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MONSTER

Tchia

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

2023

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, Casual, Single Player

AvailableMar 21, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, PC, PlayStation 5

DeveloperAwaceb

Overview

A tropical open-world adventure. Climb, glide, swim, and sail your boat around a beautiful archipelago in this physics-driven sandbox. Use Tchia's special ability to take control of any animal or object you can find, and Jam on your fully playable Ukulele. A game inspired by New Caledonia.

Elsewhere

6.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

28%

Negative (0-49)

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

The story of Tchia has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its heartfelt and emotional storytelling, with themes of self-discovery, growth, and familial bonds. Critics like Everyeye.it and PlayStation LifeStyle appreciated the character development and maturity portrayed throughout the narrative. The exploration of New Caledonian culture and folklore was also highlighted positively by reviewers such as COGconnected and Eurogamer Germany, who found the integration of real-world inspiration into the fictional story to be respectful and engaging. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about the story's execution in Tchia. GamingBolt and GameGrin criticized the narrative for being predictable, uneventful, and rushed, with forgettable characters and inconsistent pacing. GamingTrend and LevelUp noted issues with shallow storytelling, one-dimensional villains, and underdeveloped secondary characters, which hindered the overall impact of the story. Additionally, The Indie Informer highlighted disjointed storytelling and a lack of emotional depth, while GameGrin mentioned struggles in maintaining a consistent tone between serious and light-hearted moments. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the story of Tchia leans towards a positive reception, with a significant number of reviewers appreciating the game's emotional depth, cultural representation, and thematic exploration. Critics like God is a Geek and Press Start Australia found the narrative to be impressive and entertaining, touching on interesting themes and delivering impactful moments. While some critics raised valid concerns about pacing, character development, and predictability, the general sentiment suggests that Tchia succeeds in delivering a heartfelt and engaging coming-of-age story set in a beautifully crafted world inspired by New Caledonia.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Tchia's story receives mixed feedback from critics. Praise for emotional storytelling, character development, and cultural exploration, but criticism for predictability, shallow storytelling, and inconsistent pacing. Despite some flaws, many find the game's narrative heartfelt and engaging, offering a beautifully crafted coming-of-age tale in a New Caledonian-inspired world.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

49%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Tchia has received praise for its unique and innovative mechanics, particularly the "Soul Jumping" ability that allows players to possess animals and objects, as highlighted by critics like Destructoid and GamePro Germany. Reviewers such as GamingTrend and KeenGamer appreciate the focus on exploration over combat, with engaging traversal mechanics like gliding, climbing, and creative solutions to puzzles and fights. The variety of activities available, such as sailing, totem carving, and treasure hunting, adds depth and enjoyment to the gameplay, as noted by critics like Press Start Australia and Gamer Escape. The open-world setting inspired by New Caledonia, along with the ability to interact with the environment in diverse ways, contributes to a rich and immersive gameplay experience. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks in Tchia's gameplay. Eurogamer Germany and GameGrin criticize the game for redundant elements, lack of depth in combat, and underutilized mechanics, which can lead to repetitive and unfulfilling gameplay loops. LevelUp and PlayStation Universe mention issues with open-world incentives feeling repetitive and combat being simplistic and lacking challenge. Some reviewers, like Easy Allies and TheSixthAxis, highlight frustrating mechanics such as long cooldowns and limited reach when traversing the world, which can hinder the overall gameplay experience. Additionally, IGN Spain mentions a lack of challenge and depth in mini-games, impacting player engagement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Tchia offers a unique and enjoyable gameplay experience with its focus on exploration, creative problem-solving, and diverse mechanics like Soul Jumping and gliding. While some reviewers have raised concerns about certain aspects of the gameplay, such as repetitive missions, underdeveloped elements, and clunky controls, the majority appreciate the game's innovative approach and the sense of freedom it provides to players. Tchia seems to have successfully captured the attention of many critics with its engaging gameplay mechanics, diverse activities, and immersive open-world setting, making it a title worth exploring for those looking for a fresh and inventive gaming experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Tchia's gameplay wows with unique mechanics like "Soul Jumping" and focuses on exploration over combat, earning praise for traversal options and engaging activities. However, some critics criticize the game for repetitive elements, lack of combat depth, and frustrating mechanics. Despite mixed reviews, Tchia offers an immersive and inventive gaming experience with its creative problem-solving and diverse activities in a rich open-world setting inspired by New Caledonia.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

76%

Mixed (50-79)

24%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praised the graphics and visual design of Tchia, highlighting its stunning and captivating environments inspired by New Caledonia. Critics like GamingTrend, God is a Geek, and Eurogamer Germany commended the game for its visually outstanding landscapes and charming cartoony art style. The attention to detail in the world design, diverse environments, and vibrant color palette were consistently lauded by reviewers such as Everyeye.it and Digital Trends. The game successfully immerses players in a beautiful and unique tropical setting, with realistic water physics, lush greenery, and picturesque island landscapes, as noted by GAMINGbible and Video Chums. The combination of cartoony and realistic visuals, as mentioned by GamingBolt, contributes to a visually stunning and immersive experience that resonated positively with many critics. However, some critics pointed out certain areas where Tchia fell short in its graphics and visual design. Press Start Australia and PlayStation Universe mentioned flat and unfinished areas upon close scrutiny, while TheSixthAxis highlighted low-quality aspects in certain parts of the open world. Oyungezer and Metro GameCentral noted a lack of depth and originality in the open world design, particularly in desolate or city areas. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the graphics and visual design of Tchia remained predominantly positive, with the game's strengths in creating a vibrant and charming world outweighing its occasional shortcomings. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of Tchia. The game's ability to create a visually stunning and immersive world, drawing inspiration from the real-world beauty of New Caledonia, resonated strongly with reviewers. The attention to detail, vibrant color palette, and charming cartoony art style were widely praised, with many critics commending the game for its captivating environments and unique setting. While some critics pointed out minor flaws such as unfinished areas or lack of depth in certain parts of the world, the overall sentiment leans towards Tchia being a visually appealing and well-crafted experience that successfully transports players to a beautiful and enchanting tropical paradise.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics widely praised Tchia for its stunning graphics inspired by New Caledonia, with GamingTrend and others lauding its captivating environments and charming art style. While some critics noted minor flaws like flat areas or lack of depth, the overall consensus is positive, highlighting the game's immersive world design and vibrant visuals. Tchia offers a visually appealing and well-crafted experience that transports players to a beautiful tropical paradise.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics unanimously praised the sound design and music of Tchia, highlighting various positive aspects that enhanced the overall gaming experience. Critics such as Destructoid, GamingTrend, and PlayStation LifeStyle lauded the phenomenal music in the game, with details like ukulele playing and enchanting musical performances creating an immersive and enjoyable atmosphere. The incorporation of traditional instruments and melodies from New Caledonia, as mentioned by GamingBolt and COGconnected, added depth and authenticity to the cultural experience. Additionally, the voice acting in native languages, as noted by GAMINGbible and Gamer Escape, further contributed to the immersion, with performances by local talents bringing emotional depth to the characters. While the majority of critics had overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the sound design and music of Tchia, there were some minor criticisms mentioned by a few reviewers. LevelUp mentioned that while the game attempted to create an emotional story through beautiful music, the overall impact was limited. Eurogamer Germany noted that while music mini-games like playing the ukulele were a nice touch, they lacked challenge. IGN Spain also pointed out that some elements of the soundtrack may not align perfectly with the gameplay, suggesting a slight disconnect between the music and the overall player experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the sound design and music of Tchia were exceptional, with the positive aspects far outweighing any minor criticisms. The game's ability to immerse players in the cultural richness of New Caledonia through its soundtrack, voice acting in native languages, and use of traditional instruments was widely praised. Critics appreciated the attention to detail in creating a vibrant and authentic audio experience, with the music being a standout feature that enhanced the overall enjoyment of the game. The combination of enchanting melodies, immersive soundscapes, and emotional performances by local talents resonated positively with reviewers, making Tchia a standout title in terms of its sound design and music.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics unanimously praised Tchia's exceptional sound design and music, featuring immersive ukulele playing and enchanting performances that enhance the gaming experience. Incorporating traditional instruments and native languages from New Caledonia added depth and authenticity. While some reviewers had minor criticisms about emotional impact and music mini-game challenges, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game's ability to immerse players in the cultural richness through its soundtrack and voice acting was widely appreciated, making Tchia a standout title in sound design and music.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

60%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Tchia has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. GamePro Germany, Areajugones, PlayStation Universe, and Gamer Escape all praised the authenticity and immersion brought by the use of local talents speaking French and Drehu, the traditional languages of New Caledonia. Critics like Softpedia highlighted the expressiveness and emotional depth of the voice actors, particularly those portraying major characters. The use of traditional languages by local actors, as noted by WellPlayed and Press Start Australia, added charm and authenticity to the characters, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game. However, some critics expressed concerns regarding the impact of the voice acting on the overall experience of Tchia. GamingBolt mentioned that while the characters are voiced in the native language of the land, the translated dialogues were perceived as boring and did not significantly enhance the storytelling experience. GameGrin pointed out that despite the commendable use of local talent for voice work, the lack of character development and screen time for major characters diminished the impact of the voice performances. These criticisms suggest that while the authenticity and cultural representation were well-executed, there may have been missed opportunities in terms of storytelling and character engagement through the voice acting. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Tchia is a standout feature that contributes significantly to the authenticity and immersion of the game. Critics like Push Square and Screen Rant praised the authentic delivery in the native tongue of New Caledonia, while Worth Playing appreciated the use of French and Drehu to create a pleasant atmosphere. Despite some reservations about the impact on storytelling and character development, the general sentiment is overwhelmingly positive towards the voice acting, with the majority of critics acknowledging its role in enhancing the cultural representation and overall charm of Tchia.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics love the voice acting in Tchia for its authenticity and immersion, featuring local talents speaking French and Drehu. While some critique the impact on storytelling and character development, the overall sentiment is highly positive, with praise for the cultural representation and charm it brings to the game.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

19%

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

In terms of technical performance on the PlayStation 5, some reviewers highlighted positive aspects such as stable performance and utilization of DualSense features. MeuPlayStation specifically noted that the game runs smoothly on the PS5 without any crashes or performance issues, providing a stable experience. Additionally, GamingBolt mentioned that recent updates have addressed many crashing issues, indicating ongoing efforts to improve the game's technical stability. On the flip side, several critics pointed out various technical issues on the PS5 version of Tchia. PlayStation LifeStyle and Press Start Australia both noted frame rate drops and performance issues, with the latter mentioning bugs affecting gameplay. LevelUp and IGN Spain highlighted issues like difficulty loading saved files, AI shortcomings, and long loading times, impacting the overall experience. These technical hiccups were also echoed by critics like Power Unlimited and But Why Tho??, who mentioned bugs and crashes affecting gameplay on the PS5 platform. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Tchia on various platforms leans towards a mixed reception. While some like Everyeye.it and MeuPlayStation found the PS5 version to be stable with minor bugs that can be addressed through patches, others like PlayStation LifeStyle and Press Start Australia experienced significant technical issues impacting gameplay. The PC version, as noted by Areajugones and Screen Rant, generally performed well with minor bugs, while some critics highlighted crashes and glitches, such as Eurogamer Germany and Gamer Escape. The overall sentiment suggests that while Tchia shows promise with stable performance on certain platforms and potential for improvement through updates, technical issues remain a concern for a portion of the gaming community.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have a mixed view on the technical performance of Tchia on PlayStation 5. Some praise its stable performance and use of DualSense features, while others criticize frame rate drops, bugs, and long loading times. The consensus is that while the game shows promise with stable performance on some platforms, technical issues are a concern for a portion of the gaming community.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

19%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

16%

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

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the exploration aspect of Tchia as a rewarding experience that adds to its replay value. Critics like Destructoid and God is a Geek mentioned that exploration is rewarded with unlockables, minigames, and customization options, encouraging players to revisit the world of Tchia for additional playthroughs. KeenGamer also noted that meaningful side quests and collectibles provide useful rewards, further enhancing the engagement with the game world. Additionally, Areajugones praised the game for offering a world full of discoveries, various villages to visit, and stories to uncover, providing enough content to keep players entertained and engaged. On the other hand, the negative aspects of Tchia's replay value were also highlighted by several critics. GamingBolt and Power Unlimited expressed concerns about the limited replay value due to boring mission design, repetitive side activities, and lackluster rewards for completing challenges. GameGrin and Eurogamer Germany mentioned the lack of depth in gameplay, limited exploration options, and an empty world contributing to low replayability. Furthermore, SECTOR.sk pointed out the limited replay value due to the lack of substantial activities and incomplete aspects, which may deter players from revisiting the game. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the replay value of Tchia seems to be mixed. While some critics like GAMINGbible and PlayStation Universe found certain aspects like mini-games, customization options, and additional abilities to enhance replay value, others like GameGrin and Power Unlimited felt that the lack of depth in gameplay and repetitive activities hindered the game's replayability. However, critics like Vandal and Worth Playing emphasized the engaging gameplay mechanics, enjoyable exploration, and rewarding full exploration, which contribute positively to the game's replay value. Ultimately, the decision to revisit Tchia for multiple playthroughs may vary depending on individual preferences for exploration, collectibles, and the overall atmosphere of the game.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Tchia for its rewarding exploration and engaging gameplay, offering unlockables and customization options. However, concerns were raised about limited replay value due to repetitive missions and lackluster rewards. The consensus on Tchia's replayability is mixed, with some highlighting its strengths while others point out weaknesses in gameplay depth and activities. Ultimately, the decision to replay Tchia depends on individual preferences for exploration and game atmosphere.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

62%

Mixed (50-79)

37%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Overall Verdict of Tchia are quite varied, with a mix of positive and negative feedback. Critics like Destructoid, GAMINGbible, and KeenGamer praise the game for its ambitious and charming world, engaging gameplay elements, beautiful music, and celebration of culture. They highlight the game's heart, compassion, and immersive experience that captivates players. Additionally, critics like Gamer Escape and Digital Trends commend Tchia for its originality, cultural richness, diverse cast, and captivating storytelling, providing players with a fresh perspective on open-world adventure games. On the other hand, some critics, such as GamingBolt and PlayStation Universe, express concerns about Tchia's shortcomings. They mention issues with the game's story, gameplay mechanics, character development, pacing, and technical performance, which hinder the overall experience. GamingBolt specifically points out the game's bland mission design and repetitive activities, while PlayStation Universe notes the lack of depth in combat and exploration, as well as pacing problems. These criticisms suggest that while Tchia has its strengths, it also has areas that fall short of expectations. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of Tchia, with many acknowledging its unique charm, cultural celebration, and immersive gameplay experience. Critics like Gamer Escape and Vandal praise the game for its delightful and rewarding adventure, visually appealing open world, engaging narrative, and memorable characters. Despite some flaws mentioned by critics like GamingBolt and PlayStation Universe, the general sentiment is that Tchia offers a refreshing and earnest experience that is worth exploring for fans of indie games and open-world adventures. The game's passion, charm, and ambition shine through, leaving a lasting impact on players and showcasing the love and effort put into its creation.

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on Tchia, with some praising its ambitious world, engaging gameplay, and celebration of culture, while others point out shortcomings in story, mechanics, and pacing. Overall, the game is seen positively for its charm, cultural richness, and immersive experience, despite some flaws. Worth a try for indie game and open-world adventure fans.

MONSTER

Reviews

118 reviews found

100

Twinfinite

Mar 21, 2023