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Harmony: The Fall of Reverie

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Harmony: The Fall of Reverie
Item: Harmony: The Fall of Reverie
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Side View Perspective, Interactive Movie, Visual Novel, Drama, Casual, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableJun 8, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperDONTNOD Entertainment

Overview

The fate of humanity is at stake. Use your gift of clairvoyance to see into the future and stop an apocalypse that threatens the balance between your world and the deities'.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

28%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Story of Harmony: The Fall of Reverie has garnered praise from several critics for its engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and exploration of complex themes. Critics like Softpedia and Adventure Game Hotspot appreciate the self-discovery theme, relatable dialogues, and the weaving together of elements like family drama, romance, and social injustices. Digital Chumps and God is a Geek commend the emotional impact of the story, praising the characters and world-building. Dexerto highlights the unique storytelling that tackles themes of gentrification and power struggles, making it one of the developer's best narratives to date. The game's exploration of fate and foresight, as noted by Guardian and IGN Italia, adds depth and complexity to the player experience. On the flip side, some critics, such as New Game Network and Noisy Pixel, point out issues with the story's pacing, jarring scene transitions, and lack of meaningful resolution in the second half. New Game Network specifically mentions uneven pacing and a narrative that can be dull in certain chapters. Hey Poor Player criticizes the lack of depth in characters, while Eurogamer notes that the story falls short due to its slow-paced nature. TheXboxHub, on the other hand, finds the later chapters of the story to be less engaging, with events feeling distant from the main character and her loved ones. These critiques highlight a lack of consistency in maintaining the story's momentum and character development throughout the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the Story of Harmony: The Fall of Reverie offers a compelling narrative experience with a mix of positives and negatives. While the game excels in delivering an emotionally impactful story with well-crafted characters and themes, there are concerns about pacing issues, lack of depth in certain story arcs, and uneven execution in the latter parts of the narrative. Critics appreciate the game's exploration of complex themes and the player's role in shaping the story, but some feel that the execution could have been more consistent to fully realize its potential. Despite the criticisms, the game manages to captivate players with its unique storytelling and engaging world, making it a memorable experience for those who appreciate narrative-driven games.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics praise The Story of Harmony for its engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and exploration of complex themes like self-discovery and social injustices. They highlight the emotional impact, unique storytelling on gentrification and power struggles, and exploration of fate and foresight. However, some critics criticize the pacing, lack of depth in characters, and uneven execution in the later parts of the story. Overall, the game offers a compelling narrative experience with positives and negatives, captivating players with its unique storytelling despite some flaws in execution.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

35%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Gameplay of Harmony: The Fall of Reverie has received praise for its innovative approach to decision-making mechanics and narrative progression. Critics like XboxAddict and Digital Chumps appreciate the engaging nature of the choice-driven Augural interface, which creates a strong connection between gameplay and storytelling. The ability to see the consequences of decisions before making them, as highlighted by XboxAddict, adds a layer of strategic depth to the gameplay. Additionally, the branching narrative paths and meaningful choices, as noted by Digital Chumps, contribute to a sense of player agency and involvement in shaping the story. On the other hand, some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks in the gameplay of Harmony: The Fall of Reverie. Reviewers like New Game Network and TheGamer have raised concerns about the mechanics feeling gimmicky and overly reliant on token systems, which can limit player freedom and agency. The emphasis on collecting crystals and navigating complex decision trees, as mentioned by Twinfinite, may lead to a sense of overwhelm and detract from the immersive experience. Additionally, Adventure Game Hotspot highlights the disruptive nature of the Augural system, which can interrupt the flow of the story and feel like a chore to navigate. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Gameplay of Harmony: The Fall of Reverie leans towards a positive reception with some reservations. While the innovative decision-making mechanics and branching narrative paths have been commended for their depth and engagement, there are concerns about the potential limitations and complexities that may impact player enjoyment. Critics like Worth Playing and Eurogamer appreciate the thought-provoking nature of the choices and consequences in the game, while acknowledging the need for a balance between gameplay mechanics and narrative flow. Ultimately, Harmony: The Fall of Reverie offers a unique gameplay experience that blends storytelling with strategic decision-making, appealing to players who enjoy immersive and thought-provoking gameplay mechanics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Harmony: The Fall of Reverie's gameplay impresses with innovative decision-making mechanics and engaging narrative progression, earning praise for its Augural interface that connects gameplay and storytelling. Critics laud the strategic depth and player agency, but some raise concerns about gimmicky mechanics, token systems, and overwhelming complexities. Overall, the game offers a unique experience that balances storytelling and strategic gameplay, appealing to those who enjoy immersive decision-making.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Harmony: The Fall of Reverie, highlighting its stunning and vibrant art style, detailed environments, and beautifully animated cutscenes. Critics like XboxAddict, who played on XBOX SERIES X, noted the stunning character designs and colorful backdrops, while GamesHub on PC appreciated the epic animated cutscenes and futuristic visual design. The hand-drawn art style, expressive character models, and masterful animations were also commended by reviewers such as Easy Allies and GameGrin, further emphasizing the game's visual appeal. However, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the graphics and visual design of Harmony. Hardcore Gamer mentioned limited character animations and repetitive environmental backdrops, while GamingTrend highlighted the reuse of assets that could dampen the sense of awe and immersion. Adventure Game Hotspot on PC noted that the limited environments and repetitive visuals detracted from the game's potential to fully convey the weight of its dual-reality narrative. Additionally, Hey Poor Player mentioned static character images that did not always match the situation, impacting the overall immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Harmony: The Fall of Reverie. The game is widely praised for its stunning artwork, vibrant colors, detailed character designs, and beautifully animated cutscenes that bring the world of Atina and Reverie to life. Critics appreciated the unique art style, expressive animations, and the overall visual appeal of the game. While some critics pointed out minor issues such as repetitive visuals and limited animations, the positive aspects of the graphics and visual design far outweighed the negatives, making Harmony a visually captivating experience for players across different platforms.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Harmony: The Fall of Reverie's graphics and visual design, praising its stunning art style, detailed environments, and beautifully animated cutscenes. While some critics noted drawbacks like limited animations and repetitive backdrops, overall, the game's visuals are widely acclaimed for bringing the world of Atina and Reverie to life with vibrant colors and expressive animations.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the Sound Design and Music of Harmony: The Fall of Reverie, with several standout positives highlighted. Lena Raine's soundtrack was a recurring point of admiration, with critics like Softpedia, XboxAddict, and Twinfinite noting its mesmerizing, beautiful, and melodic qualities that enhanced the gameplay experience. The atmospheric and emotive nature of the sound score, as mentioned by TheXboxHub, and the originality and charm of the soundtrack, as noted by CGMagazine, further contributed to the immersive experience. The high-quality voice acting was another common positive point, with critics like GamesHub, Hardcore Gamer, and Eurogamer praising the performances that brought the characters to life effectively. The dynamic progression of the music during conversations, as highlighted by Easy Allies, and the nuanced performances that enhanced the emotional moments of the game, as mentioned by Checkpoint Gaming, were also lauded. On the flip side, there were a few criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Harmony: The Fall of Reverie. Adventure Game Hotspot found the sound effects underwhelming, which detracted from the game's potential. Hey Poor Player mentioned mixed feelings about the voice acting, with some characters' performances standing out more than others. Additionally, Vandal pointed out that while the music by Lena Raine was generally well-received, it may not always feel natural in contrast to the rushed storytelling, potentially impacting the overall cohesion of the audio-visual experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Harmony: The Fall of Reverie. The combination of a captivating soundtrack by Lena Raine, top-notch voice acting that brought depth and emotion to the characters, and the immersive soundscapes created a rich audio experience that resonated with many reviewers. IGN Italia praised the high-quality voice acting for enhancing the overall experience, while Pocket Tactics highlighted the beautiful soundtrack that perfectly encapsulated the stakes of the game. Despite some minor criticisms, the general sentiment is that the sound design and music significantly contributed to the game's immersive and engaging narrative, making Harmony: The Fall of Reverie a standout title in terms of audio presentation.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics overwhelmingly praised the Sound Design and Music of Harmony: The Fall of Reverie, particularly highlighting Lena Raine's mesmerizing soundtrack and top-notch voice acting. While some critics had minor criticisms, the general consensus is that the captivating audio elements greatly enhanced the gameplay experience, making Harmony a standout title in terms of audio presentation.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics unanimously praised the voice acting in Harmony: The Fall of Reverie, with many highlighting it as a standout feature of the game. Critics such as XboxAddict, Checkpoint Gaming, and GamesHub commended the voice acting for bringing the characters to life with nuanced performances that added depth and realism to the narrative. Digital Chumps and Screen Rant specifically mentioned the exceptional delivery of emotions by the voice actors, effectively conveying the characters' struggles and aspirations. The voice cast was also lauded for enhancing the storytelling experience, as noted by Worth Playing and Eurogamer, who described the voice acting as top-notch and strong, respectively. Overall, the positive aspects of the voice acting in Harmony were widely recognized by the critics, contributing significantly to the immersive and engaging nature of the game. On the flip side, a few critics had mixed opinions regarding the voice acting in Harmony: The Fall of Reverie. Hey Poor Player mentioned that while some characters sounded great, others did not work as well, indicating a lack of consistency in the performances. SomosXbox pointed out that the English voice acting was a downside for them, as the game was fully translated into Spanish, potentially leading to a disconnect for non-Spanish-speaking players. These critiques suggest that there were minor issues with certain aspects of the voice acting that may have impacted the overall cohesion and enjoyment of the performances for some players. Despite a few mixed opinions and minor criticisms, the overwhelming sentiment among the critics is that the voice acting in Harmony: The Fall of Reverie was of high quality and greatly contributed to the overall experience of the game. The majority of reviewers praised the voice cast for their exceptional performances, with many highlighting the depth, emotion, and realism they brought to the characters. The consensus is that the voice acting played a crucial role in immersing players in the story and enhancing the narrative, as emphasized by critics like New Game Network, who noted the above-average quality of the voice work, and Vandal, who highlighted how the voice acting contributed to the immersion of the game. In conclusion, while there were a few minor critiques, the general consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the voice acting in Harmony: The Fall of Reverie being a standout feature that significantly elevated the overall gaming experience for the majority of critics.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics raved about the top-notch voice acting in Harmony: The Fall of Reverie, praising it for bringing characters to life with nuanced performances that added depth and realism to the game. While some critics had minor criticisms, the majority agreed that the exceptional voice cast greatly enhanced the immersive and engaging nature of the game, making it a standout feature that elevated the overall gaming experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, Harmony: The Fall of Reverie received positive feedback from several critics. New Game Network and The Games Machine highlighted that the game runs smoothly without any issues on Xbox Series X and PC, respectively. Worth Playing also praised the performance on the Steam Deck, noting the ability to achieve 60fps. Pocket Tactics specifically mentioned the smooth performance on the Nintendo Switch, with very few complaints. However, there were some negative aspects noted by critics regarding the technical performance on various platforms. Softpedia and Hardcore Gamer pointed out minor animation issues affecting immersion and repeated environmental backdrops on PS5 and PC, respectively. IGN Spain and RPG Fan highlighted longer loading times on the Nintendo Switch version, impacting the flow of the storytelling. Additionally, IGN Spain mentioned inconsistencies in the story, while Worth Playing noted power fluctuations affecting battery life on the Steam Deck. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a mixed bag of technical performance for Harmony: The Fall of Reverie across different platforms. While some platforms like Xbox Series X, PC, and Steam Deck were praised for their smooth performance with minimal issues, others like the Nintendo Switch faced challenges with longer loading times and power fluctuations. The lack of robust accessibility settings and localization on Xbox Series X, as mentioned by Windows Central, also adds to the varied experiences of players. Despite the minor technical issues noted by some critics, the game generally managed to deliver a playable experience across platforms, with each having its own set of strengths and weaknesses.

TL;DR

technical performance

Harmony: The Fall of Reverie received mixed reviews for its technical performance on different gaming platforms. Critics praised Xbox Series X, PC, and Steam Deck for smooth gameplay, but noted issues like animation glitches on PS5 and longer loading times on Nintendo Switch. Despite some flaws, the game offers a playable experience across platforms with varying strengths and weaknesses.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

51%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the replay value of "Harmony: The Fall of Reverie." XboxAddict praised the game for offering choices with consequences that lead to different endings, encouraging exploration of various story outcomes. GameGrin appreciated the visibility of narrative choices and consequences, making it easy for players to try different approaches without micromanaging every aspect of the story. Twinfinite noted the high replay value due to the different outcomes based on player choices, with the added feature of a Codex providing additional information about characters and settings, enhancing the replay experience. On the flip side, some critics pointed out negatives regarding the replay value of the game. Eurogamer mentioned that while the game offers multiple endings and the ability to shape the world through player choices, the lack of a fast-forward option may frustrate some players, potentially hindering the replayability factor. Worth Playing highlighted that the restriction on choices and paths, while incentivizing replayability, could feel stifling for genre aficionados, limiting the enjoyment of exploring different outcomes. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the replay value of "Harmony: The Fall of Reverie" leans towards the positive side. While some critics like Eurogamer and Worth Playing raised concerns about certain limitations, the majority of reviewers, such as XboxAddict, GameGrin, and Twinfinite, praised the game for its branching narrative, multiple endings, and the encouragement to explore different story paths through player choices. The game's ability to offer diverse outcomes, consequences for decisions, and additional features like the Codex contribute to its overall replay value, making it an engaging experience for players looking to delve into various story possibilities.

TL;DR

replay value

"Harmony: The Fall of Reverie" praised for its replay value by critics for offering branching narratives, multiple endings, and engaging player choices. Some concerns raised about limitations, but overall, the game's diverse outcomes and additional features contribute to an engaging and replayable experience.

Overall Verdict

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OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of various critics on Harmony: The Fall of Reverie, it is evident that the game has received praise for several aspects. Critics such as The Games Machine, God is a Geek, and Twinfinite commend the game for its engaging story, well-written characters, and impressive art style. The emotional depth of the narrative, the unique approach to decision-based gameplay, and the captivating soundtrack are highlighted as standout features by reviewers like Softpedia and GamingTrend. Additionally, the game's exploration of complex themes and inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters are appreciated by XboxAddict, emphasizing the game's commitment to diverse storytelling. On the other hand, criticisms of Harmony: The Fall of Reverie mainly revolve around its execution and gameplay mechanics. Reviewers like XboxEra and Adventure Game Hotspot express disappointment in the game's pacing, lack of player agency, and narrative inconsistencies. TheGamer and Eurogamer point out issues with the game's overall cohesion, with the former highlighting a disconnect between its interesting designs and actual gameplay experience. Hey Poor Player and Easy Allies mention concerns about thinly drawn characters, restrictive gameplay mechanics, and limited player freedom, which detract from the overall immersion and enjoyment of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding Harmony: The Fall of Reverie leans towards a mixed reception. While the game is praised for its ambitious storytelling, captivating narrative, and artistic presentation, it is also criticized for its pacing issues, lack of interactivity, and narrative inconsistencies. Despite its flaws, the game manages to offer a unique and emotionally charged experience for fans of narrative-driven games, as highlighted by critics like Shacknews and Checkpoint Gaming. The varying opinions from critics showcase the game's potential to resonate with players seeking a thought-provoking and immersive visual novel experience, albeit with some caveats regarding its execution and gameplay mechanics.

TL;DR

Harmony: The Fall of Reverie receives mixed reviews from critics. Praised for its engaging story, well-written characters, and impressive art style, the game also faces criticism for pacing issues, lack of interactivity, and narrative inconsistencies. Despite flaws, it offers a unique and emotionally charged experience for fans of narrative-driven games, with potential to resonate with players seeking a thought-provoking visual novel experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

69 reviews found

Movies Games and Tech

Xbox Series X

Jul 14, 2023

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

Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is a market-leading title in the visual novel genre.

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XboxAddict

Xbox Series X

Aug 10, 2023

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

Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is a beautifully written game that raises the bar for consequences based on choices. It tackles various complex topics and presents LGBTQ+ characters and values gracefully. The reviewer highly recommends the game and considers it DON'T NOD's best game to date.

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Checkpoint Gaming

Jun 8, 2023

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

A compelling, nuanced story told beautifully and with many diverging paths. Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is a stunning example of how powerful the visual novel format can be.

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GameGrin

Jun 8, 2023

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

Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is an excellent game that showcases the evolution of story-driven adventures. It offers a unique narrative experience with lovable characters, a well-crafted world, and a future-seeing system that adds replay value.

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GamingTrend

Jun 13, 2023

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

Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is a must-play for visual novel and story-driven game fans. It excels in all aspects of game analysis and offers a captivating and emotionally interactive narrative.

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Digital Chumps

Jun 20, 2023

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

Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is praised as a top-tier branching narrative visual novel. While it may not appeal to everyone, it is recommended for fans of visual novels and interactive storytelling.

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Shacknews

Jun 8, 2023

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

Harmony: The Fall of Reverie offers a compelling narrative-driven experience with a true sense of player agency.

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Multiplayer.it

Jun 8, 2023

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

Praised for excellent characters, mature storyline, and visually appealing design. Criticized for slow pace and lack of Italian language support.

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God is a Geek

Jun 11, 2023

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

Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is a beautiful game with engaging story, interesting choice mechanics, well-written characters, and strong voice acting. The visual novel style might put some players off, but the writing is excellent and the art style is delightful.

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IGN Italia

Jun 11, 2023

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

Hailed as the most mature work by DON'T NOD, providing a compelling and thought-provoking journey through the world of Reverie.

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