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Mato Anomalies

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

2023

GenresAdventure, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Visual Novel, Anime and JRPG, Strategy, Mystery, Single Player

AvailableMar 10, 2023

PlatformNintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC

DeveloperArrowiz

Overview

Mato Anomalies is a turn-based RPG that takes players on a journey across Mato, a fantasized neo-futuristic version of a bygone oriental city. Take control of the Dual Protagonists Doe and Gram to investigate strange anomalies around the city, or venture into rifts to battle demonic abominations determined to bring about the city's downfall. Team up with unlikely companions and unravel the dark secrets in this story of Duty, Hope and Justice.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Mato Anomalies boasts a compelling cyberpunk-noir narrative rich in themes like corporate greed and class inequality, earning praise for its intriguing premise and character depth. However, critics lambast its convoluted storytelling and pacing issues, finding the execution muddled and emotionally flat. Overall, it's a mixed bag: ambitious but often confusing, leaving players divided on its impact.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

30%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

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

The story of Mato Anomalies has garnered a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting its intriguing premise and rich thematic elements. Reviewers such as Eurogamer Germany and IGN France commend the game for its unique blend of cyberpunk and noir settings, with Eurogamer noting the moral dilemmas and corporate greed that permeate its narrative. Critics like Shacknews and Twinfinite also found the story compelling and engaging, with well-written characters that add depth to the experience. Furthermore, the game is recognized for its exploration of significant themes, such as class inequality and corruption, as mentioned by SomosXbox and PSX Brasil, which resonate with contemporary societal issues. However, the narrative's execution has faced substantial criticism, with many reviewers pointing out its convoluted and confusing storytelling. Critics from Multiplayer.it and Checkpoint Gaming express concerns over the pacing and structure of the narrative, citing long dialogues and abrupt shifts that detract from the overall experience. The lack of clarity and depth in character development is also a recurring theme, with GameGrin and Digitally Downloaded noting that the characters fail to evoke strong emotional connections. Additionally, several critics, including Gamersky and God is a Geek, highlight the story's tendency to become overly dense and filled with excessive themes, making it difficult for players to stay engaged. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Mato Anomalies presents an ambitious and thematically rich narrative, it struggles with coherence and clarity. Many reviewers appreciate the potential of its world-building and character arcs, as noted by PSX Brasil and Hey Poor Player, yet the execution often leaves much to be desired. The game is seen as a mixed bag, where the intriguing elements are overshadowed by convoluted storytelling and pacing issues, leading to a narrative experience that may not resonate with all players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Mato Anomalies features an engaging turn-based combat system and innovative "Mind Hacking" mechanics that critics initially praise for their strategy and uniqueness. However, the gameplay suffers from repetitiveness and dull level design, leading to a monotonous experience. While the game's concept is intriguing, its execution ultimately falls short, leaving players craving more depth and variety. Overall, it's a mixed bag that may appeal to some but disappoints others.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

80%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

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

The gameplay of Mato Anomalies has garnered some positive feedback from various critics, particularly regarding its turn-based combat system and the unique dual gameplay mechanics. Reviewers like RPG Fan noted that the game offers a "robust and enjoyable" experience, highlighting the engaging nature of the combat and exploration segments. The combat system, which includes shared health bars and cooldowns, has been praised for adding a layer of strategy, as mentioned by Shacknews and PlayStation Universe. Critics also appreciated the innovative "Mind Hacking" card mechanic, which introduces a fresh twist to the gameplay, allowing players to influence NPCs through a card-based mini-game, as highlighted by Everyeye.it and PSX Brasil. However, the gameplay is not without its drawbacks, as many reviewers pointed out significant issues that detract from the overall experience. A recurring theme in the critiques is the repetitiveness of both exploration and combat. Eurogamer Germany and IGN France noted that while the combat is initially engaging, it becomes monotonous over time, with simplistic level design and predictable enemy encounters. Critics like Multiplayer.it and Nintendo Life echoed this sentiment, describing the dungeons as lacking variety and the combat as dull and clunky. Additionally, the exploration phases were criticized for being linear and uninteresting, with many reviewers mentioning the tediousness of backtracking and the lack of interactivity in the environments. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Mato Anomalies presents an intriguing concept with its blend of detective work and turn-based combat, but it ultimately falls short in execution. While some aspects, such as the combat mechanics and character progression, are well-received, the game suffers from repetitiveness and a lack of depth, making it feel unremarkable in comparison to its peers. Critics like CGMagazine and Wccftech emphasized that the gameplay, while built on solid foundations, becomes monotonous and fails to deliver the excitement and complexity expected from a title in this genre. As a result, Mato Anomalies appears to be a mixed bag, appealing to some players while leaving others wanting more.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Mato Anomalies dazzles with its vibrant cyberpunk aesthetic and unique comic book style, drawing praise for its immersive city of Mato. However, critics slam the game for stiff character models, repetitive NPC patterns, and performance issues that hinder immersion. While the ambitious visuals have potential, a lack of polish and variety leaves much to be desired. Overall, it’s a mixed bag—stunning at a glance but flawed upon closer inspection.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

36%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The visual design of Mato Anomalies has garnered praise from several critics for its vibrant and engaging aesthetic. Eurogamer Germany highlights the game's vibrant cyberpunk aesthetic, noting well-crafted environments and character designs. IGN France echoes this sentiment, describing the visual design as striking, with a blend of futuristic and Chinese-inspired elements, particularly praising the beautifully crafted city of Mato adorned with holograms and neon lights. Critics like COGconnected and Gamersky also commend the game's ambitious and unique visual presentation, with COGconnected appreciating the lovingly realized cyberpunk city and Gamersky noting its quality comparable to some AA titles. The comic book presentation style, as mentioned by Shacknews and GameGrin, adds a creative flair that enhances the storytelling aspect of the game. Despite the positive remarks, several critics have pointed out significant shortcomings in the graphics and visual design of Mato Anomalies. Many reviewers, such as PSX Brasil and SpazioGames, mention issues with character models, describing them as stiff, unattractive, and lacking variety. Critics like IGN Spain and CGMagazine note the repetitive nature of NPC patterns and the overall lack of variation in the city’s design. Additionally, some reviewers, including Digitally Downloaded and Hey Poor Player, criticize the performance issues and disjointed transitions between different visual styles, which detract from the immersive experience. The presence of static NPCs and empty areas, as highlighted by IGN France, also breaks immersion and contributes to a sense of blandness in certain environments. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the graphics and visual design of Mato Anomalies is mixed. While there is a general appreciation for the game's unique art style and the vibrant city of Mato, many reviewers emphasize the need for more polish and variety in character models and environments. Critics like Push Square and RPGamer express disappointment over the lack of depth in NPC designs and animations, which ultimately impacts the overall experience. The game’s ambitious visual presentation is acknowledged, but the recurring themes of repetition and performance issues suggest that while Mato Anomalies has a strong foundation, it falls short of fully realizing its visual potential.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Mato Anomalies boasts an immersive soundtrack blending futuristic sounds, jazz, and Cantopop, earning praise for its atmosphere and voice acting. Critics commend the haunting tunes and solid sound design, but some flag inconsistencies and repetitive voice lines that detract from the experience. Overall, while the audio elements are strong, they need refinement to fully engage players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

32%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Mato Anomalies have received a generally positive reception among critics, highlighting the game's ability to create an immersive atmosphere. Reviewers like Eurogamer Germany and The Games Machine praised the soundtrack for its unique blend of futuristic sounds, jazz, and Cantopop, which enhances the overall ambiance of the game. IGN Spain and GameGrin echoed this sentiment, noting the captivating music and well-executed voice acting across multiple languages. Additionally, several critics, including COGconnected and TheXboxHub, appreciated the haunting tunes and solid sound design that contribute to the game's overall experience, suggesting that the audio elements effectively complement the game's themes. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the sound design and music that detract from the overall experience. PSX Brasil pointed out inconsistencies in the sound design, with some moments feeling amateurish, particularly during combat. Critics like Shacknews and COGconnected mentioned that the repetitive voice lines during battles can become annoying, which diminishes the impact of the otherwise well-crafted voice acting. Furthermore, some critics, such as RPGamer, found the music to be forgettable and lacking in memorable themes, which is an important aspect in a genre that typically thrives on strong musical hooks. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Mato Anomalies features a strong soundtrack and competent voice acting, it suffers from inconsistencies and repetitive elements that can detract from the experience. Reviewers like PlayStation Universe and Wccftech acknowledged the quality of the music and voice work but also noted issues with localization and combat audio. The mixed feedback suggests that while the game has a solid foundation in sound design and music, it could benefit from refinement to elevate these elements further, ensuring a more cohesive and engaging auditory experience for players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Mato Anomalies' voice acting is praised for its execution in multiple languages and strong performances enhancing storytelling. However, critics point out inconsistencies, with some amateurish performances and repetitive dialogue, especially during combat. Overall, it's a mixed bag—good but needing improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Mato Anomalies has garnered a generally positive reception among critics, with many praising its execution across multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Japanese. IGN Spain highlighted the well-executed voice performances, while Checkpoint Gaming noted that the voice acting fits the game’s setting effectively. Additionally, RPG Fan and Shacknews both emphasized the quality of the English voice acting, suggesting that it contributes positively to the overall experience. Critics like GameGrin also pointed out the strong voice work during cinematic moments, indicating that the performances enhance the storytelling aspect of the game. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the voice acting in Mato Anomalies. PlayStation Universe mentioned that while the voice acting is good, it could have been utilized more effectively during lengthy dialogue scenes. PSX Brasil pointed out a disparity in quality, with some performances feeling amateurish, particularly during combat scenarios. COGconnected echoed this sentiment, stating that while some English voices are solid, the constant dialogue during battles can become overwhelming. RPGamer also criticized the voice acting for becoming repetitive and grating, indicating that not all aspects of the voice work were well-received. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while the voice acting in Mato Anomalies has its strengths, particularly in terms of execution and language variety, it is marred by inconsistencies in quality and effectiveness. The positive remarks from critics like IGN Spain and Checkpoint Gaming are balanced by concerns raised by others, such as PSX Brasil and RPGamer, regarding the amateurish performances and repetitive dialogue. This mixed reception suggests that while the voice acting contributes to the game’s narrative, there is room for improvement, particularly in the context of combat and lengthy dialogue exchanges.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Mato Anomalies shines on PS5 and Xbox Series X with stable performance and smooth gameplay, receiving praise for its technical execution. However, the Nintendo Switch version falters dramatically, plagued by frame rate drops, audio issues, and glitches, leading to a disappointing experience. The disparity highlights the need for better optimization on the Switch to match its more powerful counterparts.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

21%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

36%

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

The technical performance of Mato Anomalies varies significantly across different gaming platforms, with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X receiving generally positive feedback. Critics like IGN France highlight the game's stability on PS5, praising it for its performance and support for ultrawide screens. Similarly, SpazioGames noted that the game runs smoothly with only minor frame rate drops and a single crash over extensive gameplay. On Xbox Series X, Everyeye.it reported a stable 60 frames per second, with only occasional drops during intense combat, and SomosXbox echoed this sentiment, stating that the game performs well without noticeable bugs. The PC version also received positive remarks from Wccftech, who noted smooth performance without major issues. In contrast, the Nintendo Switch version of Mato Anomalies has garnered a more critical reception. Eurogamer Germany pointed out significant performance issues, including frame rate drops and audio problems, while Digitally Downloaded described frame rate jitters that made gameplay uncomfortable. Hey Poor Player expressed disappointment with the performance, citing fluctuations and choppiness, and although Nintenduo mentioned that the game maintained stable performance overall, they still acknowledged occasional minor frame rate issues. Critics like Nintendo Life and Nintenderos noted glitches and freezing, indicating that the Switch version struggles compared to its counterparts. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests a clear divide in performance across platforms. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X versions are praised for their stability and smooth gameplay, while the Nintendo Switch version is criticized for its technical shortcomings. Critics like PSX Brasil and ZTGD have pointed out that even though the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions are enjoyable, some aspects feel unpolished. This disparity highlights the importance of platform optimization, with the Switch version needing significant improvements to match the experience offered on more powerful systems. As a result, while Mato Anomalies shows promise, its performance varies greatly depending on the platform, with the Switch version falling short of expectations.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Mato Anomalies garners mixed reviews on replay value. On the positive side, it features varied difficulty modes, an auto-combat option, and a solid 30-hour playtime, which some critics find appealing. However, many highlight major flaws: repetitive gameplay, linearity, excessive grinding, and a weak narrative dampen its replayability. While its story and character development shine, critics warn that these strengths aren't enough to outweigh the game's significant shortcomings, leading to a cautious recommendation for genre fans, but not much incentive for multiple playthroughs.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

18%

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

The opinions of various critics regarding the replay value of Mato Anomalies present a mixed bag of sentiments, with some positive aspects highlighted. For instance, IGN Spain notes the inclusion of different difficulty modes and an auto-combat feature, which can enhance the experience for players who prefer exploration and dialogue over combat. Additionally, Nintenderos mentions that the game has a commendable length of around 30 hours, suggesting that it offers a substantial experience for fans of the genre. Critics like Nintenduo also point out that the game includes additional content to unlock, which may provide some incentive for players to revisit the game, especially if they enjoy the combat and side missions. However, several reviews point to significant drawbacks that may hinder the game's replayability. Eurogamer Germany emphasizes that the lack of variety in gameplay elements could lead to a monotonous experience, while PSX Brasil mentions that linear paths and repetitive mechanics could limit the potential for replayability. Checkpoint Gaming criticizes the excessive grinding and the absence of a strong narrative, which may discourage players from returning to the game. Furthermore, Gamersky and Wccftech echo similar sentiments, with both noting a lack of engaging content and innovation, which are crucial for enticing players to replay the game. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Mato Anomalies has some redeeming qualities, such as its engaging story and character development, these are overshadowed by significant limitations in gameplay variety and depth. Critics like TheXboxHub recommend the game for its narrative strength but still acknowledge that it does not possess high replayability. The general sentiment leans towards a cautious recommendation, with many reviewers indicating that the game may not be compelling enough to warrant multiple playthroughs, despite its potential appeal to genre enthusiasts.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

12%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

80%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

Mato Anomalies has garnered a mix of praise from critics, particularly for its intriguing narrative and ambitious blend of genres. Reviewers like IGN Spain and TheXboxHub highlight the game's captivating atmosphere and strong storytelling, suggesting that it offers a unique experience that could resonate well with fans of visual novels and JRPGs. The combat system, while criticized by some, is noted as a strong point by others, such as Digitally Downloaded, who emphasize its potential despite the game's shortcomings. Additionally, the visual novel component has been recognized as a solid aspect, with critics like Twinfinite appreciating the engaging story that accompanies the gameplay. However, the game is marred by numerous execution issues that have led to a generally negative reception. Critics like Eurogamer Germany and Multiplayer.it point out that Mato Anomalies suffers from an identity crisis, struggling to effectively blend its various gameplay mechanics. The localization and performance issues, particularly on the Switch, have also been highlighted as significant drawbacks. Many reviewers, including PlayStation Universe and Nintendo Life, have criticized the repetitive combat and lack of depth in character development, with some even questioning the game's value for its price. The consensus among critics indicates that while the game has interesting ideas, it often fails to deliver a satisfying overall experience. Overall, the sentiment surrounding Mato Anomalies is one of disappointment tempered by appreciation for its ambition. Critics such as God is a Geek and RPGamer recognize the game's potential but ultimately conclude that it does not fully realize its ambitions due to various flaws in execution. While some reviewers, like Hey Poor Player and SomosXbox, find merit in its unique approach and recommend it to genre fans, the majority suggest that the game may only appeal to a niche audience. The consensus is clear: Mato Anomalies presents a promising concept but struggles to stand out in a crowded genre, leaving many players wanting more from their experience.

TL;DR

Mato Anomalies impresses with its intriguing narrative and unique genre blend, winning some praise for its atmosphere and storytelling. However, it suffers from execution issues, including an identity crisis, localization problems, and repetitive combat, leading to a mixed reception. While it shows potential, critics largely agree it falls short of delivering a satisfying experience, appealing mainly to niche fans rather than the broader audience.

MONSTER

Reviews

52 reviews found

SomosXbox

Xbox Series X

Mar 10, 2023

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

Mato Anomalies offers a unique and interesting gameplay experience with a narrative that explores themes not commonly seen in the genre. It is a challenging game with layers of depth that will appeal to fans of visual novels and JRPGs.

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TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Mar 20, 2023

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

The game is praised for its cohesive blend of different genres, strong story, interesting characters, and enjoyable gameplay. It is recommended despite feeling slightly padded to extend the run time.

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Hey Poor Player

Nintendo Switch

Mar 9, 2023

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

Despite the performance issues, Mato Anomalies is a standout JRPG that offers a refreshing and accessible experience. It is recommended for both genre fans and newcomers.

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Nintenderos

Nintendo Switch

Mar 27, 2023

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

Mato Anomalies is a pure and innovative role-playing game with an interesting mix of genres, but its repetitive combat and simple dungeon design may not appeal to all players.

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Wccftech

Mar 10, 2023

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

Mato Anomalies is a compelling experience with an engaging story, charming characters, and solid RPG mechanics. It is recommended for role-playing game fans, especially fans of the Persona series.

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RPG Fan

PlayStation 5

Apr 3, 2023

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

The game starts strong but falters towards the end, making it a frustrating experience despite its solid gameplay and presentation.

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COGconnected

Apr 3, 2023

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

If you're in the mood for biting social commentary and atmospheric dystopian cyberpunk, play Mato Anomalies. Otherwise, you can safely skip this title.

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GameGrin

Mar 22, 2023

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

The review states that Mato Anomalies is a good game with a few negatives, and recommends it to fans of futuristic neo-noir games.

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PSX Brasil

PlayStation 5

Apr 24, 2023

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

Mato Anomalies is an interesting RPG that, despite its limitations and frustrations, offers a compelling narrative and innovative combat elements. It is recommended during promotions rather than at full price.

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Shacknews

PlayStation 5

Mar 10, 2023

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

Mato Anomalies has a compelling story and interesting combat system, but is held back by repetitive annoyances and lack of enemy variety.

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