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Everybody's Gone to the Rapture

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Everybody's Gone to the Rapture
Item: Everybody's Gone to the Rapture
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2015

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Artistic, Interactive Movie, Mystery, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableAug 11, 2015

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperThe Chinese Room

Overview

For the last twelve months, we’ve had our heads down working hard on Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture and it’s really exciting to be able to share some more information with you as well as a new trailer. If you already know The Chinese Room, you’ll know that we make story-driven games. Creating a rich, deep world with strong drama and exceptional production values is key to what we’re all about. Rapture is set in a remote valley in June 1984 and is a story about people and how they live with each other. But it’s also about the end of the world. Rapture is inspired by the fiction of John Wyndham, J. G. Ballard, John Christopher and other authors who deal with ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. There’s a very particular English feel that we wanted to capture in the game, a combination of the epic and the intimate. Rapture also came from our obsession with post-apocalyptic gaming, and the simple idea that whilst we normally play as the hero, in reality, most of us would be the piles of ash and bone littering the game world. That’s an interesting place to start telling a story. Our approach is to create a game that you can utterly immerse yourself in. Yaughton Valley, where Rapture takes place, is a living, breathing world. The world of Rapture is not just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right. It’s great working with PS4 as its processing power makes a game like this possible for a team our size. The game is all about discovery. It’s open-world so you have the freedom to explore wherever you like, visiting areas in an order you define, and the story is written to allow this whilst making sure every player has a strong dramatic experience. It’s a type of storytelling that is completely unique to games. The choices you make as a player have a direct impact on how you understand the story – the more you explore and interact, the deeper you are drawn into Rapture’s world.

Elsewhere

7.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Everybody's Gone to the Rapture are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praise the game for its compelling and well-written narrative, with deep and realistic characters. PC Gamer, Gameplanet, and Push Square specifically highlight the strong storytelling, emphasizing the heartfelt and emotional aspects of the end-of-the-world theme. CGMagazine and GameCrate also commend the game for its interesting and compelling narrative, which combines themes of religion, the supernatural, and science. They appreciate how the slow-paced interactive experience reveals the inner workings of a tightly knit community. TheSixthAxis and Twinfinite mention the natural and compelling nature of the story, with a combination of village politics and supernatural elements. However, there are some critics who express negative opinions about the storytelling in Everybody's Gone to the Rapture. Destructoid criticizes the storytelling for being unclear and disconnected, while Game Informer mentions a pretentious monologue in the final stretch that detracts from the overall experience. GameCritics finds the personal conflicts uninteresting and believes the game lacks a narrative thrust of its own. Hardcore Gamer appreciates the poignant and tenebrously beautiful story but criticizes the execution of borrowed elements from other works. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Everybody's Gone to the Rapture is very good. The majority of the critics appreciate the game's narrative, finding it intriguing, compelling, and deeply affecting. They highlight its exploration of themes such as love, loss, loneliness, forgiveness, community, and the human ability to weather catastrophe. The game's ability to evoke a sense of mystery and surprise is also praised. While there are some criticisms about certain aspects of the storytelling, the positive opinions far outweigh the negative ones, making Everybody's Gone to the Rapture a highly recommended experience for those seeking a captivating and emotional narrative.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics overwhelmingly praise Everybody's Gone to the Rapture for its compelling narrative, deep characters, and emotional themes of love, loss, and community. While some criticize unclear storytelling and borrowed elements, the majority find it intriguing, deeply affecting, and highly recommended for those seeking a captivating and emotional experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

17%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Everybody's Gone to the Rapture are varied. Some critics, such as Impulsegamer and CGMagazine, appreciate the minimalistic gameplay that focuses on exploration and discovery. They find satisfaction in uncovering the story through short conversations and ghostly scenes, comparing it to the simple pleasure of an idle stroll and the satisfaction of uncovering a mystery. GameCrate also finds gratification in seeking out clues and story tidbits, likening it to a well-designed hidden object game. Worth Playing appreciates the refreshingly minimal gameplay, where immersion into the sights and sounds of the game is key. However, there are several criticisms regarding the gameplay. Many critics mention the slow pace of the game, which can be too ponderous and a test of patience for some players. The lack of a formal introduction to the mechanics and the slow movement speed are mentioned as drawbacks by ActionTrip and Guardian. EGM and Hardcore Gamer express frustration with the slow walking speed, hindering engagement and making exploration discouraging. Slant Magazine and TheSixthAxis also highlight the slow movement speed and backtracking required for mandatory flashback sequences as frustrating aspects. Game Informer criticizes the gameplay for being restrictive and not allowing for freestyle exploration, while GameCritics mentions that the limitations in gameplay highlight the shortcomings in world and narrative design. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Everybody's Gone to the Rapture offers a minimalistic gameplay experience centered around exploration and discovery. The game's slow pace and lack of traditional game mechanics like puzzles or combat divide opinions. Some critics appreciate the immersive and satisfying nature of the gameplay, while others find it dull, methodical, and repetitious. The lack of interactivity and limited interactions with the environment are also mentioned as drawbacks. While there are positive aspects to the gameplay, such as the satisfaction of uncovering the story and the immersive experience, the slow pace and limited gameplay mechanics are the main points of contention among the critics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Everybody's Gone to the Rapture divides critics with its minimalistic gameplay focused on exploration and discovery. Some praise the satisfaction of uncovering the story, while others criticize the slow pace and lack of traditional game elements like puzzles or combat. Overall, opinions vary on the immersive experience, with some finding it engaging and others finding it dull and repetitive.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of the critics praised the graphics and visual design of Everybody's Gone to the Rapture, with many describing it as stunning, beautiful, and visually immersive. The CryEngine was commended for its ability to bring the countryside, buildings, vehicles, and wildlife to life, with Impulsegamer mentioning the "wonderful replay events" that are created. PC Gamer also highlighted the game's attention to detail and ability to capture the ambience of rural England perfectly. CGMagazine and Game Informer both mentioned the changing weather conditions and little visual cues that contribute to the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of the abandoned environment. GameCrate and Gameplanet praised the game's well-designed and exquisitely detailed world, with Gameplanet specifically mentioning the beautifully realized village in Shropshire, England. However, there were some criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design. COGconnected mentioned frame rate drops during day-night cycles, while EGM pointed out issues with the framerate and standard movement hangups. GameCritics criticized the game for focusing too much on the material world instead of exploring spiritual themes. Gamestyle mentioned some issues with texture detail and framerate, and PSNStores mentioned a lack of interactivity in the environment, with some buildings being locked. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Everybody's Gone to the Rapture has impressive graphics and visual design. The game's ability to create a visually striking and immersive world was widely praised, with critics like Guardian, Hardcore Gamer, and Twinfinite emphasizing the stunning visuals and attention to detail. The beautiful and detailed environments, the ability to capture the mood and tone of the game, and the realistic portrayal of the village were also mentioned positively by several critics, such as Game Rant, NZGamer, and Worth Playing. Despite some minor issues and criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the graphics and visual design of Everybody's Gone to the Rapture is overwhelmingly positive.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Everybody's Gone to the Rapture wows critics with stunning graphics and immersive design, capturing the eerie atmosphere of an abandoned world. While some noted framerate and interactivity issues, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive for its detailed and beautifully realized environments.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

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 Everybody's Gone to the Rapture are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game's soundtrack, describing it as powerful, sublime, and stupendous. The score, composed by Jessica Curry, is highlighted for its emotional effect and ability to enhance the atmosphere and tone of the game. Critics such as PC Gamer, ActionTrip, CGMagazine, and Gameplanet specifically mention the use of orchestral arrangements, choirs, and vocals to create a captivating and immersive experience. The voice acting is also commended, with critics like Worth Playing and ZTGD mentioning that it contributes to heavy emotional scenes and makes the characters feel like real people. The sound design, including ambient sounds and eerie signals, is well done and creates an amazing and believable atmosphere, as noted by COGconnected. While the majority of critics praised the sound design and music, there were a few minor criticisms. Hardcore Gamer mentions technical issues such as audio stuttering and cutting out, which could potentially detract from the overall experience. Destructoid's review does not provide a clear opinion on the sound design or music, leaving room for interpretation. However, these negative points are outweighed by the overwhelmingly positive sentiment expressed by the majority of critics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Everybody's Gone to the Rapture are exceptional. The score is described as achingly beautiful, haunting, and magnificent, with critics like Gamestyle and TheSixthAxis emphasizing its ability to set the tone and enhance the emotional impact of the game. The combination of the ethereal choir singing, orchestral arrangements, and dynamic triggers of the music creates a captivating and immersive experience. The sound design, including ambient sounds and voice acting, further contributes to the atmospheric experience and draws players into the game's world. The positive opinions of multiple critics, including Impulsegamer, Game Rant, Guardian, and Push Square, reinforce the overall sentiment that the sound design and music of Everybody's Gone to the Rapture are of high quality and greatly enhance the overall experience of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics unanimously praise the exceptional sound design and music of Everybody's Gone to the Rapture, with accolades for the powerful soundtrack by Jessica Curry, immersive orchestral arrangements, and emotionally impactful voice acting. Some minor technical issues were noted, but the overwhelmingly positive sentiment highlights the achingly beautiful score that enhances the game's atmosphere and emotional depth. Overall, the consensus is that the game's sound design and music are top-notch, drawing players into a captivating and immersive experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Everybody's Gone to the Rapture received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. Many praised the performances for their ability to bring the characters to life and enhance the emotional impact of the game. Critics such as Impulsegamer and DarkStation commended the fantastic quality of the voice acting, with unique and easily distinguishable voices for each character. This allowed players to understand and empathize with the characters without the need for visual cues. CGMagazine also highlighted the fittingly natural-sounding voice acting, reminiscent of a radio drama, which added to the immersive experience. The voice work was described as superbly performed by the cast, painting vivid portraits in the player's mind's eye (Gamestyle). The voice acting was seen as a commendable achievement, considering the lack of visual elements (GameCrate). While the majority of critics praised the voice acting, there were a few minor criticisms. Game Informer mentioned that remembering characters by their names and accents could be confusing, which slightly detracted from the overall experience. However, this criticism did not overshadow the positive reception of the voice performances. Slant Magazine noted that the fully voiced cast of villagers could be initially overwhelming, but the little details discovered throughout the game helped players make intimate connections with them. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Everybody's Gone to the Rapture was exceptional. The performances were described as fantastic, impressive, and strong, contributing to the realism and human experiences portrayed in the game (Hardcore Gamer, NZGamer, PSNStores). The impeccable voicework helped create mental images of the central characters and conveyed a range of emotions, including concern, terror, and pain (Worth Playing). The voice acting was seen as a crucial element that added depth and engagement to the narrative, making the five-hour experience memorable (games(TM), ZTGD). The positive reception from the majority of critics solidifies the notion that the voice acting in Everybody's Gone to the Rapture was a standout aspect of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Voice acting in Everybody's Gone to the Rapture receives rave reviews for bringing characters to life with emotional impact. Critics praise unique voices, immersive radio drama-like quality, and superb performances that paint vivid portraits in players' minds. While some found remembering characters challenging, overall consensus is that the exceptional voice acting adds depth and engagement, making the game a memorable experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

10%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

30%

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

In terms of the technical performance on the PS4, several critics highlighted both positive and negative aspects. The game was praised for its detailed interactive media and impressive technical prowess, as mentioned by TheSixthAxis. This indicates that the game successfully showcases its visual and technical capabilities, creating an immersive experience for players. Additionally, COGconnected mentioned no other technical issues, suggesting that the game generally runs smoothly without any major problems. However, there were also several negative aspects mentioned by the critics. Frame rate drops during day-night cycles and exploration were mentioned by COGconnected, which can be a significant drawback as it affects the overall gameplay experience. The slow walking speed and hangups in standard movement, as noted by EGM, also contribute to a less smooth and enjoyable gameplay experience. Furthermore, Gamestyle mentioned a range of technical issues including low-res textures, noticeable pop-in, framerate issues, game crashes, and getting stuck in scenery. These technical problems can significantly impact the immersion and enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Everybody's Gone to the Rapture on the PS4 has some technical shortcomings. The game suffers from frame rate issues, crashes, and various other technical problems, as mentioned by several critics such as GameTrailers, Gameplanet, and Hardcore Gamer. While the game does showcase impressive technical prowess and detailed interactive media, these positive aspects are overshadowed by the negative technical issues, ultimately affecting the overall experience of the game. It is important for potential players to consider these technical limitations before deciding to play the game on the PS4.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise Everybody's Gone to the Rapture on PS4 for its impressive visuals and immersive experience, but point out technical issues like frame rate drops, low-res textures, and game crashes. Despite its strengths, the game's technical shortcomings may hinder gameplay enjoyment, as highlighted by multiple reviewers. Consider these drawbacks before diving into the post-apocalyptic world of Everybody's Gone to the Rapture on PS4.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

100%

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 Everybody's Gone to the Rapture are varied. Some critics, such as PC Gamer and Gameplanet, highlight the captivating world and heartfelt story as reasons to revisit the game. PC Gamer specifically mentions that despite its passive nature and slow pace, the game's world and story make it worth revisiting. This positive aspect suggests that players may find enjoyment in experiencing the game again, even if it lacks traditional replay value elements. On the other hand, critics like GameCrate and Washington Post express concerns about the lack of immediate incentive to replay the game. GameCrate mentions the absence of branching narratives or critical choices, which are often seen as factors that enhance replayability. Washington Post also notes that the characters' backstories lean more towards melodrama than drama, which could potentially diminish the desire to replay the game for some players. These negative aspects suggest that the game may not offer enough variety or meaningful choices to entice players to replay it immediately after completion. Overall, the critics' opinions on the replay value of Everybody's Gone to the Rapture fall into two main categories. Some critics, such as COGconnected and DarkStation, mention the presence of hidden recordings, conversations, and missed plot points as reasons to replay the game. This suggests that there are elements of discovery and uncovering additional story content that can enhance the replay value for those interested in exploring every aspect of the game. On the other hand, critics like GameCrate and Washington Post express concerns about the lack of immediate incentive or meaningful choices to replay the game. However, the consensus among the critics seems to lean towards the positive side, with several critics highlighting the non-linear narrative and the rewards of thorough exploration as factors that contribute to the game's replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed views on the replay value of Everybody's Gone to the Rapture. Some praise its captivating world and story, suggesting it's worth revisiting despite lacking traditional replay elements. Others criticize the lack of incentives like branching narratives, but some mention hidden content that enhances replayability. Overall, while some find reasons to replay for exploration and discovery, concerns remain about meaningful choices.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

56%

Mixed (50-79)

39%

Negative (0-49)

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

Overall, the critics' opinions regarding the overall verdict of Everybody's Gone to the Rapture are quite positive. The game is praised for its compelling narrative, thought-provoking themes, and stunning visuals. Critics like Impulsegamer, CGMagazine, and DarkStation highlight the game's immersive storytelling, gripping story, and remarkable visuals. The character-driven nature of the game is also appreciated by EGM and Game Rant, who mention the interesting personalities and stories portrayed. The game's unique atmosphere and emotional experience are commended by Gamestyle, Gameplanet, and Push Square. The game's ability to draw players in and leave them wanting more is also mentioned by Impulsegamer. However, there are some negative aspects that critics point out. The slow pace of the game is a common criticism, with PC Gamer, COGconnected, and Guardian mentioning it as a potential drawback. Technical issues, such as framerate and movement problems, are also mentioned by EGM, GameTrailers, Hardcore Gamer, and VideoGamer. The lack of interactivity and replay value is noted by GameCrate and ZTGD, while Game Informer criticizes the game for not feeling rewarding when straying from the main path. The lack of instructions and mechanics may be intimidating for some players, as mentioned by Game Rant. Overall, the critics' consensus is that Everybody's Gone to the Rapture is a visually stunning and emotionally captivating experience. The game's unique storytelling approach and thought-provoking narrative are highly praised. While some critics mention drawbacks such as slow pacing and technical issues, the overall sentiment is positive. The game is recommended for players who enjoy slow-paced, atmospheric experiences and are willing to invest time in a compelling narrative. The game's ability to deliver a memorable and emotional experience is acknowledged by multiple critics, including CGMagazine, Gameplanet, and TheSixthAxis. Despite some flaws, Everybody's Gone to the Rapture is considered a worthwhile and immersive gaming experience.

TL;DR

Critics praise Everybody's Gone to the Rapture for its compelling narrative, stunning visuals, and immersive storytelling. Positive feedback from various sources highlights its gripping story, unique atmosphere, and emotional experience. However, criticisms include the slow pace, technical issues, and lack of interactivity. Overall, the consensus is that the game offers a visually stunning and emotionally captivating experience, recommended for players who enjoy investing time in a thought-provoking narrative despite some flaws.

MONSTER

Reviews

119 reviews found

100

DarkStation

PlayStation 4

Sep 18, 2015

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

Everybody's Gone to the Rapture is easily one of the most immersive games, with a gripping story, gorgeous graphics, and a perfect soundtrack. It is a highly recommended gaming experience.

Impulsegamer

Jul 11, 2016

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

A true visual novel that draws you in and leaves you wanting more. Very worthwhile!

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Push Square

PlayStation 4

Aug 10, 2015

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

The game is described as a masterwork with breathtaking art direction and music.

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Gamestyle

PlayStation 4

Aug 22, 2015

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

The review describes Everybody's Gone to the Rapture as an enthralling tale, told with aplomb, and provides a satisfactory conclusion for everyone.

CGMagazine

PlayStation 4

Aug 14, 2015

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

Everybody's Gone to the Rapture is a remarkable game that tells a deeply affecting story and redefines spirituality within the context of humanity. It conveys its messages in a grounded manner and leaves a lasting impression.

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ActionTrip

PlayStation 4

Aug 27, 2015

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

The game is described as an experience rather than a traditional game. It is recommended for those who enjoy investing time in a slow-paced, compelling narrative. The review gives it an overall score of 9.0, indicating excellence.

Game Rant

PlayStation 4

Aug 17, 2015

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

The game is praised for its mystery, mood, and tone. The short campaign length is considered appropriate for the game's bleak atmosphere. The lack of instructions and mechanics may be intimidating, but the game rewards patient players.

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TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 4

Aug 12, 2015

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

Everybody's Gone to the Rapture is beautiful and thought-provoking, with a compelling narrative and stunning visuals. The slow gameplay and potential for getting lost are drawbacks, but the overall experience is enrapturing.

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NZGamer

PlayStation 4

Aug 13, 2015

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

Everybody's Gone to the Rapture mostly accomplishes its goal of critiquing traditional videogame storylines, but stumbles by relying on the very thing it critiques. However, the human experiences portrayed are still worth experiencing.

Gameplanet

PlayStation 4

Aug 19, 2015

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

Everybody's Gone to the Rapture is a memorable, emotional experience that tells a unique story. Despite technical issues, it's worth playing.