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CRYMACHINA

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

2023

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

AvailableOct 24, 2023

PlatformNintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

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

CRYMACHINA dazzles with bold existential themes and lush world-building, earning praise for its philosophical depth and immersive sci-fi drama, but falters under pretentious writing, uneven pacing, and undercooked characters, making it a polarizing, ambitious gamble that sparks debate over substance vs. style.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

48%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

40%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

12%

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

The story of CRYMACHINA receives praise for its ambitious exploration of existential themes, rich world-building, and philosophical depth. Critics like GamingTrend highlight its refreshing premise on humanity and androids, while Hardcore Gamer lauds the "rich, deep, and often wholesome" narrative with well-developed characters and lore. Noisy Pixel commends the immersive sci-fi drama, noting its captivating storytelling over a 20-hour runtime, and Push Square appreciates the intriguing focus on humanity’s end and artificial lifeforms. The Games Machine praises the intelligent, mature storytelling that distinguishes the three protagonists, while Meristation and PLAY! Zine celebrate the game’s charismatic characters and emotional depth. These reviews underscore a consensus that CRYMACHINA tackles profound questions about existence, identity, and synthetic life with creativity and ambition. However, several critics point to significant flaws in execution. Everyeye.it calls the storyline "pretentious and confusing," criticizing predictable twists and disjointed dialogues, while Finger Guns argues it "fumbles" existential themes, feeling clinical and detached. KeenGamer finds the plot uninteresting and characters unlikable, and RPGamer deems the narrative convoluted with excessive jargon that undermines emotional stakes. Siliconera notes the plot is "mostly forgettable," and SpazioGames criticizes a lack of originality despite intriguing ideas. TheSixthAxis and Nintendo Life highlight uneven pacing and awkward writing, with the former calling the storytelling "haphazard" and the latter criticizing stiff dialogue. These critiques suggest that while the game’s concepts are compelling, its delivery often falls short of expectations. Overall, the critical reception of CRYMACHINA’s story is divided but leans toward appreciation for its thematic ambition and world-building, tempered by frustrations over pacing, coherence, and emotional engagement. While GameGrin and Hardcore Gamer celebrate its satisfying mysteries and depth, others like Cubed3 and RPG Fan acknowledge its complexity but note issues with tonal consistency and narrative focus. The game’s exploration of humanity, AI, and post-apocalyptic survival resonates with many, yet its execution—marked by uneven pacing, overwrought philosophy, and underdeveloped characters—leaves some critics unsatisfied. Despite these contradictions, CRYMACHINA emerges as a polarizing but thought-provoking experience that sparks debate about the balance between ambition and accessibility in narrative-driven games.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

CRYMACHINA shines with a dynamic, fast-paced combat system featuring diverse mechanics and customization, but repetitive missions, shallow progression, and uneven design tarnish its potential, resulting in a mixed reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

20%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

68%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

12%

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

The gameplay of CRYMACHINA receives significant praise for its dynamic combat system, which many critics highlight as a standout feature. Cubed3 and Everyeye.it both commend the fast-paced, fluid action, emphasizing the variety of attacks, sub-weapons, and character-specific mechanics that allow for creative combat strategies. GamingTrend and Hardcore Gamer note the intuitive, flashy hack-and-slash gameplay, with the latter praising the potential for mastery through combos and parry mechanics. The presence of customizable weapons—such as the 60 types mentioned by Everyeye.it—and the "perfect dodge" system (GamingTrend) adds depth, while Meristation and Siliconera compare the combat to NieR: Automata, highlighting its responsiveness and engaging rhythm. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and Pure Nintendo also appreciate the fast-paced, reflex-driven battles, with the latter noting the challenge of enemies’ varied patterns. However, several critics point to significant flaws in the gameplay’s design and structure. Finger Guns and RPGamer criticize the repetitive mission loops and lack of narrative depth, while KeenGamer and Noisy Pixel describe the combat as "floaty" or unbalanced, with issues like cheap difficulty and insufficient enemy variety. Push Square and TheSixthAxis highlight linear dungeons and shallow boss battles, while SpazioGames and Multiplayer.it point to limited exploration and underdeveloped mechanics, such as a lack of attack diversity. Additionally, RPG Fan and Hey Poor Player note that the combat feels repetitive despite its technical polish, with some critics (e.g., KeenGamer) criticizing the game’s reliance on grinding for progression. These issues create a disconnect between the combat’s excitement and the broader gameplay experience. Overall, CRYMACHINA is seen as a game with a strong, engaging combat system that draws comparisons to NieR: Automata but struggles with repetition, lack of variety, and uneven design. While critics like Everyeye.it, GamingTrend, and Hardcore Gamer celebrate its fluid mechanics and potential for mastery, others such as Noisy Pixel and KeenGamer argue that these strengths are undermined by repetitive missions, shallow progression systems, and inconsistent enemy design. The consensus leans toward a mixed reception: the combat is undeniably compelling, but the game’s broader gameplay structure fails to fully capitalize on its technical merits, leaving it feeling uneven and occasionally frustrating despite its energetic core.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

CRYMACHINA's visuals are a polarizing mix of bold art direction and technical flaws—praised for its unique, anime-inspired atmosphere and stylish combat, but criticized for outdated graphics, repetitive environments, and jarring animations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

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

The reviews of CRYMACHINA’s graphics and visual design highlight several strengths, particularly its artistic ambition and unique aesthetic. Critics like Cubed3 and GameGrin praise the game’s ability to create a "unique atmosphere" through dark sci-fi elements and "visually stunning" anime-inspired combat, respectively. Siliconera and RPG Fan commend the vibrant color palettes, striking character designs, and stylized visuals that blend cute and unsettling elements, while Digitally Downloaded appreciates the alienating yet beautiful art style by Rolua. KeenGamer and GamingTrend note well-designed characters and environments, with RPG Site highlighting the appealing visual aesthetic despite its lack of variety. These positives collectively underscore a game that prioritizes artistic expression over technical polish, creating a memorable visual identity. However, several critics point to significant flaws in the graphics and design. Everyeye.it and The Games Machine criticize the "outdated" polygonal models, repetitive landscapes, and generic level design, while Finger Guns highlights questionable character sexualization and subpar animation. GameGrin mentions technical issues like clipping and an intrusive UI, and Meristation describes the visuals as "modest" with "strange" animations. RPGamer and Nintendo Life note the limited color palette and repetitive environments, while Multiplayer.it points to resolution drops on the Nintendo Switch version. These critiques reveal a game that struggles with consistency in its technical execution and environmental creativity, despite its artistic aspirations. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for CRYMACHINA’s bold art direction and character design, even as it faces criticism for technical shortcomings and repetitive environments. While Cubed3, GameGrin, and Siliconera celebrate its unique visuals and atmospheric depth, others like Everyeye.it and The Games Machine find the graphics underwhelming or outdated. The game’s visual identity is polarizing: it excels in character design and stylistic creativity but falters in environmental variety and technical polish. Despite these contradictions, many reviewers acknowledge its artistic ambition, suggesting that CRYMACHINA succeeds as a visually distinctive experience even if it doesn’t fully deliver on all fronts.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave over CRYMACHINA’s immersive sound design, praising its atmospheric depth, emotional resonance, and genre-blending score—from eerie ambient tracks to glitchy anime themes—but note minor flaws like forgettable moments, awkward voice acting, and technical quirks that slightly dim its brilliance.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

55%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

45%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of CRYMACHINA receive generally positive acclaim from multiple reviewers, with several highlighting its atmospheric depth and emotional resonance. GameGrin praises the "beautiful" and thematically diverse musical score, while RPGamer notes the "mix of ambient sounds and adrenaline-fueled tracks" that enhance the game’s emotional experience. Finger Guns appreciates the "creepy ambient AMSR music and anime theme songs with glitchy English lyrics," emphasizing their unique charm, and SpazioGames calls the sound design a "highlight." Additionally, Noisy Pixel and Hey Poor Player commend specific performances, such as Hikaru Tono’s emotionally impactful voice work and the hauntingly sweet "Imitation Garden" theme. Even KeenGamer, despite criticizing the voice acting as "wooden," acknowledges the "ethereal and atmospheric music," underscoring its strengths. These reviews collectively suggest that the game’s audio elements are a standout feature, offering both variety and immersion. However, some critics express reservations about the soundtrack’s consistency and impact. Meristation describes the music as "forgettable," while PLAY! Zine notes that the "music is hit or miss." RPG Fan acknowledges the "superb" composition by Sakuyzo but argues that the chaotic battle sequences may detract from appreciating the music fully. Additionally, Finger Guns’ mention of "glitchy English lyrics" and KeenGamer’s critique of the Japanese voice acting as awkward highlight potential drawbacks for non-Japanese speakers or those sensitive to performance quality. While these points are minor compared to the overall praise, they indicate that the sound design, though strong, is not universally flawless in its execution or accessibility. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily toward appreciation for CRYMACHINA’s sound design and music, with most praising their creativity, emotional depth, and atmospheric quality. While there are minor criticisms regarding memorability, technical nuances (like glitchy lyrics), and voice acting consistency, these do not overshadow the general acclaim. The game’s soundtrack is seen as a key strength, blending orchestral, ambient, and glitchcore elements to complement its narrative and gameplay. Critics like GameGrin, RPGamer, and SpazioGames emphasize its artistic value, while others, such as Noisy Pixel and Hey Poor Player, highlight standout performances that elevate the experience. Despite some mixed reactions, the music and sound design are widely regarded as a defining asset of CRYMACHINA.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

CRYMACHINA's voice acting is a masterclass in emotional depth and technical precision, with critics praising its immersive quality and standout performances—especially Hikaru Tono’s haunting portrayal of Enoa. Yet, its reliance on Japanese-only audio sparks debate: while most celebrate the artistry, others lament the exclusion of English speakers and clunky translations, questioning if the stylized delivery is a bold choice or a missed opportunity for accessibility. A triumph, but with caveats.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

44%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

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

The majority of reviewers praised the voice acting in CRYMACHINA as a standout element, particularly highlighting its emotional depth and technical quality. GameGrin described it as "stellar," emphasizing the effort put into conveying characters' emotions, while GamingTrend noted that the Japanese voice acting "fits each character's role well in terms of tone and diction." Noisy Pixel specifically commended Hikaru Tono’s performance as Enoa, calling it "standout and emotionally impactful." Critics like Everyeye.it and Finger Guns acknowledged the excellence of the Japanese voice acting, with the former noting that English localized texts accompany it, though this may pose challenges for non-English speakers. PLAY! Zine and Pure Nintendo also affirmed the quality of the Japanese audio, even if it was the sole language option. These reviews collectively underscore the voice acting as a strong asset, enhancing immersion and character development. However, some critics raised concerns about the limitations of the voice acting, particularly its reliance on Japanese without an English dub. Finger Guns lamented the absence of an English version, which could alienate non-Japanese speakers, while Pure Nintendo pointed out that translated text during fights was "difficult to read." KeenGamer offered a more critical take, calling the voice acting "wooden and awkward," though they suggested this might be intentional to reflect the game’s themes of humanity and robotics. This perspective introduces a nuanced debate: is the stylized delivery a creative choice or a technical shortcoming? While most praised the performances, these critiques highlight potential barriers for players unfamiliar with Japanese or seeking more accessible localization. Overall, the consensus leans heavily toward appreciation for CRYMACHINA’s voice acting, with its emotional resonance and technical execution earning widespread acclaim. The lack of an English dub was a recurring point of contention, but it did not overshadow the praise for the Japanese performances. Critics like GameGrin, GamingTrend, and Noisy Pixel emphasized the strength of the vocal work, while KeenGamer’s unique take on its intentional awkwardness added depth to the discussion. Though some players may struggle with language barriers or translation issues, the voice acting remains a defining feature that enhances the game’s narrative and thematic elements, reflecting a broad critical agreement on its quality despite minor reservations.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

CRYMACHINA’s performance is uneven: PS5 shines with smooth, stable play despite dated graphics; Switch struggles with blurry visuals and technical hiccups; PC faces floaty combat and stiff animations, though some call them intentional. Consensus: PS5 wins for optimization, others grapple with compromises.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

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

The technical performance of CRYMACHINA varies across platforms, with several critics highlighting strengths on specific systems. On PS5, Everyeye.it praised the "smooth experience," while GamingTrend noted the game runs "flawlessly" with stable 60fps and fast load times, as confirmed by The Games Machine. These reviews suggest the PS5 version benefits from optimized performance, offering a polished experience despite some graphical limitations. For Nintendo Switch, Multiplayer.it described the port as "decent," acknowledging its playability but noting resolution drops that can make visuals appear blurry. On PC, RPG Fan acknowledged technical issues like "floaty combat and stiff animations" but framed them as thematically appropriate, hinting at a trade-off between performance and design intent. However, negatives emerge across platforms. On PS5, SpazioGames criticized the game’s "outdated graphics," suggesting it fails to meet expectations for next-gen hardware despite smooth gameplay. For Nintendo Switch, TouchArcade highlighted "technical issues" that could deter players, while Multiplayer.it’s mention of resolution drops underscores the console’s hardware limitations. On PC, RPG Fan’s critique of floaty combat and stiff animations points to potential bugs or unpolished mechanics, which might frustrate players seeking responsive controls. These criticisms indicate that while CRYMACHINA performs well technically on some platforms, it struggles with consistency and graphical ambition across others. Overall, the consensus leans toward PS5 being the most technically sound version, with multiple critics praising its stability and performance. The Switch port receives mixed feedback, balancing decent playability against hardware-related compromises, while the PC version faces criticism for gameplay mechanics despite thematic justifications. While no platform is universally flawless, the PS5’s optimization stands out as a strong point, whereas the Switch and PC versions grapple with technical shortcomings that may affect player satisfaction. The varied reception highlights the challenges of cross-platform development and the importance of hardware-specific tuning.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

CRYMACHINA offers replayability through side content, flexible progression, and customization, but its repetitive mechanics, grinding, and short runtime create a frustrating cycle that undermines long-term appeal. Critics are split: some praise its depth and variety, while others call it tediously redundant.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

11%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

78%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

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

The reviewers generally acknowledge several positive aspects of CRYMACHINA’s replay value. Hardcore Gamer highlights the game’s abundance of side content and extra missions, which provide meaningful incentives for revisiting the world. PlayStation Universe praises the freedom in character progression, noting that players can tailor their experience through the leveling system. Siliconera commends the mission format and character-progression mechanics as well-handled, suggesting the game remains enjoyable in short sessions. Additionally, RPG Fan points out that the engaging story and character customization could motivate multiple playthroughs despite the game’s relatively brief runtime of under 15 hours. These elements collectively suggest a foundation for replayability through varied content and player agency. However, several critics express significant concerns about repetitive mechanics and grind-heavy design. Noisy Pixel argues that CRYMACHINA fails to introduce new systems or abilities after the first hour, forcing players into monotonous mission repetition. PlayStation Universe and RPGamer both criticize the grinding for experience as inorganic and tedious, slowing progression and detracting from enjoyment. Push Square notes the short runtime exacerbates this issue, making it hard to invest in the narrative’s stakes. PLAY! Zine and RPG Site also highlight the tedium of replaying levels for XP or unlocking mini-stages, with the latter questioning the value of these additional content pieces. These critiques underscore a recurring frustration with the game’s reliance on repetitive structures that may deter players from revisiting it. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward caution. While some praise the game’s side content, progression systems, and potential for multiple playthroughs due to story and customization, others emphasize that the grind-heavy design and repetitive gameplay undermine its replay value. RPG Fan’s acknowledgment of the short runtime as a limitation contrasts with Siliconera’s view of the game as enjoyable in short bursts, but most agree that the core mechanics risk alienating players seeking depth or variety. Ultimately, CRYMACHINA offers elements that could support replayability, but its reliance on repetition and grinding may outweigh these positives for many, leaving its long-term appeal dependent on individual tolerance for such design choices.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

32%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall verdict of CRYMACHINA is marked by a mix of admiration for its narrative ambition, combat mechanics, and aesthetic design, though these elements are often tempered by criticism of its execution. Critics like GameGrin and Hardcore Gamer highlight the game’s engaging story, slick combat, and impressive musical score, with the latter praising its "fluid gameplay" and "stunning visuals." Cubed3 acknowledges it as a "solid package" with improvements over prior entries, while The Games Machine appreciates its exploration of human emotions and character development. The game’s thematic depth, particularly its existential questions about humanity, resonates with reviewers such as TheSixthAxis, who note its potential for future expansion. Additionally, Digitally Downloaded and PLAY! Zine commend its unique art style and emotional storytelling, suggesting it appeals to fans of introspective JRPGs. However, the game faces significant criticism regarding its gameplay mechanics, narrative coherence, and technical polish. Everyeye.it and Finger Guns argue that CRYMACHINA falls short in areas like narrative depth, level design, and graphical fidelity, with the latter comparing it unfavorably to NieR: Automata. KeenGamer calls it a "defective ripoff," criticizing its convoluted story and gameplay, while Noisy Pixel and Push Square note that its gameplay feels underwhelming or repetitive. The Games Machine points to dated graphics as a drawback, and RPG Site mentions issues with level design and repetitive structures. Even Multiplayer.it and Nintendo Life acknowledge limitations in innovation and technical performance, suggesting the game struggles to stand out despite its ambitions. Despite these critiques, the consensus among critics leans toward CRYMACHINA being a flawed but worthwhile experience for fans of the genre. While Meristation and RPGamer highlight its potential as a quality title for JRPG enthusiasts, others like Siliconera and GamingTrend emphasize that its strengths—such as its narrative concept and combat system—outweigh its shortcomings. The game’s polarizing reception reflects a divide between those who appreciate its thematic depth and originality (e.g., The Games Machine, RPG Fan) and those who find it underdeveloped or overpriced (e.g., Everyeye.it, Pure Nintendo). Ultimately, CRYMACHINA is seen as a game with ambition and promise, but one that struggles to fully realize its vision, leaving room for growth in future iterations.

TL;DR

CRYMACHINA dazzles with bold storytelling, slick combat, and haunting visuals but stumbles on clunky mechanics, repetitive design, and uneven polish, leaving fans divided between its ambitious vision and frustrating flaws.

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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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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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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RPG Fan

Feb 16, 2024

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

Crymachina is an interesting concept with a strong aesthetic and improved combat, but it suffers from pacing issues and convoluted storytelling. Despite its flaws, it leaves a solid impression and shows promise for future entries.

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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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