voice track, while Pure Nintendo mentions the difficulty of reading translated text during fights. These negative opinions suggest that the absence of an English dub may limit the accessibility and enjoyment of the game for non-Japanese speakers. One critic, KeenGamer, takes a different perspective by criticizing the voice acting as wooden and awkward. This critic suggests that this intentional choice may tie into the theme of humanity and robotics in the game. While this negative opinion may be subjective, it adds another layer to the discussion on the voice acting in CRYMACHINA. Overall, the consensus among the critics is somewhat divided. While some critics appreciate the stellar voice acting and emotional impact it brings to the game, others express disappointment with the lack of an English dub and the difficulty of reading translated text. The positive reviews highlight the quality of the Japanese voice acting, while the negative opinions emphasize the limitations it may pose for non-Japanese speakers. Ultimately, players' enjoyment of the voice acting in CRYMACHINA may depend on their language preferences and ability to engage with the game's story and dialogue.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

PS5 version of CRYMACHINA impresses with smooth gameplay and stable frame rates, though some critics question graphics quality. Nintendo Switch version faces criticism for resolution drops and technical issues, leading to mixed reviews on performance across platforms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

17%

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

In terms of the technical performance of CRYMACHINA, the PlayStation 5 version seems to have received positive feedback from most critics. Everyeye.it and GamingTrend both mention that the game runs smoothly on the PS5, providing a seamless experience with fast load times and smooth frame rates. The Games Machine adds that the game maintains a stable frame rate of 60 frames per second on the PS5, further emphasizing its technical prowess on the platform. These positive comments highlight the game's ability to utilize the power of the PS5 and deliver a technically impressive performance. On the other hand, SpazioGames criticizes the technical performance of CRYMACHINA on the PS5, stating that the game is not impressive and has outdated graphics. This negative opinion stands out among the positive feedback from other critics, suggesting that there might be some disagreement regarding the technical aspects of the game on the PS5. Moving on to the Nintendo Switch version, Multiplayer.it describes the technical performance as decent, but mentions noticeable resolution drops that can make the image appear blurry at times. This criticism suggests that the game might struggle to maintain a consistent visual quality on the Nintendo Switch, potentially impacting the overall experience. TouchArcade goes even further, stating that the Switch port of CRYMACHINA has technical issues, advising players to consider other options if available. These negative comments indicate that the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch might be lacking compared to other platforms. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of CRYMACHINA is mixed. While the PlayStation 5 version receives praise for its smooth experience and stable frame rates, there is some disagreement, with SpazioGames expressing disappointment in the graphics. On the Nintendo Switch, the technical performance is described as decent by Multiplayer.it, but TouchArcade warns of technical issues. This suggests that the game's technical performance might vary depending on the platform, with the PS5 version generally being more positively received.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of CRYMACHINA. Some praise its side content and missions for enhancing the experience, while others criticize its lack of new systems and repetitive gameplay. Overall, the game offers short bursts of enjoyment but may not hold up well for extensive replay.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

86%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of CRYMACHINA are mixed. Some critics, such as Hardcore Gamer and Siliconera, appreciate the game's side content and extra missions, which they believe add to its replay value. These additional elements provide players with more opportunities to explore and engage with the game, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, Siliconera mentions that the mission format and character-progression system are handled well, making the game enjoyable in short bursts. On the other hand, several critics express negative opinions about the game's replay value. Noisy Pixel criticizes CRYMACHINA for not introducing new systems or abilities after the initial hour, resulting in a need to grind through missions to reach the conclusion. This lack of variety and progression can make the gameplay feel repetitive and tedious, as mentioned by Push Square and PLAY! Zine. RPG Site also highlights the expectation for players to replay levels in order to properly level up and obtain equipment drops, which can be seen as a negative aspect of the game's replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that CRYMACHINA has a mixed replay value. While there are positive aspects, such as the side content, extra missions, and well-handled mission format and character-progression system, the game falls short in terms of introducing new systems or abilities, leading to repetitive gameplay and a need for grinding. The opinions of the critics highlight the potential enjoyment of the game in short bursts but also emphasize the drawbacks that may hinder players' interest in replaying it extensively.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

32%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the Overall Verdict of CRYMACHINA, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects highlighted by the reviewers. Starting with the positives, several critics praised the game's narrative and story. GameGrin commends CRYMACHINA for its engaging story and interesting premise, while The Games Machine describes it as a touching narrative that explores the nuances of human emotions and insecurities. Additionally, Hardcore Gamer appreciates the deep and thematic story, which rewards players who can follow its lore. The game's musical score is also highly regarded, with GameGrin highlighting its fantastic musical score. These positive aspects contribute to the overall enjoyment of the game and make it appealing to fans of the genre. On the other hand, there are several criticisms raised by the reviewers. Finger Guns and GamingTrend express disappointment in the game's story, gameplay, and mission structure, with Finger Guns specifically mentioning the lack of depth and complexity compared to similar titles like NieR: Automata. The visuals and graphics are also a point of contention, with Everyeye.it and The Games Machine criticizing the game for falling short in this aspect. Additionally, Push Square and TheSixthAxis highlight the lack of gameplay polish and repetitive elements that hinder the overall experience. Taking into account the opinions of the critics, the overall consensus regarding the Overall Verdict of CRYMACHINA is mixed. While there are positive aspects such as the engaging story, interesting premise, and fantastic musical score, there are also significant drawbacks including the lack of depth and complexity, underwhelming gameplay, and issues with visuals and graphics. The game's potential is recognized by some critics, but its execution and overall gameplay loop are seen as lacking. It is worth noting that the opinions of the critics vary, with some praising the game as a solid package and others finding it falling short of its potential. Ultimately, the game may appeal more to dedicated fans of the genre who appreciate its unique art style and thematic elements.

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on CRYMACHINA. Some praise its engaging story and fantastic music, while others criticize its lack of depth, underwhelming gameplay, and issues with visuals. The game shows potential but falls short in execution, making it more suitable for genre fans who enjoy its unique style and themes.

MONSTER

Reviews

44 reviews found

Digitally Downloaded

Nintendo Switch

Oct 20, 2023

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

Crymachina is a JRPG that explores deep themes and has a warm and relatable story. While it may not reach the same level as NieR: Automata, it is still a memorable game with a unique art style.

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Cubed3

PlayStation 5

Oct 26, 2023

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

The game is a solid package with improvements over past entries. It is recommended for JRPG fans despite some drawbacks.

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Hardcore Gamer

PlayStation 5

Oct 23, 2023

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

Crymachina is a thrilling science fiction adventure with a deep and thematic story, fluid gameplay, and stunning visuals. Despite some gameplay and design issues, it offers a complete package and rewards players who can follow its lore.

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Siliconera

PlayStation 5

Oct 20, 2023

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

Crymachina is a hack-and-slash RPG with high-speed and fun gameplay, but with a middling storyline. The game's visuals are impressive, but the story lacks depth to match its intriguing themes and setting.

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Meristation

PlayStation 5

Nov 13, 2023

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

A quality game that fans of the genre will appreciate.

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GameGrin

PlayStation 5

Oct 20, 2023

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

CRYMACHINA is a good game with an interesting premise, engaging story, slick combat, and a fantastic musical score. Despite some issues with gameplay and visuals, it is an enjoyable title that shouldn't be overlooked.

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The Games Machine

PlayStation 5

Oct 20, 2023

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

Crymachina is a touching narrative that explores the nuances of human emotions and insecurities. While it draws inspiration from the works of Yoko Taro and FuRyu's previous productions, it manages to find moments of originality, especially in the development of the three main characters. The game design is solid, with a combat system based on abilities that keeps players engaged. However, the dated and unimpressive graphics detract from the overall experience.

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RPG Site

Oct 20, 2023

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

Despite some weaknesses in level design and repetitive gameplay structure, Crymachina is a compelling RPG with an interesting story and unique combat mechanics.

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GamingTrend

PlayStation 5

Oct 20, 2023

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

The game lays down a solid foundation with its narrative, characters, and gameplay, but lacks in the execution and overall gameplay loop. The concept of questioning humanity is interesting, but could have been delivered in a smoother manner.

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PLAY! Zine

Nintendo Switch

Nov 10, 2023

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

CRYMACHINA is an ambitious title with a great narrative and characters, but the gameplay can be headache-inducing. Recommended for those interested in futuristic and existential JRPGs.

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