Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

Links

Amazon

Steam

Twitch

MONSTER

Loop8: Summer of Gods

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Loop8: Summer of Gods
Item: Loop8: Summer of Gods
Author: Critik 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, Xbox One, PC

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?

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

16%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

26%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Loop8: Summer of Gods are varied. Some critics, such as COGconnected and Meristation, appreciate the game's compelling narrative and its incorporation of Japanese mythology and culture. They find the unique time-looping mechanic and the worldbuilding to be standout features of the story. Additionally, Digitally Downloaded praises the game's focus on social interactions and building bonds with characters in a small town, adding depth to the narrative. However, several critics express negative opinions about the story. GamingTrend and But Why Tho?? criticize the lack of a cohesive story structure and underdeveloped character reveals. They find the sparse details about the invading monsters and the repetitive nature of the story to be major drawbacks. Similarly, Push Square and Nintendo Life highlight the repetitive nature of the story and the lack of variety, which diminishes the engagement and impact of the narrative. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some appreciate the unique ideas, worldbuilding, and premise of Loop8: Summer of Gods, others feel that the storytelling choices are disjointed, confusing, and fail to deliver on the game's potential. Critics like Noisy Pixel and Movies Games and Tech express their confusion and frustration with the story, while RPG Fan and RPG Site criticize the lack of emphasis on character development and storytelling. TheXboxHub and Tech-Gaming mention the fascinating aspects of the story, but note that major storytelling cutscenes are few and far between. The overall sentiment suggests that while the game has some positive elements in its narrative, it falls short in terms of execution and coherence, leaving players wanting more depth and engagement from the story.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Loop8: Summer of Gods. Some praise its compelling narrative, Japanese mythology, and time-looping mechanic, while others criticize its lack of cohesive structure, underdeveloped characters, and repetitive nature. Overall, the game's unique ideas and worldbuilding receive appreciation, but its storytelling execution falls short for some, leaving players craving more depth and engagement.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

35%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Loop8: Summer of Gods are quite diverse. There are some positive aspects highlighted by the critics. For example, Hey Poor Player praises the focus on building relationships and chatting your way to victory, while Destructoid commends the gameplay's emphasis on completing tasks, building stats, and discovering the backstories of the townspeople. Additionally, Push Square appreciates the combination of visual novel elements with RPG mechanics, where characters grow stronger through bonding rather than traditional leveling up. These positive elements suggest that the gameplay offers opportunities for character development and storytelling. However, there are several negative aspects mentioned by the critics as well. COGconnected criticizes the slim JRPG elements and labels the combat as "pure trash." GamingTrend points out that the suggestion system lacks depth and becomes repetitive, hindering the ability to connect with the characters. They also criticize the combat system for lacking depth and becoming a mere stat check. RPG Fan describes the gameplay as consisting of generic dialogue and half-baked turn-based combat that lacks strategy or depth. These criticisms suggest that the gameplay may suffer from lackluster combat mechanics and repetitive interactions. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the gameplay of Loop8: Summer of Gods leans towards a mixed reception. While some critics appreciate the focus on relationship-building and character development, others express disappointment with the combat mechanics and repetitive nature of the gameplay. For example, RPG Site criticizes the generic and repetitive interactions, as well as the unbalanced time system. TouchArcade mentions that the game relies too much on RNG and grinding for progression, making the gameplay feel like a chore. These criticisms indicate that the gameplay may not fully deliver on its potential and may struggle to engage players consistently. However, it is worth noting that there are positive aspects highlighted by some critics, suggesting that Loop8: Summer of Gods may still offer enjoyable elements for certain players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed feelings about Loop8: Summer of Gods gameplay. Some praise the focus on relationships and character growth, while others criticize the combat mechanics as lacking depth and being repetitive. The game blends visual novel and RPG elements, but some critics find the combat and interactions generic and unengaging. Overall, opinions are divided, with some enjoying the character development opportunities while others are disappointed by the gameplay's shortcomings.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

56%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Loop8: Summer of Gods are generally positive. COGconnected praises the visuals, specifically mentioning highly detailed backgrounds and cell-shaded anime characters. Hey Poor Player also commends the game for its appealing character designs, lushly-drawn backdrops, and carefully-crafted attack animations. Meristation describes the graphics as interesting, with visually appealing character designs in 3D models for gameplay and conversations, capturing the charm of a typical small Japanese city with captivating landscapes. Noisy Pixel finds the graphics and overall visual design of the game to be decent, with colorful animation and a somber mood that suits the small-town narrative. Nintendo Life highlights the stunning backdrops and character animations, emphasizing the cinematic battles. Movies Games and Tech also praises the stunning visual design, specifically mentioning exceptional character models and fantastic settings. These positive opinions highlight the attention to detail, appealing character designs, and immersive environments that contribute to the overall visual experience of Loop8: Summer of Gods. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of the game. Push Square criticizes the lack of variety in visuals, particularly noting that the underworld mostly resembles the town with a different color palette. SpazioGames mentions that while the game features well-crafted backgrounds and references to Japanese mythology, the character movement is awkward. But Why Tho?? points out that although the art direction and character designs are distinct and intricate, the game suffers from slow movement speed, janky character motions, and a choppy frame rate. TheXboxHub criticizes the rough edging of the 3D character models and the unpredictable AI movement, which detracts from the overall visual experience. Tech-Gaming mentions that while the game occasionally showcases visual sumptuousness, it also reuses locations for the underworld and positions NPCs in a way that makes interaction difficult, suggesting a rushed development process. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Loop8: Summer of Gods has strong visual elements that contribute to its appeal. The game is praised for its highly detailed backgrounds, appealing character designs, and immersive environments. The lushly-drawn backdrops and carefully-crafted attack animations are also commended. However, there are some criticisms regarding the lack of variety in visuals, awkward character movement, slow speed, janky motions, choppy frame rate, rough edging of 3D character models, unpredictable AI movement, and reused locations. Despite these negative aspects, the positive opinions outweigh the negatives, indicating that the Graphics and Visual Design of Loop8: Summer of Gods are generally well-received by the critics.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics mostly love the graphics of Loop8: Summer of Gods for its detailed backgrounds, anime character designs, and immersive environments. Some point out flaws like lack of visual variety and awkward character movements, but overall, the game's stunning visuals and attention to detail shine through, making it visually appealing despite a few shortcomings.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Loop8: Summer of Gods are generally positive. Critics such as Hey Poor Player, Nintendo Life, and Movies Games and Tech praise the soundtrack, highlighting its fantastic composition, excellent background music, and dramatic battle music. The music is described as whimsical, diverse, and adding magic and wonderment to every moment. The voice acting is also well received, with critics from But Why Tho??, Nintendo Life, and TheXboxHub commending its quality and suitability to the characters. The voice acting and localization are specifically mentioned as being of good quality by RPG Site. These positive reviews indicate that the sound design and music of Loop8: Summer of Gods contribute positively to the overall experience of the game. However, there are some criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Loop8: Summer of Gods. COGconnected mentions that some transitions between tracks are abrupt, which may disrupt the immersion of players. Meristation notes that while the music provides diverse instrumental pieces for exploration, different emotional states of the character Nini throughout the day, and combat, it does not stand out significantly. SpazioGames also mentions a downside of the lack of Italian language support, which could be disappointing for Italian players. These criticisms suggest that there are areas for improvement in the sound design and music of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Loop8: Summer of Gods are positive aspects of the game. The soundtrack is praised for its composition, background music, and dramatic battle music, while the voice acting is commended for its quality and suitability to the characters. The positive reviews from Hey Poor Player, Nintendo Life, and Movies Games and Tech highlight the strengths of the sound design and music in creating a magical and immersive experience. However, there are some criticisms regarding abrupt transitions between tracks, the lack of standout music, and the absence of Italian language support. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is that the sound design and music contribute positively to the overall enjoyment of Loop8: Summer of Gods.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics generally praise the sound design and music of Loop8: Summer of Gods for its fantastic composition, whimsical nature, and quality voice acting. Positive reviews highlight the music's magical feel and immersive experience. However, some critics mention abrupt track transitions, lack of standout music, and absence of Italian language support as areas for improvement. Overall, the consensus is that the sound design and music enhance the game positively, despite minor criticisms.

Voice Acting

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

45%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Loop8: Summer of Gods are quite varied. Some critics, such as COGconnected and Meristation, criticize the English voice acting, stating that it sounds like the actors are reading and overacting into stereotypes. COGconnected even recommends switching to the Japanese voice acting. However, other critics, like Noisy Pixel and But Why Tho??, believe that both the English and Japanese voice-over options are viable choices and add to the enjoyment of the experience. TouchArcade also praises Xseed Games for doing an awesome job with the localization, including the addition of full English voice acting as an option. On the other hand, there are some negative opinions about the voice acting as well. RPG Fan specifically mentions that the voice acting for the magical flying squirrel is annoying. However, this seems to be an isolated criticism, as most other critics do not mention any major issues with the voice acting. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Loop8: Summer of Gods is of good quality. SpazioGames describes it as well done, Nintendo Life mentions that it is superb with believable emotion, and RPG Site praises both the voice acting and localization. Movies Games and Tech even goes as far as to say that the voice acting is exceptional and never gets old. The positive opinions from critics like But Why Tho??, TouchArcade, and TheXboxHub further support the overall positive sentiment towards the voice acting in the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Loop8: Summer of Gods. Some criticize the English voice acting as overacted and recommend switching to Japanese. However, others find both options enjoyable. RPG Fan dislikes the voice of a character, but overall, critics praise the quality of voice acting, with many calling it exceptional, well done, and adding to the gaming experience.

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

33%

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

In terms of the technical performance of Loop8: Summer of Gods, the critics had mixed opinions across different gaming platforms. Starting with the positives, on the PS4, SpazioGames noted occasional frame rate drops during intense battles on the PS5. This suggests that overall, the game runs smoothly on the PS4 with only minor performance issues during specific moments. Moving on to the negatives, the Nintendo Switch version received criticism from multiple reviewers. But Why Tho?? mentioned poor optimizations, slow movement speed, janky character motions, choppy frame rate, and frequent load screens. Digitally Downloaded also pointed out frame rate issues, while Nintendo Life mentioned slightly long loading times and some slowdown during boss battles. TouchArcade further emphasized technical issues with loading on the Switch. These criticisms collectively indicate that the Nintendo Switch version of the game suffers from various technical shortcomings, including performance issues, long loading times, and occasional slowdowns. For the Xbox One version, Generación Xbox criticized abundant loading times and the game being overly complicated at times. Movies Games and Tech echoed similar concerns, mentioning appalling loading times and lengthy pauses that interrupt the action. TheXboxHub, on the other hand, focused on stuttering during attacking animations and unpredictable AI movement. However, it is important to note that TheXboxHub did not provide information about other technical aspects or stability issues. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Loop8: Summer of Gods has some technical performance issues across all gaming platforms. While the PS4 version seems to have minor frame rate drops, the Nintendo Switch version suffers from poor optimizations, slow movement, choppy frame rates, and long loading times. The Xbox One version also faces problems with loading times, complicated gameplay, and animation stuttering. These technical issues detract from the overall experience of the game and may impact the enjoyment for players on all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed opinions on Loop8: Summer of Gods' technical performance. PS4 runs smoothly with occasional frame rate drops. Nintendo Switch criticized for poor optimizations, slow movement, choppy frame rates, and long loading times. Xbox One faced issues with abundant loading times, complicated gameplay, and animation stuttering. Overall, technical problems across all platforms may impact player enjoyment.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

39%

Negative (0-49)

50%

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

Loop8: Summer of Gods has received mixed opinions from critics regarding its replay value. Some critics, such as Meristation and Destructoid, highlight the game's cumulative progress and ability to make different choices and build relationships with the townspeople, which adds replayability. The time loop mechanic, as mentioned by critics like GamingTrend and Siliconera, also contributes to the game's replay value by offering different endings tied to actions and affections. Additionally, Digitally Downloaded praises the unique concept and quirky cast of characters, which adds to the game's replay value. However, there are several negative aspects that critics point out regarding the replay value of Loop8: Summer of Gods. Many critics, including COGconnected, Hey Poor Player, and RPG Fan, mention that the repetitive nature of the game can make replaying it feel monotonous and tedious. The need to mash through dialogue that has been read before, as highlighted by GamingTrend and TheXboxHub, further adds to the sense of repetition and can drain the enjoyment out of conversations. The lack of variety in conversations and enemies, as mentioned by Push Square, also contributes to the repetitive feeling of the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Loop8: Summer of Gods offers some replay value through its time loop mechanic, cumulative progress, and different endings, the repetitive nature of the game and lack of variety in gameplay elements hinder its overall replayability. Critics like RPG Site and Nintendo Life emphasize the lack of gameplay variety and the tediousness of the repetitive gameplay loop. Additionally, the slow pace of the game, as mentioned by Movies Games and Tech, and the lack of emotional impact, as pointed out by SpazioGames, further contribute to the overall sentiment that replaying Loop8: Summer of Gods may not be appealing to all players.

TL;DR

replay value

Loop8: Summer of Gods has received mixed reviews on its replay value. Critics praise its cumulative progress and multiple choices for replayability, but some find the repetitive gameplay and lack of variety in conversations and enemies make it monotonous and tedious. Overall, while the time loop mechanic and unique concept add some replay value, the game's slow pace and lack of emotional impact may not appeal to all players.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

29%

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

Loop8: Summer of Gods has received a mixed reception from the critics. The game has been praised for its compelling narrative and gorgeous graphics. Critics such as COGconnected and Noisy Pixel highlight these positive aspects of the game. The interesting premise and appealing visuals are also mentioned positively by Hey Poor Player and Meristation. Additionally, the unique mix of gameplay styles and ideas in Loop8 is acknowledged by Nintendo Life and Siliconera. These positive elements contribute to the potential and charm of the game. However, Loop8: Summer of Gods faces criticism for several aspects. The most common negative feedback revolves around the repetitive nature of the game. Critics like GamingTrend, Push Square, and RPG Fan express disappointment in the repetitive gameplay and lack of variety. The shallow JRPG elements and cumbersome repetition are also mentioned by COGconnected. The lack of control over the party in turn-based battles, as mentioned by SpazioGames, is another drawback. Poor optimizations, questionable gameplay decisions, and a painful combat system are highlighted by But Why Tho??. The frustratingly obtuse story and tedious interactions are mentioned by Siliconera. These negative aspects hinder the overall experience of the game. Taking into account the opinions of the critics, the overall consensus on Loop8: Summer of Gods leans towards disappointment and missed potential. While the game has its positive aspects, such as the compelling narrative and gorgeous graphics, the negative feedback regarding repetitive gameplay, lack of variety, and shallow JRPG elements cannot be ignored. Critics like TouchArcade and ZTGD go as far as calling the game a disappointment and an abject failure. The lack of direction, exhausting design decisions, and confusing gameplay experience are also mentioned by Destructoid. Despite the efforts to innovate and take creative risks, as acknowledged by Digitally Downloaded, the game falls slightly short of its potential. Overall, Loop8: Summer of Gods fails to deliver on its promise and may not be recommended unless the player is willing to overlook its flaws and repetitive nature.

TL;DR

Loop8: Summer of Gods has received mixed reviews. Critics praise its narrative and graphics but criticize its repetitive gameplay and lack of variety. While some appreciate its unique mix of styles, others find the JRPG elements lacking. Overall, the consensus leans towards disappointment, with some calling it a missed potential and an abject failure. The game's flaws may deter some players unless they are willing to overlook its shortcomings.

MONSTER

Reviews

42 reviews found

Generación Xbox

Xbox One

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

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.

Read full review

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.

Read full review

Tech-Gaming

Jun 8, 2023

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

Loop8: Summer of Gods has some good ideas but often they don't reach a satisfying fruition. The game's rushed development is evident in its reused locations and lack of interaction with NPCs. The social bonds lack intimacy and some characters' behavior isn't justified. The time loop mechanic and increased stats in subsequent playthroughs add replay value, but there are unresolved ambiguities.

Read full review

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.

Read full review

TheXboxHub

Xbox One

Jun 6, 2023

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

The review states that Loop8: Summer of Gods is a delightful visual novel with decent RPG mechanics, but is let down by repetition and lacklustre battling. It suggests considering it if on sale, but not expecting much from other aspects.

Read full review

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.

Read full review

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.

Read full review

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.

Read full review

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.

Read full review