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MONSTER

Somerville

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

2022

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Puzzle and Logic, Single Player

AvailableNov 15, 2022

PlatformXbox Series X, PC, PlayStation 5

DeveloperJumpship

Overview

In the wake of catastrophe you must find the means to make your family whole again. Somerville is a Sci-Fi adventure grounded in the intimate repercussions of large scale conflict. Immerse yourself in a hand-crafted narrative experience set across a vivid rural landscape. Navigate your way through the perilous terrain ahead of you to unravel the mysteries of Earth's visitors.

Elsewhere

6.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Somerville impresses with its unique visual storytelling and emotional depth as a father searches for his family amid an alien invasion, earning praise for its beauty from critics. However, it faces backlash for a lack of coherence and emotional engagement in the latter half, leading to disconnect with characters and a confusing narrative. While it captivates some, others find it ultimately unsatisfying, highlighting a divide in player experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

56%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

41%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of Somerville has garnered praise for its unique approach to storytelling, primarily through visual and environmental cues rather than dialogue. Critics like PlayStation Universe and Push Square highlight the emotional weight of the narrative, emphasizing the protagonist's journey as a father searching for his family amidst an alien invasion. This silent storytelling method is noted for its beauty and effectiveness, with reviews from GamingBolt and Guardian commending the game's ability to convey deep emotions through expressive animations and interactions. The narrative's intimate focus on family and survival resonates with many, with Impulsegamer and Game Informer pointing out the engaging nature of the characters and their struggles. However, the game has faced criticism for its lack of emotional depth and coherence in the latter half of the story. Finger Guns and Worth Playing both mention that the minimal dialogue and robotic character reactions detract from the overall impact, leading to a disconnection with the characters. Critics like Comicbook.com and New Game Network express dissatisfaction with the story's progression, noting that it becomes confusing and lacks a satisfying resolution. Furthermore, Checkpoint Gaming and Hardcore Gamer highlight the absence of basic story elements, which can prevent players from fully engaging with the narrative and the characters. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed. While many appreciate Somerville's innovative storytelling and emotional undertones, others find fault in its execution, particularly in terms of coherence and character development. The game presents a compelling premise that resonates with some, as noted by critics like Cubed3 and GameSpew, but it ultimately leaves others feeling disconnected and confused, as emphasized by reviews from Ragequit.gr and PC Invasion. This dichotomy suggests that while Somerville has the potential to captivate players with its artistic narrative style, it may not fully satisfy those seeking a more structured and emotionally engaging story.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Somerville offers a compelling mix of environmental puzzle-solving and atmospheric tension, drawing praise for its unique interactions with alien materials and clever design moments. However, it's bogged down by frustrating controls, simplistic puzzles, and technical glitches, leaving players with a disappointingly inconsistent experience. While it shows potential, many critics agree that it ultimately fails to deliver the depth and polish expected.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

19%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

12%

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

The gameplay of Somerville has garnered a mix of praise and criticism from various reviewers, highlighting some of its strengths. Critics like Finger Guns and GameSpot commend the environmental puzzle-solving mechanics, noting that they can be enjoyable and creative. The game’s use of unique powers to interact with alien materials, as mentioned by IGN and PC Invasion, adds a layer of intrigue to the gameplay. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Wccftech, highlight the intricacy and rewarding nature of certain puzzles, suggesting that there are moments of clever design that can engage players. The atmospheric tension created by navigating threats and solving challenges, as noted by Xbox Tavern, also contributes to the overall experience, creating a sense of urgency and immersion. However, the gameplay of Somerville is marred by several significant issues that detract from its potential. Many critics, including Digital Chumps and Cubed3, point out that the controls can be frustrating and imprecise, leading to a lack of fluidity in gameplay. Reviewers like Worth Playing and Game Informer note that the puzzles often feel simplistic and can be unclear, resulting in moments of confusion and frustration. Technical problems, such as glitches and awkward camera angles, are frequently mentioned, with critics like Hey Poor Player and Ragequit.gr emphasizing how these issues can impede progression and diminish player engagement. The overall sentiment is that while the game has a solid foundation, it struggles with execution. In summary, the consensus among critics suggests that Somerville presents a mixed bag of gameplay experiences. While there are commendable elements, such as engaging puzzle mechanics and atmospheric tension, the game suffers from frustrating controls, simplistic puzzles, and technical issues that can detract from the overall enjoyment. Critics like GamingBolt and TrueGaming encapsulate this sentiment, indicating that the game has potential but ultimately falls short of delivering a consistently engaging experience. The blend of innovative ideas with executional flaws results in a gameplay experience that may appeal to some but leaves others wanting more depth and polish.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Somerville impresses with its stunning visuals and artistic direction, receiving praise for its atmospheric qualities and striking aesthetics. Critics highlight its immersive environments and fluid animations, but also point out flaws like one-dimensional textures, graphical artifacts, and confusing design choices that detract from gameplay. Overall, while the game captivates with its haunting visuals, technical issues prevent it from achieving universal acclaim.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

70%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

28%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Somerville is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its artistic direction and atmospheric qualities. Reviewers like Finger Guns and Pure Xbox highlight the game's stunning visuals and strong art style, noting the effectiveness of lighting and the cinematic quality of the environments. Critics such as Game Informer and God is a Geek emphasize the simplistic yet striking aesthetic, with fluid animations that enhance the immersive experience. The game’s ability to create a captivating atmosphere through its painterly aesthetic and impressive vistas is frequently acknowledged, with many reviewers appreciating the blend of bleak and enchanting visuals that contribute to the storytelling. However, not all feedback is uniformly positive, as several critics point out notable shortcomings in the visual execution. Digital Chumps and Cubed3 mention issues with textures appearing one-dimensional or lacking depth, while PlayStation Universe and New Game Network note graphical artifacting and camera view problems that detract from the overall experience. Critics like Worth Playing and Everyeye.it express concerns regarding the clarity of the environments, which can lead to confusion during gameplay. Additionally, some reviewers, including IGN Japan and TheSixthAxis, feel that while the visuals are impressive, they may not reach the same level of craftsmanship seen in previous titles from the same developers, such as Inside. In conclusion, while the majority of critics agree that Somerville boasts a visually impressive and artistically rich design, there are notable criticisms that prevent it from being universally acclaimed. The consensus suggests that the game successfully creates a haunting and immersive atmosphere, as described by critics like GamingBolt and Checkpoint Gaming, but it also suffers from technical issues and design choices that can hinder player experience. The balance of striking visuals against some flaws in execution leads to a nuanced appreciation of the game’s graphics, with many reviewers ultimately recognizing its artistic merit despite its imperfections.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Somerville's sound design and music are largely praised for their atmospheric quality, with standout elements like emotive piano tracks and effective environmental noise enhancing the game's narrative. Critics celebrate its immersive audio, although some note issues like awkward silences and minimal background music that occasionally detract from the experience. Despite mixed reviews, the consensus highlights the soundtrack as a key strength that elevates the game.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

61%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Somerville have garnered significant praise from various critics, highlighting its atmospheric and immersive qualities. Many reviewers, such as PlayStation Universe, lauded the game for its exceptional audio design, even nominating it for an Outstanding Achievement in Audio Design at the 26th Annual DICE Awards. Critics like Digital Chumps and GameSpot emphasized the emotive and eerie qualities of the music, with Digital Chumps noting the dramatic piano tracks that enhance the overall mood. The fusion of piano and synths, as mentioned by Finger Guns, contributes to a captivating auditory experience, while Worth Playing noted that the heavy environmental noise effectively emphasizes the game’s wasteland setting. Overall, the soundtrack is described as poignant and affecting, with critics like TheXboxHub highlighting its ability to support the narrative effectively. However, not all opinions are wholly positive. Some reviewers pointed out issues with the sound design, particularly regarding the use of silence and ambient noise. Finger Guns mentioned awkward silences during quieter moments, while New Game Network criticized the minimalistic approach, stating that it sometimes felt lacking in atmosphere. Xbox Tavern echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the music could have been used more prominently to accentuate dramatic moments. Additionally, several critics, including GameSpew and Easy Allies, expressed a desire for more background music throughout the game, indicating that the sparse use of music occasionally detracted from the overall experience. Despite the mixed responses, the overall consensus among critics leans towards a favorable view of Somerville's sound design and music. While some reviewers pointed out shortcomings, such as the lack of ambient sound in certain areas or the underutilization of the soundtrack, many others celebrated the game’s ability to create tension and enhance the atmosphere. Critics like Game Informer and VGC highlighted the beautiful music and exceptional sound design, suggesting that the audio elements contribute significantly to the game's emotional impact. Ultimately, while there are areas for improvement, the sound design and music of Somerville are regarded as strong points that elevate the gaming experience.

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

Somerville's technical performance is plagued by issues across all platforms, overshadowing its potential. While the PS5 shows slight improvements and offers some visual beauty, it suffers from bugs and glitches. The Xbox Series X struggles with erratic frame rates, and the PC version faces severe technical problems that disrupt gameplay. Critics agree that these flaws significantly detract from the experience, making it crucial for players to manage their expectations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

27%

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

The technical performance of Somerville across various gaming platforms has garnered mixed feedback from critics, with some positives noted. On the PlayStation 5, while several reviewers pointed out technical shortcomings, Worth Playing mentioned that the PS5 version has fewer bugs compared to earlier versions, suggesting some improvements. Additionally, the game still offers moments of visual beauty, which was highlighted by GamingBolt. On the Xbox Series X, despite the erratic frame rate, critics like GamingBolt acknowledged that the game can still provide striking visuals. Generous checkpointing was noted by Hey Poor Player as a positive aspect, helping to alleviate the impact of certain glitches. For PC players, while there were significant issues reported, some critics like VG247 suggested that the problems were "mildly irritating" rather than game-breaking, indicating that the experience could still be enjoyable despite the flaws. However, the negatives for each platform overshadow the positives, as technical issues were a common theme across all reviews. On the PS5, Digital Chumps and Push Square both criticized the game for numerous technical shortcomings, including clipping issues and unresponsive objects, which detracted from the overall experience. On the Xbox Series X, critics like Cubed3 and New Game Network reported significant frame rate fluctuations and glitches that could impede gameplay, making the experience feel frustrating. Similarly, on PC, multiple critics, including Game Informer and GameSkinny, highlighted severe technical issues such as characters disappearing and getting stuck in the environment, which were noted to impact the immersive experience negatively. Overall, the consensus among critics across all platforms is that Somerville suffers from a range of technical performance issues that significantly hinder the gameplay experience. While there are moments of beauty and some improvements noted, the persistent bugs, frame rate drops, and control issues create a frustrating experience for players. Critics like Push Square and Game Informer emphasized that these shortcomings detract from what could have been a compelling game, indicating that while Somerville has potential, its current state leaves much to be desired. The reviews collectively suggest that players may need to approach the game with tempered expectations, as the technical performance issues are prevalent and impact the overall enjoyment of the title.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Somerville impresses with its gripping narrative and stunning visuals, enticing some players to return for multiple endings. However, critics widely agree that its short 4-6 hour runtime and simplistic puzzles severely limit replay value. With no New Game Plus mode and little depth to encourage revisits, many reviewers, including GameSpot and Game Informer, conclude that while the experience is enjoyable, it lacks the substance to keep players coming back.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

81%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of Somerville reveal a few notable positives that critics have highlighted. Many reviewers appreciate the game's engaging narrative and stunning visuals, which contribute to a compelling experience worth revisiting. For instance, Finger Guns mentions that despite some design issues, the immersive gameplay makes Somerville a game players may want to explore again. Additionally, GameSpot and Pure Xbox point out the presence of multiple endings, which adds a layer of player agency and offers some incentive for replaying the game. Critics like Everyeye.it also note that the game’s experimental nature and story depth may appeal to fans who enjoy exploring different narrative outcomes. However, the consensus among critics is that Somerville suffers from significant drawbacks in terms of replay value. Many reviewers, including Digital Chumps and Push Square, emphasize the game's short runtime of around four to six hours, which limits the incentive for players to return. Critics like Game Informer and Riot Pixels express disappointment over the lack of a New Game Plus mode or additional context that would encourage multiple playthroughs. Furthermore, while some reviewers mention the existence of multiple endings, they often point out that the puzzles lack complexity, which diminishes the overall replayability of the game. Impulsegamer succinctly states that there is no replay value, despite the originality of the game. In summary, while Somerville is praised for its captivating narrative and visual artistry, the overall sentiment leans toward a lack of substantial replay value. Critics agree that the short playtime and limited depth in gameplay mechanics hinder the potential for multiple playthroughs. Although some players may find enjoyment in exploring different endings, the general consensus, as reflected by reviewers like GameSpot and Game Informer, is that the game does not provide enough incentive to revisit it after the first playthrough. This combination of engaging storytelling and limited replayability creates a mixed reception among critics, ultimately painting a picture of a game that, while enjoyable, may not hold long-term appeal for many players.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

30%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

66%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall reception of Somerville reveals a mix of admiration for its artistic elements and storytelling potential. Critics like PlayStation Universe and TheXboxHub highlight the game's impressive audio design, atmospheric visuals, and engaging narrative, suggesting that it offers a captivating experience that resonates emotionally. The game is praised for its unique visual storytelling and ambition, with some reviewers, such as Guardian and Game Informer, noting its ability to create memorable moments and a haunting atmosphere. Additionally, many critics, including GamingBolt and Pure Xbox, acknowledge the game's visual strength and compelling narrative, indicating that it has the potential to leave a lasting impression on players. However, Somerville is not without its shortcomings. Multiple reviewers point out significant technical issues, sluggish controls, and a lack of depth in gameplay. Critics like Push Square and Cubed3 express frustration with the game's performance and control mechanics, suggesting that these flaws detract from the overall experience. Additionally, several reviews, including those from Worth Playing and Ragequit.gr, indicate that the narrative may falter in its latter half, leading to a disappointing conclusion. The gameplay is often described as lacking creativity, with critics like New Game Network and GameSpew emphasizing that while the story may be worth experiencing, the gameplay execution leaves much to be desired. The overall consensus among critics suggests that while Somerville has commendable artistic and narrative elements, it struggles with technical execution and gameplay depth. Many reviewers recognize the potential of the development team, with critics like Digital Chumps and TrueGaming noting that this debut effort holds promise for future projects. However, the game is often recommended with caveats, as seen in the opinions of Comicbook.com and Xbox Tavern, who suggest that it may be best enjoyed by fans of the genre or at a discounted price. Ultimately, Somerville emerges as a visually striking and emotionally engaging title, but its flaws prevent it from reaching the heights of its inspirations.

TL;DR

Somerville dazzles with stunning visuals and a gripping narrative, earning praise for its artistic ambition and emotional resonance. Critics applaud its atmospheric audio and unique storytelling, yet technical flaws and sluggish controls hinder the experience. Many note a lack of gameplay depth and a faltering narrative, particularly in the latter half. While promising, it struggles with execution, leading to mixed recommendations—best suited for genre fans or those willing to wait for a sale. In short, it looks great and tells a compelling story, but its shortcomings hold it back from greatness.

MONSTER

Reviews

101 reviews found

100

VG247

Nov 14, 2022