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MONSTER

Park Beyond

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Park Beyond
Item: Park Beyond
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresSimulation, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableJun 16, 2023

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperLimbic Entertainment

Overview

In Park Beyond players can create the park of their dreams, without being held back by gravity! As the newly-hired visionary architect for a struggling company, players will be able to create mind-twisting theme parks. Players can create rides they have always dreamt about but that couldn’t exist in real life. Along with Phil, the enthusiastic park veteran and Izzy, the stern but friendly executive and a host of other colorful and passionate characters, players will pave the way to a successful and profitable park company. Thanks to accessible controls and a story-driven campaign mode, players will get to learn the ropes of park management and build increasingly crazy rides and modular coasters.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Park Beyond's story impresses with engaging storytelling and imaginative elements, praised by many for its creative premise and fun characters. Some critics found the narrative lacking engagement, feeling more like a tutorial. Overall, the game strikes a balance, offering an enjoyable narrative experience with a unique theme park-building twist.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Story of Park Beyond has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its engaging and imaginative storytelling. Critics like Windows Central and Vandal highlighted the creative premise of the game, where players take on the role of developing their dream theme park with unique elements like 'impossification'. GGRecon and TheSixthAxis appreciated the fun cast of characters and personable story, adding depth to the gameplay experience. Eurogamer Poland and Multiplayer.it commended the well-written dialogue and entertaining cutscenes that immerse players in the campaign mode. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about the story aspect of Park Beyond. PC Gamer and God is a Geek found the narrative lacking engagement, with PC Gamer describing the campaign mode as feeling like a long tutorial. Games.cz mentioned that while the campaign had a strong start, it transitioned into tutorial-like missions, potentially impacting the overall storytelling experience. IGN Italia and GameSpew noted that the story served more as a tutorial for new players rather than a deeply engaging narrative, which could be a drawback for those seeking a more immersive storytelling experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of the Story of Park Beyond. The game's creative and imaginative approach to storytelling, along with its engaging cast of characters, has resonated well with many reviewers. While some critics raised concerns about the depth of the narrative and its transition into tutorial-like missions, the majority of reviewers appreciated the unique premise of building and managing theme parks in a story-driven campaign mode. Park Beyond seems to strike a balance between offering an entertaining narrative experience and providing players with the necessary guidance to navigate the game mechanics effectively.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Park Beyond offers a mix of traditional gameplay and innovative features, praised for deep customization and creative freedom in building theme parks. Critics highlight engaging management mechanics and challenges, but also point out drawbacks like frustrating goals and limited possibilities. Despite some criticisms, the game provides a fun and engaging experience, with room for improvement in addressing glitches and enhancing gameplay depth. Overall, Park Beyond appeals to fans of amusement park management games with its unique mechanics and strategic decision-making opportunities.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

61%

Mixed (50-79)

39%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Park Beyond are varied and offer a comprehensive look at the game's strengths. Several reviewers praise the game for its deep customization options, creative freedom in building roller coasters, and engaging management mechanics. Critics like Windows Central and Hobby Consolas highlight the focus on customization and creativity, with tools for building rides and managing park elements, offering challenges in the campaign mode, and a sandbox mode for full control. Additionally, reviewers such as Atomix and Eurogamer Poland appreciate the clear tutorials and challenges provided for both newcomers and experienced players, emphasizing the balance between attractions, shops, and food stalls to ensure profitability. On the flip side, some critics point out certain drawbacks in the gameplay experience of Park Beyond. Reviewers like Game Informer and GameGrin mention frustrating forced goals, dull busywork, and a difficulty spike in the campaign mode, which can detract from the overall enjoyment. Moreover, GameStar and GamesHub criticize the limited possibilities and strange approach to in-game micromanagement in both Sandbox and Campaign modes, indicating potential areas for improvement in terms of gameplay depth and mechanics. Shacknews also highlights issues with glitches in the building tools, coaster editor, and path placement, as well as the tedious and time-consuming process of Impossification, which may hinder the player's experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Park Beyond offers a mix of traditional gameplay elements and innovative features, providing players with a fun and engaging experience in building and managing their own theme park. While the game excels in its deep customization options, creative freedom, and unique mechanics like Impossification, there are areas that could be improved, such as addressing glitches, enhancing gameplay depth, and balancing the economic aspects with the creative side of the game. Despite some criticisms, the majority of reviewers appreciate the game's focus on amusement park management, strategic decision-making, and the ability to create unconventional attractions, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Park Beyond's graphics and visual design in the game have sparked mixed reviews. Positive feedback praises its vibrant and whimsical aesthetics, while negative remarks focus on graphical glitches, crashes, and performance issues. Critics highlight the game's colorful style and attention to detail but criticize outdated graphics and technical hiccups. Overall, opinions vary, with some enjoying the visually stunning assets and diverse themes, while others point out flaws like lack of customization and UI problems. Room for improvement is noted, suggesting a visually satisfying experience for fans of imaginative designs with potential for enhancements in addressing technical issues.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

54%

Negative (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Park Beyond have received mixed feedback from critics. Several reviewers praised the game for its vibrant and colorful aesthetics, with a focus on fantastical and whimsical designs. Critics like Hobby Consolas, Hooked Gamers, and Game Informer appreciated the visually pleasing elements and attention to detail in creating fantastical coaster elements. The game's cartoonish style, diverse thematic options, and visually stunning assets were also highlighted positively by reviewers like Vandal and Screen Rant. Additionally, the game's ability to manage multiple objects simultaneously and the visually appealing cartoonish art direction were commended by Eurogamer Poland and The Games Machine, respectively. On the other hand, some critics pointed out various issues with the graphics and visual design of Park Beyond. Negative feedback included graphical glitches, occasional crashes, and performance issues leading to crashes, as mentioned by LevelUp, Windows Central, and Push Square. Critics like IGN France and SpazioGames highlighted outdated graphics, technical hiccups, lack of customization options, and difficulties in building custom structures, which hindered the overall experience. Additionally, some reviewers, such as PlaySense and IGN, mentioned bugs, glitches, and UI problems that affected the gameplay negatively. The lack of polish in certain aspects, like visitor behavior and character design inconsistencies, was also noted by GamersRD and Meristation, respectively. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the graphics and visual design of Park Beyond leans towards a mixed reception. While some reviewers appreciated the game's vibrant colors, visually stunning assets, and fantastical designs, others criticized the presence of graphical glitches, performance issues, and lack of polish in certain areas. The game's cartoonish art style and attention to detail in creating visually appealing elements were highlighted positively, but technical hiccups and inconsistencies in graphics were mentioned as drawbacks. Despite the mixed feedback, the game seems to offer a visually satisfying experience for players who enjoy colorful and imaginative designs, with room for improvement in addressing technical issues and enhancing overall polish, as noted by various critics like IGN Italia and CD-Action.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the Sound Design and Music of Park Beyond. Positive feedback highlights catchy sound design, good sound effects, and engaging original music, with comparisons to The Sims franchise. However, criticisms include issues like sound cuts, overlapping audio, and music stuttering, affecting the overall experience. Despite these flaws, the game offers a nostalgic and magical feel, with room for improvement in creating a more cohesive and immersive sound experience for players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

15%

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

The Sound Design and Music of Park Beyond have received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Several reviewers highlighted the positives, with mentions of catchy sound design enhancing the gameplay experience (Hobby Consolas), good sound effects (CD-Action), excellent voice acting and catchy original music (Everyeye.it), and enjoyable music and sound effects that add to the experience (God is a Geek). KeenGamer specifically praised the music for its resemblance to The Sims franchise, with quiet jingles that complement the park-building experience and dynamically changing ride music based on the ride experience. On the negative side, criticisms were raised regarding the sound design in Park Beyond. The Xbox Hub noted occasional sound cuts during laggy cinematics, while Hooked Gamers criticized overlapping audio and issues with voicelines. Push Square described a jarring experience where jolly background music suddenly stopped, replaced by an unsettling buzzing sound, leading to a frightening experience for the player. PC Gamer pointed out music stuttering in missions and sandbox mode, with no comments on the sound design, indicating potential technical issues affecting the overall audio experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Park Beyond is somewhat mixed. While there are praises for elements like catchy sound design, good sound effects, and enjoyable music that complements the visuals, there are also concerns raised about technical issues, such as sound cuts, overlapping audio, and music stuttering. Despite these drawbacks, the game seems to offer a nostalgic and magical experience, with some critics like Gameblog.fr appreciating the well-done French dubbing and engaging voice acting. The varying opinions suggest that while Park Beyond excels in certain audio aspects, there are areas that could be improved to provide a more cohesive and immersive sound experience for players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics are divided on the voice acting in Park Beyond. Some praised the quality and fun interactions, while others criticized inconsistencies and lack of emotional depth. The absence of Latin American Spanish dubbing could be a drawback for some players. Overall, opinions on the voice acting vary, making it a subjective aspect that might affect players differently.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

29%

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

The voice acting in Park Beyond has received mixed reviews from critics. Everyeye.it praised the game for excelling in voice acting, highlighting the quality of the performances. GameGrin also commended the fun interactions and good voice acting of the characters encountered in the game. Additionally, Gameblog.fr specifically mentioned the well-done French dubbing and the actors' apparent enjoyment of their roles, adding to the positive aspects of the voice acting in Park Beyond. On the other hand, there were some criticisms regarding the voice acting in Park Beyond. Meristation pointed out inconsistencies in character design and dubbing quality, indicating that there may have been some issues with the overall execution of the voice acting. PC Gamer described the fully-voiced cutscenes and voice acting as "pretty limp," suggesting a lack of impact or emotional depth in the performances, which could be a significant drawback for players looking for immersive storytelling. Overall, the consensus among critics seems to lean towards a mixed reception of the voice acting in Park Beyond. While some reviewers appreciated the quality of the performances and the dubbing in certain languages, others highlighted inconsistencies and a lack of emotional depth in the voice acting. The absence of Latin American Spanish dubbing options, as noted by LevelUp, could also be a point of contention for players seeking a more inclusive experience. Ultimately, the varying opinions on the voice acting indicate that it may be a subjective aspect of the game that could impact players differently based on their preferences and expectations.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics are divided on Park Beyond's technical performance for Xbox Series X. Some praise its stability during gameplay, while others criticize crashes, lag, glitches, and control issues. Across all platforms, reviews range from minor technical hiccups to major bugs, crashes, and graphical issues, leading to an overall negative impression. Improvement through updates is deemed necessary by many critics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

62%

Negative (0-49)

35%

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

In terms of the technical performance on Xbox Series X, some critics noted positive aspects such as stabilization during gameplay despite initial issues. GamingTrend mentioned that bugs were not as severe as in the preview version, while TheXboxHub highlighted that the game stabilizes during gameplay. Vandal also mentioned a satisfying experience on both consoles and PC, indicating that the game has potential for a smooth performance on Xbox Series X. On the flip side, negative feedback regarding the technical performance on Xbox Series X included issues with crashes, lag, glitches in cinematics, and performance problems. Reviewers like LevelUp and Windows Central reported console controls not being optimized for easy navigation, occasional crashes, and performance issues leading to crashes during long gameplay sessions. Xbox Tavern also mentioned technical issues with the AI, although expressing confidence in future fixes. Across all gaming platforms, the consensus among critics leans towards a mixed reception regarding the technical performance of Park Beyond. While some reviewers like GameSpew and TheSixthAxis encountered minor issues like broken queues and occasional graphical glitching, others such as Push Square and Checkpoint Gaming described the game as riddled with bugs, crashes, and graphical issues, leading to a negative overall impression. The general sentiment suggests that Park Beyond suffers from technical hiccups, bugs, crashes, and control issues across Xbox Series X, PS5, and PC, with varying degrees of severity noted by different critics. IGN France and Eurogamer Poland highlighted bugs, crashes, and issues with collision and camera controls on the PC version, emphasizing the need for improvements through updates. Ultimately, the technical performance of Park Beyond seems to be a significant point of concern for critics across different gaming platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Park Beyond. Some praise its diverse park themes and customization options, while others criticize its lack of management depth and creative restrictions. Overall, the game offers multiple avenues for exploration and creativity but may struggle to maintain long-term engagement due to certain limitations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Replay Value of Park Beyond has garnered mixed opinions from critics, with several highlighting the game's positive aspects. Critics such as GGRecon and PlaySense commend the game for offering various choices and options for each park, providing replay value through different gameplay experiences. Additionally, Eurogamer Poland and Vandal appreciate the potential for updates and collaborations to enhance the game's longevity, indicating a positive outlook for continued engagement. Furthermore, KeenGamer praises the game for its diverse park themes, missions, challenges, and modding possibilities, offering players multiple avenues to explore and replay the game. On the other hand, some critics have pointed out drawbacks that may impact the Replay Value of Park Beyond. Critics like Games.cz and PC Gamer criticize the game for lacking depth in management systems, leading to repetitive gameplay that may limit long-term engagement. SpazioGames highlights issues such as limited creativity, the absence of a roller coaster editor, and an unintuitive construction system, which could hinder the game's replay value by restricting players' creative freedom. Moreover, Gameblog.fr expresses concerns about the lack of challenge and depth in construction and decoration options, potentially leading to boredom after extended play sessions. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Replay Value of Park Beyond leans towards a somewhat positive outlook tempered by certain limitations. While the game offers a range of options for players to experiment and create their dream parks, as noted by GamingTrend and Game Informer, it may lack the depth and challenge needed to sustain long-term engagement for some players, as observed by Multiplayer.it and PC Gamer. The sandbox mode emerges as a standout feature, providing players with creative freedom and opportunities to explore different design possibilities, as highlighted by IGN Italia and TheGamer. Ultimately, Park Beyond's Replay Value appears to vary depending on individual preferences for management complexity, creative freedom, and the overall depth of gameplay experiences.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment towards Park Beyond is a mix of positives and negatives, with several critics highlighting the game's engaging and enjoyable aspects. Critics like LevelUp and Xbox Tavern commend the game for being addictive and fun, catering to fans of construction and management games. TheXboxHub appreciates the game's ambition and potential for future improvement through updates. Windows Central praises Park Beyond for offering a well-rounded simulation experience with fresh twists, appealing to both newcomers and fans of classic theme park management games. On the downside, some critics, such as Digitally Downloaded and Push Square, point out technical issues, AI problems, and a lack of basic features that hinder the overall experience. Hooked Gamers criticizes the game for feeling like an Early Access title due to its mechanics and bugs. Game Informer expresses disappointment in the game's pacing and business-oriented objectives, while Gameblog.fr and SpazioGames highlight various issues that affect gameplay and enjoyment. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards Park Beyond being a promising game with potential for improvement. While it may have technical issues and gameplay shortcomings, the game manages to offer an engaging and creative theme park management experience for players. Critics like Eurogamer Poland and TheSixthAxis appreciate the game's engaging gameplay and creative vision, despite its rough edges. Despite its flaws, Park Beyond seems to resonate positively with many reviewers, offering a mix of fun, innovation, and potential for future growth within the genre.

TL;DR

Park Beyond receives mixed reviews, with critics praising its engaging gameplay and potential for improvement, while others criticize technical issues and gameplay shortcomings. Despite its flaws, the game offers an enjoyable and creative theme park management experience with room for growth in the future.

MONSTER

Reviews

77 reviews found

Windows Central

Xbox Series X

Jun 16, 2023

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

Despite some hiccups like occasional crashes and the lack of a challenge mode, Park Beyond is a well-rounded simulation game that offers manageable and concise gameplay. It is a love letter to classic theme park management games with fresh and unique twists. The reviewer enjoyed playing the game and is looking forward to further exploration.

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GamingTrend

Xbox Series X

Jun 27, 2023

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

Engaging and enjoyable game, especially for newcomers and returning players to the genre, despite some bugs and crashes.

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GameSpew

PlayStation 5

Jun 15, 2023

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

Park Beyond is a must for theme park sim fans, offering a nice balance between complexity and simplicity.

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Meristation

Aug 4, 2023

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

Park Beyond is a highly recommended purchase for fans of the genre, offering a fun and engaging experience despite some shortcomings in technical performance and voice acting.

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GGRecon

PlayStation 5

Jun 16, 2023

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

Park Beyond is a vibrant timesink of a game that offers fresh eyes and exciting features.

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KeenGamer

Oct 30, 2023

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

Park Beyond offers a fun and immersive park-building experience with a unique story, excellent gameplay mechanics, and detailed graphics, making it a recommended choice for theme park simulation enthusiasts.

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God is a Geek

Jun 16, 2023

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

Park Beyond is a nice and accessible park building experience, but may not satisfy fans of more in-depth games in the genre.

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Multiplayer.it

Jun 19, 2023

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

A game that offers a dream experience for roller coaster enthusiasts but may fall short for those seeking unpredictability and challenges in simulation games.

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Vandal

PlayStation 5

Jun 18, 2023

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

Park Beyond is a promising simulation game with engaging gameplay and customization options, despite some minor flaws. It has the potential to evolve into a standout title in the genre.

TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

Jun 19, 2023

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

Park Beyond is a fun and creative park building game with a childlike vision of theme parks. It has some rough edges but is enjoyable overall.

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