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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, 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?

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Polarizing: Loop8 dazzles with its time-loop mechanics and 1980s mythic worldbuilding but falters under repetitive plotlines, generic characters, and a confusing narrative that leaves critics divided.

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 initial reception of Loop8: Summer of Gods highlights several compelling aspects that resonate with critics. Many praise its unique narrative framework, particularly the time-loop mechanic, which adds urgency and tension to the story. COGconnected emphasizes the "extremely compelling" narrative, while Hey Poor Player appreciates the "interesting premise" and the innovative use of time loops to drive the plot. Meristation and SpazioGames commend the game’s integration of Japanese mythology and its 1980s rural setting, creating a rich cultural backdrop. Additionally, critics like Destructoid and Digitally Downloaded highlight the focus on social interactions over combat, framing the story as a blend of RPG elements and relationship-building. Tech-Gaming further enriches this by detailing the game’s alternative 1983 setting and the looming threat of Kegai invaders, showcasing its worldbuilding strengths despite some narrative gaps. However, several critics point to significant flaws that undermine the experience. GamingTrend criticizes the "lack of cohesive story structure" and underdeveloped character reveals, while Push Square and RPG Fan describe the plot as repetitive and disjointed. But Why Tho? and Nintendo Life note the sparse, generic characters and lack of exposition, which make the narrative feel unengaging. TheXboxHub mentions that major storytelling cutscenes are "few and far between," contributing to a sense of confusion. Meanwhile, Pocket Tactics and RPG Site highlight an overemphasis on numbers and stats at the expense of character development, and Movies Games and Tech find the story "confusing" and "baffling." These critiques collectively suggest that while the game’s concept is ambitious, its execution struggles to maintain clarity or emotional depth. Despite these criticisms, there is a general consensus that Loop8: Summer of Gods has potential but falls short in key areas. Critics like Noisy Pixel acknowledge the "unique ideas and great worldbuilding," even if the narrative becomes "confusing" over time. Similarly, Siliconera and Generación Xbox praise the supernatural elements and Nini’s time-loop ability, yet many feel the story fails to fully realize its promise. The divide between those who appreciate the game’s creativity (e.g., COGconnected, Meristation) and those who find it frustratingly opaque (e.g., GamingTrend, But Why Tho.) reflects a polarizing experience. Ultimately, while the game’s premise and setting are lauded, its narrative execution—marked by repetition, underdeveloped characters, and unclear storytelling—leaves many critics divided on its overall success.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Loop8: Summer of Gods flirts with charm through its relationship-driven time-loop concept but collapses under repetitive tasks, shallow combat, and unbalanced mechanics, leaving fans of narrative-driven games frustrated by its missed potential.

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.

The gameplay of Loop8: Summer of Gods receives some praise for its unique blend of relationship-building and time-loop mechanics. Critics like Hey Poor Player and Meristation highlight the emphasis on interacting with characters to strengthen bonds, while Destructoid and Nintendo Life note the game’s time-loop system, which allows players to reset days and correct mistakes. The social dynamics and stat progression through daily tasks are also praised, as seen in Siliconera’s mention of different endings tied to player choices and Tech-Gaming’s observation of networking with NPCs. Additionally, TheXboxHub acknowledges the game’s focus on relationship management and time efficiency, suggesting that its visual novel-inspired elements offer a distinct experience for fans of narrative-driven gameplay. However, the majority of critics panned the gameplay for its repetitive structure and shallow mechanics. COGconnected and RPG Fan criticize the combat as “pure trash” and “half-baked,” respectively, with GamingTrend and PlayStation Universe pointing to a lack of depth in both battle systems and character interaction. The time-loop mechanic, while innovative, is often seen as stressful or tedious—Digitally Downloaded calls it “unnecessary stress,” and RPG Site notes the unbalanced time system and repetitive loops. TouchArcade and Pocket Tactics also highlight the game’s reliance on RNG and grinding, with TheXboxHub lamenting the lack of control over AI allies during battles. These issues collectively create a frustrating experience that undermines the game’s potential. Overall, the consensus among critics is largely negative, with most agreeing that Loop8: Summer of Gods struggles to balance its ambitious mix of genres and mechanics. While Meristation and Hey Poor Player appreciate the relationship-building aspects, the repetitive tasks, shallow combat, and unpolished systems—highlighted by PlayStation Universe, RPG Site, and COGconnected—dominate the reception. The game’s visual novel elements and time-loop concept are seen as promising but underdeveloped, leaving players with a sense of missed potential. Despite some praise for its narrative focus, the gameplay flaws create a disjointed experience that fails to satisfy most reviewers.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Praised for its cel-shaded anime charm, nostalgic '80s town vibes, and cinematic visuals, but plagued by janky animations, repetitive environments, and performance hiccups that undercut its artistic ambition.

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 graphics and visual design of Loop8: Summer of Gods received widespread praise for their artistic charm and attention to detail. Critics highlighted the game’s cel-shaded anime aesthetic, with COGconnected noting "highly detailed backgrounds and cell-shaded anime characters," while Meristation praised "visually appealing character designs in 3D models" that evoke the "charm of a typical small Japanese city." Hey Poor Player and RPG Fan commended the "lushly-drawn backdrops" and "lovingly crafted 2D background elements," emphasizing the game’s ability to capture the nostalgic feel of an '80s Japanese island town. Additionally, Noisy Pixel and Nintendo Life celebrated the "colorful animation" and "cinematic battles," with the latter calling the backdrops and character animations "stunning." The art direction was frequently described as distinct and intricate, with TouchArcade likening it to "a gorgeous interactive anime" and Generación Xbox appreciating the "cel-shaded art style" and cultural references. However, several critics pointed out technical and design shortcomings that detracted from the experience. Push Square criticized the "lack of variety" in the underworld, which "mostly resembles the town with a different color palette," while SpazioGames noted "awkward character movement" and RPG Site described the town of Ashihara as "limited in scope and lacking depth." Performance issues were also a recurring concern: But Why Tho? and Pocket Tactics mentioned "slow movement speed," "janky character motions," and "choppy frame rate," while TheXboxHub criticized "rough edging on 3D character models" and "unpredictable AI movement." Tech-Gaming added that the game felt "rushed," with reused locations and NPC placement issues. These critiques suggest that while the visual design was ambitious, execution flaws impacted immersion and gameplay flow. Overall, critics largely agreed that Loop8: Summer of Gods boasts a visually striking and nostalgic art style that successfully captures the essence of Japanese mythology and small-town charm. The combination of 3D character models, 2D backdrops, and cel-shaded animation created a unique aesthetic that resonated with many reviewers, as noted by Digitally Downloaded ("gorgeous art direction") and Movies Games and Tech ("stunning visual design"). However, the consensus was that technical limitations—such as frame rate drops, repetitive environments, and awkward animations—undermined the experience. While the game’s visuals were celebrated for their creativity and cultural depth, these issues highlighted a disconnect between its artistic vision and polished execution, leaving some critics divided on its overall quality.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Loop8: Summer of Gods dazzles with whimsical, summery soundscapes and immersive vocals, but abrupt transitions and limited voicing let some magic slip through the cracks.

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 overall sentiment toward the sound design and music of Loop8: Summer of Gods is largely positive, with critics praising its ability to enhance the game’s atmosphere and emotional depth. Reviewers like Hey Poor Player highlight the "fantastic" composition by Noriyuki Iwadare, noting that it complements the game’s whimsical tone, while Nintendo Life and Pocket Tactics commend the soundtrack for being "excellent" and "summery," respectively. The music is frequently described as relaxing and immersive, with Movies Games and Tech emphasizing how it adds "magic and wonderment" to every moment. Additionally, RPG Site acknowledges the high-quality voice acting and localization, which aligns well with the game’s narrative. These critiques underscore a strong appreciation for the audio elements’ ability to create an engaging and cohesive experience. However, some criticisms point to specific shortcomings in the sound design and music. COGconnected notes that while the music is whimsical and matches the game’s mood, transitions between tracks can feel abrupt, potentially disrupting immersion. SpazioGames criticizes the lack of Italian language support, a minor but notable downside for some players, while But Why Tho? mentions that the game is "only partially voiced," which may detract from its overall audio experience. Additionally, PlayStation Universe points out that the voice of a magical squirrel character is "annoying," suggesting inconsistencies in vocal performances. These critiques highlight areas where the sound design could be refined, though they are generally minor compared to the broader praise. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among reviewers leans heavily toward admiration for Loop8: Summer of Gods’s audio elements. Most critics agree that the soundtrack and voice acting contribute significantly to the game’s charm and atmosphere, with Nintendo Life and Pocket Tactics particularly praising their quality. While some issues like abrupt transitions or limited language support are mentioned, they do not overshadow the overall positive reception. The combination of a whimsical, summery score and well-executed voice work creates a cohesive auditory experience that enhances the game’s narrative and emotional resonance, making it a standout aspect for many players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Loop8: Summer of Gods dazzles with whimsical, summery soundscapes and immersive vocals, but abrupt transitions and limited voicing let some magic slip through the cracks.

Voice Acting

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics praise Loop8's voice acting as a standout feature with stellar English/Japanese dubs that elevate storytelling, though some note overacting, annoying performances, and partial voicing.

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 receives generally positive feedback from multiple critics, with several highlighting its strengths. PlayStation Universe praised the English dub as a "highlight" of the game, noting a "good cast of recognizable voices," while But Why Tho? and Nintendo Life commended both English and Japanese voice casts for their quality, calling them "fantastic." SpazioGames and RPG Site also noted that the voice acting is "well done" and "of good quality," respectively. Additionally, Pocket Tactics and TouchArcade emphasized the game’s fully voice-acted cutscenes and localization efforts, which enhance storytelling. Critics like Movies Games and Tech even described the voice acting as "exceptional" and "never gets old," underscoring its impact on the overall experience. However, some criticisms emerged regarding specific aspects of the voice acting. COGconnected criticized the English dub for sounding "like the actors are reading and overacting into stereotypes," recommending players switch to Japanese voices instead. RPG Fan found the voice of a magical flying squirrel "annoying," while PlayStation Universe noted one character’s voice was "notably irritating." Additionally, But Why Tho? mentioned that the game is "only partially voiced," which could detract from immersion for some players. These critiques suggest that while the voice acting is largely well-received, certain elements or characters may not meet all expectations. Overall, the consensus among critics leans positive, with most praising the quality of both English and Japanese voice options. While there are minor criticisms about specific performances or partial voicing, the majority of reviewers highlight the voice acting as a strong component of the game. The mixed opinions on English vs. Japanese voices reflect personal preferences, but the general sentiment favors the localization efforts, with many noting that the voice acting "suits each character well" (TheXboxHub) and contributes meaningfully to the narrative. Despite some reservations, the voice acting is widely regarded as a standout feature, enhancing the game’s storytelling and emotional depth.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics praise Loop8's voice acting as a standout feature with stellar English/Japanese dubs that elevate storytelling, though some note overacting, annoying performances, and partial voicing.

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Loop8: Summer of Gods is a technical disaster across all platforms, with choppy frame rates, excruciating load times, and erratic gameplay—especially on Switch and Xbox One, where its flaws are most glaring, leaving players trapped in a frustratingly unpolished mess.

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.

The technical performance of Loop8: Summer of Gods varies across platforms, with some positives noted despite widespread issues. On PlayStation 4, PlayStation Universe acknowledged frame drops during combat, though no explicit praise was offered. For the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Life highlighted that the game "runs well" despite slightly long loading times and slowdowns during boss battles, offering a rare positive note for the platform. Meanwhile, Xbox One critics like Generación Xbox and Movies Games and Tech criticized excessive loading times, but no specific positives were mentioned for this platform. These observations suggest that while some platforms managed to deliver a relatively stable experience, others faced more pronounced technical hurdles. Negatively, the game’s technical performance was consistently problematic across all platforms. On PlayStation 4, both PlayStation Universe and SpazioGames (who mistakenly referenced PS5) reported frame rate issues during intense combat sequences, indicating potential optimization challenges. The Nintendo Switch bore the brunt of criticism, with But Why Tho? describing "poor optimizations," "choppy frame rates," and "frequent load screens," while Pocket Tactics and TouchArcade echoed similar concerns about movement, animations, and loading. For Xbox One, critics like Movies Games and Tech condemned "appalling" loading times and disruptive pauses, while TheXboxHub noted stuttering attacks and erratic AI behavior. These issues collectively paint a picture of a game struggling with consistency and polish on all platforms. The overall consensus among critics is that Loop8: Summer of Gods suffers from significant technical shortcomings, particularly on the Nintendo Switch and Xbox One. While Nintendo Life offered a glimmer of hope for the Switch by noting its general stability, the majority of reviews highlighted repetitive dialogue, long battle animations (as mentioned by RPG Site), and persistent performance hiccups across all systems. The PS4’s issues, though less severe than others, still detracted from the experience, as seen in SpazioGames’ and PlayStation Universe’ critiques. Despite some patches addressing specific bugs, the game’s technical flaws—especially on less powerful hardware like the Switch—undermine its potential, leaving players with a frustratingly inconsistent experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Loop8: Summer of Gods teeters on a razor’s edge—its time-loop mechanic and narrative depth hint at replayable potential, but relentless repetition, shallow progression, and monotonous dialogue drown out its promise, leaving players frustrated rather than enticed to revisit its world.

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.

The reviewers generally acknowledge that Loop8: Summer of Gods possesses elements that could support replayability, particularly its time-loop mechanic and narrative-driven structure. Meristation highlights the cumulative progress system, where characters grow stronger over repeated loops, offering a sense of advancement that encourages players to revisit earlier days. Destructoid and Siliconera note that the game’s unique concept, coupled with branching choices and multiple endings tied to player actions, provides incentive for replaying. Additionally, RPG Site and Digitally Downloaded praise the quirky character interactions and the game’s creative premise, which could appeal to fans of narrative-driven experiences. These positives suggest that the loop mechanic, when executed effectively, can create a compelling reason to engage with the game multiple times. However, the majority of critics argue that the repetitive nature of Loop8: Summer of Gods significantly undermines its replay value. COGconnected and GamingTrend describe the looping as tedious, with players forced to endure repetitive dialogue and gameplay mechanics that quickly lose their novelty. Push Square and SpazioGames criticize the lack of variety in conversations and enemies, while PlayStation Universe and Nintendo Life point out the absence of meaningful progression, such as retained relationship statuses or stat increases. Tech-Gaming and ZTGD further emphasize the frustration of repeated NPC interactions and unresolved narrative threads, which diminish the appeal of replaying. Even critics like RPG Fan and But Why Tho? label the experience as monotonous and irritating, highlighting how the game’s core mechanics fail to sustain engagement over multiple playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among reviewers is that Loop8: Summer of Gods struggles to balance its ambitious loop mechanic with engaging content. While some praise its narrative potential and unique concept—particularly Destructoid’s mention of branching choices and Siliconera’s focus on endings—the repetitive gameplay, lack of progression, and monotonous dialogue dominate the critical reception. Critics like Meristation and Generación Xbox acknowledge the game’s depth and length, but most agree that these elements are overshadowed by the tedium of repetition. The mixed feedback suggests that while the game has moments of promise, its execution falls short of delivering a truly rewarding replay experience, leaving many players frustrated rather than motivated to revisit its world.

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 initial reception of Loop8: Summer of Gods highlights several positive aspects, particularly its visual design and narrative ambition. Critics like Meristation praised the game for meeting expectations with "quality and no major flaws," while COGconnected and Noisy Pixel emphasized its "gorgeous graphics" and "unique narrative." SpazioGames acknowledged the strengths of its visuals and sound design, noting that these elements "could have saved it from being a disappointment." Additionally, Hey Poor Player and Nintendo Life appreciated the intriguing concept and charm, with the latter highlighting its "unique mix of gameplay styles." The game’s time-loop mechanic and potential for replayability were also noted as redeeming qualities by Tech-Gaming, who praised the "reused locations" and "increased stats in subsequent playthroughs" as adding depth. These positives suggest that Loop8 has a strong foundation, particularly in its aesthetic and storytelling. However, the negatives dominate the critical discourse, with many reviewers criticizing the game’s gameplay mechanics and repetitive nature. GamingTrend dismissed it as lacking "depth and coherence," comparing it to "the lives of aquarium fish," while PlayStation Universe called it a "disappointment" due to "poorly executed mechanics." RPG Fan went so far as to label it a "chore to play," and SpazioGames criticized the "repetitive and unengaging" experience, particularly the turn-based battles. But Why Tho? and Destructoid highlighted issues with optimization, combat systems, and pacing, while ZTGD called it an "abject failure in almost every aspect." The lack of variety, shallow JRPG elements, and frustrating gameplay decisions were recurring complaints, with RPG Site noting the game "wasted its potential" by failing to deliver on its relaxing social sim RPG concept. These critiques paint a picture of a title that struggles to translate its ambitions into a satisfying experience. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward disappointment, with praise for its visuals and narrative offset by significant gameplay flaws. While Meristation and Noisy Pixel offered more balanced views, acknowledging the game’s ambition and aesthetic appeal, the majority of reviews—particularly from outlets like RPG Fan, SpazioGames, and ZTGD—highlighted its repetitive mechanics, lack of direction, and poor execution. The game’s potential was frequently noted, but critics like Digitally Downloaded and TouchArcade argued that it "falls slightly short of its potential" due to unresolved issues. Despite some positive aspects, the consensus is that Loop8: Summer of Gods fails to fully realize its vision, leaving players frustrated by its shortcomings despite its initial promise.

TL;DR

Loop8: Summer of Gods dazzles with stunning visuals and bold narrative ambition but stumbles under repetitive gameplay, poor execution, and unfulfilled potential, leaving players frustrated by its missed opportunities.

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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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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