Immortality

The majority of critics praised The Story of Immortality for its ambitious, unconventional narrative structure and thematic depth. Reviewers highlighted its unique approach to storytelling, which revolves around piecing together the mysterious fate of actress Marissa Marcel through fragmented film clips, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage. GameSpot lauded the game’s “non-linear, thought-provoking, and layered” design, while Digital Trends compared it to films like Persona and Mulholland Drive, emphasizing its exploration of identity, art, and existential themes. Many critics celebrated its complexity, with GamesHub noting the “intricately layered” narrative that weaves together multiple stories across decades, and Jeuxvideo.com praising its “complexity and emotional resonance.” The game’s focus on voyeurism, the exploitation of artists, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality resonated strongly, as did its ability to evoke a haunting atmosphere. Critics like Guardian described the story as “elegant” and “compelling,” underscoring its originality in blending mystery with philosophical inquiry. However, several reviewers criticized the game’s fragmented structure and lack of clarity, which they felt hindered player engagement. New Game Network and Gamer.no both noted that the narrative “lacks integration and clear direction,” making it difficult to connect clues or feel a sense of agency. TheXboxHub and Launcher pointed out that the reliance on trial-and-error exploration and unresolved supernatural elements left some players frustrated, with the latter calling the resolution “unsatisfying.” Others, like EGM, argued that gameplay mechanics undermined immersion, stating that “the gameplay mechanics hindered full engagement with the characters and plot.” Additionally, while many praised the game’s ambition, some found its oblique storytelling overly opaque—Gamer.no mentioned the “difficulty in connecting clues,” and GameSpew described the narrative as “intentionally obtuse.” These critiques often centered on the challenge of navigating a story that prioritizes ambiguity over accessibility. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most acknowledging The Story of Immortality as a bold, innovative achievement. While some struggled with its fragmented nature, many viewed it as a strength, celebrating its ability to provoke thought and reward careful observation. GameStar called the narrative “innovative,” while GamesRadar+ highlighted its “layered planning” and “haunting atmosphere.” Even critics who noted flaws, like Inverse and Digital Trends, admitted the game’s ambition and emotional impact. The majority agreed that the story’s complexity and thematic richness justified its challenges, with many emphasizing that its unique approach to storytelling set it apart from conventional narratives. As Player 2 noted, the game’s “multi-layered narrative” and “intricate mystery” offered a deeply immersive experience, reinforcing its status as a standout title in the genre.

The gameplay of Immortality is widely praised for its innovative mechanics and immersive investigative approach. Critics like SpazioGames and GamesHub highlight the unique "match-cut" interactions, which allow players to connect visual elements across clips, creating a puzzle-like experience that emphasizes exploration and pattern recognition. The Moviola-like interface, noted by GamesHub and Pure Xbox, is celebrated for its intuitive control scheme, offering a tactile, cinematic way to scrub through footage and uncover hidden connections. Additionally, the game’s non-linear storytelling and focus on player-driven discovery are seen as strengths, with IGN acknowledging its curiosity-driven exploration of fragmented narratives. The emphasis on visual cues over traditional text-based interaction, as noted by Gamereactor Spain, further distinguishes Immortality as a bold experiment in interactive media. However, several critics express frustration with the gameplay’s repetitive and clunky mechanics. Gamer.no and Games.cz describe the system as "frustratingly random" and "aimless," citing unpredictable transitions between scenes and a lack of direction. The repetitive nature of scrubbing through endless clips is a recurring complaint, with Inverse, Game Rant, and Jeuxvideo.com noting that the novelty of the match-cut mechanic wears thin over time, turning exploration into a chore. Technical issues also surface, such as Digital Trends’ critique of clumsy controls and Player 2’s complaints about a vague UI on PS5. Additionally, IGN and Destructoid point out that the game’s reliance on luck rather than deduction can feel unsatisfying, with misfires in object recognition leading to frustratingly random matches. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is one of mixed admiration for Immortality’s ambition. While many praise its innovative approach to storytelling and interactive investigation—GamesHub calls it "satisfying" and Pure Xbox highlights its "immersive" mechanics—the repetitive structure and lack of traditional guidance are seen as significant drawbacks. The game’s non-linear, exploratory design appeals to players who enjoy piecing together narratives through visual clues, but others find it tedious or confusing. As Checkpoint Gaming notes, the emphasis on exploration and pattern recognition is a strength, yet the absence of explicit direction risks alienating those seeking more structured gameplay. Ultimately, Immortality is viewed as a bold, if imperfect, experiment in interactive cinema that prioritizes thematic depth over conventional polish.

The majority of critics praised Immortality’s graphics and visual design for their meticulous attention to period-specific aesthetics and cinematic authenticity. Many highlighted the game’s ability to recreate distinct eras through era-appropriate film stocks, aspect ratios, and production details. For instance, IGN noted the game’s "meticulous recreation of era-specific film stocks, aspect ratios, and production details," while PC Gamer emphasized how the "attention to period-specific details enhances immersion and suspends disbelief." The use of full-motion video (FMV) was lauded for its authenticity, with GameSpot praising the "film grain, muffled audio, dated camera techniques, and authentic set dressing" that evoke 1960s-1970s cinema. Critics like TheXboxHub and Jeuxvideo.com highlighted the game’s ability to mimic the aesthetics of forgotten films, such as Ambrosio and Minsky, with "authentic" visuals that feel like unearthed archival material. The visual design also received acclaim for its thematic depth, with Eurogamer Italy noting how it "blends authenticity with artistic choices to mirror the fictional films' settings," while GameSpew called out the "exceptionally high production values" and "believable acting" that make the fictional films feel immersive. While most reviews were positive, some critics pointed to minor flaws or limitations in the visual design. New Game Network noted period inaccuracies, such as 1970s footage resembling the 1980s, and criticized an "overabundance of nudity" that detracted from the experience. Gamer.no described the film clips as having an "amateurish aesthetic," though they acknowledged the intriguing glimpse into filmmaking processes. Additionally, several reviewers, including The Games Machine and Digitally Downloaded, pointed out that the game’s reliance on FMV meant it lacked technical graphical details or enhancements like ray tracing, with Generación Xbox noting the absence of "graphical enhancements" despite realistic visuals. Others, such as Slant Magazine, critiqued specific elements like "mediocre wigs and lighting," while Inverse suggested that the visuals felt "superficial facades" compared to their inspirations. These critiques, however, were relatively minor compared to the widespread praise for the game’s overall visual approach. The consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most recognizing Immortality’s graphics and visual design as a standout feature. The game’s commitment to period authenticity, cinematic homage, and FMV-driven storytelling resonated strongly, as noted by IGN, PC Gamer, and GameStar, who all emphasized the "authenticity of the filmic visuals" and their role in enhancing the narrative. While some critiques about technical limitations or minor inaccuracies were raised, they did not overshadow the general acclaim for the game’s unique approach to visual design. As Guardian noted, the attention to detail in "period-accurate visuals" and "fictional films" was a "standout craft element," while Adventure Gamers praised the "era-appropriate cinematography, sets, and props" that created an immersive experience. Ultimately, Immortality’s visual design was celebrated as a bold, inventive achievement that redefines how games can emulate cinematic artistry.

The sound design and music of Immortality receive widespread acclaim for their immersive qualities and emotional resonance. Critics like Finger Guns highlight the "subtle musical cues" and DualSense haptic feedback as pivotal in enhancing immersion, while NME notes that the non-diegetic score effectively sets the mood despite occasional distractions. Dexerto and Digitally Downloaded praise composer Nainita Desai’s dynamic soundtrack, which reacts to player actions and intensifies during key moments, creating tension and narrative depth. The atmospheric elements are also lauded: Eurogamer Italy calls the original score "excellent" for its moody ambiance, while Adventure Gamers and GamesHub emphasize how ambient sounds and mechanical audio details (like the Moviola interface) deepen the game’s period-specific authenticity. These reviews collectively underscore the sound design as a cornerstone of Immortality’s storytelling and player engagement. However, some critics point to minor flaws or overreach in the audio elements. NME and Screen Rant note that the score occasionally feels intrusive or overly dramatic, with Screen Rant suggesting a sparser approach might have better served tense moments. Vandal mentions volume inconsistencies and a translation error, while SpazioGames critiques "unsettling sound intrusions" that disrupt video clips—though this is framed more as an intentional design choice than a flaw. Additionally, several reviews, such as those from Gamereactor Spain and Press Start Australia, lack specific details about the music or sound design, indicating that while the overall impact is strong, some aspects remain underexplored. These critiques highlight areas where the audio could be more refined without undermining its core strengths. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design and music celebrated as essential to Immortality’s immersive and emotionally charged experience. While there are minor reservations about certain elements—such as the score’s occasional intrusiveness or lack of detail in some reviews—the majority agree that the audio complements the game’s narrative and atmosphere exceptionally well. XboxEra and KeenGamer emphasize how the haunting, dynamic score and tactile feedback create tension and emotional impact, while IGN Italia and WellPlayed highlight the low-frequency sounds and somber piano melodies that subtly guide players through the mystery. Despite varied perspectives on specific aspects, the critical reception underscores the sound design as a masterclass in using audio to enhance storytelling and immersion.

The majority of critics universally praise the voice acting in Immortality as a standout element, with particular acclaim for Manon Gage’s performance as Marissa Marcel. Her ability to embody multiple roles—shifting between characters, eras, and emotional states—is repeatedly highlighted as exceptional, with reviewers like Digital Chumps noting her “ability to shift between roles and embody the character's complexity,” while Push Square describes her lead performance as “exceptional” for its contribution to immersion. Critics also commend the cast’s versatility, such as Gamereactor Spain’s emphasis on Gage’s “versatility in multiple roles” and IGN’s acknowledgment of her “charisma and emotional depth.” The ensemble’s work is similarly lauded, with RPG Fan praising the actors’ capacity to convey emotions without explicit dialogue and Destructoid noting how supporting cast members add subtle nuance through interactions. The voice acting’s authenticity and emotional range are seen as critical to the game’s narrative depth, with Eurogamer Italy highlighting its “authenticity and emotional depth” and TheGamer emphasizing Gage’s ability to modulate her performance across different roles and rehearsal stages. While the overwhelming consensus is positive, there are minimal critiques of the voice acting itself. Most reviews focus on other aspects, such as Gamer.no’s criticism of the game’s “absurd wigs and costumes” as “beyond grotesque,” though this pertains to visual design rather than vocal work. Additionally, some reviewers, like Adventure Gamers, note that specific voice acting details aren’t emphasized due to the dialogue-driven storytelling, but this is framed more as a stylistic choice than a flaw. Beyond these minor observations, there are no direct criticisms of the voice acting’s quality, suggesting that even critics who highlighted other shortcomings (e.g., narrative complexity or pacing) did not fault the vocal performances. Overall, the critical reception of Immortality’s voice acting is overwhelmingly positive, with Manon Gage’s performance serving as a central pillar of praise. Critics consistently highlight her ability to anchor the narrative through emotional depth and versatility, while the supporting cast’s contributions are noted for their authenticity and thematic resonance. IGN and IGN Italia both emphasize the range and ambiguity of Gage and Charlotta Mohlin’s performances, which add layers to the game’s enigmatic storytelling. The voice acting is repeatedly described as a benchmark for gaming, with Pure Xbox calling it a “new benchmark for gaming” and Vandal praising the “fantásticas” (excellent) character portrayals. While some reviews touch on peripheral issues, the consensus remains that Immortality’s voice acting is a masterclass in delivering immersive, emotionally resonant storytelling, solidifying its place as a defining strength of the game.

The technical performance of Immortality varies across platforms, with several critics highlighting its strengths. On PC, multiple reviewers praised the game’s groundbreaking mechanics, such as seamless match-cut transitions and responsive controls (Checkpoint Gaming), while noting its smooth performance despite complex interactive systems (BaziCenter). Dexerto emphasized the game’s stability and efficient systems, and Digital Trends acknowledged its fluidity despite minor quirks like cumbersome clip playback. On PS5, Digital Chumps highlighted the immersive experience and investigative process, though they noted navigation flaws. Player 2 observed that mobile handles mechanics better than PS5 but didn’t critique PC or Xbox directly. For Xbox Series X, NME’s concern about unlocking clips becoming increasingly difficult was a specific issue, though no other Xbox-focused positives were mentioned. Negatives emerged across platforms, with PC facing the most varied criticism. Destructoid and IGN pointed to technical flaws like misfiring image-based searches and repetitive match cuts, while New Game Network cited screen tearing and bugs. Digital Trends criticized cumbersome clip controls, and PC Invasion noted a minor flaw where the game fails to save the last viewed clip. PS5 critics like Player 2 highlighted clunky controls and a poorly designed UI, which contrasted with the platform’s immersive potential. On Xbox Series X, NME’s concern about unlocking difficulty remained unaddressed by other reviewers, suggesting platform-specific challenges. Additionally, The Games Machine reported lag on older hardware, and Slant Magazine noted navigation issues like the absence of a back button, though these were framed as design choices rather than technical failures. Overall, critics agreed that Immortality’s technical performance is largely stable but marred by platform-specific quirks. PC received mixed feedback, with praise for its innovation (Checkpoint Gaming) and criticism for UI flaws (Destructoid, New Game Network). PS5’s issues centered on controls and navigation (Player 2), while Xbox Series X faced fewer direct critiques beyond NME’s note on clip unlocking. Despite these challenges, the game’s ambitious design and immersive storytelling resonated across platforms, with many acknowledging its technical risks as part of its creative vision. The consensus leaned toward a balanced assessment: while no platform was flawless, PC’s performance stood out for both its strengths and shortcomings, reflecting the game’s broader experimental nature.

The majority of critics highlight strong replayability due to Immortality's intricate narrative design, non-linear structure, and layered storytelling. Reviewers like Push Square, RPG Fan, and NME emphasize that the game’s fragmented storytelling and hidden secrets encourage players to revisit scenes multiple times, uncovering new connections or interpretations each session. XboxEra and Digital Chumps note that the game’s ambiguity and thematic depth allow for varied experiences, while Everyeye.it points out the sheer volume of content (over 200 video clips) as a key factor in its re-playability. The non-linear structure, as praised by Game Rant and GamesHub, enables players to explore different perspectives, making each playthrough feel unique. Additionally, Digitally Downloaded and COGconnected highlight the puzzle-like nature of the narrative, which rewards obsessive exploration and theory-building. However, several critics caution that replayability is not universally assured due to repetitive mechanics and structural limitations. Softpedia explicitly states there is no replay value, citing a linear narrative focused on a single path. Gamer.no and Games.cz criticize the game’s repetitive exploration and lack of clear progression, arguing that the novelty wears off quickly. EGM and Game Rant note that gameplay ambiguity and tedious mechanics might deter players from revisiting the title, while Inverse and Launcher (The Washington Post) suggest that the absence of guidance or structured hints makes repeated playthroughs feel exhausting. Even IGN Italia acknowledges that repetitive elements after uncovering secrets could reduce long-term engagement, despite the game’s narrative richness. Overall, there is a mixed but leaning-positive consensus on Immortality’s replay value. While many critics (e.g., RPG Fan, NME, XboxEra) praise its depth and potential for multiple interpretations, others (e.g., Softpedia, Gamer.no) find it lacking in structural incentives for repeat play. The game’s appeal hinges on players’ tolerance for ambiguity and willingness to engage with its complex, non-linear design. As PC Gamer and WellPlayed note, those who enjoy investigative storytelling and hidden details will likely revisit the game, but others may find the repetitive mechanics and lack of direction off-putting. The divide reflects a broader tension between narrative ambition and gameplay execution, leaving Immortality as a polarizing yet intellectually rewarding experience for its target audience.