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Eternights

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

2023

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Romance, Single Player

AvailableSep 12, 2023

PlatformNintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

DeveloperStudio Sai

Overview

Eternights is a dating action game where you try to make the most out of life during the apocalypse. Monday: Go on a date. Tuesday: Clear dungeon. Friday: Freak out! The clock is ticking!!

Elsewhere

7.4

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

54%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Story of Eternights has garnered praise from several critics for its unique blend of genres and engaging narrative. Critics like IGN France and Press Start Australia commend the well-paced storytelling, rich character development, and the mix of tension, sadness, and comedy, creating a truly immersive experience. The game's incorporation of dating sim elements, as noted by GamesHub and The Games Machine, adds depth to the relationships between characters and provides a fresh spin on the post-apocalyptic genre. Additionally, TechRadar Gaming highlights the engaging character relationships and focus on romance amidst chaos, contributing to the overall positive reception of the story. On the flip side, some critics express concerns about certain aspects of the story in Eternights. Destructoid criticizes the unclear stakes and setting, as well as the archetypal and inconsistent characters, which may hinder the player's immersion in the narrative. Siliconera mentions that the plot can feel rushed and forgettable at times, with an intense premise that loses believability, potentially impacting the overall storytelling experience. Furthermore, But Why Tho?? points out that while the slow pace of expositional scenes aids in following the developments, the escalation of the story can feel odd, suggesting a lack of coherence in the narrative progression. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Story of Eternights leans towards the positive side, with many appreciating the game's unique storytelling approach, character relationships, and genre-blending elements. While there are criticisms about certain narrative aspects such as pacing issues, inconsistent characterizations, and rushed plot points, the majority of reviewers find the story engaging, immersive, and enjoyable. The game's ability to mix serious and light-hearted moments, as highlighted by INVEN, along with its focus on maintaining relationships amidst a post-apocalyptic setting, resonates well with players looking for a narrative-driven experience. Ultimately, Eternights seems to have succeeded in delivering a compelling story that combines elements of action, romance, and supernatural intrigue, making it a noteworthy addition to the gaming landscape.

TL;DR

story and narrative

The Story of Eternights impresses with genre-blending, engaging narrative, and dating sim elements, delighting critics like IGN France and TechRadar Gaming. While criticisms include unclear stakes and rushed plot points, overall consensus is positive, praising immersive storytelling and unique character relationships. Eternights presents a compelling mix of action, romance, and supernatural intrigue, making it a standout choice for narrative-driven gaming.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

31%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Eternights received praise for its fast-paced and responsive combat mechanics, with critics like Tech-Gaming and Press Start Australia highlighting the polished and entertaining nature of the fights. The combat system was commended for its variety of skills, combos, and elemental attacks, providing an engaging experience for players. Additionally, the integration of relationship-building sim elements, as noted by GamesHub and GamingTrend, added depth to the gameplay and allowed for character progression through interactions with party members. On the downside, some critics pointed out issues with the gameplay of Eternights. For instance, But Why Tho?? and Siliconera mentioned unreliable dodge mechanics that could lead to avoidable deaths and monotonous combat lacking depth. Destructoid and Siliconera also criticized the combat for being weak or basic, with repetitive quick-time events and limited combat variety. Additionally, Siliconera highlighted the inconsistent difficulty balance, with easy normal enemies and occasionally unfair bosses, while App Trigger noted the annoyance of limited healing options in dungeons. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the gameplay of Eternights is mixed. While some praised the dynamic combat mechanics and engaging relationship-building aspects, others expressed concerns about the lack of depth in combat, unreliable dodge mechanics, and occasional monotony in gameplay. Critics like IGN France and TechRadar Gaming appreciated the mix of action and RPG elements, while others like Siliconera and But Why Tho?? pointed out specific flaws in the combat system and gameplay pacing. Ultimately, Eternights seems to offer a unique blend of genres that may appeal to players looking for a mix of hack-and-slash combat and relationship simulation elements, but it may fall short in delivering a consistently satisfying gameplay experience for all players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Eternights impresses with fast combat and relationship-building elements, but faces criticism for unreliable dodge mechanics and monotonous gameplay. Critics are divided on its depth and balance, offering a unique mix of action and RPG elements that may not satisfy all players.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

62%

Negative (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Eternights have received a mix of positive feedback from critics. App Trigger praises the clean anime cel-shaded graphics with neon-washed textures over a Japanese metro, highlighting the bright and animated characters. COGconnected appreciates the distinct color palette and visuals that permeate every aspect of the game, describing battles and backgrounds as delicious and a mix of electric and ethereal. Screen Rant also commends the striking visual style with relatively simplistic 3D designs and superb hand-drawn cutscenes, noting the effective nightmarish enemies and city scenes that enhance the game's atmosphere. On the other hand, some critics have pointed out negatives in the graphics and visual design of Eternights. God is a Geek criticizes the dark and repetitive cityscapes, finding the environments not very appealing. Destructoid mentions that while the game has glossy production value, it lacks originality and feels bland and lifeless. RPGamer notes that while character designs are well-done, the environments are drab and outdated, lacking variety. Push Square criticizes the rough edges in the graphics, questionable animations, and bizarre character running, although they acknowledge the clever use of lighting and graphical flourishes during combat to hide these flaws. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the graphics and visual design of Eternights leans towards the positive side. Critics like GamesHub, Press Start Australia, and GamingTrend appreciate the expressive designs, sharp lighting, and well-constructed environments that capture the post-apocalyptic vibe. While there are criticisms about certain aspects like repetitive environments, basic UI, and dated graphics, the anime aesthetics, well-animated cutscenes, and effective use of lighting and color palettes seem to have resonated positively with many reviewers. The varied opinions suggest that while Eternights may have its flaws in terms of visual presentation, it manages to deliver an engaging and immersive experience for players, particularly those who appreciate anime-inspired art styles and atmospheric design choices.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics are split on the graphics of Eternights, with some praising its vibrant anime cel-shaded visuals and hand-drawn cutscenes, while others criticize repetitive environments and lack of originality. However, the majority appreciate the expressive designs, effective lighting, and post-apocalyptic atmosphere, making it an engaging experience for fans of anime-inspired art styles.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

53%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Eternights are predominantly positive. Critics such as GamesHub and Press Start Australia praise the top-class voice acting that brings life and depth to the characters, elevating the overall experience. The voice acting is highlighted as a key element that adds vitality and immersion to the story, with recognizable voice actors contributing to the game's appeal. Additionally, RPG Fan and Noisy Pixel commend the music for effectively contributing to the game's atmosphere, with RPG Fan specifically mentioning the dynamic English voice acting and beautiful ending theme as standout features. On the other hand, some critics express mixed feelings about the music and sound design of Eternights. COGconnected notes that while the music and audio are great and fit well into the visual tapestry of the game, they are not as distinct as the visuals themselves. Similarly, The Games Machine mentions that the game lacks notable music ideas, indicating a potential missed opportunity to create a more memorable musical experience. Additionally, GameGrin points out the lack of emphasis on lip-synching, which may detract from the overall immersion for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Eternights excels in its voice acting department, with multiple reviewers highlighting the stellar performances that ground the characters and enhance the narrative. The inclusion of multiple language options for voice acting, such as English, Japanese, and Korean, is also appreciated by critics like The Games Machine and GamingTrend. While there are some minor criticisms regarding the music's originality and the lack of emphasis on certain aspects of sound design, the general sentiment is positive towards the audio elements of the game. The combination of strong voice acting performances, fitting music, and immersive sound design ultimately contributes to a well-rounded audio experience that enhances the overall quality of Eternights, as acknowledged by a majority of the critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics mostly praise Eternights' top-notch voice acting that breathes life into characters, with standout performances and recognizable voice actors enhancing the game's appeal. While some critics mention the music and sound design fitting well but lacking distinctiveness, overall, the consensus is positive on the immersive audio experience that elevates the narrative and gameplay. Multiple language options and strong voice acting performances are highlighted as key strengths, despite minor critiques on music originality and lip-synching.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

47%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Eternights are overwhelmingly positive. Critics such as GamesHub and Press Start Australia praised the strong voice performances from actors like Kira Buckland, Alejandro Saab, and others, highlighting how these performances added depth to the characters and grounded them in the game's narrative. Screen Rant specifically commended the English voice-acting, mentioning how it added poignancy to the script and revealed depth beyond clichés. The inclusion of famous artists like Jun Fukushima from Konosuba, as noted by The Games Machine, also contributed to the overall positive reception of the voice acting. On the other hand, there were a few critics who expressed some reservations or mixed feelings about the voice acting in Eternights. Push Square mentioned that the English voice work was less appealing compared to playing the game in Korean with English subtitles, without providing further details. While this indicates a potential discrepancy in the quality of voice acting across different languages, it does not necessarily detract from the overall positive sentiment expressed by the majority of critics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Eternights is a significant asset to the game. Critics like INVEN and TechRadar Gaming described the voice acting as excellent, with INVEN specifically noting how it added vitality to the story and enhanced immersion. The variety of languages available for voice acting, as highlighted by GamingTrend and RPG Fan, further contributed to the overall positive reception of the voice performances. The general sentiment is that the voice acting in Eternights elevates the characters, adds depth to the narrative, and enhances the overall gaming experience, making it a standout feature of the game according to the critics' opinions.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics unanimously praise the voice acting in Eternights, highlighting strong performances from actors like Kira Buckland and Alejandro Saab. While some expressed mixed feelings, the general consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with critics lauding how the voice acting elevates characters, adds depth to the narrative, and enhances the overall gaming experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

14%

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

In terms of technical performance on PC, Eternights received mixed feedback. App Trigger noted issues with animation, such as disappearing enemies and bosses, which can detract from the overall experience. However, Tech-Gaming highlighted the game's responsive combat even on lower-spec hardware like the Steam Deck, showcasing a positive aspect of the PC version. The Games Machine appreciated the simple polygonal graphics that do not strain low-end hardware, providing a smooth gaming experience for players on PC. On the other hand, the PlayStation 5 version of Eternights faced more criticism regarding technical performance. Everyeye.it pointed out technical issues like unresponsive animations and questionable hitboxes, affecting the gameplay negatively. RPGamer mentioned that the game lacks finesse and technical polish, with issues in combat mechanics and camera control, indicating a lack of optimization on the PS5 platform. SpazioGames criticized the game for being technically outdated on PS5, further highlighting the technical shortcomings of this version. Overall, the consensus among the critics suggests that Eternights has its technical ups and downs across different gaming platforms. While some platforms like PC showcase positives such as responsive combat and smooth graphics performance, others like PS5 suffer from technical issues like unresponsive animations and outdated visuals. The mixed feedback indicates that the game's technical performance varies depending on the platform, with room for improvement in terms of optimization and polish. Critics like GamingTrend noted specific issues with the user interface and settings confirmation, suggesting that there are areas that could be enhanced to provide a more seamless gaming experience across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Eternights received mixed reviews for technical performance on PC and PS5. PC version praised for responsive combat and smooth graphics, while PS5 version criticized for unresponsive animations and outdated visuals. Overall, critics highlight varying technical issues across platforms, indicating room for improvement in optimization and polish.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

39%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of Eternights highlight several positive aspects. Critics like GamesHub and IGN France appreciate the customization options, evolving combat abilities, and various surprises in the game, such as new routes, endings, and side activities. They also praise the relationship-building elements, multiple romance options, and engaging mysteries that provide incentive for replaying the game. Additionally, the ability to deepen bonds with characters, unlock specific skills, and manage gameplay systems like the bond system and calendar schedule add to the replayability, as noted by critics like GamingTrend and RPG Fan. On the other hand, some critics point out certain negatives regarding the Replay Value of Eternights. Gaming Age mentions that the combat can feel repetitive after a while, while Destructoid notes that the game lacks the depth and length of the Persona series it seeks to imitate. Shacknews highlights the absence of a new game plus feature and limited skipping through dialogue as drawbacks, although they acknowledge that the addition of new routes and endings helps enhance the replay value. TRG also mentions the challenge of maxing out all character relationships in a single playthrough as a potential limitation. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Eternights offers decent replay value, primarily due to its relationship-building mechanics, multiple romance options, and various endings and surprises. Critics like Everyeye.it and RPGamer appreciate the multiple romance options and gameplay systems that provide some replay value despite the game's short run time. While there are some criticisms regarding repetitive combat, lack of depth compared to similar games, and certain gameplay limitations, the overall sentiment is positive towards the game's ability to engage players in multiple playthroughs to explore different character paths and storylines.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Eternights for its customizable combat, relationship-building elements, and engaging mysteries that enhance replay value. Despite some criticisms about repetitive combat and lack of depth compared to similar games, the consensus is that the game offers decent replayability with multiple romance options and various surprises to explore different character paths and storylines.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of the critics, it is evident that Eternights has several positive aspects that stand out. Critics such as GamesHub and Press Start Australia praise the game for its engaging narrative, well-written characters, and charming tone. They appreciate the mix of action-packed JRPG elements with modern-day humor, showcasing complexity and refinement in a debut title. Additionally, TechRadar Gaming and GamingTrend highlight the satisfying combat system, immersive story, and engaging loop of action and social simulation elements that keep players invested. The game's aesthetics, character design, and overall visual appeal are also commended by Tech-Gaming, who considers Eternights as one of the best indie surprises of the year. On the other hand, there are notable criticisms raised by critics like But Why Tho??, Destructoid, and Siliconera regarding Eternights. Issues such as lack of polish, weak gameplay, archetypal characters, and monotonous gameplay are mentioned. But Why Tho?? specifically points out the lack of polish and baffling writing as drawbacks, leading to a lower score. Siliconera also notes that the game fails to live up to its promise, with a forgettable story and lacking exploration, while Destructoid criticizes the game for its derivative nature and missed opportunities in execution. These criticisms highlight areas where Eternights falls short of expectations and where improvements could be made. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed but leans towards a positive reception for Eternights. While there are criticisms regarding certain aspects like gameplay depth, writing quality, and originality, the majority of reviewers appreciate the game's engaging narrative, charming characters, and immersive world. Critics like RPG Fan and GamingTrend see potential in the game, praising its blend of action combat with dating mechanics and acknowledging Studio Sai as a developer to watch out for. Despite its flaws, Eternights manages to offer an enjoyable experience for fans of action RPGs and dating sims, making it a title worth exploring for those interested in the genre.

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on Eternights, but most praise its engaging narrative, charming characters, and immersive world. Positive reviews highlight the game's action combat and dating mechanics blend, while criticisms point out issues with gameplay depth and writing quality. Overall, Eternights offers an enjoyable experience for fans of action RPGs and dating sims, with potential for improvement in certain areas.

MONSTER

Reviews

54 reviews found

GamingTrend

PlayStation 5

Sep 11, 2023