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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

PlatformXbox One, PC, PlayStation 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" garners mixed reviews; praised for its compelling premise, unique time-loop mechanics, and cultural depth inspired by Japanese mythology. Critics highlight engaging social interactions but slam its unclear, disjointed storytelling and generic characters. While some see potential, many feel the narrative lacks depth and coherence, resulting in a divided reception among players and reviewers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

19%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

52%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

29%

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

The opinions regarding the story of "Loop8: Summer of Gods" present a mixed bag of sentiments, with several critics highlighting its intriguing premise and unique mechanics. For instance, COGconnected describes the narrative as "extremely compelling," while Hey Poor Player appreciates the "interesting premise" and the urgency added by the time-looping mechanic. Meristation notes the game's inspiration from Japanese mythology, which adds a cultural depth that some reviewers find appealing. Critics such as Digitally Downloaded and Pocket Tactics commend the focus on social interactions within the narrative, emphasizing the importance of building bonds with townspeople to combat the supernatural threats posed by the Kegai. However, the story also faces significant criticism, particularly regarding its execution and coherence. GamingTrend points out the lack of a cohesive story structure, labeling it as sparse and underdeveloped, while PlayStation Universe echoes this sentiment by mentioning repetitive dialogue and narrative clarity issues. RPG Fan and Movies Games and Tech highlight the disjointed storytelling choices that leave players confused, with the latter stating that the story often leaves players "scratching their head." Additionally, But Why Tho? critiques the characters as generic and trope-laden, which detracts from the overall engagement with the narrative. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a divide in their reception of "Loop8: Summer of Gods." While some reviewers appreciate the unique ideas and cultural elements embedded in the story, many others find the narrative lacking in depth, coherence, and character development. Critics like Noisy Pixel and ZTGD emphasize the confusion stemming from the story's complexity and character interactions, suggesting that the game's potential is not fully realized. As a result, while the game has a strong foundation with its premise and mechanics, the execution of its story leaves much to be desired, leading to a mixed reception among players and reviewers alike.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Loop8: Summer of Gods has a few bright spots, like its daily routines and character relationships, which some critics liken to Persona's narrative depth. However, these positives are buried under a shallow, repetitive combat system and tedious relationship-building mechanics. Reviewers agree the game struggles to balance its ambitious ideas, ultimately leading to a frustrating experience that feels more like a chore than an adventure. Overall, it’s a promising concept that fails to deliver, resulting in a mixed to negative reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

36%

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

In the reviews for Loop8: Summer of Gods, a few positive aspects of the gameplay are highlighted. Critics like Destructoid and Siliconera appreciate the game's focus on daily routines and relationship-building, which allows players to engage with a small cast of characters and uncover their backstories. The time loop mechanic, noted by Destructoid, offers an intriguing twist that enables players to reset the game world and make different choices, reminiscent of the narrative depth found in titles like Persona. Additionally, TouchArcade acknowledges the strength of the relationship system, suggesting that while it has its flaws, it provides a solid foundation for character interactions. However, the negatives overwhelmingly overshadow the positives in the gameplay experience. Many critics, including COGconnected and GamingTrend, express dissatisfaction with the combat system, describing it as shallow, repetitive, and lacking strategic depth. The turn-based combat is frequently criticized for being a mere "stat check," with RPG Fan labeling it as generic and devoid of meaningful engagement. Reviewers from multiple platforms, such as Push Square and PlayStation Universe, echo sentiments about the tedious nature of relationship-building and the frustrating AI mechanics during combat. This sentiment is further reinforced by critics like RPG Site and Digitally Downloaded, who find the interactions with characters generic and the time management mechanics unnecessarily stressful. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Loop8: Summer of Gods attempts to blend various gameplay elements, it ultimately falls short in execution. The game's focus on relationships and daily tasks is marred by repetitive mechanics and a lack of depth in both combat and character interactions. Critics like GamingTrend and Meristation highlight that the gameplay struggles to balance its diverse elements, leading to a frustrating experience that feels more like a chore than an engaging adventure. The combination of promising ideas and underwhelming execution leaves many reviewers, such as Noisy Pixel and Tech-Gaming, feeling that Loop8 fails to capitalize on its potential, resulting in a mixed to negative reception.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Loop8: Summer of Gods boasts a visually stunning aesthetic with praised character designs and detailed backgrounds, resonating well with fans. However, it struggles with technical issues like frame drops and a lack of visual variety, particularly in combat and the underworld, which may detract from the overall experience. While the artistic foundation is strong, performance improvements and more diverse environments are needed to truly shine.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Loop8: Summer of Gods is predominantly positive, with several critics praising its artistic direction and visual appeal. COGconnected highlights the highly detailed backgrounds and cell-shaded anime characters, while Hey Poor Player appreciates the appealing character designs and lushly-drawn backdrops. Meristation notes the charm of the character designs and the captivating landscapes that evoke a typical small Japanese city. Additionally, Nintendo Life describes the backdrops and character animations as stunning, emphasizing the cinematic quality of the battles. This consensus of admiration suggests that the game successfully captures a vibrant aesthetic that resonates well with its intended audience. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the game's visual execution. PlayStation Universe points out frame drops during combat, which detracts from the overall experience. Push Square mentions a lack of variety in visuals, particularly in the underworld, which feels too similar to the town despite a different color palette. Critics like But Why Tho? and Pocket Tactics echo concerns about performance issues, such as slow movement speed and choppy frame rates, particularly during battles. These performance-related critiques indicate that while the game has a strong artistic foundation, technical execution may hinder the player's experience. In summary, while the graphics and visual design of Loop8: Summer of Gods are generally well-received for their artistic charm and detail, technical issues and a lack of variety in environments are significant drawbacks. Critics like RPG Fan and Generación Xbox appreciate the blend of 3D models and 2D backgrounds, yet others like Tech-Gaming highlight concerns about rushed design and repetitive locations. The overall consensus suggests that the game presents a visually appealing world that could benefit from improved performance and more diverse environments to fully realize its artistic potential.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Loop8: Summer of Gods boasts a praised soundtrack and solid voice acting that enhance its charm, with critics highlighting its whimsical music and thrilling battle themes. However, issues like abrupt track transitions and a lack of memorable compositions, along with limited language support, suggest there's room for improvement in sound design. Overall, while the audio elevates the experience, some inconsistencies hold it back.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

36%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

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 received a generally positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's ability to enhance the overall experience. Notably, the soundtrack has been praised for its whimsical and summery qualities, with COGconnected noting that the music suits the game's mood well. Critics like Hey Poor Player commend the composition by Noriyuki Iwadare, describing it as fantastic and particularly noting the breathtaking spectacle of special attacks. Other reviewers, such as Nintendo Life and Pocket Tactics, echo these sentiments, emphasizing the pleasant background music and dramatic battle themes that contribute positively to the game's atmosphere. Voice acting has also been highlighted positively, with several critics, including RPG Site and Movies Games and Tech, acknowledging the quality of the performances and their suitability for the characters. Despite the overall praise, there are notable criticisms regarding the sound design and music. COGconnected mentions that some transitions between tracks can be abrupt, which may disrupt the immersive experience. Meristation points out that while the music provides a variety of instrumental pieces, it does not stand out significantly, suggesting a lack of memorability. Additionally, SpazioGames raises concerns about the lack of Italian language support, which may affect the experience for non-English speaking players. But Why Tho? also notes that the game is only partially voiced, which could detract from the narrative immersion for some players. In summary, 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 overall memorability of the compositions. Critics like Nintendo Life and Hey Poor Player highlight the strengths of the music and sound design, whereas others, such as COGconnected and Meristation, provide constructive feedback on aspects that could enhance the experience. Overall, the sound design and music contribute significantly to the game's charm, though some inconsistencies may leave room for improvement.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Loop8: Summer of Gods boasts standout voice acting praised for its emotional depth on Switch and Xbox, but faces backlash over the English dub, with critics citing forced performances and annoying character voices. While many laud the localization, others recommend switching to Japanese for a better experience. Ultimately, enjoyment hinges on language preference, revealing a split in reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

46%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

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 feedback from various critics, particularly those who played the game on the Nintendo Switch and Xbox One. Critics such as Nintendo Life and Movies Games and Tech praised the voice acting as "superb" and "exceptional," highlighting the believable emotion and the overall quality of the performances. TouchArcade commended Xseed Games for their localization efforts, noting the inclusion of full English voice acting, which enhances the storytelling experience. Additionally, Pocket Tactics pointed out that the fully voice-acted cutscenes contribute significantly to the game's narrative depth, suggesting that the voice casting effectively supports the game's thematic elements. However, there are notable criticisms, especially regarding the English voice acting. COGconnected expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that the English performances often sound forced and stereotypical, recommending players switch to the Japanese voice option. RPG Fan echoed this sentiment by describing the voice acting of a specific character, the magical flying squirrel, as annoying. PlayStation Universe also noted that while the English dub features a good cast, one character's voice was particularly irritating, indicating inconsistencies in the quality of the English performances. This divergence in opinion highlights a significant divide in the reception of the English voice acting compared to the Japanese counterpart. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a split in the reception of the voice acting in Loop8: Summer of Gods. While many reviewers, particularly those on the Nintendo Switch and Xbox One platforms, found the voice acting to be well-executed and emotionally resonant, others criticized the English dub for its lack of authenticity and over-the-top performances. Critics like Noisy Pixel and But Why Tho? acknowledged that both English and Japanese voice options are available and can enhance the gaming experience, suggesting that player preference will significantly influence their enjoyment. Ultimately, while the game offers a commendable voice acting experience, the mixed reviews reveal that the quality can vary significantly depending on the language choice.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Loop8: Summer of Gods struggles with major technical issues across all platforms. While the Nintendo Switch version shows some decent gameplay, it suffers from slow movement and frame drops. The Xbox One version is particularly criticized for appalling loading times and stuttering. Overall, critics agree that the game is marred by poor optimizations and significant performance problems, urging developers to fix these flaws for a better player experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

27%

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

In analyzing the technical performance of Loop8: Summer of Gods across various gaming platforms, it is evident that there are some positives worth noting. On the Nintendo Switch, critics like Nintendo Life acknowledge that the game runs relatively well, despite some minor issues. While they mention slightly long loading times, they also point out that the game performs adequately during most gameplay scenarios. Similarly, PlayStation Universe and SpazioGames, both reviewing on PS4 and PS5 respectively, highlight that the game is playable but experiences frame drops during intense combat situations, indicating that the game is not entirely unplayable, but rather has moments of disruption. However, the negatives across all platforms are significant and cannot be overlooked. On the Nintendo Switch, But Why Tho? describes the game as suffering from poor optimizations, slow movement speed, and choppy frame rates, which paint a concerning picture of the overall experience. Pocket Tactics and TouchArcade echo these sentiments, pointing out issues with choppy movement and frequent loading screens. On the Xbox One, the situation appears even more dire, with Generación Xbox and Movies Games and Tech both criticizing the excessive loading times, calling them "appalling" and noting that they severely interrupt gameplay. The Xbox reviews also mention stuttering during attacks and issues with AI movement, which further detracts from the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Loop8: Summer of Gods struggles significantly with technical performance across all platforms. While there are moments of satisfactory performance, particularly on the Nintendo Switch as noted by Nintendo Life, the frequent frame rate drops, long loading times, and optimization issues highlighted by multiple reviewers create a frustrating experience for players. Critics like PlayStation Universe and Movies Games and Tech emphasize that these technical shortcomings are unacceptable for a modern title, suggesting that the developers need to address these issues promptly to enhance the overall gaming experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Loop8: Summer of Gods boasts an intriguing time-loop mechanic that offers potential replay value through varied choices and character interactions. However, critics overwhelmingly criticize its repetitive gameplay and dialogue, which lead to a tedious experience. Many reviewers note that the lack of meaningful progression between loops diminishes the incentive to replay, ultimately overshadowing the game's ambitious concept with monotony.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

10%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

40%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

50%

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, it is evident that some reviewers find merit in the game's time-looping mechanic. Critics like Destructoid and Siliconera highlight that the game offers replayability through the loop mechanic, allowing players to make different choices and build relationships with townspeople, which could lead to varied outcomes. Additionally, Meristation points out that cumulative progress can be made with each loop, enabling the protagonist and companions to grow stronger over time. This aspect suggests that there is a foundation for replay value, particularly for players interested in exploring different narrative paths and character interactions. However, the overwhelming sentiment among critics leans towards the negative when it comes to replay value. Many reviewers, including COGconnected and GamingTrend, express that the repetitive nature of gameplay and dialogue can quickly become tedious. Critics like RPG Fan and ZTGD emphasize that the forced repetition of content makes the experience monotonous and irritating, detracting from the enjoyment of replaying the game. Furthermore, PlayStation Universe and Nintendo Life highlight the lack of meaningful progression between playthroughs, as relationship statuses and stat increases do not carry over, which diminishes the incentive for players to engage with the game multiple times. Overall, the consensus among critics appears to be that while Loop8: Summer of Gods has the potential for replayability through its unique mechanics, the execution falls short due to repetitive dialogue, lack of variety, and the tedious nature of the gameplay. Critics like Push Square and Pocket Tactics note that the looping mechanic, while initially intriguing, ultimately leads to a sense of monotony that may discourage players from pursuing additional playthroughs. As a result, despite the game's ambitious concept, many reviewers agree that the replay value is significantly hampered by its repetitive elements and lack of meaningful progression.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

28%

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

The overall sentiment surrounding Loop8: Summer of Gods reveals a mixture of appreciation for its artistic elements and disappointment in its gameplay execution. Critics such as COGconnected and Noisy Pixel highlight the game's compelling narrative and gorgeous graphics, praising its ambition and unique storytelling approach. Meristation also notes that it meets expectations for a good game with quality visuals, suggesting that it has redeeming qualities that may appeal to certain audiences. Additionally, Generación Xbox appreciates the charm and unique style of the JRPG, indicating that there are aspects of the game that resonate positively with players. However, the negatives significantly overshadow the positives, as a consensus emerges regarding the game's repetitive gameplay and lack of depth. Reviewers like GamingTrend and RPG Fan describe the experience as shallow and a chore to play, with GamingTrend comparing it to the mundane existence of aquarium fish. Hey Poor Player's score of 2.5/5 underscores the sentiment of disappointment, while PlayStation Universe and Push Square echo similar concerns about poorly executed mechanics and a lack of variety. Critics across platforms, including TouchArcade and Destructoid, also lament the game's repetitive nature and frustrating design choices, indicating that these issues detract from the overall enjoyment. The overall consensus among critics is that while Loop8: Summer of Gods possesses an interesting premise and appealing visuals, it ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying gameplay experience. The majority of reviewers, including Tech-Gaming and Siliconera, express frustration with its repetitive mechanics, lack of engaging interactions, and shallow character development. Despite its potential and creative risks, the game is frequently described as a disappointment, with many critics recommending it only to those who are willing to overlook its shortcomings. This collective critique suggests that while the game has its charms, it struggles to provide a cohesive and immersive experience, leaving many players wanting more.

TL;DR

Loop8: Summer of Gods dazzles with stunning visuals and an intriguing story, but suffers from repetitive gameplay and shallow mechanics, leaving many critics disappointed. While some fans appreciate its artistic charm, the overall consensus is that it fails to deliver a compelling experience, with many recommending it only to those willing to overlook its significant flaws.

MONSTER

Reviews

43 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.

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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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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.

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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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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.

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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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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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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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