Seasons After Fall

The reviews for Story of Seasons: After Fall highlight its charm, environmental themes, and nostalgic storytelling. Many critics praise its gentle, poetic approach to nature and life, with 3DJuegos noting it promotes "environmental respect and the value of life," while Destructoid appreciates its "themes of life and environment through poetic moments." The narrative’s whimsical tone is frequently lauded, with ICXM highlighting the "nostalgic, bedtime-story feel" and Brash Games comparing it to Ori and the Blind Forest for its immersive narration. Critics like PlayStation Universe and TheXboxHub commend the game’s emotional trials and twists, while others, such as New Game Network, acknowledge its "narrative depth" through hidden locations and an alternate ending. The voice work is also a standout, with ICXM praising distinct character voices and Push Square noting "excellent voice-work" that enhances the ethereal atmosphere. However, several critics criticize the game’s narrative for lacking emotional depth and coherence. 3DJuegos and DarkStation both point to a "lack of emotional depth" and "overly ambiguous" plot, with key elements like the Seed’s purpose or guardians’ roles left unexplained. Video Chums and GameCritics describe the story as "unconventional and confusing," leaving players frustrated by unresolved motivations and aimless exploration. TheXboxHub and TrueAchievements note that while the plot has twists, it feels underdeveloped, with TrueAchievements stating the narrative "lacks freshness." Additionally, many reviewers, including Push Square and New Game Network, criticize the repetitive gameplay mechanics that overshadow the story, leading to a "tedious" or "underwhelming" experience. The ending is frequently deemed weak, with 3DJuegos calling it "unmemorable" and Gamer.no noting a "weaker ending compared to the rest of the game." Overall, the critics present a mixed but nuanced consensus: while After Fall is celebrated for its thematic richness, charm, and atmospheric storytelling, its narrative execution falls short in several areas. The game’s environmental message and nostalgic tone resonate with many, as seen in the praise from Brash Games and IGN Italia, but recurring criticisms about ambiguity, repetition, and underdeveloped plot points—highlighted by 3DJuegos, DarkStation, and Video Chums—suggest a disconnect between its ambition and execution. Despite these flaws, the game’s emphasis on exploration and poetic storytelling keeps it engaging for some, even if it fails to deliver a fully cohesive or impactful narrative. The mixed reception reflects a divide between those who appreciate its artistic qualities and those who find it lacking in depth and structure.

The gameplay of Seasons After Fall is widely praised for its creative and intuitive mechanics, particularly the season-switching system that allows players to manipulate environments in unique ways. Critics like TheXboxHub highlight the "simple yet innovative platforming mechanics" tied to seasonal powers, while GameGrin notes the "tight and responsive controls" despite some minor issues with interaction mechanics. The game’s focus on exploration and puzzle-solving, rather than combat or high difficulty, is seen as a strength by several reviewers. For instance, God is a Geek describes it as a "peaceful, accessible" experience that emphasizes creativity and environmental interaction, and SpazioGames applauds the "creative combinations of abilities" that make the core mechanic engaging. The Metroidvania-inspired backtracking and gradual unlocking of seasonal powers are also appreciated for adding depth to progression, as noted by Push Square and Gamer.no, who compare it to titles like Ori and the Blind Forest. However, multiple critics point to significant flaws in execution that detract from the experience. Repetition and lack of variety in level design are recurring criticisms, with BaziCenter and DarkStation noting "repetitive stage design" and "frustrating puzzles," while Video Chums and New Game Network describe the gameplay as "tedious" due to excessive backtracking and monotonous traversal. The puzzle mechanics, though initially imaginative, are often deemed simplistic or unchallenging. 3DJuegos and Eurogamer Italy mention that puzzles lack complexity and depth, with some critics like Destructoid and ICXM pointing to imprecise platforming controls and "awkward" mechanics that hinder enjoyment. Additionally, issues like unclear objectives, vague puzzle solutions, and a lack of maps (as highlighted by JeuxActu and TheSixthAxis) contribute to frustration, making the game feel disjointed or underdeveloped in later stages. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward acknowledging the game’s creative concept while critiquing its repetitive execution. While TheXboxHub and SpazioGames praise the unique seasonal mechanics and accessible design, many reviewers, including DarkStation, Destructoid, and Hardcore Gamer, argue that the gameplay becomes stale due to over-reliance on backtracking, simplistic puzzles, and underwhelming challenges. The game’s relaxing, exploration-focused approach appeals to some, but its lack of depth and polish prevents it from standing out as a standout title in the puzzle-platformer genre. Despite these issues, GameCritics and Vandal note that the core mechanics are "well-executed" and "functional," suggesting that Seasons After Fall has potential but falls short of fully realizing its ambitious vision.

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praise Seasons After Fall’s graphics and visual design, highlighting its hand-drawn, painterly art style as a standout feature. Reviewers like 3DJuegos, BaziCenter, and DarkStation emphasize the game’s "stunning, hand-drawn art style" and "vibrant, hand-painted visuals," comparing it to classics like Rayman and Ori and the Blind Forest. The seasonal transformations are consistently lauded for their immersive quality, with Destructoid noting "vibrant color palettes for each season" and PlayStation Country describing environments that feel "like a gallery-worthy painting." The game’s ability to blend intricate details—such as dynamic leaf falls in autumn or icy landscapes in winter—with a cohesive, magical atmosphere is repeatedly highlighted. Push Square and Video Chums specifically commend the "gorgeous, hand-brushed visuals" and "distinct seasonal aesthetics," while TheXboxHub and IGN Italia praise the "relaxing, fairy-tale atmosphere" that enhances player engagement. While the consensus is largely positive, some critics point to minor flaws in the visual design. ICXM notes issues with depth perception and platform clarity, stating that "some platforms are hard to distinguish," while New Game Network criticizes the lack of unique visual identity across areas, arguing that "the impact of new paths revealed through season changes" is diminished. Games.cz mentions repetitive environments despite meticulous design, and Vandal points out a "lack of contrast in color schemes" during spring and summer. Additionally, GameCritics describes the art style as "effortful but ultimately sterile and unengaging over time," suggesting that the initial charm may fade. These critiques, though present, are relatively minor compared to the widespread acclaim for the game’s aesthetic appeal. Overall, the critical reception of Seasons After Fall’s graphics and visual design is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers across platforms (PS4, Xbox One, PC) agreeing on its artistic strengths. The hand-painted visuals, seasonal transformations, and attention to detail are consistently celebrated as major highlights, with many comparing the game to acclaimed titles like Ori and the Blind Forest and Studio Ghibli films. While a few critics note technical or repetitive shortcomings, these are overshadowed by the general consensus that the art style is a "major strength" and a key contributor to the game’s immersive, magical world. As GameStar notes, the visual design "emphasizes seasonal transformations" with "charm and magical atmosphere," reinforcing its status as one of the game’s most memorable aspects.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Seasons After Fall as a standout element that significantly enhances the game’s atmosphere. Multiple reviewers highlighted the use of a string quartet, which effectively evokes the four seasons and complements the visual aesthetics. For instance, 3DJuegos noted that the “string quartet [creates] an evocative atmosphere,” while DarkStation emphasized how the “moody synths and string quartet” synergize with the game’s mystical tone. The music’s ability to adapt dynamically to gameplay was also lauded; PlayStation Universe observed seamless transitions between melodies that align with platforming challenges, and Brash Games praised the “melodic compositions and sound effects” that match the game’s mysterious tone. Additionally, ambient elements like nature sounds and foley work—such as “snow crunching and ice tapping” (per XBLA Fans) or “rustling leaves and bird sounds” (SpazioGames)—were frequently cited as enriching immersion. Critics like Digital Chumps even described the soundtrack as “masterful,” emphasizing its emotional depth and narrative integration. While most reviews were positive, some noted minor shortcomings. A few critics felt the music, though well-composed, was understated or lacked memorability. GameStar remarked that the “background music is fantastic but underused,” while GameWatcher found the cello-driven score “unmemorable” despite its pleasantness. Similarly, Vandal noted that music “appears in special moments but is not memorable,” and IGN Italia described it as a “relaxing and fairy-tale ambiance” without being a standout feature. Additionally, some reviews mentioned limited detail about sound design beyond the orchestral elements; for example, Generación Xbox and ICXM offered only brief mentions of “first melodies” or “whimsical tone” without deeper analysis. These critiques suggest that while the audio design is strong, its impact may not be as immediately striking as other aspects of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design and music consistently recognized as a key strength. The string quartet’s seasonal motifs, ambient soundscapes, and dynamic musical transitions were frequently highlighted as integral to the game’s immersive quality. Even reviewers who noted minor flaws acknowledged the soundtrack’s contribution to the experience, such as TheSixthAxis calling it “emotionally stirring” and Twinfinite praising its “wonderful” complement to the artwork. While some critics felt the music could have been more prominent or memorable, the majority agreed that it elevated the game’s serene, artistic tone. As GameGrin noted, the “elegant string pieces” and “excellent foley sounds” created a cohesive, immersive atmosphere, reinforcing the general sentiment that Seasons After Fall’s audio design is a critical component of its charm and emotional resonance.

The voice acting in Seasons After Fall receives generally positive reception across multiple reviews, with several critics highlighting its strengths in enhancing storytelling and atmosphere. Push Square praises the "excellent voice-work" that bolsters the game’s narrative appeal, while ICXM notes that performances evoke nostalgia and childlike charm, particularly through distinct characters like the Bear guardian and off-screen voices. Digital Chumps commends the mysterious narrator and two voice actors for their talent in contributing to atmospheric storytelling, and Everyeye.it emphasizes the expressive depth of the Bear and Seed’s voices, which add emotional resonance. Additionally, Gamer.no appreciates the classic fairy-tale feel delivered through dialogue, while GameStar acknowledges high-quality narration across multiple languages despite limited dialogue. These critiques underscore a consensus that the voice acting is well-executed and integral to the game’s narrative tone. However, some critics point to limitations in the voice acting’s impact, particularly its brevity or emotional depth. Eurogamer Italy notes that voice acting is "limited" with brief dialogues from an invisible entity, prioritizing environmental storytelling over vocal performances. GameCritics criticizes the narrator’s "suspiciously cheery" tone as detached and unconvincing, while IGN Italia observes that the narration adds context but lacks emotional weight. TheXboxHub and GameWatcher also mention minimal elaboration on voice work, with the latter describing it as "good but not particularly notable." These critiques suggest that while the voice acting is competent, its role in driving emotional engagement or narrative complexity is seen as underdeveloped by some reviewers. Overall, the critics’ opinions reflect a balanced view: the voice acting is widely regarded as a strong, if occasionally understated, component of Seasons After Fall. While many praise its quality, distinct characterizations, and contribution to the game’s whimsical or nostalgic atmosphere (as noted by ICXM, Everyeye.it, and Push Square), others feel it falls short in delivering deeper emotional impact or narrative complexity. The consensus leans toward appreciation for the voice work’s technical execution and thematic fit, even as some reviewers note its limitations in scope or innovation. This duality highlights a game where voice acting enhances the experience but does not fully elevate it beyond its modest ambitions.

The technical performance of Seasons After Fall varies across platforms, with notable positives for Xbox One and PC. On Xbox One, critics like Generación Xbox praised its smooth gameplay with no frame rate drops and reasonable load times, while ICXM noted that controls, though slightly laggy during precise platforming, were otherwise stable. New Game Network highlighted a steady framerate despite minor hitches, and XBLA Fans acknowledged the game’s simplicity as a counterbalance to its technical quirks. For PC, GameGrin and GameStar reported minimal bugs, with the former noting that the game runs well on even underpowered systems, and the latter emphasizing forgiving mechanics like safe falls. God is a Geek also commended the PS4 version for seamless performance, suggesting cross-platform consistency in core technical execution. However, the PS4 version faced significant criticism, particularly regarding control responsiveness and load times. Destructoid, PlayStation Country, and Video Chums all highlighted imprecise platforming mechanics, sluggish controls, and frustrating backtracking, with PlayStation Universe citing lengthy 10–20 second load times between areas. On Xbox One, while most praised stability, ICXM noted input lag during directional changes, and XBLA Fans criticized disruptive loading times during backtracking. PC users encountered mixed experiences: GameGrin mentioned camera obstructions and unclear guidance, while TheSixthAxis warned of potential instability on lower-end hardware, though attributing some issues to the reviewer’s setup. These platform-specific challenges underscore uneven technical execution, particularly on PS4 and in certain PC configurations. Overall, critics generally agree that Seasons After Fall is technically stable but suffers from platform-specific flaws. The Xbox One version received the most balanced reception, with praise for its smooth performance despite minor control hiccups, while the PS4’s issues with controls and load times overshadowed its strengths. PC versions were deemed playable across hardware ranges, though some technical quirks persisted. While Generación Xbox and GameStar highlighted commendable execution, the consensus leans toward the game being a solid indie title that could benefit from tighter optimization, particularly on PS4 and for lower-end PCs. The mixed feedback reflects both the game’s potential and its technical shortcomings across platforms.

The reviewers generally acknowledge some elements that could enhance replayability in Seasons After Fall, though these are often overshadowed by broader criticisms. Critics like TrueAchievements and SpazioGames highlight collectibles (e.g., flowers, hidden locations) and multiple endings as incentives for revisiting the game, while Twinfinite notes that seasonal abilities unlock new paths, encouraging exploration beyond the initial playthrough. Additionally, New Game Network mentions a true ending tied to hidden content, and GameStar points to environmental changes across seasons as a potential draw. These aspects suggest the game offers minor replay value for players interested in uncovering all its secrets or appreciating its artistic design, though they are not universally emphasized. However, the majority of critics express significant concerns about the game’s repetitive structure and lack of depth. 3DJuegos, BaziCenter, and DarkStation criticize the simplistic puzzles, monotonous level design, and over-reliance on autumn mechanics, which they argue diminish engagement after the first playthrough. Generación Xbox and ICXM note the game’s short duration (around 5–7 hours) and minimal challenges, making it feel like a one-time experience. Others, such as Push Square and Eurogamer Italy, point to repetitive backtracking and a lack of substantial content in later stages, while Brash Games and GameWatcher describe the gameplay as tedious despite its initial charm. These critiques collectively paint a picture of a game that struggles to maintain interest beyond its brief runtime. The overall consensus among critics is that Seasons After Fall has limited replayability due to its repetitive mechanics, short length, and lack of meaningful incentives for multiple playthroughs. While a few reviewers, like TrueAchievements and SpazioGames, acknowledge minor rewards such as collectibles or alternate endings, these are often seen as insufficient to offset the game’s flaws. Most critics agree that the title is best experienced once, with its artistic and musical qualities offering some appeal but not enough to justify repeated play. The mixed reception reflects a divide between those who appreciate its aesthetic charm and those who find its lack of depth and repetition unengaging, ultimately positioning it as a niche experience rather than a highly replayable one.