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MONSTER

GreedFall

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of GreedFall
Item: GreedFall
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2019

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableSep 9, 2019

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4

DeveloperSpiders

Overview

Explore a fresh new world as you set foot - alongside many other settlers, mercenaries and treasure hunters - on a remote island seeping with magic, rumored to be filled with riches and lost secrets. GreedFall aims for a very unique visual identity, inspired by Baroque art from 17th Century Europe, depicting grandiose sceneries in muted warm colors and dark undertones. A grand journey filled with mystery follows, as you find yourself in the middle of ever-increasing tensions between the invading settlers and the locals, protected by supernatural beings, manifestation of the island's earthly magic. With a strong focus on its core RPG identity, GreedFall follows Spiders’ experience in building intricate worlds filled with mysteries to discover, weaving deep character interactions, and offering players great freedom to achieve quests and objectives in a multitude of different ways – through combat of course, but also through diplomacy, deception or stealth.

Elsewhere

6.9

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

GreedFall receives a mixed yet generally favorable critique for its unique setting and engaging exploration of themes like colonialism and politics. Critics praise its rich world-building and character depth, but many also highlight significant narrative weaknesses, citing a lack of originality and pacing issues that can disrupt immersion. While the story offers intriguing political dynamics, it ultimately may not satisfy players looking for a deeply nuanced experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

69%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of GreedFall has garnered a mixed but generally positive reception among critics, with several reviewers praising its unique setting and engaging narrative. Many critics, such as PC Invasion and Hardcore Gamer, highlighted the game's exploration of complex themes like colonialism, politics, and morality, which are woven into a rich tapestry of world-building and character development. The game’s protagonist, De Sardet, is often noted for being embroiled in a multifaceted political landscape, with choices that significantly affect the story's progression, as noted by Game Informer and RPG Fan. Critics like Gameblog.fr and The Digital Fix appreciated the weighty storytelling and the intriguing dynamics between various factions, which contribute to a captivating gameplay experience. However, despite these strengths, numerous critics pointed out significant weaknesses in the narrative. Gameplanet and GameSpot criticized the story for its lack of depth and nuance, suggesting that it often resorts to heavy-handed themes and blunt narrative tropes. Additionally, the pacing of the story received criticism from Critical Hit, who noted that trivial quests can disrupt the flow of more intense moments, leading to a less engaging experience overall. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and Destructoid echoed sentiments about the story's lack of originality, indicating that while the game has a functional narrative, it does not break new ground in its genre. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a blend of appreciation for GreedFall's ambitious themes and a recognition of its narrative shortcomings. While many reviewers, such as GameSpew and GamingTrend, found the story engaging and rich in political intrigue, others like We Got This Covered and PlayStation Country felt that the game fell short in its exploration of serious themes and player engagement. This dichotomy suggests that while GreedFall offers a compelling narrative foundation, it may not fully satisfy players seeking a deeply nuanced and original storytelling experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

GreedFall: Gold Edition impresses with strong character customization and quest design, offering a mix of real-time and strategic combat. However, critics slam its clunky and repetitive gameplay, limited enemy diversity, and underwhelming expansion content, alongside technical issues. While it has engaging RPG elements, the overall experience may frustrate players seeking depth and variety.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

68%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of GreedFall: Gold Edition has received a mix of praise, particularly for its character customization and quest design. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com and GameMAG highlight the well-structured quest system that allows for various approaches, enabling players to specialize their characters through skills and abilities. Additionally, GameGrin and Hardcore Gamer commend the combat system for its blend of real-time action and strategic elements, with options for melee, ranged, and magic attacks. The inclusion of a tactical pause feature is also appreciated, as it allows players to plan their moves effectively. The game’s RPG mechanics are often described as solid and enjoyable, with a variety of combat styles and character progression options that cater to different playstyles, as noted by critics like We Got This Covered and GameStar. Despite these positive aspects, many reviewers express significant concerns regarding the gameplay experience. Critics such as Twinfinite and USgamer describe the combat as clunky and repetitive, with limited options and a lack of depth. The absence of diverse enemy types, as mentioned by BaziCenter and Multiplayer.it, contributes to a sense of monotony during encounters. Furthermore, the expansion content has been criticized for being underwhelming and lacking substantial gameplay additions, as noted by GamingTrend and Everyeye.it. Technical issues, such as glitches and a cumbersome fast travel system, also detract from the overall experience, leading to frustration among players, as highlighted by Game Informer and GameSpace. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while GreedFall: Gold Edition offers an engaging RPG experience with strong customization and quest design, it suffers from repetitive combat and a lack of variety in enemy encounters. The opinions of reviewers like GamingTrend, Twinfinite, and USgamer reflect a shared sentiment that the game, despite its potential, falls short in delivering a consistently enjoyable gameplay experience. The mixed reviews indicate that while some players may find enjoyment in its role-playing elements and character progression, others may be left feeling disappointed by the repetitive nature and technical shortcomings of the gameplay.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

GreedFall impresses with its stunning landscapes and rich 17th-century aesthetics, earning praise for its artistic direction from several critics. However, technical execution falters with uneven frame rates, disappearing textures, and poor character animations, leading to a lack of immersion. While the visuals captivate, consistent criticisms highlight significant graphical issues that detract from the overall experience, leaving players to weigh beauty against technical shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

32%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of GreedFall reveals a mix of appreciation for its artistic direction and criticism of its technical execution. Many critics, such as RPGamer and We Got This Covered, praised the game's stunning landscapes and rich autumnal aesthetics, highlighting the beautiful world design that captures the essence of the 17th century. The vibrant color palette and attention to historical detail, noted by Screen Rant and Cultured Vultures, contribute to a captivating atmosphere that many players found engaging. Critics like GamingTrend and GRYOnline.pl emphasized the impressive visuals inspired by Baroque art, showcasing unique environments that stand out in the RPG genre. However, the criticisms surrounding the game's graphics are significant and consistent across multiple reviews. Critics such as Metro GameCentral and Vgames pointed out numerous technical problems, including uneven frame rates, disappearing textures, and a general lack of detail, particularly in closed environments. The reuse of assets and interiors was a common complaint, with Games.cz and New Game Network noting how this negatively impacts world-building and immersion. Additionally, issues with character animations and lip-syncing were highlighted by several reviewers, including BaziCenter and Softpedia, indicating that while the environments may be visually appealing, the character design often falls short. The overall consensus among critics suggests that while GreedFall offers a visually appealing world with beautiful landscapes and a strong artistic vision, it suffers from several technical shortcomings that detract from the experience. Critics like Push Square and AusGamers acknowledged the game's charm but noted that it lacks the polish found in titles from larger developers. The mixed reviews indicate that players may find enjoyment in the game's aesthetic and setting, but they should also be prepared for a range of graphical inconsistencies and technical issues that can impact their immersion in the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

GreedFall excels in sound design and orchestral music, creating an immersive experience praised by many critics. However, inconsistent voice acting and animation detract from the game's overall impact, leading to a mixed reception despite its atmospheric strengths.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of GreedFall have garnered a mixture of praise from various critics, highlighting the game's ability to create an immersive atmosphere. Many reviewers, such as RPGamer and Gamer.no, commend the orchestral score composed by Olivier Deriviere, noting its ability to enhance the adventure and elevate the overall experience. Critics like Gameblog.fr and SomosXbox emphasize that the music is not only well-executed but also contributes significantly to the game's immersive qualities. The sound design is frequently described as atmospheric, with Hobby Consolas and LaPS4 praising how it complements the gameplay, particularly during combat and pivotal moments. Additionally, the voice acting has received accolades for its quality, with several critics, including IGN and GameWatcher, noting that it adds depth to the characters and the narrative. Despite the positive feedback, there are notable criticisms regarding the sound design and music. Some reviewers, like GameMAG and Worth Playing, argue that while the soundtrack is decent, it lacks memorability and fails to stand out in a crowded field of RPGs. Critics such as Vgames and Xbox Tavern point out issues with the voice acting, particularly the lack of animation in character lips during dialogue, which detracts from the overall experience. Furthermore, some critics, including PlayStation Country and PC Gamer, describe the voice acting as inconsistent, with certain characters delivering performances that feel subpar or overly theatrical. This inconsistency in voice quality and animation has led to mixed feelings about the game's overall presentation. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while GreedFall boasts a commendable musical score and sound design that enhances the gaming experience, it is marred by inconsistencies in voice acting and animation. Reviewers like RPGamer and PlayStation Country highlight the atmospheric qualities of the sound design, yet many also echo concerns regarding the lack of engaging character performances. As a result, while the game succeeds in creating an immersive world through its soundscapes, the execution of voice acting and some aspects of the music leave room for improvement, leading to a mixed but generally favorable reception.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

GreedFall's voice acting receives mixed reviews: praised for strong performances and emotional depth by many, with some claiming it rivals AAA standards. However, criticisms arise over awkward accents and unnatural dialogue delivery, particularly for native characters, which detracts from immersion. Overall, while some critics laud its quality, significant flaws leave the effectiveness of the voice work hotly debated.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in GreedFall has garnered a range of positive feedback from critics, highlighting its overall quality and effectiveness in enhancing the game’s narrative. Many reviewers, such as RPGamer and PC Invasion, praised the performances as strong and compelling, contributing significantly to the storytelling experience. The voice acting was described as engaging and believable by JeuxActu, while GamingTrend noted that it rivals that of AAA games, suggesting a high standard of quality. Critics like XboxAddict and TheXboxHub also emphasized the believability and impressive nature of the voice work, particularly appreciating the accents that reflect the diverse backgrounds of the characters. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the voice acting that cannot be overlooked. Gameplanet expressed frustration with the odd word choices and accents, which hindered engagement with the characters. Similarly, Vgames found the voice acting to be subpar, pointing out the lack of movement in the characters' lips during dialogue. Critics like RPG Fan and IGN highlighted issues with the forced and unnatural accents of the native characters, suggesting that these aspects detracted from the overall immersion. Additionally, PlayStation Country described the voice acting as "so-so," indicating a lack of standout performances that might elevate the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in GreedFall is mixed. While many recognize the strong performances and emotional delivery that enhance character depth, there are significant concerns about the quality and authenticity of certain accents, particularly for native characters. Critics like Metro GameCentral and PlayStation Universe found the voice acting to be surprisingly good and immersive, while others like Daily Star and PC Gamer pointed out inconsistencies in performance quality. This divergence in opinion suggests that while GreedFall's voice acting has its strengths, it also suffers from notable flaws that impact the overall experience, leaving critics divided on its effectiveness.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

GreedFall shines on PS5 and PC with smooth performance and quick load times, earning praise from critics. However, the PS4 version is a "technical mess," plagued by bugs and frame rate issues, while the PC version suffers from optimization problems. Overall, despite its potential, the game struggles with consistency, leaving it with a mixed reception across platforms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

19%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

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

In analyzing the technical performance of GreedFall across various platforms, there are notable positives that emerge, particularly for the PlayStation 5 and PC versions. Critics like GamingTrend and GameMAG highlight that the PS5 version runs smoothly at 60 FPS with minimal loading times, showcasing improved performance and visual enhancements. Similarly, several PC reviewers, including GameCrate and Everyeye.it, commend the game for running smoothly overall, with some even noting stable performance despite demanding situations. The PS4 Pro also receives praise for its fast load times and minimal frame drops, as mentioned by Push Square, indicating that the game can perform well on higher-end consoles. However, the negatives associated with GreedFall cannot be overlooked, especially on the PS4 and PC platforms. Critics such as Metro GameCentral and PlaySense describe the PS4 version as a "technical mess," citing issues like uneven frame rates, poor collision detection, and frequent bugs that disrupt gameplay. On PC, reviewers like GameSpot and Press Start Australia point to numerous bugs, AI glitches, and optimization issues that hinder the overall experience. The PS4's technical performance is often criticized for long loading times and graphical inconsistencies, as noted by Games.cz and DualShockers, while the PC version is flagged for lacking polish and experiencing occasional stutters, as mentioned by Windows Central. The overall consensus among critics suggests that GreedFall struggles with technical performance across most platforms, particularly on PS4 and PC, where bugs and optimization issues are prevalent. While the PS5 version shows significant improvements, the initial releases on PS4 and PC are marred by various glitches and performance inconsistencies, leading to a mixed reception. Critics like IGN and GameCritics emphasize the need for further polish and optimization, indicating that while the game has potential, it falls short in delivering a consistently smooth experience across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

GreedFall's replay value is a mixed bag. Critics praise its diverse combat, player choices, and multiple endings that enhance replayability, with playtime reaching 30-50 hours. However, many lament the forgettable DLC, repetitive quests, and excessive fetch missions that dull the experience. Dedicated fans might find enough to revisit, but casual players may not feel the same urge, leading to divided opinions on the game’s overall replay potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of GreedFall is mixed, with several critics highlighting its strengths. Many reviewers, such as GamePro Germany and RPGamer, emphasize the game's diverse combat options, player choices, and multiple endings as significant factors that enhance replayability. The ability to shape the future of factions and relationships through decisions, as noted by Vandal and We Got This Covered, adds depth to the gameplay experience. Critics like Daily Star and Windows Central also point out that the game offers a high level of replayability through different choices and outcomes, with some players noting that the main quest and side missions can provide substantial playtime, ranging from 30 to 50 hours or more, depending on exploration. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the game's replay value. Several reviewers, including GameMAG and Multiplayer.it, express disappointment with the DLC, describing it as forgettable and not worth revisiting the game for. Critics like Cubed3 and SpazioGames mention that the repetitive quests and limited depth in the role-playing elements detract from the overall experience. Additionally, some reviewers, such as IGN Spain, criticize the excessive number of fetch quests, which can lead to a sense of monotony and diminish the incentive for multiple playthroughs. In conclusion, while there is a consensus among critics that GreedFall offers some replay value through its choice-driven gameplay and diverse quest resolutions, the overall sentiment is tempered by concerns about the quality and depth of its content. The mixed opinions on the DLC and the repetitive nature of certain quests suggest that while dedicated fans may find enough to warrant multiple playthroughs, casual players might feel less inclined to return after their initial experience. Critics like God is a Geek and Xbox Tavern highlight that although the game has enough depth to support replayability, the side content can sometimes feel like padding, ultimately leading to a divided perception of its replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding GreedFall among critics is predominantly positive, highlighting its strengths as an engaging RPG with a unique setting and compelling narrative. Many reviewers, such as RPG Fan and Gamer.no, commend the game for its rich world-building, meaningful choices, and character interactions. The game is often described as a significant step forward for developer Spiders, with Wccftech noting it as their best title to date. Critics like IGN and God is a Geek appreciate the game's old-school RPG elements, including its exciting combat and quest writing, which evoke the spirit of mid-2000s BioWare games. The PS5 upgrade has also been recognized for enhancing the experience, making it more visually appealing and smoother to play, as noted by Multiplayer.it. However, despite these positives, GreedFall is not without its flaws. Critics frequently point out issues related to technical performance, such as bugs, poor voice acting, and an overall lack of polish, which detracts from the immersive experience. For instance, Game Informer mentions problematic combat mechanics and reliance on conversation for quests, while Everyeye.it emphasizes that the next-gen update does not rectify the game's imperfect nature. Additionally, some reviews, including those from GamingTrend and GameSpot, express disappointment in the DLC, describing it as forgettable and not worth the investment. Critics like PlayStation Country and SpazioGames also note that while the game is enjoyable, it does not reach the heights of being a top-tier RPG, often feeling like it falls short of its ambitious goals. Overall, the consensus among critics is that GreedFall is a commendable RPG that offers a fresh and enjoyable experience, particularly for fans of the genre. While it is praised for its engaging narrative and character depth, many reviewers, such as Jeuxvideo.com and Metro GameCentral, acknowledge that it has significant room for improvement, particularly in technical aspects and gameplay mechanics. The game is generally recommended for RPG enthusiasts, with some critics suggesting it could be a sleeper hit, as noted by ZTGD. Ultimately, GreedFall is seen as a promising title with the potential for future growth, especially if the developers continue to refine their craft in subsequent projects.

TL;DR

GreedFall impresses critics with its engaging RPG experience, rich world-building, and old-school charm reminiscent of mid-2000s BioWare games. The PS5 upgrade enhances visuals and smoothness, marking it as a standout title for developer Spiders. However, technical flaws like bugs, lack of polish, and some disappointing DLC hold it back from greatness. While it's a solid choice for RPG fans, many agree it has significant room for improvement and is a promising title that could shine brighter with future updates.

MONSTER

Reviews

112 reviews found

100

Daily Star

Sep 15, 2019