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MONSTER

Tacoma

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

2017

GenresAdventure, Indie, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Artistic, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableAug 1, 2017

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperThe Fullbright Company, Fullbright

Overview

Tacoma is a sci-fi narrative adventure set aboard a high-tech space station in the year 2088. Explore every detail of how the station's crew lived and worked, finding the clues that add up to a gripping story of trust, fear, and resolve in the face of disaster.

Elsewhere

7.3

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praised Tacoma for its gripping narrative, deep character exploration, and innovative storytelling through AR holograms. While some critics noted minor issues like unresolved plot points and lack of depth in certain aspects, the general consensus is highly positive. Tacoma's engaging story delves into themes of AI, corporations, and human resilience, offering players an intelligent, emotionally impactful experience with a touch of mystery and intimacy.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment of the critics regarding the story of Tacoma is overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game for its heavy narrative focus and intriguing premise. The story takes place on a space station called Tacoma, where the player must retrieve AI data and survive for 50 hours. Critics such as DualShockers and PC PowerPlay appreciated the layered storytelling and the opportunity to understand each character's history, motivations, fears, and relationships through the use of AR holograms. The Sydney Morning Herald also commended the game for its deep and affecting narrative, presented through a smart augmented reality mechanic that allows players to sleuth through the story at their own pace. The story of Tacoma was described as engaging, well-written, and thought-provoking, with elements of tension, mystery, and emotional depth. However, there were some criticisms raised by a few critics. PlayStation Universe mentioned that there was a feeling that a lot was left unsaid and little closure was provided, which may have left some players wanting more resolution. GameSpot also criticized the lack of meaningful intersection between the two levels and the incomplete exploration of the political climate, suggesting that the game could have delved deeper into these aspects of the story. Shacknews felt that the character resolutions were lacking and the climactic twist felt underwhelming. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus of the critics is that the story of Tacoma is very good. The majority of the critics praised the game for its gripping narrative, interesting characters, and exploration of themes such as AI, corporations, human obsolescence, and the resilience of ordinary people. Critics such as Game Informer, GameSpew, and TheXboxHub appreciated the emotional depth and complexity of the story, while IGN highlighted the well-developed future world and well-written characters. The story of Tacoma was described as intelligent, touching, and engaging, with a sense of mystery and intimacy. The positive reception from the critics indicates that the story of Tacoma is a standout aspect of the game, making it a compelling narrative-driven experience for players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics mostly praise Tacoma's unique AR gameplay mechanics that enhance storytelling, with features like pausing and rewinding recordings. The game's focus on narrative exploration and absence of combat are lauded, though some critics find the gameplay lacking in interactivity and replay value. Overall, Tacoma offers an immersive and innovative experience that keeps players engaged throughout the campaign.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

21%

Mixed (50-79)

79%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Tacoma are generally positive. Many critics praise the unique gameplay mechanics that involve interacting with augmented reality (AR) recordings to uncover the story. Critics like DualShockers and PSX Extreme highlight the depth added to the storytelling through the ability to pause, rewind, and examine events from different angles. AusGamers and Game Rant also appreciate the gameplay's focus on exploring the narrative and reliving digital memories through the AR mechanic. The ability to fast forward, rewind, and pause recordings, as mentioned by CGMagazine, adds to the investigative nature of the game. The gameplay is described as heavy but intuitive by PlayStation Universe, with controls that do not get in the way. Impulsegamer appreciates the refreshing absence of combat or supernatural elements, allowing for a more realistic experience. The innovative game design, as mentioned by TheXboxHub, keeps the interest up throughout the campaign. However, there are some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Tacoma. Some critics, such as Game Informer and TheSixthAxis, mention that the gameplay can be limited and not especially interactive. The lack of major action or combat, as noted by Destructoid and GameSpew, may not appeal to players seeking more intense gameplay experiences. The slow and intellectual nature of the game, as described by Gameplanet, may not be suitable for those looking for a fast-paced or action-oriented experience. Additionally, PlayStation Universe mentions the lack of activities after the credits roll, resulting in low replayability. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Tacoma offers a unique and immersive gameplay experience. The ability to interact with AR recordings and explore the space station to uncover the story is praised by multiple critics. The gameplay mechanics, such as pausing, rewinding, and fast-forwarding recordings, are seen as creative and supportive of the game's investigative nature. The absence of combat and supernatural elements, as well as the focus on exploration and empathy, are appreciated by critics seeking a more realistic and immersive experience. However, some critics note limitations in interactivity and a lack of replayability. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall sentiment is positive, with Tacoma being praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics and engaging narrative exploration.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics laud Tacoma's Graphics and Visual Design for their attention to detail, immersive visuals, and futuristic atmosphere. The level design and lived-in feel of the space station are commended. However, technical issues, especially on Xbox One, have been noted by some critics. Mixed opinions exist on the portrayal of characters as holograms. Despite minor flaws, most critics find Tacoma's graphics captivating and well-executed.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Tacoma are generally positive. Critics such as PlayStation Universe, Push Square, Gameplanet, GamingTrend, Impulsegamer, The Sydney Morning Herald, TheXboxHub, Destructoid, Digitally Downloaded, Game Informer, GameGrin, GameSpew, God is a Geek, IGN, NZGamer, PC PowerPlay, Slant Magazine, TheSixthAxis, VideoGamer, and Washington Post all praise the attention to detail and the immersive visuals of the game. They appreciate the intricate level design, the lived-in feel of each room, and the beautifully designed space station. The holograms, AR projections, and interactive elements are also mentioned as enhancing the immersion and adding to the futuristic atmosphere. Critics like PSX Extreme and The Sydney Morning Herald specifically mention the believability of the space station's design and adherence to physics and thermodynamics. The graphics are described as contemporary, sleek, and well-suited to the premise of the game. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by critics. CGMagazine and Xbox Achievements point out technical issues with the Xbox One version, such as a lower frame rate and loading stutters. Game Rant also mentions technical issues like clipping and chugging on Xbox One. GameSpot's review mentions technical issues without providing further details. GameSpot also mentions that the review mentions meticulous attention to detail and captivating visuals, but does not elaborate. The critic from Gameplanet states that the decision to present characters as colored see-through outlines limits their full realization. TheSixthAxis mentions that while the design of the space vessel and the portrayal of the crew as holograms are striking, the game can feel somewhat empty and bland to look at. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Tacoma's Graphics and Visual Design are praiseworthy. The attention to detail, immersive visuals, and futuristic atmosphere are highly appreciated. The level design and the lived-in feel of the space station are also commended. However, there are some technical issues mentioned by critics, particularly with the Xbox One version. The portrayal of characters as holograms receives mixed opinions, with some critics finding it unique and others feeling that it limits their realization. Despite these minor flaws, the majority of critics find the graphics and visual design of Tacoma to be captivating and well-executed.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Tacoma's sound design and music, praising its melancholic atmosphere and stellar voice acting. While some noted minor critiques like a lack of music and story focus, the overall reception was overwhelmingly positive. The game stands out for its exceptional voice performances and emotional connection to characters, earning high acclaim from various sources.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of the critics praised the sound design and music of Tacoma, highlighting its positive aspects. PlayStation Universe commended the game for creating a melancholic and heavy atmosphere through its sound design and music, with a particular mention of a guitar song played by one of the characters. Push Square emphasized the great voice acting in the AR recordings, which delivered authentic and honest portrayals of the characters. CGMagazine and GamingTrend both praised the stellar voice cast, with CGMagazine even stating that it featured some of the best voice acting experienced in a game. The Sydney Morning Herald also lauded the outstanding and nuanced direction and performances in the AR recordings, which added life to the abandoned rooms of the space station. Xbox Achievements and Digitally Downloaded both highlighted the excellent voice performances and sound direction, enabling emotional moments and a real connection to the characters. While the overall sentiment towards the sound design and music of Tacoma was positive, there were a few critiques mentioned by the critics. DualShockers felt that the heavy focus on the main story detracted from the inter-personal relationships, which may have impacted the overall experience of the sound design and music. God is a Geek noted the minimal amount of music in the game, which added to the feeling of isolation in space. However, these criticisms were minor compared to the overall positive reception of the sound design and music. In conclusion, the sound design and music of Tacoma received high praise from the majority of the critics. The game was commended for its skilled voice actors, great animation, and the creation of a melancholic and heavy atmosphere. The voice acting was particularly highlighted as exceptional, with critics such as CGMagazine and GamingTrend praising the dynamic characters and excellent performances. The sound direction and performances in the AR recordings were also lauded by The Sydney Morning Herald. While there were a few minor criticisms, such as the minimal amount of music and the heavy focus on the main story, the overall consensus among the critics was that the sound design and music of Tacoma were very good.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Summary: Critics unanimously praise the exceptional voice acting in Tacoma for its authenticity, relatability, and emotional impact. No negative opinions were mentioned, indicating flawless performances that enhance the overall gaming experience. Positive reviews from various critics highlight the talent of the voice actors in bringing diverse characters to life with engaging conversations and immersive storytelling.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Tacoma has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics. Many critics praised the performances as being real, relatable, and authentic. Push Square commends the voice acting for feeling "real and relatable," while Game Informer highlights the natural and engaging conversations that reflect the diverse backgrounds, sexualities, and identities of the characters. The Sydney Morning Herald specifically mentions the exceptional voice acting in the AR recordings, which puts trust in the viewer to unravel the story. DualShockers, CGMagazine, and GameSpot all emphasize the strong and phenomenal voice acting from the cast. These positive opinions highlight the skill and talent of the voice actors, as well as their ability to bring the characters to life and evoke emotions. While the majority of critics praised the voice acting in Tacoma, there were no specific negative opinions mentioned in the given reviews. This suggests that there were no significant issues or flaws with the voice acting that stood out to the critics. The absence of negative comments indicates that the voice acting was consistently well-done and did not detract from the overall experience of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Tacoma is exceptional. The positive opinions from various critics, such as AusGamers, GamingTrend, and TheXboxHub, further reinforce this sentiment. The voice acting is praised for its strong performances, capturing emotions, and bringing the characters to life. The effective voice acting is also noted for maintaining the tone and atmosphere of the game. The unanimous agreement among the majority of critics about the quality of the voice acting solidifies the notion that it is one of the game's standout aspects.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics find Tacoma has technical issues on all gaming platforms. PS4 has minor problems like stuttering, while Xbox One suffers from severe crashing and game-breaking glitches. PC version has minor issues like frame rate juddering. Some critics see issues as minor, but others find them significant, affecting gameplay experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

27%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the technical performance of Tacoma on different gaming platforms are as follows: For the PS4 version, DualShockers and PlayStation Universe both mentioned minor technical issues. DualShockers noted stuttering during load times, while PlayStation Universe mentioned stuttering and crashing, particularly when looking up and down the shaft while on the lift. These issues, although present, seem to be relatively minor and do not significantly impact the overall experience of the game on the PS4. Moving on to the Xbox One version, CGMagazine mentioned that it runs at 30 frames per second and has loading stutters, while Game Rant highlighted severe technical problems, including crashing, clipping, and a glitch that prevents players from starting the game. ICXM also experienced heavy frame rate drops and freezing issues, as well as a bug that causes players to get stuck on the home screen. TheXboxHub mentioned occasional framerate issues, but they did not hamper the experience or enjoyment of the game. Xbox Achievements noted a choppy frame rate, but mentioned that it eventually settles. These reviews indicate that the Xbox One version of Tacoma suffers from various technical issues, ranging from minor framerate drops to severe crashing and game-breaking glitches. For the PC version, GameGrin mentioned minor issues with frame rate juddering when moving between sections of the station and when throwing objects. NZGamer experienced technical issues such as camera rotation with a fight stick plugged in and occasional crashes when pausing in the main menu. TheSixthAxis noted long loading times, which can break immersion, but also mentioned that the game is not overly taxing on modern PCs. These reviews suggest that the PC version of Tacoma has some technical issues, but they appear to be relatively minor and do not significantly impact the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Tacoma has some technical performance issues across all gaming platforms. While the PS4 version seems to have relatively minor issues, the Xbox One version suffers from severe technical problems such as crashing, clipping, and game-breaking glitches. The PC version also has some technical issues, but they are generally less severe and can be mitigated by certain adjustments. It is worth noting that some critics, such as TheXboxHub and TheSixthAxis, found the technical issues to be less detrimental to the overall experience, while others, like Game Rant and ICXM, highlighted the significant impact these issues had on gameplay.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics are divided on Tacoma's replay value. Some praise its exploration and secrets for encouraging multiple playthroughs, while others criticize its short length and lack of post-completion content. Overall, the consensus leans towards limited replayability due to these factors.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Tacoma are quite varied. Some critics, such as DualShockers and Game Rant, mention that the game offers items to explore and interact with, which adds to the replay value. Game Rant specifically highlights the importance of thoroughly searching each area and discovering secrets. Additionally, CGMagazine mentions that completionists and achievement hunters will find optional activities to engage with, further enhancing the replay value. These positive aspects suggest that there are elements within the game that encourage multiple playthroughs and exploration. On the other hand, several critics express concerns about the game's replay value. PSX Extreme notes that the game's short length, less than three hours, and lack of a deeper third act may limit its replayability. PlayStation Universe also mentions that after completing the game, there is little to do, resulting in minimal replayability. AusGamers adds that the game's focus on multiple characters may leave something missing in terms of replay value. These negative aspects indicate that the game's length and lack of additional content after completion may hinder its replayability. Overall, the critics' opinions on the replay value of Tacoma lean towards the negative side. While some critics acknowledge the potential for replay value through exploration and interaction, the general consensus seems to be that the game's short length and limited post-completion content restrict its replayability. Critics like The Sydney Morning Herald and Digitally Downloaded highlight the game's groundbreaking narrative system and deep character exploration, which are positive aspects but may not necessarily contribute significantly to replay value. Despite the mixed opinions, it is evident that Tacoma's replay value is somewhat limited, with the game's length and lack of additional content being the primary concerns raised by the critics.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Tacoma, it is evident that the game has received a generally positive reception. Many critics praise the game for its engaging storytelling, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking narrative. Critics such as CGMagazine, Impulsegamer, and The Sydney Morning Herald highlight Tacoma's gripping story, diverse characters, and emotional storytelling, with The Sydney Morning Herald even calling it a "multi-layered sci-fi masterpiece." The game's ability to create relatable characters and capture emotions is also commended by ICXM and Destructoid. The interactive character work and environmental storytelling are mentioned as strong points by TheSixthAxis. However, there are some criticisms raised by reviewers regarding Tacoma. Some critics, like AusGamers and GameSpot, mention that the game lacks urgency, tension, and meaningful intersection between its levels. The incomplete exploration of the political climate is also noted by GameSpot. The short length of the game is a common concern among critics, including PSX Extreme and Shacknews. IGN mentions the desire for more activities to engage with, while Slant Magazine criticizes Tacoma for lacking tension and having a predictable narrative. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Tacoma is a well-crafted game with a compelling story and engaging characters. It is praised for its narrative-driven approach and its ability to evoke emotions. The game is recommended for fans of the genre, particularly those who enjoyed Fullbright's previous title, Gone Home. However, some critics express disappointment in certain aspects, such as the lack of tension and the short length of the game. Despite these criticisms, Tacoma is generally regarded as a worthwhile experience that showcases the potential of narrative-driven games.

TL;DR

Critics largely praise Tacoma for its engaging storytelling, well-developed characters, and emotional depth, with some hailing it as a "multi-layered sci-fi masterpiece." However, some reviewers criticize the game for lacking urgency, tension, and depth in its levels, as well as its short length. Overall, Tacoma is recommended for fans of narrative-driven games, particularly those who enjoyed Gone Home, but some critics express disappointment with certain aspects.

MONSTER

Reviews

120 reviews found

God is a Geek

Aug 1, 2017