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MONSTER

Dustborn

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

2024

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Single Player

AvailableAug 20, 2024

PlatformXbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC

DeveloperRed Thread Games

Overview

Lead a band of misfits and outcasts on a perilous road trip across a Divided States of America, in a story-driven action-adventure about hope, friendship, love, robots — and the power of words.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Dustborn's narrative praised for compelling themes and character development, but criticized for plot inconsistencies and tonal issues. Critics appreciate exploration of societal issues and character relationships, but some find story elements lacking depth and coherence. Overall, opinions are mixed with a consensus on the game's ambition in tackling complex themes and delivering a unique storytelling experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

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

The story of Dustborn has garnered praise from several critics for its compelling narrative, rich themes, and character development. Critics like GINX TV and GamingBolt appreciate the emotionally engaging storyline that follows Pax and her group of Anomals on a road trip across a post-apocalyptic America. The game's focus on relationships, impactful choices, and themes of rebellion, friendship, and diversity resonated positively with reviewers like RPG Fan and Shacknews. The exploration of important societal issues such as oppression, manipulation, and activism, as highlighted by Guardian and Hobby Consolas, adds depth to the narrative and enhances the player's immersion in the game world. However, some critics expressed concerns about certain aspects of the story in Dustborn. GameSkinny and New Game Network criticized the plot for featuring elements that felt redundant, plot points that led nowhere, and poorly written characters lacking depth. GameSpot and God is a Geek highlighted issues with tonal shifts, monotonous combat, and heavy-handed messaging, which detracted from the overall storytelling experience. Additionally, Gamepressure and Twinfinite mentioned that while the game excelled in certain areas like character relationships and social commentary, it struggled to balance serious themes with supernatural elements, leading to a somewhat disjointed narrative. Overall, the opinions on the story of Dustborn are mixed but generally positive. While some critics lauded the game for its engaging narrative, impactful choices, and exploration of important themes, others found fault with aspects like plot coherence, character development, and tonal consistency. The consensus among reviewers seems to appreciate the game's ambition in tackling complex societal issues and delivering a unique storytelling experience, even though there are varying opinions on the execution of these ideas. Ultimately, Dustborn's story seems to have resonated more with critics who valued its thematic depth and character-driven focus, while those looking for a more cohesive and polished narrative experience may have found some aspects lacking.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Dustborn's gameplay receives mixed reviews: praised for diverse elements like rhythm gameplay and decision-making, but criticized for lackluster combat mechanics. Critics appreciate unique features but find flaws in execution, leading to a varied reception among reviewers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

78%

Negative (0-49)

11%

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

The gameplay of Dustborn has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from various critics. Many critics praised the diverse range of gameplay elements present in the game. GINX TV highlighted the unique mix of rhythm gameplay, interactive comic book elements, and decision-making akin to Telltale games, with the addition of Guitar Hero elements adding a fresh twist. GamesRadar+ also commended the engaging combat, rhythm game elements, and choice-making mechanics that enhance player control over the narrative. RPG Fan appreciated the mix of adventure game elements, rhythm/music segments, and combat, particularly enjoying the rhythm gameplay over combat. On the flip side, several critics pointed out shortcomings in Dustborn's gameplay, particularly in the combat mechanics. GameSpot, Gamepressure, and Multiplayer.it criticized the combat for being stiff, bland, repetitive, and lacking depth. GameSkinny mentioned issues with buggy AI in combat and vague response screens in personal interactions. Shacknews noted that while the gameplay had solid elements like music sections and exploration mechanics, combat could feel monotonous over time. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a mixed reception of Dustborn's gameplay. While some aspects like the diverse gameplay elements, engaging narrative choices, and rhythm game sections were well-received by critics such as GINX TV and GamesRadar+, the combat mechanics were a common point of criticism among reviewers like GameSpot and Gamepressure. The game seems to offer a unique blend of gameplay styles that cater to different preferences, but the execution of combat and certain interactions could have been improved to provide a more cohesive and satisfying gameplay experience, as noted by various critics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Dustborn's groundbreaking visuals and beautiful comic book art style, praising its vibrant aesthetics, expressive character designs, and immersive world. While some mention issues with lifeless animations and performance hiccups, overall, the game's unique gameplay, diverse characters, and solid world-building elements shine through.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Dustborn are overwhelmingly positive. Critics such as GINX TV, GameSkinny, and Shacknews praise the game for its groundbreaking visuals and beautiful comic book art style. They highlight the immersive and dynamic nature of the stylized futuristic world, vibrant aesthetics, and memorable character designs that enhance the overall experience. Additionally, critics like GamesRadar+ and RPG Fan appreciate the colorful and engaging visuals, diverse cast of LGBTQ+ characters, and solid world-building elements that contribute positively to the game's visual appeal. On the downside, some critics, such as GameSpot and GamingBolt, point out certain issues with Dustborn's visuals. GameSpot mentions that while the cel-shaded comic-book art direction is captivating, the animations are described as lifeless, which hinders the connection with the characters and overall immersion. GamingBolt also notes performance issues like frame drops and disappearing objects that detract from the visual experience. New Game Network further adds that the visuals on Xbox Series X exhibit a lower fidelity level with basic textures, environments, and character animations, along with rough cut transitions and occasional framerate dips. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Dustborn excels in its visual design, with a majority praising its stunning comic book art style, vibrant aesthetics, and expressive character designs. Despite some criticisms regarding animation quality, performance issues, and lower fidelity on certain platforms, the game's unique mesh of gameplay systems, diverse cast of characters, and solid world-building elements are widely appreciated. Critics like God is a Geek and Hobby Consolas commend the visually appealing comic book style that complements the narrative well, enhancing the overall presentation and artistic value of Dustborn.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics praise Dustborn's original soundtrack and music compositions for enhancing the game's art style and immersive experience. However, some critics criticize the music as not aligning with the promised punk rock genre and lacking impact, with complaints about forgettable QTEs and tedious combat. Overall, opinions on Dustborn's Sound Design and Music are mixed, with some finding it effective and others feeling let down by its execution. Players' enjoyment may vary depending on their preferences for music-based gameplay and sound integration in the game.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

39%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

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

The positive aspects of the Sound Design and Music in Dustborn, as highlighted by critics, include the game's original soundtrack and musical compositions. GameSkinny praises the beautiful musical compositions, stating that they contribute significantly to the overall positive reception of the game's art style. Additionally, Shacknews commends the Guitar Hero-themed music sections, mentioning that they fit well with the gameplay and enhance the overall experience. Critics such as God is a Geek and Hobby Consolas also appreciate the effectiveness of the game's soundtrack in enhancing the immersive experience, with Hobby Consolas specifically noting that the concert sections add a layer of challenge to the gameplay. On the other hand, several critics pointed out negative aspects of the Sound Design and Music in Dustborn. GameSpot criticizes the music as sonically tame and not fitting the punk rock genre promised, expressing disappointment in the underexplained scoring system and lack of aggressive sound in the music. Wccftech mentions that the music and sound design felt out of place for some players and did not add much to the overall experience. New Game Network provides a particularly critical view, describing the music in the game as setting a low bar with poor songs and awkward lyrics, while also noting forgettable QTEs and minigames, and tedious combat with generic enemies. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Sound Design and Music in Dustborn is mixed. While some critics, such as GameSkinny, God is a Geek, and Hobby Consolas, appreciate the music's contribution to the immersive experience and the effectiveness of the soundtrack, others, like GameSpot and New Game Network, express disappointment in aspects such as the music not aligning with the promised punk rock genre and lacking impact. The variety of opinions suggests that the Sound Design and Music in Dustborn may resonate differently with players based on their preferences for music-based gameplay and the overall integration of sound elements in the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics are divided on the voice acting in Dustborn, with some praising it for bringing characters to life and enhancing the narrative, while others criticize it for overwhelming banter and lack of depth. Overall, most reviewers appreciate the performances for immersing players in the game world and contributing to character development, despite some mixed opinions on specific aspects.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

18%

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

The voice acting in Dustborn has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Some reviewers, such as GamingBolt, Multiplayer.it, Shacknews, Wccftech, and GAMES.CH, praise the voice acting for bringing the characters to life and enhancing the overall narrative experience. They highlight strong performances that make the characters feel authentic, endearing, and human. GamingBolt specifically mentions how the voice acting adds depth to the interactions by reflecting player decisions, while Shacknews commends the excellent performances that enhance the dialogue interactions. This positive feedback indicates that the voice acting successfully immerses players in the world of Dustborn and helps in creating a compelling storytelling experience. On the other hand, there are critics like GameSpot and New Game Network who have raised concerns about the voice acting in Dustborn. GameSpot criticizes the overwhelming nature of the constant banter between characters, leading to unnatural interruptions and a lack of moments of silence, which they feel detracts from the overall experience. New Game Network expresses disappointment in the dialogue and voice acting, noting that the characters come across as lacking depth and authenticity, with dialogue that feels forced and filled with fluff and flat jokes. These criticisms suggest that while some aspects of the voice acting are strong, there are instances where it may not resonate with all players due to issues like pacing and dialogue delivery. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in Dustborn leans towards the positive side, with many reviewers appreciating the performances for bringing the characters to life and enhancing the storytelling experience. While there are differing opinions on specific aspects such as the balance of banter and naturalness of dialogue, the majority of critics acknowledge the voice acting's contribution to the game's immersive world-building and character development. By highlighting the strengths of the voice acting, such as the endearing and authentic portrayal of characters, Dustborn manages to create a memorable and engaging experience for players, as noted by critics like GamingBolt, Shacknews, and GAMES.CH.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Dustborn shows promise on handheld devices like the Steam Deck with minor issues, but struggles with bugs and technical hiccups on PC and Xbox Series X. While efforts have been made to address some issues through patches, the game still faces significant technical challenges impacting gameplay experience. Developers need to work on fixing bugs, crashes, and optimization problems to improve Dustborn for players on all platforms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

22%

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

In terms of positives for the technical performance of Dustborn, some critics highlighted a few aspects. RPG Fan mentioned playing on the Steam Deck with minor issues, which suggests that the game may run relatively smoothly on handheld devices. Gamepressure also noted that some bugs experienced during the review period on PC have been fixed in subsequent patches, indicating ongoing efforts to improve the technical stability of the game. Additionally, Multiplayer.it mentioned that certain technical issues on PC, such as the game not progressing in certain situations, were potentially resolved with upcoming patches, showing a commitment to addressing player concerns. On the flip side, the negatives regarding the technical performance of Dustborn were more prevalent among the critics. GameSkinny and GameSpot both criticized the game for being buggy on PC, with issues ranging from AI units getting stuck in scenery to game-breaking bugs that caused progress loss and multiple crashes. GamingBolt highlighted performance and optimization issues on PC, including frame drops, disappearing background objects, and lack of fast-forwarding dialogue, as well as the absence of manual saving and registration issues with decisions impacting the technical performance. New Game Network specifically mentioned serious framerate dips during exploration and crashes on Xbox Series X, indicating significant technical hurdles on that platform. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the technical performance of Dustborn is mixed. While some improvements have been made through patches, such as bug fixes and potential resolutions for certain issues, the game still faces significant technical challenges across various platforms. The unstable technical performance, including bugs, crashes, frame drops, and other optimization issues, seems to be a common point of concern among the reviewers, impacting the overall gameplay experience negatively. It is evident that the developers need to continue addressing these technical issues to enhance the overall enjoyment of Dustborn for players on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics are divided on the replay value of Dustborn. Some praise its branching dialogue choices and impactful decisions that enhance replayability, while others express concerns about limited narrative differences and combat monotony that may deter multiple playthroughs. Overall, the game's replay value depends on individual preferences for narrative impact and gameplay variety.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

17%

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

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the branching dialogue choices and impactful decisions in Dustborn that contribute to its replay value. GINX TV appreciated how these choices affect relationships and outcomes, providing flexibility on each playthrough. RPG Fan also noted the episodic structure, hidden options, and variations in reactions to situations that add depth to the overall ending. GamesRadar+ praised the branching paths for characters and impactful choices that allow players to explore different outcomes and character developments. Additionally, GamersRD mentioned the inclusion of collectibles and minigames that encourage exploration and replaying certain sections for better scores, enhancing the replayability of the game. On the negative side, some critics expressed concerns that the replay value of Dustborn might be limited. GameSpot mentioned that while there are dialogue choices and relationships that impact the story, a partial replay did not reveal major differences in the narrative, leading to a lack of character attachment and jarring tonal shifts that could hinder replay value. Multiplayer.it also raised doubts about the significant impact of narrative choices on the overall story, suggesting limited replay value. Shacknews pointed out that while choices impact character development and offer different outcomes, the combat monotony may deter some players from engaging in multiple playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the replay value of Dustborn is mixed. While some, like GINX TV and RPG Fan, appreciated the depth of choices and impactful decisions that enhance replayability, others, such as GameSpot and Multiplayer.it, expressed concerns about the lack of major differences in narrative outcomes and limited impact of choices on the overall story. The inclusion of collectibles and minigames, as highlighted by GamersRD, adds an extra layer of replay value for some players. However, issues like combat monotony, lack of major choices, and overlong adventure, as mentioned by Shacknews and New Game Network, respectively, may deter certain players from engaging in multiple playthroughs. Ultimately, the replay value of Dustborn seems to depend on individual preferences regarding narrative impact and gameplay variety.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

26%

Mixed (50-79)

69%

Negative (0-49)

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

In Dustborn, several critics praised the game for its compelling narrative, strong character development, and impactful choices. Critics like RPG Fan and God is a Geek appreciated the engaging storytelling and well-developed characters, making the game a memorable experience. The diverse cast of characters, unique comic book aesthetic, and thematic depth were highlighted as standout features by reviewers such as GINX TV and GamingBolt. The game's visual design, character relationships, and representation of diverse identities were also commended by Hobby Consolas and GamersRD, adding to the overall positive reception. On the other hand, Dustborn faced criticism for its gameplay mechanics, combat system, and technical performance. Critics like GameSpot and New Game Network pointed out issues with monotonous combat, overwhelming voice acting, and lackluster music, which hindered the overall experience. GameSkinny and Twinfinite highlighted the game's flaws in gameplay, with GameSkinny describing it as catering to a specific audience and Twinfinite mentioning issues with combat and dated humor. Additionally, some critics, such as Shacknews and Multiplayer.it, noted shortcomings in combat, exploration, and resource collection, impacting the gameplay experience negatively. Overall, the opinions on Dustborn's overall verdict are mixed. While some critics appreciated the game's ambitious storytelling, engaging gameplay mechanics, and thematic depth, others criticized its gameplay execution, technical performance, and lack of depth. The consensus among critics seems to lean towards acknowledging Dustborn's strengths in narrative and character development, with its unique comic book aesthetic and diverse cast being highlighted as key positives. However, the game's flaws in combat, gameplay mechanics, and technical aspects prevent it from reaching its full potential, leading to a varied reception among reviewers. Despite its shortcomings, Dustborn seems to have found a niche audience that appreciates its storytelling and character-driven experience, making it a game worth trying for players interested in a unique narrative adventure.

TL;DR

Dustborn impresses critics with its compelling narrative and strong character development, earning praise for engaging storytelling and well-developed characters. However, the game faces criticism for its gameplay mechanics, combat system, and technical performance, with some reviewers pointing out issues like monotonous combat and lackluster music. While opinions are mixed, Dustborn's strengths in narrative and character development shine through, but flaws in gameplay execution and technical aspects hold it back from reaching its full potential. Despite its shortcomings, Dustborn appeals to a niche audience interested in a unique narrative adventure experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

69 reviews found

GAMES.CH

Xbox Series X

Aug 14, 2024