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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

TL;DR: CRYMACHINA's narrative is a double-edged sword, praised for its ambitious exploration of humanity and existence, with strong character development and immersive world-building. However, many critics slam it for pretentious, convoluted storytelling and uneven pacing, leaving some players feeling disconnected. The game appeals to those who enjoy deep philosophical themes but risks alienating others seeking a more cohesive plot.

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 appreciation and critique from various reviewers, with several praising its ambitious exploration of complex themes such as humanity, existence, and the essence of life. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and GamingTrend highlight the narrative's richness, noting its ability to engage with existential questions in a post-human dystopia, while also balancing philosophical discussions with moments of humor. The Games Machine commends the detailed world-building and character development, emphasizing the intelligent and mature storytelling that focuses on the individual narratives of the three main characters. Additionally, Noisy Pixel appreciates the immersive sci-fi drama and captivating storytelling, suggesting that the game successfully draws players into its compelling narrative. Conversely, numerous critiques point out significant flaws in CRYMACHINA's storytelling. Everyeye.it describes the plot as pretentious and confusing, with predictable twists and uneven pacing, while RPGamer notes that the convoluted nature of the narrative filled with excessive jargon detracts from the emotional stakes. Critics like KeenGamer and Siliconera express disappointment with the overall plot, labeling it forgettable and criticizing the lack of depth and originality. The tonal inconsistencies and awkward dialogue mentioned by Nintendo Life further contribute to a sense of disconnection from the story, leading some reviewers to feel that the game fails to deliver on its promising premise. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while CRYMACHINA attempts to tackle profound themes and presents an intriguing premise, it ultimately struggles with execution. The mixed reviews reflect a divide between those who appreciate the ambitious narrative and its character-driven approach, such as Meristation and Digitally Downloaded, and those who find it convoluted and lacking in emotional resonance, like TheSixthAxis and Hey Poor Player. This dichotomy suggests that while CRYMACHINA has the potential to resonate with players who enjoy deep philosophical explorations, it may alienate others who seek a more cohesive and engaging storytelling experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

CRYMACHINA delivers thrilling fast-paced combat and solid customization, drawing positive comparisons to NieR: Automata. However, critics slam its repetitive missions, linear level design, and unbalanced gameplay, leading to an engaging yet ultimately shallow experience. While the combat shines, the lack of variety and depth holds it back from being a standout title.

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 fluid combat mechanics. Reviewers like Cubed3 and Hardcore Gamer highlight the action RPG's responsive combat, emphasizing the excitement of dashing around and executing combos. Everyeye.it praises the frenetic combat system, noting the unique attack patterns of the three playable characters and the depth added by auxiliary weapons, which allow for customization and strategic play. Critics such as Siliconera and Meristation echo these sentiments, appreciating the hack-and-slash mechanics and the overall engaging gameplay experience that draws comparisons to titles like NieR: Automata. However, despite the commendations, several critics point out significant flaws in the gameplay. Finger Guns and Noisy Pixel criticize the repetitive nature of the missions, describing them as lacking depth and strategic variety. KeenGamer finds the combat floaty and unbalanced, while Push Square and RPGamer highlight issues with linear level design and a frustrating leveling system that can hinder player progression. The general consensus is that while the combat can be thrilling, the gameplay is marred by a lack of variety in both enemy design and mission structure, leading to an overall feeling of repetitiveness. The overall sentiment among critics suggests a divided opinion on CRYMACHINA's gameplay. While many appreciate the fast-paced combat and customization options, the repetitive missions, linear level design, and lack of depth in combat mechanics detract from the experience. Critics like GameGrin and TheSixthAxis note that the gameplay moments between fights can feel drab and unengaging, which diminishes the overall enjoyment of the game. Ultimately, CRYMACHINA presents an action RPG that excels in combat but struggles to maintain player interest through its mission design and level progression.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

CRYMACHINA boasts impressive character models and a vibrant, unique art style that blends cute and unsettling elements, earning praise for its anime-inspired animations. However, critics highlight significant shortcomings in environmental design, describing backgrounds as dull and repetitive. While the character aesthetics shine, the overall visual experience lacks depth and polish, leaving ample room for improvement.

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 opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of CRYMACHINA present a mixed but generally positive sentiment towards certain aspects of the game. Critics like Cubed3 and GamingTrend highlight the game’s character models, praising their quality and unique designs. The vibrant and colorful art style, particularly noted by Siliconera and RPG Fan, adds to the overall appeal, with the game’s aesthetic being described as a blend of cute and unsettling elements that effectively convey its themes. The anime-inspired combat and character animations also receive commendation, with Hardcore Gamer pointing out the gorgeous aesthetics reminiscent of other popular titles. Furthermore, the art direction is described as ambitious and creative, with Hey Poor Player and Digitally Downloaded appreciating the striking visuals and fluidity of character movements. However, several reviewers express concerns regarding the game’s overall visual execution. Critics like Everyeye.it and The Games Machine describe the graphics as outdated and unimpressive, pointing out issues such as dull and repetitive landscapes, polygonal models lacking polish, and a limited color palette. The environments are often criticized for being drab and uninspired, with RPGamer and SpazioGames noting that while character designs may shine, the level design and backgrounds fail to captivate. Additionally, some reviewers, including Finger Guns, mention that while character models are well-designed, the animation quality can be inconsistent, and certain character designs may be overly sexualized, raising questions about artistic choices. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while CRYMACHINA excels in character design and certain artistic elements, it struggles with environmental variety and polish. The game showcases a vibrant and unique art style that resonates with many, as seen in the opinions of KeenGamer and Multiplayer.it, but it is often undermined by generic and repetitive level design. Critics like TheSixthAxis and RPG Site emphasize that despite the appealing character aesthetics, the overall visual experience lacks the depth and variety needed to make a lasting impact. Thus, while CRYMACHINA has its standout moments in graphics and design, it ultimately leaves room for improvement in creating a more cohesive and engaging visual landscape.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

CRYMACHINA's sound design and music receive mixed reviews. Critics praise the emotional depth and beauty of the score, with standout voice performances adding to the experience. However, some find the soundtrack forgettable and voice acting wooden, indicating inconsistency in quality. Overall, while many appreciate the game's auditory strengths, not all players may connect with its sound elements.

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 range of positive feedback from critics, highlighting the game's auditory strengths. Many reviewers praised the musical score for its beauty and emotional depth. For instance, GameGrin noted the "fantastic musical score" that spans different themes, while RPGamer emphasized the blend of ambient sounds and adrenaline-fueled tracks that enhance the emotional experience. Finger Guns appreciated the creepy ambient AMSR music and anime theme songs, suggesting a unique auditory experience that resonates with certain audiences. Additionally, Noisy Pixel highlighted standout voice performances, particularly noting Hikaru Tono's emotional portrayal, which adds to the game's overall impact. Conversely, there are notable criticisms regarding the sound design and music in CRYMACHINA. Meristation described the soundtrack as "forgettable," indicating that it may not leave a lasting impression on players. KeenGamer echoed similar sentiments about the voice acting, finding it wooden and awkward despite the game being fully voiced in Japanese. PLAY! Zine also pointed out that the music can be "hit or miss," suggesting inconsistency in quality. This mixed reception implies that while some elements are well-executed, others may not meet the expectations of all players. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a divided sentiment regarding the sound design and music of CRYMACHINA. While many reviewers, such as RPGamer and Hey Poor Player, celebrated the haunting melodies and emotional voice acting that contribute positively to the gaming experience, others like Meristation and KeenGamer pointed out shortcomings that detract from the overall quality. The varying opinions suggest that while the game excels in certain musical aspects, it may not resonate universally with all players, leading to a nuanced perception of its auditory components.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

CRYMACHINA's Japanese voice acting is widely praised for its emotional depth and quality, significantly enhancing the game's narrative. However, the absence of an English dub frustrates some critics, potentially alienating non-Japanese speakers and complicating gameplay. While many celebrate the voice performances, concerns about accessibility and immersion remain prominent.

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 praised the stellar quality of the voice acting, highlighting the emotional depth and effort put forth by the voice actors. Noisy Pixel specifically commended Hikaru Tono's performance as Enoa, noting its emotional impact, which suggests that the voice acting significantly enhances the game's narrative experience. Additionally, GamingTrend echoed this sentiment, describing the Japanese voice acting as impressive and well-suited to the characters, effectively conveying their roles through tone and diction. Overall, the consensus among many critics is that the Japanese voice acting is a strong point of the game, contributing positively to the overall atmosphere. However, the lack of an English dub has been a point of contention among several reviewers. Everyeye.it and Finger Guns expressed disappointment over this absence, noting that while the Japanese voice acting may be excellent, it could alienate non-Japanese speakers who struggle with the localized English text. Pure Nintendo also pointed out that the characters' dialogue during fights is exclusively in Japanese, which complicates the gameplay experience for those who rely on translations. KeenGamer took a more critical stance, describing the voice acting as "wooden and awkward," suggesting that this might be an intentional choice reflecting the game's themes of humanity and robotics, but nonetheless detracting from the overall immersion. In summary, while the voice acting in CRYMACHINA is generally praised for its quality and emotional resonance, particularly in the Japanese performances, the absence of an English dub presents a significant barrier for non-Japanese speakers. Critics like Everyeye.it and Finger Guns highlight this issue, indicating that it may hinder the storytelling experience for a portion of the audience. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus leans towards a recognition of the voice acting's strengths, particularly in how it enhances character portrayal and emotional engagement, making it a noteworthy aspect of the game's presentation.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

CRYMACHINA shines on PlayStation 5 with stellar performance—smooth gameplay and stable frame rates. Critics rave about its technical excellence. In contrast, the Nintendo Switch version suffers from resolution drops and blurriness, while the PC version faces issues with floaty combat and stiff animations. Choose your platform wisely; the PS5 offers the best experience, while the other options fall short.

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 positive feedback. Critics from Everyeye.it and GamingTrend praised the PS5 for providing a smooth gaming experience, highlighting its flawless performance with stable frame rates and fast load times. The Games Machine also noted the game runs smoothly at 60 frames per second, reinforcing the overall sentiment that the PS5 version is technically sound. This consistency in performance across multiple reviews indicates that players on this platform can expect a high-quality experience without technical hiccups. Conversely, the Nintendo Switch version of CRYMACHINA has garnered a more mixed reception. Multiplayer.it described the technical performance as "decent," but pointed out noticeable resolution drops that can lead to a blurry image. TouchArcade echoed this sentiment, mentioning technical issues that may deter players from choosing the Switch version if other options are available. On the PC front, RPG Fan reported some technical issues, specifically mentioning floaty combat and stiff animations, which could detract from the overall gameplay experience. While these issues may be thematically appropriate given the game’s robotic nature, they still represent a significant drawback for players on this platform. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while the PlayStation 5 version of CRYMACHINA excels in technical performance, the Nintendo Switch and PC versions face notable challenges. The PS5 has been consistently praised for its smooth gameplay and stable frame rates, as highlighted by critics like The Games Machine and GamingTrend. In contrast, the Switch version struggles with resolution and clarity, and the PC version suffers from combat mechanics that may not resonate well with all players. This disparity indicates that players should carefully consider their platform choice, as the experience can vary greatly depending on where they play.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

CRYMACHINA has mixed reviews on replay value. Some praise its side content and character progression for encouraging multiple playthroughs, while many criticize its repetitive gameplay and excessive grinding, making it feel like a chore. The game's potential for replayability is overshadowed by these issues, leading critics to doubt whether players will want to return after the first run.

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 on the replay value of CRYMACHINA present a mixed bag of insights, with some critics highlighting positive aspects. Hardcore Gamer appreciates the abundance of side content and extra missions, suggesting that this variety adds to the game's replay value. Similarly, Siliconera acknowledges the well-handled mission format and character-progression system, indicating that the game can be enjoyable in short bursts. RPG Fan also notes that the engaging story and character customization could encourage players to embark on multiple playthroughs, hinting at a potential for replayability beyond the initial experience. Conversely, several critics express concerns regarding the game's replay value, primarily due to its repetitive nature and the grinding required for character progression. Noisy Pixel points out that the game reveals its full potential early on but fails to introduce new systems or abilities, leading to a grind that may detract from the overall experience. PlayStation Universe echoes this sentiment, criticizing the grinding for experience as feeling inorganic and slowing down progression. RPGamer emphasizes that the excessive grinding and repetitive gameplay may deter players from replaying the game, as it becomes more of a chore than an enjoyable experience. Additionally, Push Square notes the game's short runtime, which could further limit players' motivation to replay. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while CRYMACHINA has elements that could enhance its replay value, such as side content and character customization, the repetitive gameplay and grinding mechanics significantly undermine this potential. Critics like RPG Site highlight the expectation to replay levels for leveling up and equipment drops, but question the value of additional content. Thus, while there are aspects that could encourage replayability, the overwhelming sentiment suggests that the tedious nature of grinding and lack of fresh experiences may dissuade players from returning to the game after their initial playthrough.

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 surrounding CRYMACHINA from various critics presents a mixed bag of opinions, with some notable positives highlighted across reviews. Many reviewers, such as GameGrin and Digitally Downloaded, commend the game for its engaging narrative and intriguing themes, particularly its exploration of humanity and emotional nuances. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and The Games Machine also appreciate the fluid gameplay and the game's artistic direction, with the latter noting its originality in character development. The musical score has received praise as well, with several reviewers, including Finger Guns, acknowledging the game's potential to resonate with fans of the genre, particularly those who appreciate JRPGs. However, the negatives associated with CRYMACHINA are substantial and frequently mentioned. Critics like Everyeye.it and Finger Guns express disappointment in the game's narrative and gameplay, describing them as underwhelming and lacking depth compared to similar titles like Nier Automata. Many reviews, including those from RPGamer and KeenGamer, point out issues with level design, repetitive gameplay, and a convoluted story that detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, several critics, such as PlayStation Universe and TheSixthAxis, highlight gameplay polish issues and rushed world-building, which contribute to a sense of frustration in engaging with the game. In summary, while CRYMACHINA has garnered some appreciation for its narrative and artistic elements, the consensus among critics leans towards disappointment due to its gameplay shortcomings and execution flaws. Reviewers like GamingTrend and Push Square emphasize that despite its interesting premise, the game struggles to deliver a fully enjoyable experience. Overall, CRYMACHINA appears to have potential, but many critics agree that it falls short of being a standout title in the action RPG genre, often suggesting that it may only appeal to dedicated fans or those willing to overlook its significant flaws.

TL;DR

CRYMACHINA offers a mixed reception: praised for its engaging narrative, artistic direction, and emotional depth, but heavily criticized for shallow gameplay, level design issues, and a convoluted story. While it has potential, many reviewers agree it fails to excel in the action RPG genre, likely appealing mainly to dedicated fans willing to overlook its 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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