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MONSTER

OFF

2025

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Horror, Puzzle and Logic, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Anime and JRPG, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableAug 15, 2025

PlatformPC

DeveloperMortisGhost

Overview

The player is tasked with controlling the Batter and guiding him on his quest to "purify" the world of spirits. The player must take the Batter through the various Zones, collect battle partners, solve puzzles and partake in turn-based Active Time Battles in order to get to the source of the impurity.

Elsewhere

8.4

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

OFF is a critically acclaimed indie game praised for its surreal narrative and exploration of deep themes like purification and existentialism, engaging players with its unique world and characterizations. While some find its abstract and atmospheric storytelling confusing, leading to potential alienation, most reviewers celebrate its thought-provoking content and emotional depth, marking it as a standout title that sparks reflection and discussion in the gaming community.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

95%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of OFF has garnered significant praise from a majority of critics, who highlight its thought-provoking and surreal narrative. Critics like CGMagazine and Final Weapon commend the game for exploring profound themes such as purification and existentialism through its protagonist, The Batter. The narrative's ability to break the fourth wall and engage players in a world filled with unsettling elements is seen as a major strength. Reviewers such as Checkpoint Gaming and GamingTrend appreciate the clever twists and the emotional resonance of the story, emphasizing its capacity to prompt players to reflect on their actions and the broader implications of the game's themes. The rich world-building and unique characterizations, noted by critics like ElDesmarque and Noisy Pixel, further enhance the game's appeal, making it a standout in the indie gaming landscape. Despite the overall acclaim, some critics have pointed out that the narrative can be abstract and confusing, which may alienate certain players. RPGamer and RPG Fan mention that the story often prioritizes atmosphere over a coherent plot, leading to a lack of clarity regarding character motivations and the overarching narrative. This intentional ambiguity, while intriguing to many, can leave players with more questions than answers, as highlighted by GameWatcher and RPG Site. Critics like Shacknews and Try Hard Guides also note the unsettling nature of the story, which, while impactful, may not resonate with everyone due to its darker themes and surreal elements. Overall, the consensus among critics is that OFF presents a compelling and unique narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The majority of reviewers appreciate its depth and the way it encourages personal interpretation, as seen in the opinions of Loot Level Chill and Vandal. The game's ability to evoke contemplation and discussion among players is a testament to its narrative strength, with many critics agreeing that its surreal storytelling and rich thematic content contribute to a lasting impact. While some may find the abstract nature of the plot challenging, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards admiration for its creativity and emotional depth, solidifying OFF's place as a significant title in the indie gaming scene.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

OFF's gameplay is a nostalgic blend of engaging turn-based RPG mechanics and puzzles, praised for exploration and quality-of-life improvements in its remaster. However, critics point out repetitive combat, confusing puzzles, and balance issues that may frustrate players, making it a mixed bag for those seeking depth and modern gameplay.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of OFF has garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly for its engaging turn-based RPG mechanics and puzzle-solving elements. Critics like CGMagazine and Final Weapon highlight the traditional turn-based combat system, noting its immersive nature and the emphasis on exploration and environmental clues. The remastered version has been recognized for introducing quality-of-life improvements, as pointed out by Gameliner and RPG Fan, which enhance the overall experience. Unique features, such as the non-personified allies described by ElDesmarque and the strategic decision-making required in combat mentioned by Gameliner, add depth to the gameplay, making it more engaging for players who appreciate classic RPG elements. However, several reviewers have pointed out significant drawbacks in the gameplay. Critics like Digital Chumps and GamingTrend noted that while the puzzles are engaging, they can also be confusing and sometimes detract from the overall experience. The combat system has been described as repetitive and lacking depth by multiple critics, including Checkpoint Gaming and IGN, with some reviewers feeling that it doesn't stand out as exceptional. Additionally, the absence of an autobattle feature, as mentioned by Digital Chumps, and balance issues in combat, highlighted by Hey Poor Player, contribute to a sense of frustration for some players, particularly in the late game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while OFF offers a nostalgic and engaging gameplay experience reminiscent of classic JRPGs, it is marred by repetitive elements and a lack of depth in combat mechanics. Critics like GameGrin and RPGamer emphasize that the puzzles and exploration aspects are strong points, but the combat system does not appeal to everyone, particularly those seeking a more modern or complex gameplay experience. The remaster has certainly improved aspects of the game, as noted by Shacknews and Try Hard Guides, but the gameplay ultimately remains a blend of engaging moments and notable shortcomings that may not satisfy all players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics praise OFF's unique pixel art and color contrasts for creating a haunting atmosphere that enhances its narrative and psychological horror elements. While some find the simplistic designs reminiscent of early RPG Maker games lacking polish, most agree that this retro aesthetic is a defining and charming feature that sets the game apart in the indie scene.

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 reviews of OFF's graphics and visual design reveal a strong appreciation for its unique aesthetic and atmospheric qualities. Critics like CGMagazine and ElDesmarque highlight the effectiveness of the pixel art in conveying a creepy and unsettling atmosphere, which is a core aspect of the game's identity. The use of color is frequently praised, with GameGrin and GamesRadar+ noting how bright monotone colors and stark contrasts create a visually engaging experience. Additionally, the simplistic yet charming designs, as mentioned by Digital Chumps and RPGamer, contribute to the game's distinctive and memorable world. Overall, the visuals are seen as a key element that enhances the narrative and psychological horror aspects of the game. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the visuals, particularly concerning their simplicity and lack of polish. Checkpoint Gaming and Loot Level Chill point out that the graphics can be basic and reminiscent of early RPG Maker games, which might not appeal to all players. Critics like Oyungezer and Shacknews express concerns that the simplistic designs, while unique, may lack the detail and refinement that some players might expect from modern indie titles. Shacknews also mentions a conflict between the new colorful art assets and the game's darker tone, which could detract from the overall atmosphere for some players. In summary, the overall consensus among critics is that OFF's graphics and visual design successfully create a haunting and surreal atmosphere that aligns well with the game's themes. While the simplistic and retro aesthetic may not resonate with everyone, it is widely regarded as a defining feature that contributes to the game's charm and uniqueness. Critics such as RPG Fan and Noisy Pixel emphasize that the distinctive visual style effectively enhances the game's narrative, solidifying OFF's place as a memorable experience in the indie gaming landscape.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics praise OFF's remastered soundtrack for its emotional depth and atmospheric enhancement, thanks to Toby Fox’s compositions. However, many express disappointment over the loss of the original's unique unsettling qualities, with concerns about repetitiveness and a softer tone in the new tracks. While the remaster has its strengths, nostalgia for the original's charm lingers, highlighting a bittersweet evolution in the game's audio experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

67%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The reviews regarding the sound design and music of OFF highlight several positive aspects that critics unanimously appreciate. Many reviewers, such as CGMagazine and Final Weapon, emphasize the contribution of Toby Fox, whose compositions are noted for enhancing the game's atmosphere and emotional depth. Critics like Digital Chumps and GamingTrend commend the remastered soundtrack for its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, with unique themes for different zones that align well with the game's unsettling narrative. The sound design is also praised for its effectiveness in complementing the game’s tonal shifts, as noted by GameWatcher, who highlights the exceptional use of subtle audio cues to enrich character interactions and the overall eerie ambiance. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the remastered soundtrack, particularly concerning the loss of the original's distinct qualities. Critics like Shacknews and RPGamer express disappointment that the new music, while good, tends to soften the unsettling atmosphere that the original soundtrack effectively conveyed. Some reviewers, such as ElDesmarque and IGN, point out that although the new tracks capture the essence of the original, they lack the specific low-tech flavor that fans cherished. Additionally, there are mentions of repetitiveness in the battle music, as highlighted by GameGrin, which detracts from the overall auditory experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while the remastered soundtrack and sound design of OFF have received praise for their emotional depth and atmospheric contributions, there is a palpable sense of nostalgia and longing for the original's unique qualities. Critics like GamesRadar and RPG Fan acknowledge that both soundtracks have their strengths, yet many agree that the new music does not fully replicate the original's coherence and unsettling charm. Despite these mixed feelings, the remaster's contributions from notable composers, including Toby Fox, have generally been well-received, indicating a successful but imperfect evolution of the game's audio landscape.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The OFF remaster for PC has received mixed reviews; while critics praise its polish, smooth gameplay, and accessibility, issues like item-related crashes and poor Spanish translations raise concerns. Some argue it feels more like a port with minimal modernization, indicating that despite notable improvements, the remaster still has significant flaws and needs further refinement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

75%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of OFF, particularly on PC, has garnered a mix of opinions from various critics. On the positive side, several reviewers highlight the remaster's improvements and overall polish. Digital Chumps notes that the remaster is accessible for modern players, while Final Weapon emphasizes the enhancements in technical aspects that ensure smooth gameplay and a better user interface. GamesRadar+ describes the remake as slick and easier to play, indicating a generally favorable technical performance. Furthermore, RPG Fan mentions the remaster's polish, suggesting improvements over the original, and RPG Site implies stability and accessibility, reinforcing the notion that the game runs well on PC. However, not all feedback is positive. Hey Poor Player raises concerns about technical issues, specifically mentioning crashes when using certain items, although a patch is in the works to address these problems. Loot Level Chill takes a more critical stance, describing the remaster as a port with little modernization, which implies that technical performance may not see significant improvements. Additionally, Vandal points out issues with the Spanish translation quality, which could detract from the overall experience for players who rely on that localization. These criticisms highlight that while there are notable improvements, there are still areas where the remaster falls short. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of OFF on PC is mixed. While many reviewers, such as Digital Chumps and Final Weapon, praise the remaster for its enhancements and smooth gameplay, concerns about crashes and a lack of modernization, as raised by Hey Poor Player and Loot Level Chill, indicate that the remaster is not without its flaws. The presence of ongoing issues, such as the need for patches and translation concerns, suggests that while the remaster has made strides in technical performance, it still has room for improvement.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics largely praise the replay value of the remastered OFF, citing its engaging narrative and new content that entice both newcomers and veterans. Enhanced areas, bosses, and multiple endings boost replayability. However, some reviewers argue the game's simplicity and lack of new endings limit its depth, making replay value subjective. Overall, while OFF offers incentives for exploration, its replay potential may not satisfy all players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

75%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of OFF is largely positive, with many critics highlighting the engaging narrative and the introduction of new content in the remaster as significant factors that enhance replayability. CGMagazine notes that the remaster's additional content makes the game appealing to both new and returning players. Similarly, Final Weapon and Gameliner emphasize the strong incentives for replay due to the new areas and bosses, which encourage exploration and discovery. Digital Chumps also points out the multiple endings and secret bosses as elements that promote replay, suggesting that players will find value in revisiting the game to uncover all its secrets. Critics like Shacknews and RPGamer further support this notion by mentioning the enhancements made in the remaster that cater to both newcomers and fans of the original. However, there are notable critiques regarding the limitations of replay value. GamingTrend describes the replayability as average, suggesting that the postgame content does not significantly enhance the original experience. Vandal echoes this sentiment by pointing out that while the game encourages exploration and offers a unique narrative, the simplicity of gameplay may restrict its replay potential. Additionally, some critics, such as GamesRadar+, acknowledge that while there are optional bosses and challenges, the absence of new endings may deter players from replaying the game multiple times. Noisy Pixel also mentions that the overall experience may not appeal to everyone, indicating that the replay value might be subjective. In conclusion, while the consensus among critics leans towards a favorable view of the replay value in OFF, there are mixed feelings about its depth and longevity. Most reviewers agree that the remaster introduces enough new content and challenges to warrant a replay, with CGMagazine and Shacknews highlighting the appeal for both new and returning players. However, the concerns raised by critics like GamingTrend and Vandal about the game's simplicity and limited postgame enhancements suggest that the replay value may not be as robust as some players might hope. Overall, OFF is seen as a game that offers enough incentive for exploration and engagement, but its replayability may vary depending on individual player preferences.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

78%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment among critics regarding OFF is overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its unique storytelling, engaging gameplay, and artistic design. CGMagazine describes the game as a "thrilling and mind-bending experience," while Digital Chumps highlights its emotional impact and the successful enhancement of the remaster. Critics like ElDesmarque and Final Weapon echo this sentiment, emphasizing that OFF stands out in the RPG genre due to its compelling narrative and gameplay. The game's surreal atmosphere and thematic depth are frequently noted, with GameGrin stating that its strengths outweigh minor issues, and GamesRadar+ calling it a "cult classic" that appeals to fans of indie RPGs, particularly those who enjoyed Undertale. Despite the acclaim, some critics point out notable shortcomings that may affect the overall experience. For instance, GamingTrend mentions basic gameplay mechanics, while Hey Poor Player highlights frustrating puzzles and combat balance issues. Noisy Pixel and Oyungezer also acknowledge limitations in combat and the soundtrack, suggesting that these aspects may detract from the immersive experience. Critics like Loot Level Chill note that while OFF remains impactful, it may not resonate as strongly with modern audiences, indicating a potential disconnect between the game's original charm and contemporary gaming standards. Overall, the consensus among critics is that OFF is a must-play title for RPG enthusiasts, celebrated for its artistic ambition and narrative depth. Many reviewers, such as Shacknews and Try Hard Guides, emphasize its historical significance and encourage players to engage with its complexities. While some minor gameplay issues are acknowledged, the majority of critics agree that the remaster enhances the original experience, making it a worthwhile adventure. As Vandal succinctly puts it, OFF is highly recommended for fans of unique indie games, solidifying its status as a significant and memorable entry in the RPG genre.

TL;DR

Critics rave about OFF, praising its unique storytelling, emotional depth, and artistic design, calling it a must-play for RPG fans. While some note shortcomings like basic mechanics and frustrating puzzles, the remaster enhances the experience. Overall, OFF is celebrated as a cult classic that stands out in the indie RPG scene, recommended for those who appreciate its complexity and charm.

MONSTER

Reviews

50 reviews found

Digital Chumps

Aug 15, 2025