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MONSTER

Maquette

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Maquette
Item: Maquette
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Indie, Platformer, Puzzle and Logic, Romance, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableMar 2, 2021

PlatformXbox Series X, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5

DeveloperGraceful Decay

Overview

MAQUETTE is a first-person recursive puzzle game that takes you into a world where every building, plant, and object are simultaneously tiny and staggeringly huge.

Elsewhere

6.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Maquette dazzles with heartfelt storytelling and inventive puzzle design that mirrors its emotional core, but its clichéd romance, shallow characters, and clunky mechanics leave critics divided—celebrated for its poignancy yet hindered by uneven execution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The narrative of Maquette receives praise for its emotional resonance, unique storytelling approach, and thematic depth. Critics like TouchArcade highlight its "touching and worth the time investment," comparing it to What Remains of Edith Finch in its ability to blend love and relationships with metaphorical environments. Noisy Pixel and Everyeye.it commend the game’s exploration of love, loss, and nostalgia, noting its "emotional immersion" and "human" impact. The integration of puzzles with the story is seen as innovative by some, such as GameGrin, which appreciates how environmental shifts reflect the couple’s evolving relationship. KeenGamer and GameCritics emphasize the game’s ability to balance emotional depth with gameplay, creating an experience that lingers long after completion. The narrative’s focus on intimacy, memory, and reflection is often praised for its sincerity and relatability. However, several critics criticize Maquette for its clichéd storytelling, underdeveloped characters, and disconnect between the plot and gameplay mechanics. XboxEra and VideoGamer lambaste the "cliché-ridden," "forced," and "awkwardly integrated" romance, calling it unoriginal and detracting from the experience. Twinfinite and TheGamer note the predictability of the narrative, likening it to 500 Days of Summer and criticizing its lack of emotional depth. Checkpoint Gaming and Hardcore Gamer point to weak character development and passive protagonists, while Adventure Gamers and IGN fault the story for being "unlikeable" and "basic." The game’s reliance on fragmented scenes and text-based dialogue is seen as alienating by some, with TheXboxHub and GameGrin noting the narrative feels disconnected from the puzzle mechanics. These critiques highlight a recurring issue: the story often struggles to match the innovation of its gameplay. Overall, critics are divided but lean toward acknowledging Maquette’s emotional core while critiquing its execution. While TouchArcade, Noisy Pixel, and KeenGamer celebrate its heartfelt storytelling and thematic ambition, others like XboxEra and TheGamer find it formulaic and underwhelming. The game’s narrative structure—using puzzles to mirror the couple’s relationship—is praised for its creativity by some (e.g., GameGrin, PlayStation Universe) but criticized as disjointed by others (e.g., IGN, TheXboxHub). Despite mixed reactions, many agree that Maquette offers a poignant exploration of love and loss, even if its execution falls short for some. The consensus suggests it’s a game best experienced for its emotional impact rather than its narrative originality.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Maquette’s mind-bending scale-shift puzzles and recursive world design dazzle with innovation, but clunky controls, repetitive challenges, and uneven pacing undermine its early brilliance, leaving a divisive mix of genius and frustration.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

28%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Maquette is widely praised for its innovative and creative mechanics, particularly its recursive puzzle design and perspective-based challenges. Critics highlight the game’s unique approach to manipulating environments through scale shifts, where changes in a miniature model (the “maquette”) directly affect the larger world. TheGamer and Noisy Pixel both commend the clever use of dioramas and size manipulation, noting that these mechanics offer fresh spatial logic and intellectual engagement. Metro GameCentral and NintendoWorldReport emphasize the game’s ingenuity, with the latter calling the scaling mechanic “a unique and exhilarating feature.” Adventure Gamers and IGN praise the recursive world interactions, while GameGrin and Xbox Tavern appreciate how the puzzles evolve creatively, maintaining a sense of discovery throughout. The initial stages are frequently lauded for their originality, with many reviewers noting that the concept feels groundbreaking and thought-provoking. However, several critics point to significant flaws in puzzle design, control mechanics, and pacing. TheGamer and Player 2 criticize repetitive or poorly structured puzzles that lack creativity, while Noisy Pixel and Multiplayer.it describe the gameplay as feeling like “tricks” rather than meaningful challenges. Issues with clunky controls, awkward object interactions, and tedious traversal are recurring complaints. DarkStation and Gameblog.fr note frustrating control issues and “stickiness” in object manipulation, while COGconnected and PC Invasion highlight time-consuming puzzles and unclear objectives. The later stages often face criticism for losing momentum—Player 2 and Gamer.nl mention a shift toward arbitrary challenges, while New Game Network criticizes a poorly paced walking-simulator chapter. Technical glitches, such as unreliable jump functions (PlayStation LifeStyle) and bugs disrupting gameplay (Multiplayer.it), further detract from the experience. Many feel the game’s early promise is undermined by its later execution. Overall, critics agree that Maquette’s core mechanic—recursive scale manipulation—is a standout innovation, but its implementation faces mixed reception. While GameInformer and IGN acknowledge the creative potential of the puzzles, they also note frustrations with their design and pacing. The game’s ability to challenge players’ spatial reasoning is universally praised, yet many feel the mechanics are not fully realized, leading to inconsistencies in difficulty and engagement. Despite these issues, several reviewers, including Xbox Tavern and GameGrin, argue that the game’s unique approach keeps it compelling despite its flaws. The consensus leans toward a recommendation for fans of puzzle games who value innovation, even if the experience is occasionally hindered by technical and design shortcomings.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Maquette’s stunning, surreal visuals—hand-drawn sketchbook art, vibrant low-poly worlds, and dreamlike environments that mirror its emotional narrative—but note occasional hiccups like inconsistent aesthetics, underused style, and technical flaws, all of which fail to dim its artistic charm.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

81%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

19%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised Maquette’s graphics and visual design as visually striking, imaginative, and thematically cohesive. Many highlighted its unique art style, with GameSpew noting the hand-drawn, sketchbook-inspired aesthetic that seamlessly integrates with the game’s recursive world concept. Checkpoint Gaming described the visuals as “gorgeous,” emphasizing the attention to detail in maquette models and the immersive atmosphere they create. The low-poly, vibrant aesthetic was frequently lauded, with Everyeye.it calling it “pleasant” and “grazioso,” while Multiplayer.it praised the “striking contrasts between scales” that enhance the game’s recursive mechanics. Critics like Guardian and GameGrin celebrated the dreamlike, surreal environments, such as the pink-and-gold circus and shifting memory palaces, which effectively mirror the narrative’s emotional tone. The game’s ability to blend whimsical, fairy-tale-like settings with abstract, symbolic designs—such as the central dome and infinite reflections—was a recurring highlight, with GameCritics noting how the visuals evolve to reflect the story’s emotional journey. While most reviews were positive, some critics pointed out minor flaws or inconsistencies. New Game Network criticized the carnival section for lacking visual interest, calling it an “inconsistent aesthetic,” while Twinfinite noted that the art style “occasionally feels underutilized” as the story progresses. Adventure Gamers mentioned minimal environmental storytelling and limited interactive elements, and IGN Italia acknowledged technical shortcomings like frame-rate issues despite the game’s artistic charm. Additionally, some critics, such as GameStar, felt the hand-drawn, minimalist approach—intended to mimic sketchbook aesthetics—sometimes felt “intentionally incomplete,” potentially detracting from immersion. Others, like Gamer.no, noted that while the surreal aesthetic was strong early on, it became less compelling later, and Multiplayer.it described the indie aesthetic as “modest” despite its creative merits. These critiques often focused on specific moments or design choices rather than overarching flaws in the visual direction. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Maquette’s graphics and visual design are a standout feature. The game’s ability to create a cohesive, emotionally resonant world through its stylized art—whether through the pastel-colored environments of Checkpoint Gaming, the “stunning” recursive dioramas of Game Informer, or the “visually enchanting” fairy-tale aesthetics of Gamer.nl—was widely celebrated. While some technical and narrative-related issues were noted, they did not overshadow the praise for its creativity, symbolism, and atmospheric depth. As IGN Italia observed, the visual direction’s “artistic charm and emotional resonance” more than compensated for its technical imperfections, reinforcing Maquette’s reputation as a visually distinctive and memorable experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Maquette's sound design and music masterfully amplify its emotional depth and surreal atmosphere, with critics praising authentic local tracks, evocative ambient layers, and a score that complements its introspective narrative. Yet technical hiccups—jarring fades, inconsistent audio pacing, and a reliance on soundscapes over cohesive composition—sometimes undercut immersion, leaving a mixed but largely glowing verdict on its auditory artistry.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

49%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

51%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Maquette received widespread praise for their emotional resonance and atmospheric contributions. Critics highlighted the soundtrack’s ability to evoke deep feelings through subtle shifts in tone and intensity, with COGconnected noting its "emotionally powerful" nature and GameGrin emphasizing the authenticity of local San Francisco musicians’ work. The integration of licensed indie pop tracks, such as Meredith Edgar’s “Tidal Wave” (KeenGamer) and Gábor Szabó’s San Franciscan Nights (IGN Italia), was frequently lauded for enhancing narrative moments and creating a nostalgic, immersive atmosphere. Additionally, the use of ambient soundscapes—like chirping birds or metallic clanks (PC Gamer)—and evocative original scores (Multiplayer.it) reinforced the game’s surreal, introspective tone. Many reviewers, including Game Rant and Screen Rant, acknowledged the music as a key pillar of the experience, with its ability to "complement the narrative" and "enhance emotional beats" standing out as a major strength. However, several critics pointed to inconsistencies and technical shortcomings in the audio design. Eurogamer Italy noted the absence of 3D audio utilization, which could have deepened immersion, while Noisy Pixel criticized abrupt song fades that disrupted the flow. PlayStation LifeStyle mentioned "jarring music disruptions" at inopportune times, and GameSpew highlighted an uneven auditory experience where loud musical moments contrasted with periods of near-silence during puzzles. Additionally, some reviews, like IGN’s focus on soundscapes over a traditional score, suggested that the audio design occasionally prioritized atmosphere over cohesive musical composition. Critics such as Adventure Gamers and New Game Network also noted minor issues, like an out-of-place folk song or subtle sound effects that weren’t consistently present, which slightly undermined immersion despite overall positives. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Maquette’s sound design and music are largely effective in enhancing its emotional and narrative depth, even if they aren’t universally flawless. While many praised the soundtrack’s authenticity, emotional impact, and atmospheric contributions (e.g., GameGrin, IGN Italia, and Multiplayer.it), others pointed to technical flaws or uneven pacing that occasionally detracted from the experience. The game’s reliance on licensed tracks and ambient soundscapes over a traditional score was a mixed bag, with some critics (like PC Gamer) appreciating the focus on mood-setting sounds and others (like Noisy Pixel) finding it inconsistent. Despite these critiques, the majority of reviewers agreed that the audio elements played a vital role in shaping Maquette’s unique, introspective atmosphere, making it a standout aspect of the game’s design.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Bryce Dallas Howard and Seth Gabel’s emotionally rich performances and real-life chemistry elevate Maquette’s narrative, though uneven dialogue and translation issues temper their impact.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

73%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

27%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Maquette is overwhelmingly praised for its emotional depth, authenticity, and the chemistry between Bryce Dallas Howard and Seth Gabel, who portray Kenzie and Michael. Critics consistently highlight their performances as a cornerstone of the game’s narrative, with many noting how their real-life relationship enhances the believability of their characters’ dynamic. For instance, GameGrin and Game Informer commend their "chemistry that enhances the story's emotional depth," while IGN Italia and PlayStation Universe emphasize how their "real-life marital chemistry adds authenticity." The duo’s ability to convey intimacy and conflict through dialogue is frequently lauded, with GameRant praising their "genuine emotion and realistic dialogue" and GameSkinny noting their "chemistry and delivery elevate the narrative." Even in minimalistic scenarios, their performances anchor the story, as noted by GamesBeat, which highlights how their "intimacy and emotional depth" ground the narrative despite limited visual representation. However, some critics express reservations about the voice acting’s execution. Push Square criticizes the dialogue as "awkward and unnatural," arguing it undermines the story’s potential, while VideoGamer states that Howard and Gabel “fail to convey genuine emotion” despite their real-life connection. Others point to issues with the script itself, such as XboxEra, which notes that while the voice acting is strong, the "trope-filled and weak" dialogue detracts from its impact. Additionally, PC Gamer observes that the dialogue is "minimal and lacks substantial depth," and Gameblog.fr mentions subpar French subtitles that hinder immersion. These critiques suggest that while the actors deliver competent performances, the writing and translation challenges occasionally dilute their effectiveness. Overall, the consensus leans heavily toward appreciation for Howard and Gabel’s contributions, with most critics agreeing that their performances significantly enhance the game’s emotional resonance. While a minority of reviews point to flaws in dialogue delivery or script quality, the majority view their work as a standout element. GameInformer and Eurogamer Italy note that their voices "add emotional weight" to quiet moments, while New Game Network acknowledges their "strong performances" despite a weak script. The real-life chemistry of the duo is universally praised as a unique asset, with TheXboxHub and Meristation crediting it for adding "authenticity" to the narrative. Though not without its flaws, the voice acting in Maquette is widely regarded as a critical strength that elevates the game’s storytelling.

TL;DR

voice acting

Bryce Dallas Howard and Seth Gabel’s emotionally rich performances and real-life chemistry elevate Maquette’s narrative, though uneven dialogue and translation issues temper their impact.

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Maquette’s tech performance is a mixed bag: PS5 and Xbox Series X shine with smooth gameplay despite minor glitches, while PC and Switch struggle with control issues, frame drops, and bugs that hinder immersion. Despite creative brilliance, polish and optimization flaws across platforms dilute its potential, leaving players to navigate technical hurdles for a rewarding experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

84%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

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

The technical performance of Maquette across platforms shows a mix of strengths and weaknesses, with some platforms receiving more favorable remarks than others. On the PS5, critics like Push Square praised its near-locked 60fps performance, quick load times, and effective use of the DualSense features, highlighting smooth gameplay despite minor issues. The Xbox Series X version also fared well, with XboxEra noting "high resolution, consistent frame rates, and no bugs," while Xbox Tavern acknowledged only "minor glitches" that didn’t detract from the experience. For PC, some reviewers like PC Gamer mentioned "floaty first-person controls" but noted these were fixable, and GameCritics observed that framerate issues, though present, weren’t "deal-breaking." The PS4 version, as reviewed by New Game Network, ran smoothly despite minor text display stuttering, while the Nintendo Switch saw mixed feedback: Nintendo Life praised its smoothness but cited frame drops, and TouchArcade emphasized that technical issues were more pronounced on Switch than on PS5. However, the negatives across platforms reveal significant technical challenges. On the PS5, multiple critics like DarkStation, Easy Allies, and Everyeye.it highlighted persistent control issues, collision detection flaws, physics glitches, and critical bugs that disrupted gameplay, with GameGrin noting "occasional severe dips below 30FPS" despite visual appeal. The Xbox Series X faced criticism from TheXboxHub for "control issues during item manipulation" and awkward button schemes, while PC users encountered problems like "passing through walls" (TheGamer), "objects disappearing" (GameStar), and "finicky mechanics" (Gaming Nexus). The Nintendo Switch version was particularly problematic, with NintendoWorldReport citing "control lag, frame drops, and critical bugs," and TouchArcade calling it "more prominent than on PS5," suggesting a lack of optimization. Even the PS4 had its issues, as New Game Network noted a "control glitch in the final chapter" that temporarily disabled the pickup button. Overall, while Maquette’s technical performance varied by platform, the consensus leans toward it being a creatively ambitious game hindered by polish and stability issues. The Xbox Series X and PS5 versions received more balanced feedback, with some critics (like Push Square and XboxEra) praising their smoothness despite minor flaws. However, PC and Nintendo Switch users faced more significant hurdles, including glitches, control issues, and performance inconsistencies that detracted from the experience. Despite these challenges, many reviewers acknowledged the game’s artistic vision and puzzle design as strengths worth experiencing, even if technical shortcomings required patience or patches. The mixed reception underscores the importance of platform-specific optimization, with some versions clearly requiring more refinement to fully realize Maquette’s potential.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Maquette’s replay value is a mixed bag: while its clever puzzles, emotional story, and environmental variety entice some to revisit, critics panned its short length, repetitive mechanics, and lack of post-game content, calling it a one-time experience despite moments of brilliance.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

78%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

22%

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

The reviewers generally acknowledge some positive aspects of Maquette’s replay value, particularly its unique puzzle mechanics and emotional narrative. GameSpew highlights the “unique puzzle mechanics and emotional story” as potential reasons for players to revisit the game, while TheSixthAxis notes that the narrative and puzzles might encourage a second playthrough for some. IGN Italia and Multiplayer.it also point to trophies and speedrunning incentives as minor motivators, suggesting that completionists or those seeking challenges could engage with the game again. Additionally, Adventure Gamers and PC Gamer praise the game’s thematic impression and varied environments, which, despite their brevity, offer a distinct experience worth revisiting for certain players. These elements indicate that while Maquette is not designed for extensive replayability, its creative design and emotional core provide some appeal for dedicated fans. However, the majority of critics emphasize significant limitations in Maquette’s replay value. DarkStation, Game Rant, and Gamer.nl all criticize the game’s short runtime (2–5 hours) and repetitive mechanics, arguing that the puzzles lose their novelty quickly, leaving little incentive to play again. Hobby Consolas and Noisy Pixel specifically mention the lack of post-game content and environmental interaction as major drawbacks, while Metro GameCentral and Twinfinite note that the underdeveloped puzzles fail to offer depth for multiple playthroughs. IGN and PC Gamer further stress the linear structure and predictable narrative, which diminish long-term engagement. Even critics like Launcher and Adventure Gamers acknowledge that the game’s predictability and lack of evolving challenges reduce its replay appeal, despite occasional praise for its visuals or story. The overall consensus among reviewers is that Maquette’s replay value is limited by its short length, repetitive mechanics, and lack of substantial post-game content. While a few critics, such as GameSpew and TheSixthAxis, suggest that the narrative and puzzle design might encourage some players to revisit the game, most agree that these elements are not enough to overcome the core issues. IGN Italia and Multiplayer.it note that trophies provide minimal incentive, while DarkStation and Twinfinite explicitly state that the game is not designed for multiple playthroughs. Despite occasional praise for its creativity, the majority of critics view Maquette as a one-time experience, with its strengths in storytelling and mechanics overshadowed by its brevity and lack of depth. This suggests that while the game has moments of brilliance, its replayability remains constrained by its design choices.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

22%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

74%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall reception of Maquette highlights its strengths in creative puzzle mechanics, visual design, and emotional storytelling. Many critics praised its innovative concept, such as GamesBeat, which called it a “standout puzzle game that masterfully blends innovative mechanics with a poignant narrative,” comparing it to classics like Portal. TheGamer acknowledged the “intriguing” premise, while Nintendo Life noted its “strong narrative and voice acting.” The game’s abstract puzzle systems, described by Push Square as “fascinating” and “clever challenges,” were frequently highlighted as a standout feature. Additionally, its visual and musical aesthetics received widespread acclaim: Eurogamer Italy called it an “emotionally resonant experience with strong narrative and design,” and GameStar praised its “visually and musically beautiful” presentation. The emotional depth of the story, particularly its exploration of love and heartbreak, was also a recurring point of praise, with critics like NintendoWorldReport noting its “beautiful story” and “innovative mechanics.” However, several critics pointed to significant flaws that undermined the experience. TheGamer criticized the game for its “weak story,” “poor puzzle design,” and “technical instability,” while Adventure Gamers called it a “flawed experience” due to “narrative shortcomings” and “unengaging characters.” Twinfinite and VideoGamer highlighted issues with repetitive gameplay, clichéd storytelling, and technical hiccups, with the former noting its “cliché story” and the latter pointing to “weak narrative and voice acting.” Others, like New Game Network and Digitally Downloaded, argued that the game’s core mechanics felt underdeveloped, with the former calling it “incomplete and underwhelming” and the latter criticizing the disconnect between gameplay and story. Additionally, several reviewers, including NintendoWorldReport and GameStar, noted technical flaws such as “frustrating gameplay issues” and “unpredictable design,” which detracted from immersion. The game’s short runtime and pacing problems were also frequently mentioned, with some critics feeling it failed to fully realize its ambitious premise. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers leans toward a balanced but largely positive assessment. While many acknowledged significant flaws, several praised Maquette as a memorable, artistic experience Worth Playing. GamesBeat called it “a standout puzzle game” that redefines the genre, and Push Square noted its “enjoyable” nature for puzzle fans despite unmet potential. Meanwhile, critics like Nintendo Life and GameGrin emphasized its emotional impact and unique mechanics, even if they felt the narrative and gameplay were uneven. The divide between praise and criticism often hinged on personal preferences: some, like GamesBeat and Eurogamer Italy, saw it as a bold, emotionally resonant work, while others, such as TheGamer and Adventure Gamers, found it unfulfilling due to its execution. Ultimately, Maquette is viewed as a flawed but compelling title that succeeds in blending artistry with gameplay, leaving players with a bittersweet, thought-provoking experience despite its shortcomings.

TL;DR

Maquette is a bold, artistic puzzle game with innovative mechanics and emotional storytelling, praised for its creative design and poignant narrative—yet plagued by weak writing, repetitive gameplay, technical glitches, and underwhelming execution, leaving it as a flawed but compelling, bittersweet experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

86 reviews found

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Mar 1, 2021

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

Maquette is lauded as a unique, mind-bending experience with groundbreaking puzzle mechanics and a deeply emotional narrative. Despite minor technical issues, it stands out as a must-play title from Annapurna Interactive.

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Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Jul 20, 2023

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

Highly recommended for its innovative concept, smart puzzle design, and emotional narrative, with the reviewer expressing strong enthusiasm for the game.

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COGconnected

PlayStation 5

Mar 9, 2021

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

Maquette is a visually and musically stunning game with compelling puzzles, though its narrative struggles to maintain emotional consistency. The experience is ultimately satisfying despite flaws in pacing and gameplay mechanics.

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KeenGamer

PlayStation 5

Mar 8, 2021

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

Maquette is a poignant, emotionally driven experience with innovative puzzle mechanics and striking visuals. While its later puzzles falter and the runtime feels brief, the game's narrative depth and artistry make it a memorable, if imperfect, journey that lingers with players.

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GamesBeat

PlayStation 5

Mar 25, 2021

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

Maquette is a standout puzzle game that masterfully blends innovative mechanics with a poignant narrative. It redefines puzzle gameplay and leaves a lasting emotional impact, comparable to classics like Portal.

GamingBolt

PlayStation 5

Mar 3, 2021

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

Maquette is a concise, beautiful puzzle game with unique mechanics and a relatable love story. While the gameplay and story feel somewhat disconnected, its strengths in visuals, voice acting, and clever puzzles make it a worthwhile experience despite minor flaws.

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Screen Rant

PlayStation 5

Mar 1, 2021

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

Maquette is a bold, emotionally challenging puzzle game that prioritizes artistic vision over traditional gameplay. While it may not appeal to all players, its deep storytelling and unique mechanics offer a rewarding experience for those willing to engage with its themes.

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Guardian

Mar 7, 2021

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

Maquette is praised for its elegant, novel design and creative puzzles, particularly in its early stages. However, its ambitious concept feels underdeveloped, with the experience feeling brief despite its imaginative potential.

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TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

Mar 1, 2021

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

Maquette is praised for its creative puzzle design, visual style, and emotional storytelling, though it suffers from platforming flaws and technical hiccups. It offers a unique experience that balances innovation with minor shortcomings.

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Worth Playing

Mar 12, 2021

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

Maquette is praised for its fresh puzzle mechanics, dreamlike atmosphere, and relatable story, despite minor flaws. It serves as a concise, enjoyable experience that stands out in the indie scene.

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