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Goodbye Volcano High

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Goodbye Volcano High
Item: Goodbye Volcano High
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Indie, Interactive Movie, Visual Novel, Music and Dance, Drama, Single Player

AvailableAug 29, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperKO-OP

Overview

Fang is a typical 18-year-old dinosaur: they’re more concerned about their band going viral than they are about what happens after graduation. But they’re about to have much bigger problems. Will they find time to figure themselves out? Can they balance a potential apocalypse and a budding romance? During hard times, what do we owe each other? Goodbye Volcano High is a cinematic narrative adventure about the beginning of a love story... and the end of an era.

Elsewhere

7.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

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 Goodbye Volcano High are varied, but there are several positive aspects that stand out. Critics like Hardcore Gamer, IGN Italia, Press Start Australia, RPG Fan, Siliconera, and The So Videogames Podcast praise the game for its exploration of themes such as identity, relationships, and the impending end of the world. They appreciate the heartfelt and emotional storytelling, highlighting the well-crafted characters and their personal journeys. The narrative is often described as unique, substantial, and powerful, with impeccable writing and memorable moments that can leave players in tears. The game's setting, a town called Caldera, is also commended for its believability and attention to detail. On the other hand, some critics express negative opinions about the story of Goodbye Volcano High. Hey Poor Player, Multiplayer.it, Wccftech, and New Game Network mention issues with the story lacking substance, dragging on, or losing its edge in the middle. GameCrate notes that while the story stumbles at times, it still manages to soar emotionally. TheGamer criticizes the writing and characters for lacking nuance, describing the narrative as trite and less poignant than it could have been. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Goodbye Volcano High presents a unique and heartfelt story that explores themes of coming-of-age, identity, and relationships in the face of an impending catastrophe. The game's narrative is often praised for its emotional impact, well-written characters, and the way it tackles heavy questions while maintaining a cozy feeling. While there are some criticisms regarding substance, pacing, and nuance, the positive aspects of the story seem to outweigh the negatives, making Goodbye Volcano High a compelling and memorable experience for many players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Goodbye Volcano High. Positive reviews highlight its exploration of identity and relationships, emotional storytelling, and well-crafted characters, while some critics criticize its lack of substance and pacing issues. Despite some shortcomings, the game's unique narrative and emotional impact make it a compelling and memorable experience for many players.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

16%

Mixed (50-79)

76%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Goodbye Volcano High are varied, but there are several positive aspects that stand out. Many critics praise the game's use of dialogue choices to shape the protagonist's social connections and relationships. Hardcore Gamer notes that the alignment chart and interface details effectively capture the mind of a teenager. Press Start Australia describes the gameplay as a unique and well-paced experience, feeling more like a bingeable animated serial with a real-time call and response mechanic. RPG Fan commends the decision to create their own rhythm game system, which they find simple but effective. Gamereactor UK highlights the constant focus required with timed choices and significant input in gameplay sections, including rhythm sections and mini-games. However, there are also some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. Hey Poor Player and Digital Spy both criticize the rhythm game sections, noting that they can feel visually busy, distracting, and have timing issues. Checkpoint Gaming and Digital Spy also mention issues with the joystick controls during the rhythm sections. TheGamer points out that the rhythm game mechanics for playing the band's music are frustrating and difficult to catch every note, with a poorly indicated UI and quicktime events. Digital Spy also notes the lack of options to calibrate visuals and audio during the rhythm sections, leading to unsynced button presses and the oversight of lacking subtitles during songs. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Goodbye Volcano High's gameplay primarily revolves around dialogue choices and shaping the story through the protagonist's reactions and relationships. The inclusion of rhythm game sections is seen as a mixed bag, with some critics finding them enjoyable and challenging, while others criticize their design and technical issues. The gameplay is generally praised for its unique and well-paced narrative adventure experience, capturing the mind of a teenager and allowing players to shape certain aspects of the story. However, there are some limitations in terms of the impact of choices and alternative paths to explore, as mentioned by New Game Network. Despite the mixed opinions on the gameplay elements, the overall sentiment seems to be positive, with critics appreciating the game's narrative choices and organic dialogue.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have varied opinions on the gameplay of Goodbye Volcano High. Positive aspects include innovative dialogue choices and unique rhythm game mechanics. However, some critics criticize the rhythm game sections for being visually busy and having timing issues. Overall, the game's focus on narrative choices and relationships is praised, but the rhythm game elements receive mixed reviews for their design and technical issues.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

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 Goodbye Volcano High are quite varied. Several critics praised the game's visuals, character designs, and art style. Hardcore Gamer commends the game for its terrific character designs, utilizing a mix of dinosaur species and great color palettes. Press Start Australia describes the game's presentation as fully animated and aesthetically wonderful, with perfect animation and direction. RPG Fan praises the gorgeous character art that brings the characters to life, along with visually stunning animated scenes. Gamereactor UK highlights the stunning animation with vibrant and unique characters, comparing it to the quality of a TV show or movie. These positive opinions indicate that the game's graphics and visual design are a standout aspect, with attention to detail and immersive character designs. However, there are also critics who express some negative aspects of the game's graphics and visual design. Siliconera points out that while the character designs are fine, the full body shots reveal rigid posture and stiff animation, which can detract from the overall visual experience. God is a Geek mentions that the art style may be off-putting for some, and there is a lack of animation in certain scenes. These criticisms highlight some weaknesses in the animation and character movements, which may affect the overall visual appeal for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side. The majority of critics appreciate the game's graphics and visual design, with praise for the character designs, animation quality, and art style. IGN Italia emphasizes the immersive narrative experience created through character expressions and unique forms of communication. GameCrate mentions that the visuals effectively bring out the emotions of the characters. The positive opinions of critics such as Player 2, Push Square, and GameMAG further reinforce the overall positive sentiment towards the graphics and visual design of Goodbye Volcano High. While there are some criticisms regarding animation limitations and certain art style choices, the general consensus is that the game's graphics and visual design are visually stunning, engaging, and contribute to the overall immersive experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on the graphics of Goodbye Volcano High. Some praise the visuals, character designs, and animation quality, while others criticize stiff animations and art style choices. Overall, most critics appreciate the stunning graphics, immersive character designs, and narrative experience, despite some flaws in animation and art style.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

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 Goodbye Volcano High are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game's soundtrack, with terms such as "terrific indie rock/pop soundtrack" (Hardcore Gamer) and "excellent soundtrack with indie rock songs" (SpazioGames) being used to describe it. The original songs featured in the game were also highly regarded, with critics mentioning a range of genres from dynamic pop rock to calm ballads (Multiplayer.it). The music was seen as a standout aspect of the game, with IGN Italia stating that it served as a co-protagonist in the narrative. The use of DualSense features on PlayStation 5 was also mentioned positively, enhancing the audio and tactile experience (Multiplayer.it). While the majority of critics had positive opinions, there were a few who had more mixed or slightly negative views. Hey Poor Player mentioned that the music in Goodbye Volcano High was "fine but not particularly captivating or resonant," indicating that it may not have left a lasting impression. Digital Spy pointed out a notable oversight of the lack of subtitles during songs, which could be seen as a negative aspect for players who rely on subtitles for accessibility. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Goodbye Volcano High are very good. The soundtrack is frequently described as fantastic, excellent, phenomenal, and exceptional. Critics such as Push Square and Eurogamer specifically highlighted the impact of the music on the emotional experience of the game. The original songs and the performances by the in-game band, Worm Drama, were praised for their quality and how they complemented the story. The voice acting was also commended for its top-notch delivery and contribution to the overall charm of the characters (Press Start Australia). The music sequences and rhythm mechanics were mentioned as some of the game's best moments (GameCrate). With such positive feedback from the majority of critics, it is clear that the Sound Design and Music of Goodbye Volcano High greatly contributed to the overall enjoyment and immersion of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about the Sound Design and Music of Goodbye Volcano High, praising its terrific indie rock/pop soundtrack and standout original songs. While some critics had mixed opinions, the majority lauded the music as fantastic, phenomenal, and emotionally impactful. The lack of subtitles during songs was a downside for some, but overall, the music greatly enhanced the game's narrative and immersive experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

20%

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

The voice acting in Goodbye Volcano High has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. Critics such as Hardcore Gamer, IGN Italia, Press Start Australia, and Push Square all praise the voice performances, highlighting the top-notch quality, chemistry among the cast, and the ability of the actors to bring the characters to life. They emphasize how the voice acting contributes to the intimate storytelling, engages the player, and makes the characters sound like actual teenagers. SpazioGames and Wccftech also commend the high-quality voice acting that adds recognition and charm to each character. These positive reviews highlight the strong performances and the ability of the voice actors to establish a connection between the player and the characters. However, there are a few critics who have raised concerns about technical issues with the voice acting in Goodbye Volcano High. Siliconera mentions problems such as voice lines taking a long time to load or cutting off halfway through, and frequent lip syncing issues. These technical issues can be distracting and disrupt the overall experience of the game. Additionally, GameCrate and New Game Network mention audio problems with the voice recordings, which can affect the immersion and quality of the voice acting. These negative aspects highlight the need for improvements in the technical aspects of the voice acting to ensure a seamless and immersive experience for players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Goodbye Volcano High is a standout feature of the game. The majority of critics praise the performances, chemistry among the cast, and the ability of the voice actors to bring the characters to life. The positive reviews from critics like Hardcore Gamer, IGN Italia, and Press Start Australia highlight the strong connection established between the player and the characters through the voice acting. However, it is important to address the technical issues raised by Siliconera, GameCrate, and New Game Network, as these can impact the overall experience. Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment towards the voice acting in Goodbye Volcano High remains positive, with the majority of critics praising its quality and contribution to the game's storytelling and character development.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics overwhelmingly praise the voice acting in Goodbye Volcano High for its top-notch quality, chemistry among the cast, and immersive storytelling. While some critics raise concerns about technical issues like voice lines cutting off and lip syncing problems, the majority agree that the performances establish a strong connection between players and characters. Despite the need for improvements in technical aspects, the voice acting stands out as a standout feature of the game.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

79%

Negative (0-49)

14%

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

In terms of the technical performance on the PS5, the opinions of the critics are somewhat mixed. Some critics, such as Multiplayer.it and Player 2, reported no major technical issues during their gameplay experience. This suggests that the game runs smoothly on this platform, providing a seamless and immersive experience. Additionally, IGN Italia mentioned minor technical issues that slightly affected the pacing of certain scenes, but overall found the experience engaging. These positive aspects indicate that the technical performance on the PS5 is generally satisfactory, with only minor hitches that do not significantly impact gameplay. However, there were also critics who highlighted several technical issues on the PS5 version of Goodbye Volcano High. Hardcore Gamer noted issues such as characters popping into frame and cut-off dialogue, which were distracting but did not hinder gameplay. Press Start Australia mentioned incorrect button prompts, scenes abruptly ending, and subtitles with errors, although they acknowledged that these issues did not halt progress or ruin the overall experience. Siliconera and RPG Fan both reported more significant technical issues, such as voice line loading problems, lip syncing issues, and scenes cutting to black. These issues occurred frequently and were frustrating. SpazioGames also mentioned recurring technical issues with background loading and animations. These negative aspects indicate that the technical performance on the PS5 has room for improvement, as these issues can impact the immersion and enjoyment of the game. Moving on to the PC version of Goodbye Volcano High, the opinions of the critics suggest some technical weaknesses. Checkpoint Gaming reported issues with joystick controls during the rhythm gameplay sections, which can be frustrating. GameCrate mentioned audio problems with the voice acting, including lines that sound like they were recorded in less-than-ideal environments or with lower-quality equipment, as well as clipped lines and audio cutting out early. New Game Network highlighted minor technical quirks like scene transitions and UI overlap issues. These negatives indicate that the PC version of the game may have some technical limitations that affect the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Goodbye Volcano High has some technical issues across different gaming platforms. While some critics reported no major technical problems and found the experience engaging (such as Multiplayer.it and Player 2 on the PS5), others mentioned more significant issues that impacted the immersion and enjoyment of the game (such as Siliconera and RPG Fan on the PS5, and Checkpoint Gaming on PC). However, it is worth noting that several critics acknowledged that these technical issues did not completely ruin the overall experience or halt progress in the game. Therefore, while there are areas for improvement in the technical performance of Goodbye Volcano High, it still manages to provide an engaging and enjoyable experience for players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have mixed opinions on the technical performance of Goodbye Volcano High on PS5 and PC. Some found minor issues like pacing and button prompts, while others faced more significant problems like voice line loading and audio issues. Despite these technical hitches, the game still offers an engaging experience across platforms, with room for improvement in future updates.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

18%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Goodbye Volcano High are varied, with some positive aspects highlighted. Hardcore Gamer, Multiplayer.it, and WellPlayed all mention that the game encourages multiple playthroughs, offering unique sequences, different connections, and outcomes. Hardcore Gamer specifically mentions the unlockable collectible photos as an incentive to replay the game. SpazioGames also praises the alternative scenes and endings, further emphasizing the replay value. GameGrin and Gamers Heroes both mention the different relationship developments and unlockable content as contributing to the replay value of the game. However, there are also negative opinions regarding the replay value of Goodbye Volcano High. Press Start Australia mentions the lack of chapter replay and the inability to go back and replay the music sequences as drawbacks. Checkpoint Gaming states that the lack of branching paths and the incentive to collect photos make replaying the game less appealing. New Game Network adds that there are no major alternative paths to explore and only one save file for future replays, which limits the replay value. Overall, the critics seem divided on the replay value of Goodbye Volcano High. While some critics highlight the unique sequences, alternative scenes, and unlockable content that contribute to the replay value, others mention drawbacks such as the lack of chapter replay, limited branching paths, and the game's length. It is worth noting that the overall consensus leans towards a positive outlook, with critics like Hardcore Gamer, Multiplayer.it, and WellPlayed praising the multiple playthroughs and unique outcomes. However, the negative opinions expressed by Press Start Australia, Checkpoint Gaming, and New Game Network cannot be ignored, as they point out limitations that may affect the overall replay value of the game.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are split on replay value of Goodbye Volcano High. Some praise its unique sequences and unlockable content, while others criticize the lack of chapter replay and limited branching paths. Positive aspects include multiple playthroughs and unique outcomes, but drawbacks like limited exploration paths and lack of replay options are also noted. Overall, opinions vary, with some highlighting the game's replay potential and others pointing out its limitations.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

66%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

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

Goodbye Volcano High has received a mix of positive and negative reviews from critics. Several reviewers praised the game for its strong points, such as its lovable cast, amazing music, and a sweet story about perseverance. Hardcore Gamer describes it as a "terrifically-crafted slice of high school drama" and Press Start Australia calls it a "truly special game" with sharp writing and a gorgeous soundtrack. The emotional impact and exploration of delicate themes are also highlighted by SpazioGames and WellPlayed. Eurogamer highly recommends the game, stating that it is a powerful and emotionally impactful coming-of-age experience with a unique high school narrative and a memorable soundtrack. These positive aspects contribute to the overall sentiment of the game, as it is praised for its characters, music, and emotional depth. However, there are also critics who have pointed out some negative aspects of Goodbye Volcano High. Hey Poor Player criticizes the game for its bland writing, cliched characters, and needlessly protracted scenes. Siliconera mentions technical problems and pacing issues that hinder the overall experience. Digital Spy notes flaws in gameplay and narrative pacing that impede enjoyment. GameCrate points out roughness and unevenness in the game, but still acknowledges its emotionally soaring moments. Gamers Heroes states that the game plays it safe and doesn't offer much new or innovative. These criticisms highlight areas where the game falls short, such as writing, technical issues, and lack of innovation. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there are positive aspects that are widely appreciated, such as the lovable cast, emotional impact, and memorable soundtrack, there are also notable shortcomings in writing, technical aspects, and innovation. The positive reviews emphasize the game's unique storytelling and well-crafted world, while the negative reviews highlight issues with pacing, character development, and gameplay. Despite the criticisms, the overall sentiment leans towards recommending the game, as many critics find it worth playing and commend its heartfelt and compelling story.

TL;DR

Goodbye Volcano High: A mixed bag of reviews. Critics praise the lovable cast and emotional depth, but criticize bland writing and technical issues. While some recommend it for its unique storytelling and memorable soundtrack, others point out flaws in pacing and lack of innovation. Despite its shortcomings, many find the heartfelt story worth experiencing.

MONSTER

Reviews

41 reviews found

100

Player 2

PlayStation 5

Sep 30, 2023

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

An amazing example of what the genre can be, with a unique story and emotional impact.

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100

Eurogamer

Sep 7, 2023

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

Goodbye Volcano High is a powerful and emotionally impactful coming-of-age game that stands out from the standard fare. It offers a unique high school narrative and a memorable soundtrack. Highly recommended.

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GameGrin

Sep 12, 2023

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

Goodbye Volcano High is an excellent game with a phenomenal story, animation, and music that everyone will love.

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RPG Fan

PlayStation 5

Sep 24, 2023

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

Goodbye Volcano High manages to exceed expectations, with a compelling story, engaging gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and a pleasing soundtrack. It is hard not to recommend the game.

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Press Start Australia

PlayStation 5

Sep 11, 2023

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

Goodbye Volcano High is a truly special game. It combines a well-conceived gameplay idea with a unique and superbly crafted world, sharp writing, and a gorgeous soundtrack. It is an earnest, mature, queer, warm, and heartbreaking experience.

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The So Videogames Podcast

PlayStation 5

Oct 12, 2023

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

The hosts highly recommend Goodbye, Volcano High and give it a solid nine out of ten score.

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God is a Geek

Sep 3, 2023

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

A charming visual novel with clever narrative choices and enjoyable gameplay, but may not appeal to those who cringe at teen drama.

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IGN Italia

PlayStation 5

Sep 13, 2023

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

Goodbye Volcano High is a high-level work that tells a story of personal affirmation, friendship, and love. Despite its technical flaws, the game's substance and intimate storytelling make it a standout teen drama.

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Hardcore Gamer

PlayStation 5

Sep 12, 2023

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

Goodbye Volcano High is a terrifically-crafted slice of high school drama that succeeds thanks to its lovable cast, amazing music, and a sweet story about perseverance. While not the greatest visual novel of the year, it is a recommended experience.

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Checkpoint Gaming

Sep 11, 2023

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

Goodbye Volcano High is a fun, nerdy, queer narrative adventure with engaging gameplay and lovable characters. The story is full of heart and the game offers an inclusive narrative experience. However, there are some technical issues and the replay value is limited.

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