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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's narrative is a double-edged sword—critics praise its ambitious existential themes and engaging character evolution, but many find the story convoluted, predictable, and emotionally detached. While it offers intriguing world-building, the execution leaves it lacking depth and impact, leading to a mixed reception that polarizes players.

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 has garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly for its ambitious exploration of existential themes and the nature of humanity. Many reviewers, such as Hardcore Gamer and GamingTrend, highlight the rich narrative that delves into what it means to be human and the philosophical questions surrounding consciousness in a post-human dystopia. The characters are often described as dynamic and engaging, with GameGrin noting the evolution of the main characters and their mysteries being resolved satisfactorily. Critics like Noisy Pixel and Meristation appreciate the captivating storytelling and charismatic characters, which contribute to an immersive sci-fi drama that holds the players' interest throughout its runtime. However, the reception is not without its criticisms. Several reviewers, including Everyeye.it and KeenGamer, find the storyline to be convoluted and lacking depth, with predictable plot twists and uneven pacing. Finger Guns echoes this sentiment by stating that while the story attempts to tackle profound themes, it often falls short, feeling clinical and detached. Others, like RPGamer and Siliconera, point out that the narrative is bogged down by excessive jargon and awkward pacing, making it difficult for players to connect emotionally with the characters. The tonal dissonance and dragging middle sections, as mentioned by Cubed3, also detract from the overall experience, leaving some critics feeling underwhelmed. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the story of CRYMACHINA is one of divided opinion. While there are commendable aspects, such as intriguing world-building and thought-provoking themes, many reviewers express dissatisfaction with the execution and depth of the narrative. Critics like TheSixthAxis and PlayStation Universe suggest that while the game touches on several interesting themes, they are not explored deeply enough, resulting in a story that lacks a lasting impact. Ultimately, CRYMACHINA presents a complex narrative landscape that resonates with some players while alienating others, reflecting the challenges of balancing ambitious storytelling with accessibility and emotional engagement.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

CRYMACHINA's fast-paced combat is praised for its fluidity and mastery potential, drawing comparisons to NieR: Automata. However, critics highlight repetitive missions, linear level design, and lack of enemy variety that undermine the experience. While it has a solid foundation, the game falls short of a fully satisfying action RPG, needing improvements in mission variety and combat depth to truly shine.

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 has garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly for its fast-paced and engaging combat mechanics. Reviewers like Cubed3 and Siliconera highlight the fluidity and responsiveness of the action, drawing comparisons to the acclaimed NieR: Automata. Everyeye.it emphasizes the depth offered by the game's combat system, noting the unique attack patterns of the three playable characters and the variety of auxiliary weapons available for customization. Critics such as Hardcore Gamer and GamingTrend appreciate the mastery potential in combat through combos, dodges, and parry mechanics, indicating that players can develop their skills over time. The hack-and-slash elements, along with the thrill of chaining attacks, contribute to an overall enjoyable combat experience. However, the gameplay is not without its drawbacks, as many critics point out significant issues that detract from the overall experience. Finger Guns and Noisy Pixel criticize the repetitive nature of missions and the lack of depth in combat mechanics, suggesting that the gameplay loop becomes monotonous. KeenGamer and Push Square express concerns over the floaty feel of combat and the linear design of levels, which can lead to a lack of engagement during exploration. Additionally, RPGamer notes that the grind associated with leveling up can become tedious, and the unclear indicators in boss mechanics, as mentioned by Hardcore Gamer, can lead to frustration. Overall, there seems to be a consensus that while the combat is engaging, it is often marred by a lack of variety and depth. The overall sentiment among critics suggests that CRYMACHINA's gameplay offers a solid foundation with its fast-paced combat but is hindered by repetitive missions, linear level design, and a lack of enemy variety. While some reviewers, like Meristation and The Games Machine, appreciate the chaining of combos and the potential for mastery, others like SpazioGames and RPG Fan highlight the need for more depth in gameplay mechanics. The mixed reviews indicate that while the game has the potential to be enjoyable, it ultimately falls short of delivering a fully satisfying action RPG experience. Critics agree that improvements in mission variety, level design, and combat depth would greatly enhance the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

CRYMACHINA's graphics receive a mixed but mostly positive response, praised for vibrant character designs and animation akin to titles like NieR Automata. Critics commend its striking colors and anime-inspired aesthetics, but many lament outdated graphics, dull environments, and an intrusive UI. While character visuals shine, the inconsistency and lack of depth in landscapes lead to a divided reception, highlighting a struggle for cohesive visual quality.

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 graphics and visual design of CRYMACHINA have garnered a mixed but generally positive reception from critics, particularly regarding character designs and artistic direction. Reviewers such as KeenGamer and Siliconera highlighted the well-animated characters and vibrant color palettes, noting that the visuals, despite the dark themes, manage to pop with striking purples and blues. Hardcore Gamer praised the game's aesthetics, drawing comparisons to visually acclaimed titles like NieR Automata and Genshin Impact, while Digitally Downloaded emphasized the intriguing character designs that draw players into the narrative. The anime-inspired combat and character models were also lauded by GameGrin, who described them as "visually stunning," further reinforcing the game's appeal in its character-centric design. However, there are significant criticisms regarding the overall visual execution of CRYMACHINA. Several reviewers, including Everyeye.it and The Games Machine, pointed out that the graphics often feel outdated, with polygonal models and environments that lack polish and depth. The repetitive and uninspired landscapes noted by GamingTrend and RPGamer detract from the immersive experience, with the latter mentioning a limited color palette that contributes to the dullness of the environments. Additionally, the user interface was criticized for being intrusive, as mentioned by GameGrin, while Meristation described some character designs as strange and poorly animated, indicating a lack of consistency in visual quality. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a divide between the strengths of character design and animation versus the weaknesses in environmental graphics and level variety. While many reviewers, such as Cubed3 and KeenGamer, appreciate the unique atmosphere created by the blend of sci-fi elements and character aesthetics, others like TheSixthAxis and RPG Site express disappointment over the blandness of the environments and lack of visual variety. This dichotomy suggests that while CRYMACHINA excels in character-centric design, it struggles to deliver a cohesive visual experience across its environments, leading to a mixed reception in terms of graphics and visual design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

CRYMACHINA's sound design and music are praised for their emotional depth and artistic merit by many critics, highlighting a beautiful soundtrack and stellar voice acting that enhance the gameplay experience. However, some reviews point to weaknesses, calling parts of the music forgettable and critiquing the quality of Japanese voice performances. While the overall reception is mixed but leaning positive, critics note inconsistencies that may prevent the music from resonating with all players. Ultimately, CRYMACHINA's audio elements significantly contribute to its appeal, despite room for improvement.

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 have garnered a largely positive reception from several critics, highlighting its artistic merit and emotional depth. Many reviewers, such as GameGrin and RPGamer, praised the game's soundtrack for its beauty and ability to enhance the overall experience. GameGrin specifically noted the "fantastic musical score" and stellar voice acting, which effectively conveys character emotions. Similarly, RPGamer appreciated the mix of ambient sounds and adrenaline-fueled tracks, suggesting that the music significantly contributes to the game's emotional landscape. Finger Guns also acknowledged the enjoyment derived from the "creepy ambient AMSR music" and anime theme songs, indicating that the musical elements resonate well with certain audiences. Critics like SpazioGames even went so far as to highlight sound design as a standout feature of the game. However, not all reviews were as favorable, with some critics expressing disappointment in certain aspects of the sound design and music. Meristation described the soundtrack as "forgettable," suggesting that it fails to leave a lasting impression. KeenGamer echoed this sentiment by finding the Japanese voice acting wooden and awkward, detracting from the overall experience. PLAY! Zine noted that while the voice acting was well done, the music could be hit or miss, indicating inconsistency in quality. Additionally, RPG Fan pointed out that the chaotic nature of battles might hinder players from fully appreciating the music, suggesting that the integration of sound and gameplay could be improved. Overall, the consensus among critics reveals a mixed but generally positive sentiment towards the sound design and music of CRYMACHINA. While many reviewers, such as Hey Poor Player and Noisy Pixel, highlighted the emotional impact of the voice acting and specific musical pieces, there are notable critiques regarding the soundtrack's memorability and the effectiveness of the voice performances. This divergence in opinion indicates that while the game excels in certain musical aspects, there are areas that could benefit from refinement. Ultimately, CRYMACHINA's sound design and music contribute significantly to its artistic appeal, but the inconsistency noted by some critics suggests that it may not resonate equally with all players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

CRYMACHINA's Japanese voice acting receives widespread praise for its emotional depth, with standout performances like Hikaru Tono as Enoa. Critics celebrate the quality but lament the absence of an English dub, which could alienate non-Japanese speakers. While many applaud the performances, some, like KeenGamer, find the delivery awkward, creating a mixed reception overall that underscores major localization challenges in the game.

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 voice acting in CRYMACHINA has garnered a largely positive reception among critics, particularly for its Japanese performances. Reviewers like GameGrin and Noisy Pixel highlight the stellar quality of the voice acting, emphasizing the emotional depth and effort put forth by the voice actors. GameGrin notes that each character's voice actor effectively conveys emotions, while Noisy Pixel specifically praises Hikaru Tono's performance as Enoa, describing it as standout and emotionally impactful. Additionally, GamingTrend commends the impressive nature of the Japanese voice acting, asserting that it fits each character's role well in terms of tone and diction. Even critics who played on different platforms, such as PLAY! Zine, affirm that the Japanese voice acting is of good quality, indicating a general consensus on the strength of the performances. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the voice acting, particularly concerning the absence of an English dub. Critics like Finger Guns express disappointment over the lack of an English voice option, which they feel could alienate non-Japanese-speaking players. Everyeye.it echoes this sentiment, pointing out that while the Japanese voice acting is excellent, the reliance on English localized texts may hinder non-English speakers' understanding of the story. KeenGamer presents a more critical perspective, describing the voice acting as "wooden and awkward," suggesting that this may be an intentional choice to reflect the game's themes of humanity and robotics. This critique introduces a divisive element to the overall reception of the voice acting, as it contrasts sharply with the more favorable opinions. In summary, the overall consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in CRYMACHINA is mixed but leans towards the positive. While many reviewers, including GameGrin and Noisy Pixel, celebrate the quality and emotional resonance of the Japanese performances, others like Finger Guns and KeenGamer raise valid concerns about the lack of an English dub and the potential awkwardness of the delivery. This dichotomy suggests that while the voice acting may resonate well with players familiar with Japanese, it presents challenges for a broader audience, highlighting a critical aspect of localization in gaming.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

CRYMACHINA shines on PS5 with smooth 60fps gameplay and fast load times, earning rave reviews. In stark contrast, the Nintendo Switch version suffers from low resolution and blurry visuals, while the PC version is marred by awkward mechanics. Players should choose their platform wisely for the best experience.

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 significantly across different gaming platforms, with the PlayStation 5 version receiving the most favorable reviews. Critics from Everyeye.it and The Games Machine both highlight the smooth gameplay experience, noting that the game runs flawlessly with a stable frame rate of 60 frames per second. GamingTrend also praises the PS5 version for its fast load times, contributing to an overall seamless experience. This positive sentiment indicates that players on the PS5 can expect a polished and enjoyable gaming experience, showcasing the console's capabilities effectively. In contrast, the Nintendo Switch version of CRYMACHINA faces notable criticism. Multiplayer.it describes the performance as "decent," yet points out significant resolution drops that lead to a blurry image, which can detract from the visual experience. TouchArcade further emphasizes the technical issues present in the Switch port, suggesting that players might want to consider alternative platforms for a better experience. On the PC front, RPG Fan mentions technical problems such as floaty combat and stiff animations, which could hinder immersion, even if they are thematically relevant to the game's robotic characters. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a clear divide in technical performance across platforms. The PlayStation 5 version stands out as a strong performer, with multiple reviewers affirming its smooth and stable gameplay. However, both the Nintendo Switch and PC versions face criticism for various technical shortcomings. While the Switch struggles with resolution and general performance, the PC version suffers from gameplay mechanics that some find unrefined. This disparity suggests that players should carefully consider their platform choice, especially if technical performance is a priority for their gaming experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

CRYMACHINA's replay value is a mixed bag; while critics praise its side content and character customization for enhancing replayability, concerns about early-game potential, excessive grinding, and repetitiveness cast a shadow. Ultimately, promising elements exist, but many players may find the effort of multiple playthroughs outweighs the enjoyment.

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 opinions regarding the replay value of CRYMACHINA present a mixed but somewhat optimistic view, particularly from critics like Hardcore Gamer and Siliconera. Hardcore Gamer highlights the abundance of side content and extra missions, suggesting that players have ample opportunities to explore beyond the main storyline, which can significantly enhance replayability. Siliconera echoes this sentiment by noting that the mission format and character-progression system are well-handled, allowing players to enjoy the game in short bursts. Additionally, RPG Fan points out that while the game is relatively short, its engaging story and character customization features could entice players to embark on multiple playthroughs, indicating that there are elements that can sustain interest. However, several critics express concerns that overshadow the positive aspects of replay value. Noisy Pixel argues that the game reveals its full potential early on, leading to a lack of new systems or abilities that might keep players engaged in subsequent playthroughs. This sentiment is echoed by PlayStation Universe and RPGamer, who both emphasize the excessive grinding required for character progression, which can feel tedious and detract from the overall experience. Push Square reinforces this by mentioning the game's short runtime and repetitive nature, which can diminish players' investment in the story. Critics like PLAY! Zine also note that while replaying levels is an option, it can quickly become a grind, further complicating the appeal of replaying the game. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while CRYMACHINA has some redeeming qualities that could enhance its replay value, significant drawbacks hinder its potential. The presence of side content and character customization is promising, as noted by Hardcore Gamer and RPG Fan, but the pervasive issues of grinding and repetitiveness, highlighted by Noisy Pixel and RPGamer, create a barrier for many players. Thus, while there are elements that might encourage replaying the game, the overall experience may leave players feeling that the effort required outweighs the enjoyment derived from multiple playthroughs.

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 sentiment regarding CRYMACHINA from various critics presents a mixed bag of opinions, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, several reviewers appreciate the game’s intriguing narrative and thematic exploration of humanity. For instance, The Games Machine commends the touching narrative and the development of its main characters, while Hardcore Gamer praises the fluid gameplay and stunning visuals. Additionally, GameGrin notes the engaging story and slick combat, suggesting that the game offers a solid package that may resonate well with JRPG fans. The musical score is frequently mentioned as a standout feature, enhancing the overall experience and contributing to the game's appeal. Conversely, the criticisms directed at CRYMACHINA are significant and cannot be overlooked. Many reviewers, including Everyeye.it and Finger Guns, point out the game's shortcomings in narrative depth, level design, and overall gameplay execution. Finger Guns specifically highlights the underwhelming nature of the story and mission structure, comparing it unfavorably to titles like Nier Automata. Critics like KeenGamer and RPGamer express disappointment in the gameplay mechanics, describing them as tedious and convoluted. Furthermore, SpazioGames and PlayStation Universe emphasize that the game falls short of its potential, leading to an overall experience that lacks memorability and depth. In summary, the consensus among critics is that while CRYMACHINA has a solid foundation and some engaging elements, it ultimately struggles with execution and depth. Many reviewers acknowledge the game's potential, but the recurring themes of lackluster gameplay and narrative flaws overshadow its strengths. Critics like GamingTrend and Noisy Pixel suggest that the game may appeal primarily to dedicated fans of the genre, but its shortcomings may deter a broader audience. Overall, CRYMACHINA is seen as a title that could benefit from further refinement and innovation in future iterations.

TL;DR

CRYMACHINA garners mixed reviews; praised for its engaging narrative, visuals, and music, but heavily criticized for shallow gameplay, poor level design, and execution flaws. While it shows potential for JRPG fans, its shortcomings may alienate a wider audience.

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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