68
MONSTER
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.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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78
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
78
Positive (80-100)
74%
Mixed (50-79)
21%
Negative (0-49)
5%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
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.
Gameplay Mechanics
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63
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
63
Positive (80-100)
11%
Mixed (50-79)
78%
Negative (0-49)
11%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
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.
Graphics and Visual Design
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80
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
80
Positive (80-100)
67%
Mixed (50-79)
27%
Negative (0-49)
7%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
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.
Music and Sound Design
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69
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
69
Positive (80-100)
39%
Mixed (50-79)
56%
Negative (0-49)
6%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
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.
Voice Acting
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71
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
71
Positive (80-100)
64%
Mixed (50-79)
18%
Negative (0-49)
18%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
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.
Technical Performance
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53
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
53
Positive (80-100)
11%
Mixed (50-79)
67%
Negative (0-49)
22%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
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.
Replay Value
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62
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
62
Positive (80-100)
17%
Mixed (50-79)
67%
Negative (0-49)
17%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
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.
Overall Verdict
68
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
68
Positive (80-100)
26%
Mixed (50-79)
69%
Negative (0-49)
5%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
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.
68
MONSTER
Reviews
69 reviews found90
GAMES.CH
Aug 14, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Dustborn offers an intriguing story with a diverse cast of characters and excellent voice acting, making it a highly engaging experience.
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85
Gamepressure
Aug 19, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Dustborn offers a powerful experience with strong character relationships, despite shortcomings in combat and resource collection.
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82
Hobby Consolas
Aug 14, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Dustborn delivers a compelling narrative experience with well-developed characters and themes, despite some shortcomings in gameplay mechanics. The game's strengths lie in its storytelling, character design, and representation of diverse identities.
82
RPG Fan
Aug 14, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Dustborn is a compelling adventure game with a likable core cast, engaging narrative, and impactful choices, despite some issues with combat and technical performance. Recommended for fans of choice-heavy narrative adventures.
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80
Shacknews
Aug 14, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Dustborn offers a special experience with a fantastic story, well-crafted characters, and deep thematic exploration, despite some issues with combat monotony and occasional clunky dialogue.
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80
Twinfinite
Aug 14, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Dustborn offers fantastic world-building, gripping mystery, clever social commentary, and first-rate cast performances, despite some issues with combat and dated humor.
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80
Wccftech
Aug 14, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Dustborn offers a unique and engaging experience with lovable characters, beautiful graphics, and a politically charged story. However, it falls short in terms of gameplay and combat system execution.
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75
SpazioGames
Aug 14, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Dustborn è un gioco che offre una trama complessa e avvincente, un gameplay vario e coinvolgente, una grafica fumettistica accattivante, una colonna sonora coinvolgente e una buona stabilità tecnica. Sebbene i dialoghi possano risultare lunghi, l'opera nel complesso risulta coinvolgente e appassionante.
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75
GamersRD
Aug 14, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Dustborn is a solid narrative adventure with a unique comic book style, engaging story, and impactful decision-making mechanics. Despite some technical issues and simplistic combat, the game's visual design and character relationships make it a compelling experience.
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75
Multiplayer.it
Aug 14, 2024
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Dustborn excels in storytelling and character development, but falls short in gameplay mechanics such as combat and exploration. Technical issues may impact the experience, but the strong narrative and diverse characters make it a compelling experience overall.
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