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Disco Elysium: The Final Cut

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Item: Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Indie, Comedy, Crime, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Drama, Single Player

AvailableMar 30, 2021

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperZA/UM

Overview

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a groundbreaking role playing game. You’re a detective with a unique skill system at your disposal and a whole city to carve your path across. Interrogate unforgettable characters, crack murders or take bribes. Become a hero or an absolute disaster of a human being. The Final Cut adds full voice acting to the game, as well as new quests, more characters and fresh explorable areas.

Elsewhere

9.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is hailed as a narrative masterpiece, with critics praising its exceptional writing and complex themes of personal redemption and societal issues. The game’s richly developed characters and blend of humor with serious topics make for an engaging and thought-provoking experience. However, some reviewers note uneven narrative elements and pacing issues due to its extensive dialogue. Overall, it’s regarded as a groundbreaking achievement in video game storytelling that sets a new standard for the medium.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

100%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut has garnered widespread acclaim from critics, many of whom describe it as a masterpiece of narrative design. Reviewers such as RPG Site and TheXboxHub emphasize the game's exceptional writing, with the latter stating that the dialogue and prose are among the best ever encountered in a video game. The narrative's complexity, which intertwines personal redemption with broader societal themes, has been highlighted by critics like GameSpot and IGN, who appreciate how the story challenges players to engage with deep ideological issues. The character development is also a standout feature, with many critics noting the richly crafted personalities that populate the world of Revachol, making the player's journey through the game both engaging and thought-provoking. Critics like Nintendo Insider and WellPlayed laud the game's ability to blend humor with serious themes, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and meaningful. Despite the overwhelming praise, some reviewers have pointed out certain flaws in the narrative structure. RPG Fan mentions that while the writing is varied and compelling, some narrative elements can feel uneven or underdeveloped. This sentiment is echoed by a few others who note that the sheer volume of dialogue—over a million words—might lead to moments where pacing feels off or where certain themes are not fully explored. Critics like Cultured Vultures and Game Informer also acknowledge that the complexity of the narrative can sometimes lead to confusion, particularly for players who may not be familiar with the intricate political and philosophical discussions embedded in the story. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Disco Elysium: The Final Cut presents a groundbreaking narrative experience that transcends traditional storytelling in video games. The majority of reviewers, including those from Game Rant and Hardcore Gamer, agree that the game is a significant achievement in narrative design, with its exploration of identity, politics, and personal struggle resonating deeply with players. The combination of rich character development, thought-provoking themes, and masterful writing creates a unique and unforgettable experience that many believe sets a new standard for storytelling in the medium.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut impresses critics with its innovative RPG mechanics, emphasizing dialogue and character development over combat. The unique skill system and unpredictable dice rolls enhance replayability and narrative impact. However, some critics highlight technical issues, such as broken controls and pacing concerns, especially on the PS5. Despite these flaws, the game is largely praised for its rich storytelling and immersive experience, making it a standout title for fans of narrative-driven adventures. In short, it’s a compelling RPG that, while not without its shortcomings, offers a fresh take on the genre.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

87%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

13%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut has garnered a largely positive reception among critics, who praise its unique approach to role-playing mechanics. Many reviewers, such as Game Informer and PCMag, highlight the game’s emphasis on dialogue and character development over traditional combat, allowing players to engage in a rich narrative experience. The skill system, which includes 24 distinct traits, enables players to mold their character into various archetypes, as noted by PlayStation Universe and God is a Geek. The innovative use of dice rolls for skill checks adds an element of unpredictability and depth to interactions, enhancing replayability, as mentioned by Gamers Heroes and Player 2. Critics also appreciate the game’s ability to provide a meaningful and immersive experience, with choices that significantly impact the narrative, as seen in the reviews from Everyeye.it and KeenGamer. However, not all feedback is positive, as some critics have pointed out notable shortcomings in the gameplay experience. TheGamer expressed frustration with broken controls and janky movement, which detracted from the overall immersion. Similarly, CGMagazine and Jeuxvideo.com pointed out that the PS5 port suffers from controller issues, making the experience less intuitive compared to the PC version. Xbox Tavern described the gameplay as somewhat hollow, lacking substantial engagement in detective work, while SomosXbox noted that the pacing can feel slow at times. These criticisms suggest that while the game’s concept is strong, technical execution and pacing may hinder the overall enjoyment for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily towards a favorable view of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, with many acknowledging its innovative gameplay mechanics and rich narrative depth. While there are valid concerns regarding technical issues and pacing, the majority of reviewers, including Game Rant and Metro GameCentral, agree that the game offers a unique and compelling RPG experience that stands out in the genre. The focus on dialogue, character development, and player choice resonates well, making it a distinctive title that appeals to those seeking a narrative-driven adventure. The combination of these elements contributes to a strong overall sentiment, with many critics recommending the game despite its flaws.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut dazzles with its unique, painterly visuals that critics hail for enhancing storytelling and immersion. While most praise its rich aesthetic and atmospheric detail, some point out performance issues on the PS5 and Switch, leading to loading delays and compromised graphics. Nonetheless, the game's striking art direction is a standout feature, making it a visually compelling experience in the gaming world.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

83%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

17%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising its unique artistic direction and captivating aesthetics. Critics like GameMAG and PCMag highlight the evocative visual design, noting how the environments, particularly the area of Martinaise, are rich with detail and atmosphere. The watercolor-esque style is frequently mentioned, with God is a Geek and KeenGamer emphasizing how it enhances the storytelling and emotional impact of the game. The vibrant color palettes and painterly graphics are also appreciated, as seen in the reviews from PlayStation Universe and Xbox Tavern, who commend the game's ability to create an immersive experience through its beautifully crafted visuals. Despite the strong praise, some critics pointed out notable drawbacks. For instance, CGMagazine criticized the PS5 port for not fully utilizing the console's capabilities, leading to long loading times, while Nintendo Insider and Vandal mentioned that the Nintendo Switch version suffers from graphical compromises, resulting in muddier visuals and missing effects. Additionally, some reviews, such as those from Metro GameCentral and Digitally Downloaded, noted that the game's reliance on dialogue and narrative could make navigation challenging, particularly on consoles where automatic movement commands are absent. In summary, while there are some criticisms regarding performance issues and visual fidelity on certain platforms, the consensus among critics is that Disco Elysium: The Final Cut boasts a striking and artistically impressive visual design. The game's painterly aesthetic and attention to detail have resonated well with reviewers, who believe that the graphics significantly enhance the overall experience. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com and RPG Fan encapsulate this sentiment, noting that the visuals not only complement the narrative depth but also contribute to an immersive atmosphere that captivates players. Overall, the game's graphics and visual design are regarded as one of its standout features, solidifying its place as a visually engaging title in the gaming landscape.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut features outstanding sound design and music, with critics praising its immersive voice acting and atmospheric soundtrack by British Sea Power. However, technical issues like inconsistent voice acting and audio glitches mar the experience. Despite these flaws, the game's audio elements significantly enhance its narrative and emotional depth, earning it mostly positive reviews.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

85%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

15%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut have garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, with many praising the inclusion of fully voiced dialogue and the atmospheric soundtrack. Critics like GameSpot and Wccftech highlight the high-quality voice acting that brings the characters to life, enhancing the immersive experience of the game. The soundtrack, composed by British Sea Power, is frequently noted for its ability to complement the game's melancholic tone, with TheGamer describing it as "mournful" and perfectly matching the game's setting. Additionally, the ambient sound design has been recognized for its effectiveness in creating a rich atmosphere, as noted by Jeuxvideo.com and Vandal, who commend the well-executed sound design that enhances the overall experience. However, several critics pointed out technical issues that detracted from the otherwise stellar sound experience. For instance, Destructoid mentioned inconsistent voice acting during gameplay, while Vandal and Gamers Heroes reported audio lag and sound glitches, particularly during frame rate drops. These inconsistencies can disrupt the immersion that the voice acting and sound design aim to establish. Moreover, some critics, like GameOver.gr, noted that not all dialogues are fully voiced, which may lead to a less cohesive experience for players expecting complete immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Disco Elysium: The Final Cut excels in sound design and music, significantly enhancing the narrative and emotional weight of the game. While there are some technical shortcomings that need addressing, the majority of reviewers, such as GamingTrend and PlayStation LifeStyle, agree that the ambitious addition of full voice acting and a well-crafted soundtrack contribute positively to the game's atmosphere. This combination of factors has led to a largely favorable reception, with many considering it a high point of the game's presentation.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics rave about the voice acting in Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, highlighting it as a game-changer that deepens immersion and enriches storytelling. While some minor bugs and inconsistencies were noted, the overall consensus is that the performances elevate the gaming experience, making character interactions more engaging and the narrative more compelling. Despite a few flaws, the voice cast is deemed a major win for the game's appeal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

90%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Disco Elysium: The Final Cut has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, highlighting its significant enhancement to the game's immersive experience. Many reviewers, including IGN and GameSpot, praised the full voice cast for bringing characters to life and adding depth to the narrative. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com and Eurogamer Italy noted the impressive quality of the voice acting, which adds a refreshing element to the game, while GamingTrend emphasized that the performances are incredibly well-executed, enhancing the overall enjoyment. The inclusion of a fully voiced cast, as mentioned by Push Square and PCMag, has been recognized as a major improvement over the original text-only format, making character interactions more engaging and enriching the storytelling experience. However, some critics pointed out inconsistencies and minor issues that detract from the overall experience. For instance, Destructoid noted that while voice acting is intended to enhance immersion, bugs and inconsistencies can undermine this goal. Vandal also mentioned some missing dialogue, which can disrupt the flow of the narrative. Additionally, Ragequit.gr pointed out minor concerns regarding the narrator's voice, indicating that not all performances were flawless. These critiques suggest that while the overall quality is high, there are areas that could benefit from further refinement. Despite the noted drawbacks, the overall consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a commendable achievement that significantly enhances the game's experience. The majority of reviewers, including Hardcore Gamer and Metro GameCentral, expressed that the voice acting adds depth and personality to the characters, making the game feel more complete and immersive. Critics like Game Informer and TrueGaming echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the positive impact of the voice performances on the narrative. Overall, while there are some minor issues, the voice acting is widely regarded as a strong point of the game, contributing greatly to its success and appeal.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut's performance is hit-or-miss across platforms. PS5 and Xbox Series X see improvements and stable gameplay, while the PS4 and Nintendo Switch versions struggle with significant bugs, crashes, and long loading times. Critics praise the game's brilliance but highlight the ongoing technical issues, leaving players with a mixed experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

10%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

77%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

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

The technical performance of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut varies significantly across different gaming platforms, with some positive aspects noted by critics. On the PS5, several reviewers, including Everyeye.it and GameMAG, mention that the game performs well overall, with many issues having been resolved through patches. Critics like RPG Site highlight that initial bugs and glitches have been significantly improved, making the game now recommendable. The Xbox Series X version also received praise from MondoXbox, which noted commendable stability and performance, with no significant bugs reported. On the Nintendo Switch, some reviewers, such as Vooks and IGN Adria, acknowledged that while there were performance issues, they did not significantly detract from the overall experience, indicating that the game can still be enjoyable despite its shortcomings. However, the negatives associated with each platform are quite pronounced. The PS4 version is notably plagued by significant stability issues, with critics like RPG Fan and Destructoid citing crashes, bugs, and long load times that detract from the overall experience. The Nintendo Switch version suffers from lengthy loading times and poor AI, as pointed out by App Trigger and Digitally Downloaded, with NME also highlighting crashes and lag as major concerns. For the PS5, although many issues have been patched, critics like TheGamer and Vandal still report ongoing problems such as control issues and occasional frame rate drops, indicating that the experience is not entirely smooth. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Disco Elysium: The Final Cut has made strides in improving its technical performance across platforms, significant issues remain, particularly on the PS4 and Nintendo Switch. Critics like PlayStation Universe and Hardcore Gamer emphasize that while the game's brilliance is evident, the technical shortcomings are a notable drawback. The PS5 version, despite its improvements, still faces some criticism for lingering bugs and performance inconsistencies, as noted by GameOver.gr and CGMagazine. In summary, while there are commendable aspects to the game's performance on various platforms, the technical issues reported by many reviewers suggest that players may experience a mixed bag of performance that could affect their overall enjoyment.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is largely praised for its deep, branching narratives and rich character customization, making it highly replayable according to many critics. With new political quests and varied outcomes, players can enjoy uniquely different experiences on multiple playthroughs. However, some reviewers express concerns about the perceived weight of player choices and potential repetitiveness, which could dampen replay enthusiasm. Overall, the game is viewed positively, offering strong replay value despite some reservations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

85%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

15%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is predominantly positive, with many critics praising the game's depth and variety. Reviewers like GamingTrend and PlayStation Universe highlight the intricate systems and branching narratives that allow for a multitude of character builds and choices, which significantly enhance replayability. Critics such as Game Informer and Multiplayer.it emphasize the new political vision quests and additional story content introduced in The Final Cut, which provide unique experiences and outcomes for players willing to explore different paths. The game's rich narrative and character customization options are frequently cited as reasons why players will want to engage in multiple playthroughs, with many reviewers noting that no two experiences are alike. However, some criticisms do arise regarding the replay value. CGMagazine and NME point out that while the game offers multiple paths and choices, the perception that not all choices carry weight may deter some players from returning. Nintendo Insider also mentions that repeated decisions and a skill controlling the ending could limit replayability. Additionally, some critics, like Xbox Tavern, suggest that the gameplay may become repetitive over time, which could affect the overall desire to replay the game. These concerns indicate that while the game is rich in content, there are aspects that may not fully engage every player on subsequent playthroughs. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Disco Elysium: The Final Cut offers substantial replay value, with many praising its complex narrative structure and character customization options. The majority of reviews reflect a strong enthusiasm for the game's ability to provide unique experiences through varied choices and outcomes, as noted by critics like Vandal and Push Square. While there are some reservations about the weight of player decisions and potential repetitiveness, the overall reception leans towards a positive outlook, suggesting that many players will find ample reason to revisit the game.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

95%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment towards "Disco Elysium: The Final Cut" among critics is predominantly positive, highlighting the game’s exceptional narrative and innovative gameplay. Many reviewers, including those from Multiplayer.it and Hardcore Gamer, describe it as a modern masterpiece, praising its deep storytelling, engaging character interactions, and unique blend of RPG and visual novel elements. Critics like BaziCenter and PCMag emphasize the game’s artistic merit and its ability to provoke thought through its complex themes. The voice acting and writing are frequently lauded, with several reviews noting the game’s immersive world and captivating characters, making it a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games. However, despite the acclaim, several critics pointed out notable technical issues that detract from the overall experience. App Trigger specifically mentions problems with loading times and AI on the Nintendo Switch, while other reviewers like PlayStation Universe and Destructoid highlight bugs and control issues across various platforms. Critics such as Nintendo Insider and Switch Player acknowledge that while the Switch version retains the essence of the game, its performance issues may hinder the experience for some players. These technical shortcomings, particularly on console versions, have led some reviewers to recommend waiting for patches before diving in. Overall, the consensus among critics is that "Disco Elysium: The Final Cut" is an essential title that successfully blends engaging storytelling with innovative gameplay, despite its technical flaws. Many reviewers, including those from Game Informer and TrueGaming, assert that the game is a must-play, especially for those who appreciate rich narratives and character development. While some critics, like TheSixthAxis, caution that the heavy dialogue may not appeal to everyone, the majority agree that the game's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. The positive reception underscores the game's status as a significant contribution to the RPG genre, solidifying its place as a modern classic.

TL;DR

"Disco Elysium: The Final Cut" earns widespread praise for its masterful storytelling, innovative gameplay, and captivating characters, hailed as a modern classic by critics. However, technical issues, especially on the Nintendo Switch, mar the experience, leading some to suggest waiting for patches. Despite these flaws, it remains a must-play for fans of narrative-driven games, with its strengths clearly overshadowing its weaknesses.

MONSTER

Reviews

105 reviews found

100

RPG Site

PlayStation 5

Apr 23, 2021

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

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is highly recommended as one of the best games, combining exceptional storytelling, engaging gameplay, and a rich world that leaves a lasting impression.

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100

GameGrin

Oct 15, 2021

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

Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is an outstanding game that is thought-provoking and innovative.

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100

Ragequit.gr

Mar 30, 2021

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

The Final Cut version elevates an already masterpiece game to perfection, deserving of high praise and recognition.

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100

IGN

Mar 30, 2021

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

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a highly intelligent and engaging RPG that combines a unique narrative with innovative gameplay mechanics, making it a standout title worth experiencing multiple times.

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100

KeenGamer

Apr 26, 2021

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

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a remarkable upgrade to an already iconic title, offering a cohesive vision with new content and improvements that enhance the overall experience.

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100

Shindig

Jun 18, 2021

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

Disco Elysium – The Final Cut is a remarkable reissue that enhances an already beloved game, successfully emulating the tabletop RPG experience through its narrative depth and character development.

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100

Player 2

Nintendo Switch

Feb 22, 2022

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

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a highly immersive and engaging game with a captivating story and deep gameplay mechanics. It is highly recommended.

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100

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Oct 11, 2021

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

Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is described as a true piece of art, with fantastic writing, brilliant voice acting, and highly unusual and unique gameplay elements. The reviewer highly recommends the game.

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100

Wccftech

Apr 15, 2021

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

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is praised for its voice acting, engaging story, interesting quests, and fascinating characters. Minor technical issues are mentioned, but they do not overshadow the unique experience the game offers.

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100

GameSpot

Nintendo Switch

Oct 13, 2021

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

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a masterfully written and politically charged RPG that excels in storytelling and character development, despite some technical shortcomings.

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