Dustborn

Dustborn has been praised for its unique and thought-provoking narrative, with many critics highlighting its engaging exploration of alternate realities and dystopian themes. Adventure Gamers and RPG Fan both commend the game for its compelling storytelling, noting the focus on oppression and discrimination against superpowered individuals, as well as the power of language and social commentary. Eurogamer Germany and GINX TV emphasize the game’s emotional engagement, with branching dialogue choices that impact relationships and outcomes. Shacknews and Twinfinite praise the deep themes of rebellion and the power of words, while GamesRadar+ and IGN appreciate the impactful choices that shape character development and the found family dynamic. The game’s setting in an alternate 2030 or a post-apocalyptic America, where characters possess the power of words, is seen as a fresh and imaginative concept that sets it apart from other narrative-driven experiences. Despite these strengths, several critics point out significant flaws that hinder the overall experience. Adventure Game Hotspot and GameSkinny criticize the game for its contrived plot turns, banal dialogue, and bloated length, which detract from its potential. GameSpot and Guardian note that the story can feel heavy-handed, especially in its political messaging, and that the ending undermines the narrative’s impact. IGN Italia and MeuPlayStation point out that player choices have minimal influence on the story, leading to a predictable and shallow experience. Additionally, some critics, like Digitally Downloaded and New Game Network, feel that the game lacks subtlety and depth, often spelling out its lessons rather than allowing for organic interpretation. The pacing issues and unresolved themes also come up frequently, with TheXboxHub and TheSixthAxis suggesting that the game could have been more concise and impactful. Overall, the critics are divided on Dustborn, with many acknowledging its ambitious storytelling and thematic depth, while others find it bogged down by narrative issues and heavy-handed messaging. The game’s unique setting, focus on language manipulation, and exploration of societal issues are widely appreciated, but its execution is often questioned. While some reviewers, like RPG Fan and Shacknews, highlight its emotional engagement and character development, others, such as GameSpot and GameSkinny, feel that the story’s potential is not fully realized. The consensus seems to lean toward a mixed reception, with Dustborn being seen as a bold and creative narrative adventure that has both strong elements and notable shortcomings.

The gameplay of Dustborn is praised for its diverse and eclectic mix of mechanics, which many critics highlight as a strength. Adventure Gamers and Eurogamer Germany note the inclusion of combat, rhythm mini-games, and ghost-catching challenges, offering a richer experience than similar titles. GamesRadar+ and GINX TV commend the engaging combat and rhythm elements, with the latter emphasizing the unique "Guitar Hero elements" that add a fresh twist. RPG Fan and SpazioGames appreciate the narrative-driven choices and the ability to influence relationships and story outcomes, while GameSpew and MeuPlayStation praise the integration of dialogue trees and character abilities that enhance player agency. The rhythm-based minigames, particularly those involving song creation or performance, are frequently cited as enjoyable and distinct, with GameMAG and GamesRadar+ acknowledging their potential to elevate the experience despite other shortcomings. However, the combat mechanics face widespread criticism for being repetitive, simplistic, and lacking depth. Adventure Game Hotspot and GameSkinny describe the combat as unchallenging and shallow, with the latter noting "buggy AI" and "shallow characters." GameSpot and Twinfinite call the combat "stiff" and "clunky," while GamingBolt and Xbox Tavern criticize its "floaty" controls and "poor collision." COGconnected and IGN Italia highlight that combat feels unnecessary or underdeveloped, with the former stating it "lacks impact" and the latter calling it "conventional" and "repetitive." Additionally, several reviewers, including Multiplayer.it and TheSixthAxis, point to the lack of meaningful consequences in dialogue choices and the minimal challenge in exploration, which detracts from the game’s potential. The rhythm sections, while enjoyable, are often overshadowed by the underwhelming combat, which many feel fails to meet expectations. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with Dustborn being lauded for its narrative-driven choices, genre-blending mechanics, and creative use of rhythm elements, but heavily criticized for its combat system. While publications like Adventure Gamers, GamesRadar+, and GINX TV emphasize the game’s variety and unique aspects, others such as GameSpot, GamingBolt, and Xbox Tavern argue that the combat’s repetition and clunkiness undermine the experience. The narrative and decision-making aspects are seen as the game’s strongest suits, with SpazioGames and MeuPlayStation noting that player choices influence endings and relationships. However, the lack of depth in combat and exploration, coupled with performance issues and shallow mechanics, creates a disconnect between the game’s ambitious design and its execution. Critics agree that Dustborn has potential but struggles to balance its eclectic gameplay with cohesive, satisfying mechanics.

The critics overwhelmingly praise the Graphics and Visual Design of Dustborn for its vibrant, stylized comic book aesthetic and creative art direction. Many highlight the game’s unique visual identity, with GameSkinny calling the art style “absolutely gorgeous” and GINX TV describing it as “groundbreaking” with a “visually stunning” futuristic world. The cel-shaded, hand-drawn visuals are frequently lauded for their charm, with Shacknews noting “beautiful comic book aesthetics” and Gamepressure praising “colorful and detailed locations across the United States.” Critics like IGN and IGN Italia appreciate the mash-up of comic book styles and the “unique and visually interesting world,” while GameSpew and God is a Geek emphasize the expressive character designs and immersive storytelling. The game’s comic book sequences, bold text for objectives, and dynamic camera work (as noted by GamesRadar+ and Shacknews) further enhance its artistic appeal, making the visual design a standout feature. However, several critics point to technical and animation-related flaws that detract from the experience. Adventure Game Hotspot and GameSpot both mention lifeless or stiff animations that hinder immersion, with GameSpot specifically criticizing “lifeless” character movements. Performance issues are a recurring concern, including frame drops, pop-in, and disappearing objects (GamingBolt, Impulsegamer, and New Game Network). Eurogamer Germany and Gamepressure note clipping and static facial expressions, while New Game Network criticizes the “lower fidelity” with “basic textures” and “rough cut transitions.” These technical shortcomings, particularly on PC and Xbox Series X, create a disconnect between the game’s artistic vision and its execution, as highlighted by GamingBolt’s mention of “performance issues” and GameSpot’s observation that “animations hinder connection with characters.” Despite these technical issues, the overall consensus among critics is positive, with the game’s visual design being a major strength. While some platforms like PS5 see fewer technical hiccups (e.g., COGconnected and MeuPlayStation praise “well-animated characters” and “vibrant colors”), the core praise for the comic book aesthetic remains consistent across reviews. Critics like GameSkinny and GINX TV emphasize that the art direction “stands out as the game’s best aspect,” even as others like Adventure Gamers and Eurogamer Germany acknowledge minor flaws. The game’s stylized visuals and world-building are seen as innovative and immersive, with many noting that the art style enhances storytelling and character interactions. While technical polish is a concern, the visual design of Dustborn is widely regarded as a creative triumph, balancing artistic ambition with a distinct, engaging aesthetic.

The sound design and music in Dustborn received several positive reviews, with critics highlighting their integration into the game’s atmosphere and gameplay. Adventure Gamers praised the "excellent voice acting and ambient sounds," while GameSkinny noted that the "musical compositions are beautiful" and complemented the art style, calling the music a "strong point." COGconnected and God is a Geek commended the original soundtrack for capturing the game’s tone, with Simon Poole’s "pop-punk rock tracks" elevating emotional moments and the "immersive experience." RPG Fan described the "catchy punk rock music tracks" and "mesmerizing vocals," and Shacknews compared the music sections to "Guitar Hero-themed" elements that "fit well with the gameplay." Additionally, IGN and TheXboxHub emphasized the "catchy punk rock tracks" and "well-integrated" rhythm mechanics, suggesting that the soundtrack effectively enhances the overall experience for many players. However, several critics pointed out shortcomings in the music and sound design. Adventure Game Hotspot criticized the background music as "unmemorable" and the band’s songs as "simplistic and lack[ing] depth," arguing they failed to elevate the experience. GameSpot described the music as "sonically tame" and "not fitting the punk rock genre promised," while Guardian called the songs "rather bad." Technical issues also arose, with Impulsegamer noting "music stopping unexpectedly" and "dialogue overlapping," and IGN Italia mentioning "glitches" in the sound design. Wccftech found the rhythm mechanics "out of place," and GamingBolt pointed to "dialogue overriding and conflicting issues." Critics like GameMAG and GINX TV acknowledged decent compositions but criticized "cringeworthy and simplistic lyrics," while New Game Network dismissed the soundtrack as "poor" with "awkward lyrics" and "forgettable QTEs." These critiques suggest that while the music had moments of quality, it often fell short in creativity and polish. Overall, the consensus among critics was mixed, with praise for the soundtrack’s energy, thematic cohesion, and gameplay integration, but significant concerns about its depth, memorability, and technical execution. Positive assessments from GameSkinny, COGconnected, and RPG Fan emphasized the music’s ability to enhance immersion and storytelling, while negative reviews from Adventure Game Hotspot, GameSpot, and New Game Network highlighted its lack of originality and repetitive nature. The rhythm mechanics were a divisive element, with some finding them engaging (Shacknews, IGN) and others criticizing their difficulty or lack of impact (GameSpot, Impulsegamer). Despite these contradictions, many reviewers acknowledged that the music and sound design were integral to Dustborn’s identity, even if they didn’t universally satisfy expectations. The polarizing reception underscores a game that prioritizes style and thematic consistency over technical refinement, leaving room for both admiration and frustration.

The voice acting in Dustborn receives largely positive acclaim, with many critics praising its ability to enhance character development, immersion, and narrative depth. Adventure Gamers and Gamepressure highlight the performances as excellent and natural, respectively, noting how they foster relatability and a sense of organic conversation. GamingBolt emphasizes that the voice acting brings imperfect, endearing characters to life, while Multiplayer.it and Shacknews commend the work for enriching storytelling and dialogue interactions. TheXboxHub and GAMES.CH specifically laud the authenticity and humanity of the characters, with the latter calling the voice acting “excellent” and the characters “extremely human.” These reviews collectively underscore the voice acting’s role in making the game’s world feel vibrant and emotionally resonant, with standout performances and dynamic character dynamics. However, several critics point to notable flaws, particularly around pacing, delivery, and tonal consistency. Adventure Game Hotspot criticizes the dialogue as “forced” and emotionally flat, while GameSpot and GamersRD describe the voice acting as overwhelming due to excessive banter and interruptions, which disrupt immersion. Impulsegamer notes inconsistencies in delivery, with characters frequently interrupting one another, and COGconnected mentions that some scenes feel prolonged, affecting the game’s rhythm. New Game Network delivers a harsher critique, calling the dialogue “disappointing” and accusing the writing of relying on “fluff and dirty jokes that fall flat.” These criticisms suggest that while the voice acting is technically strong, its execution in certain contexts can detract from the experience, particularly in scenes with dense or chaotic dialogue. Despite these mixed elements, the overall consensus among critics leans heavily toward appreciation for Dustborn’s voice acting. While a handful of reviews highlight specific issues—such as pacing, tonal mismatches, or forced dialogue—the majority celebrate its ability to breathe life into characters and enhance the narrative. Critics like GameSpew and PlayStation Universe emphasize the emotional depth and standout performances, while Twinfinite and RPG Fan praise the distinct personalities and natural banter. The divide in opinions reflects the game’s ambitious design, where the voice acting’s strengths often outweigh its flaws. Ultimately, Dustborn’s voice acting is seen as a significant asset, even if its execution occasionally falters under the weight of its own complexity.

The technical performance of Dustborn on PC shows a mixed but generally manageable experience, with some critics noting minor fixes and improvements. Adventure Game Hotspot acknowledges character animation issues but highlights overall stability, while Gamepressure and SpazioGames emphasize that bugs were addressed in patches and that audio problems were resolved, respectively. Adventure Gamers and GameSpew also point to minor quirks like clipping or framerate dips, but these are framed as non-disruptive to the core experience. On PS5, GamersRD and GameSpew mention occasional frame rate drops and longer loading times, though they are not severe enough to overshadow the game’s appeal. For Xbox Series X, TheXboxHub reports only minor stutters, and New Game Network notes decent performance despite some serious framerate dips and crashes. These positives suggest that while technical flaws exist, many are either mitigated by updates or deemed tolerable by players. However, the negatives across platforms reveal more significant concerns. On PC, GameSpot and GameSkinny criticize the game for unstable technical performance, with GameSpot highlighting a game-breaking bug that erased progress and persistent crashes, while GameSkinny points to combat-related AI glitches. GamingBolt and RPG Fan also mention performance issues like frame drops, disappearing objects, and immersion-breaking loading pauses, with the latter noting save file-related problems. PS5 critics like IGN Italia and Impulsegamer describe graphical glitches, audio issues, and game-breaking bugs that hinder progression, with PlayStation Universe specifically calling out disruptions to gameplay. Xbox Series X faces its own challenges, as New Game Network reports crashes and severe framerate dips during exploration, which could frustrate players. These issues collectively indicate that Dustborn struggles with consistency and polish, particularly on consoles. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Dustborn has technical performance issues that vary in severity across platforms. While PC reviewers like SpazioGames and Gamepressure note some fixes and minor problems, others such as GameSpot and GameSkinny highlight critical flaws that impact core mechanics. PS5 and Xbox Series X versions face more pronounced issues, with IGN Italia and PlayStation Universe emphasizing game-breaking bugs, and New Game Network reporting crashes on Xbox. Despite these challenges, many critics agree that the problems are not insurmountable, with patches offering relief and some platform-specific optimizations. However, the recurring mentions of instability, glitches, and performance hiccups suggest that Dustborn requires further refinement to deliver a seamless experience, particularly for players on consoles where the technical hurdles appear more pronounced.

The reviews of Dustborn present a nuanced view of its replay value, with several critics highlighting its branching narrative structures and player agency as key positives. Eurogamer Germany and GamesRadar+ emphasize the game’s branching dialogue and relationship dynamics, which allow players to experience different outcomes and character developments. Similarly, GINX TV and RPG Fan praise the impactful choices that influence endings and hidden options, while GamersRD notes the inclusion of collectibles and minigames that encourage exploration. Shacknews and TheXboxHub also acknowledge the character development and multiple pathways that drive replayability, suggesting that the game’s decision-making mechanics offer meaningful variety. These elements collectively create a foundation for players to revisit the story and uncover new layers, particularly for those invested in narrative-driven experiences. However, several critics express concerns about the limitations of these mechanics, arguing that the replay value is diminished by predictable outcomes and minimal narrative impact. Adventure Game Hotspot and Multiplayer.it directly criticize the game for predictable results and limited story divergence, while GameSpot and IGN note that tonal shifts and lack of character attachment reduce the incentive to replay. Guardian and MeuPlayStation point to underdeveloped characters and a weak narrative as barriers to engagement, and New Game Network suggests that major choices often lack the weight to justify multiple playthroughs. Additionally, combat monotony (as mentioned by Shacknews) and a lack of challenge (Hobby Consolas) further detract from the game’s replayability, making it less appealing for players seeking varied gameplay experiences. Overall, the critical reception of Dustborn’s replay value is mixed, with strong support for its narrative-driven mechanics but significant reservations about their execution. While critics like Eurogamer Germany, GamesRadar+, and RPG Fan celebrate the game’s potential for exploration through choices and endings, others such as Adventure Game Hotspot and IGN argue that these elements fail to deliver substantial variation or emotional investment. The disparity reflects a divide between players who prioritize story-driven experimentation and those who seek deeper mechanical or emotional rewards. Despite this, the game’s branching paths and decision-making remain its most compelling feature, even if its execution leaves room for improvement. The consensus suggests that Dustborn may appeal to niche audiences but may not satisfy those seeking a highly replayable or emotionally resonant experience.