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MONSTER

Loop8: Summer of Gods

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Loop8: Summer of Gods
Item: Loop8: Summer of Gods
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Side View Perspective, Interactive Movie, RPG, Visual Novel, Anime and JRPG, Single Player

AvailableJun 6, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperSIEG Games

Overview

In this original coming-of-age RPG, step into the life of Nini, a newly earthbound teen who arrives in the quaint Japanese town of Ashihara in August 1983. Explore the town, befriend its people, and face off against the Kegai in turn-based battles where the outcomes depend on the relationships you’ve built and the decisions you’ve made. Use Nini’s special connection to the gods to reset the world, with each loop allowing Nini and his allies to relive the 8th month over and over until they get it right…or the Kegai overcome them entirely. With one month until the world ends, how will you spend each day?

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Loop8: Summer of Gods boasts a captivating premise and unique mechanics, praised for its compelling narrative and rich worldbuilding rooted in Japanese mythology. However, critics largely agree that the execution falters due to a disjointed story structure, repetitive dialogue, and underdeveloped characters, leading to a mixed reception where intriguing concepts clash with a lack of clarity and depth.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

19%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

31%

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

The opinions regarding the story of Loop8: Summer of Gods reveal a blend of intriguing concepts and unique mechanics that some critics found compelling. COGconnected praised the narrative as "extremely compelling," indicating that there are aspects of the story that resonate well with certain players. Similarly, Hey Poor Player highlighted the "interesting premise" and the "unique time-looping mechanic" that adds urgency to the narrative, suggesting that the game has a foundation that could engage players. Meristation noted the incorporation of Japanese mythology and culture, which adds depth and authenticity to the storyline, while Pocket Tactics emphasized the supernatural narrative set in a rural Japanese village, showcasing the game's potential for rich worldbuilding. However, several critics pointed out significant flaws in the storytelling that detract from the overall experience. GamingTrend criticized the game for its "lack of cohesive story structure," citing sparse details about the invading monsters and underdeveloped character reveals. PlayStation Universe echoed this sentiment, mentioning "repetitive dialogue" and a lack of clarity in the narrative. RPG Fan described the storytelling choices as "disjointed and baffling," suggesting that while the game has unique ideas, they are not effectively communicated. This sentiment is further reinforced by But Why Tho?, which found the characters to be "generic and tropey," contributing to a sense of repetitiveness that undermines engagement. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Loop8: Summer of Gods possesses a promising premise and interesting mechanics, it struggles with execution in its storytelling. Critics like Noisy Pixel and RPG Site noted that the worldbuilding is impressive but can become confusing, requiring multiple loops to fully grasp the narrative. The game appears to be a mixed bag, with some reviewers appreciating its unique take on storytelling and character interaction, while others lament its lack of depth, clarity, and engaging character development. This dichotomy suggests that while the foundation of the story is solid, the execution leaves much to be desired, resulting in a narrative experience that may not resonate with all players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Loop8: Summer of Gods offers intriguing concepts like time loops and relationship-building that immerse players, but critics largely slam its execution. While some praise its unique blend of visual novel and RPG mechanics, a significant number highlight a shallow combat system, confusing AI, and tedious, repetitive gameplay. Overall, the game struggles to balance its elements, leading to frustration rather than enjoyment, leaving many reviewers disappointed despite its potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

41%

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

The gameplay of Loop8: Summer of Gods has garnered a mix of opinions from critics, with some acknowledging its unique aspects. Several reviewers, such as Destructoid and Siliconera, highlight the game's focus on daily routines and relationship-building, which can create a sense of immersion in the game's world. Destructoid appreciates the ability to reset the world through the time loop mechanic, allowing players to explore different outcomes and deepen their interactions with townspeople. Similarly, critics like Push Square recognize the innovative approach of combining visual novel elements with RPG mechanics, where character bonding is central to progression, rather than traditional leveling systems. However, the majority of critics express significant concerns regarding the gameplay's execution. COGconnected and GamingTrend criticize the combat system as lacking depth, with COGconnected going so far as to label it "pure trash." Many reviewers, including RPG Fan and PlayStation Universe, echo this sentiment, describing the combat as confusing and slow, with AI-controlled allies making questionable decisions. The repetitive nature of the gameplay is a common theme, with critics like Nintendo Life and RPG Site noting that interactions with characters feel generic and the overall experience can become tedious. Critics such as Digitally Downloaded and But Why Tho? point out that the game struggles to balance its various elements, leading to frustration rather than enjoyment. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Loop8: Summer of Gods presents intriguing ideas with its relationship-building and time loop mechanics, it ultimately falls short in execution. The lack of depth in combat and the repetitive nature of interactions detract from the potential enjoyment of the game. Critics like GamingTrend and PlayStation Universe emphasize that the gameplay fails to excel in any particular area, leaving players with a frustrating experience rather than a fulfilling one. As a result, while there are elements worth exploring, the gameplay is marred by significant flaws that prevent it from resonating positively with the majority of reviewers.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Loop8: Summer of Gods impresses with stunning visuals and nostalgic art, earning praise for its detailed backgrounds and character designs. However, performance issues like frame drops and lackluster variety in environments dampen the experience. Critics agree that while the game is visually captivating, technical shortcomings hold it back from greatness.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

57%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Loop8: Summer of Gods have garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's artistic merits. Reviewers from COGconnected and Hey Poor Player praised the highly detailed backgrounds and appealing character designs, noting the lushly-drawn environments that contribute to the overall aesthetic. Meristation echoed this sentiment, appreciating the charming representation of a small Japanese town, while RPG Fan emphasized the combination of detailed 3D models and lovingly crafted 2D backgrounds that evoke a nostalgic 80s vibe. Nintendo Life also celebrated the stunning backdrops and character animations, describing the battles as cinematic, which enhances the immersive experience of the game. However, the reviews also pointed out several shortcomings in the visual design. PlayStation Universe noted issues with frame drops during combat, which detracts from the overall experience. Push Square criticized the lack of variety in visuals, particularly in the underworld, which feels too similar to the town with only a different color palette. Additionally, But Why Tho? and Pocket Tactics mentioned performance issues, including slow movement speed and choppy frame rates, which hinder the fluidity of character animations. These critiques suggest that while the art direction is commendable, technical execution falls short in certain aspects. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that Loop8: Summer of Gods excels in its artistic direction and visual appeal, with many praising its character designs and backgrounds. However, the enjoyment of these visuals is often marred by performance issues and a lack of variety in certain environments. Critics like Noisy Pixel and RPG Site acknowledged that while the graphics are colorful and engaging, they also pointed out limitations in depth and scope, suggesting that the game could benefit from further refinement in its technical execution. Thus, while Loop8 presents a visually captivating experience, it is tempered by notable performance challenges that prevent it from reaching its full potential.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Loop8: Summer of Gods has impressed critics with its strong soundtrack by Noriyuki Iwadare, enhancing the game's emotional depth and atmosphere. Praise for the voice acting highlights its quality, particularly with familiar anime voices. However, criticisms include abrupt track transitions, lack of memorability in the music, and limited voice coverage, which detract from the overall experience. While the sound design is a notable strength, it still needs refinement for a more cohesive and impactful auditory journey.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Loop8: Summer of Gods have garnered a largely positive response from critics, highlighting the game's ability to enhance the overall experience. Reviewers such as Hey Poor Player praised the soundtrack, specifically noting the fantastic composition by Noriyuki Iwadare, which elevates the game's emotional and aesthetic appeal. Nintendo Life echoed this sentiment, describing the soundtrack as excellent, with both pleasant background music and dramatic battle themes that effectively contribute to the game's atmosphere. Additionally, Pocket Tactics characterized the soundtrack as summery and pleasant, reinforcing the game's overall vibe. The voice acting has also received commendations, with several critics, including PlayStation Universe and RPG Site, acknowledging the quality of the performances, particularly in the context of recognizable voices from anime and gaming. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the sound design and music that detract from the overall experience. COGconnected pointed out that while the music is whimsical and fitting for the game, transitions between tracks can be abrupt, which may disrupt immersion. Meristation expressed a similar sentiment, stating that while the music offers a diverse range of instrumental pieces for various emotional states and combat, it does not stand out significantly, suggesting a lack of memorability. Additionally, SpazioGames highlighted a downside with the absence of Italian language support, which could limit accessibility for some players, and But Why Tho? noted that the game is only partially voiced, which may leave some players wanting more in terms of voice acting coverage. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Loop8: Summer of Gods features a well-crafted soundtrack and competent voice acting, there are areas for improvement, particularly in the transitions between music tracks and the extent of voice acting. The positive remarks from critics like Nintendo Life and Hey Poor Player underscore the game's strengths in sound design, yet the criticisms from COGconnected and Meristation reveal that the execution may not fully meet the expectations set by its promising elements. As such, the sound design and music contribute positively to the game but leave room for enhancement to achieve a more cohesive and memorable auditory experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics praise the voice acting in Loop8: Summer of Gods on Nintendo Switch for its emotional depth, while PS4 players criticize the English dub as forced and annoying. The divide in reception underscores how platform choice and localization impact player experience, highlighting the importance of offering both English and Japanese options.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

36%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Loop8: Summer of Gods has garnered a range of positive remarks from critics, particularly those who played the game on the Nintendo Switch. Critics like Nintendo Life and Pocket Tactics praised the voice acting as superb and emotionally believable, enhancing the storytelling experience. But Why Tho? also highlighted the strong performances from both the English and Japanese casts, indicating that the voice acting contributes significantly to the overall enjoyment of the game. Furthermore, TouchArcade commended Xseed Games for their localization efforts, which included the addition of full English voice acting, suggesting that the quality of the localization has been well-received. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the English voice acting, particularly from critics who played on the PlayStation 4. COGconnected expressed dissatisfaction with the English dub, describing it as sounding forced and stereotypical, recommending players opt for the Japanese voice acting instead. RPG Fan echoed this sentiment by pointing out that the voice acting for a specific character, the magical flying squirrel, was particularly annoying. PlayStation Universe offered a more mixed view, noting that while the English dub features a good cast, one character's voice was irritating, which detracted from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a divide in opinion based on the platform and the language choice. While many Nintendo Switch reviewers praised the voice acting as a strong point of the game, those who experienced the English voice acting on PS4 had more critical views, suggesting that the quality may vary significantly between platforms. The option to switch between English and Japanese voice acting appears to be a crucial feature, allowing players to tailor their experience to their preferences. This duality in reception highlights the subjective nature of voice acting in video games and the importance of localization in enhancing player immersion.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

"Loop8: Summer of Gods" faces substantial technical performance issues on both PS4 and Switch. Critics report frame rate drops, loading problems, and poor optimization, particularly on Switch, which detracts from gameplay. While some players may still find enjoyment, the overall consensus highlights significant shortcomings that demand patches and improvements to enhance the experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

75%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

25%

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

In analyzing the technical performance of "Loop8: Summer of Gods," it's clear that opinions vary across different gaming platforms. On the PlayStation 4, both PlayStation Universe and SpazioGames noted frame rate issues, yet they did not completely dismiss the overall experience. SpazioGames specifically mentioned occasional frame rate drops during intense battles on the PS5, indicating that while the game has some performance hiccups, it may still be playable for some users. On the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Life provided a slightly more positive perspective, stating that the game runs well overall, despite slightly long loading times and some slowdown during boss battles. This suggests that while there are imperfections, the game is still enjoyable for Switch players. However, the negatives associated with each platform are significant and cannot be overlooked. On the PS4, both critics pointed out frame drops during combat, which detracts from the immersion and fluidity of gameplay. On the Switch, the criticism is more pronounced, with But Why Tho? highlighting poor optimizations, slow movement speed, and janky character motions, alongside choppy frame rates and frequent load screens. Digitally Downloaded and Pocket Tactics echoed these sentiments, indicating that frame rate issues and loading times are persistent problems. TouchArcade also noted the technical issues with loading, further emphasizing the challenges faced by Switch players in particular. The overall consensus among critics suggests a mixed reception regarding the technical performance of "Loop8: Summer of Gods." While some reviewers, like Nintendo Life, found the game to be generally playable on the Switch, the majority of feedback points to significant performance concerns across both the PS4 and Switch platforms. Critics like PlayStation Universe and But Why Tho? have painted a picture of a game that, despite its potential, suffers from technical shortcomings that hinder the overall experience. The presence of frame rate drops, loading issues, and optimization problems indicates that the game may require further patches and improvements to meet the expectations of players across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Loop8: Summer of Gods offers a promising replay system with its unique looping mechanic and character interactions, but critics largely agree that its execution falls flat. The repetitive dialogue and gameplay quickly become tedious, detracting from the potential enjoyment and making replaying feel like a chore. While some see potential, the consensus is that the game struggles with monotony and lacks meaningful progression, making it hard to recommend for those seeking a fulfilling replay experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

47%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

47%

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

In analyzing the opinions of various critics regarding the replay value of Loop8: Summer of Gods, there are some notable positives highlighted by reviewers. Destructoid and Digitally Downloaded emphasize the potential for replayability through the game's unique looping mechanic, which allows players to make different choices and build relationships with townspeople. This aspect can lead to varied experiences, as noted by Siliconera, which mentions that different endings are tied to player actions and affections. Critics like Meristation also point out that the cumulative progress gained with each loop can make the protagonist and their companions stronger over time, suggesting that there is some incentive for players to engage with the game multiple times. However, the overall sentiment among critics leans heavily towards the negatives when it comes to replay value. Many reviewers, such as COGconnected and GamingTrend, express that while the looping mechanic initially seems promising, it quickly becomes tedious and repetitive. The need to mash through previously read dialogue is a common complaint, as noted by both GamingTrend and Nintendo Life, which ultimately diminishes the enjoyment of replaying the game. Critics like RPG Fan and SpazioGames further emphasize that the repetitive nature of gameplay and dialogue can lead to a monotonous experience, making the game feel like a chore rather than an engaging venture. The overall consensus among the critics suggests that while Loop8: Summer of Gods has the foundation for replayability through its time-looping mechanic and character interactions, the execution leaves much to be desired. The lack of meaningful progression and variety in gameplay, as highlighted by PlayStation Universe and RPG Site, contributes to a sense of frustration and monotony. While some critics see potential in the game's unique concept, the overwhelming sentiment is that the repetition and lack of retained progress significantly hinder its replay value, making it a challenging recommendation for players seeking a fulfilling experience in repeated playthroughs.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

30%

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

The reviews for Loop8: Summer of Gods highlight several positive aspects of the game that resonate across multiple critics. Many reviewers, including COGconnected and Noisy Pixel, appreciate the game's compelling narrative and gorgeous visuals, indicating that the aesthetic appeal is a strong point. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and Nintendo Life also recognize the game's unique blend of gameplay styles and the intriguing world it presents, suggesting that there is a foundation of creativity and ambition that could have led to a more fulfilling experience. Despite its shortcomings, some critics see potential in the game's concept and character interactions, with Pocket Tactics noting that these elements could engage players who are drawn to social simulation RPGs. However, the negatives associated with Loop8: Summer of Gods are significantly more pronounced in the reviews. A recurring theme among critics is the game's repetitive gameplay and lack of depth, with GamingTrend likening the experience to "the lives of aquarium fish," indicating a sense of stagnation and lack of engagement. Reviewers like PlayStation Universe and RPG Fan express disappointment in the poorly executed mechanics and tedious gameplay, with several critics mentioning that the game feels like a chore to play. Furthermore, issues such as a strange battle system and a frustratingly obtuse story, as highlighted by Siliconera and SpazioGames, detract from the overall experience, leading to a sense of missed potential. The overall consensus from the critics is that while Loop8: Summer of Gods has an interesting premise and appealing visuals, it ultimately fails to deliver a cohesive and engaging experience. Critics like Hey Poor Player and Destructoid emphasize that the repetitive nature of the gameplay and lack of direction significantly hinder the game's potential. Despite some reviewers recommending it for fans of visual novels and RPGs, the majority agree that the game does not meet expectations and often feels like a disappointment. The sentiment across the board suggests that while the game has its charms, it is bogged down by execution flaws that prevent it from being a standout title in the genre.

TL;DR

Loop8: Summer of Gods boasts a captivating narrative and stunning visuals that critics appreciate, yet it suffers from tedious gameplay, repetitive mechanics, and an unclear story. While some see potential in its creativity and character interactions, the overall consensus is disappointment due to execution flaws. Ultimately, it fails to deliver a cohesive and engaging experience, leaving it a letdown for many despite its appealing aspects.

MONSTER

Reviews

40 reviews found

Generación Xbox

May 31, 2023

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

Loop8: Summer of Gods is a charming JRPG with a unique style and plenty of content, although it has some technical issues

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Meristation

PlayStation 4

Jul 7, 2023

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

Overall, it meets expectations for a good game with quality and no major flaws, although it could have reached higher levels with additional elements. It is recommended for purchase.

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Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 4

May 31, 2023

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

Loop8: Summer of Gods is a gorgeous and ambitious JRPG with a unique narrative, but it lacks quality-of-life features, has a strange battle system, and struggles to create attachment to the characters.

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Pocket Tactics

Nintendo Switch

Jun 1, 2023

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

Loop8: Summer of Gods offers an intriguing world and enjoyable character interactions, but its gameplay may not appeal to everyone due to its repetitive nature and lack of direction.

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Digitally Downloaded

Nintendo Switch

Jun 27, 2023

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

The game is different and has its charms, but it falls slightly short of its potential. It is worth celebrating the effort to innovate and take creative risks.

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Push Square

PlayStation 4

May 31, 2023

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

Loop8: Summer of Gods has an interesting concept but falls short in execution due to repetitive gameplay and lack of variety. It may still appeal to fans of visual novels and RPGs.

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COGconnected

PlayStation 4

Jun 6, 2023

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

The review concludes that Loop8: Summer of Gods has a compelling narrative and gorgeous graphics, but the JRPG elements are shallow and the repetition is cumbersome.

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Destructoid

Nintendo Switch

Jun 1, 2023

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

Loop8: Summer of Gods has potential but is hindered by repetitive gameplay, lack of direction, and exhausting design decisions.

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Hey Poor Player

PlayStation 4

May 31, 2023

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

The game has an interesting premise and appealing visuals, but the lack of variety and repetitive nature hinder its potential. The final verdict is 2.5/5.

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Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

May 31, 2023

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

Loop8 has potential with its unique mix of gameplay styles and ideas, but the repetitive and frustrating nature of the experience makes it a chore.

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