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MONSTER

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me
Item: The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2022

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Horror, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableNov 18, 2022

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperSupermassive Games

Overview

Step into the anthology's most bloodcurdling story yet, where each of your choices once again determines who lives and who dies. Watch in horror as your unfortunate crew falls prey to a twisted host who is observing their every move. We hope you enjoy your stay...

Elsewhere

7.3

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me offers an intriguing story inspired by H.H. Holmes but stumbles with one-dimensional characters and predictability. Critics praise its atmosphere and some strong character moments, yet they cite issues with pacing and emotional depth, leading to a mixed reception. While the game starts strong, it fails to fully engage players emotionally or deliver unexpected twists, leaving many wanting more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

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

The reviews for The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me highlight several positive aspects of the game's story, particularly its intriguing premise centered around the infamous serial killer H.H. Holmes and his notorious "Murder Castle." Critics like Hardcore Gamer and GameSpew commend the narrative for effectively blending historical elements with horror tropes, creating a captivating backdrop that keeps players engaged. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Xbox Tavern and Gaming Nexus, note that the character work is among the best in the series, with believable interactions that enhance the emotional stakes of the story. The game's ability to draw players into a tense atmosphere, as pointed out by Malditos Nerds and Gameblog.fr, also contributes to its overall appeal. However, the critiques reveal significant shortcomings in the execution of the story. Many reviewers, including New Game Network, Multiplayer.it, and Shacknews, express disappointment with the one-dimensional characters and lack of emotional depth, which hinder players' ability to empathize with the protagonists. The pacing is another recurring issue, with TierraGamer and Finger Guns noting that the initial hours feel tedious and filled with filler content, ultimately detracting from the overall experience. Additionally, several critics, such as Everyeye.it and IGN, point out that the narrative suffers from predictability and lacks meaningful twists, making it feel formulaic and uninspired. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while The Devil in Me has a compelling premise and some strong character moments, it ultimately falls short due to weak character development, pacing issues, and a predictable plot. Reviewers like Dexerto and PC Invasion highlight that the story starts strong but falters as it progresses, leading to a mixed reception. Despite its potential, the game struggles to fully realize its narrative ambitions, leaving many players wanting more in terms of emotional engagement and originality.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me garners mixed reviews; critics praise new mechanics like climbing and an inventory system for enhancing player interaction, but many find the gameplay repetitive, slow, and bogged down by technical issues. While choices impact survival and narrative, the execution feels linear and lacks meaningful depth, leaving many feeling it doesn't fully exploit its potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

66%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me has received some positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding the introduction of new mechanics that enhance player interaction and exploration. Several reviewers, such as Areajugones and MeuPlayStation, noted the inclusion of climbing, crouching, and an inventory system, which contribute to a more dynamic gameplay experience. Critics like CGMagazine and Hardcore Gamer appreciated the improved freedom of movement and the ability to utilize character-specific tools, enhancing the interactive elements of the game. The ability to make choices that significantly impact character survival and story outcomes, as highlighted by Generación Xbox, also adds depth to the gameplay, encouraging multiple playthroughs to explore different narrative paths. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the gameplay that detract from the overall experience. Many reviewers, including GamesHub and IGN Adria, described the gameplay as repetitive and slow, with a lack of engaging mechanics that fail to create tension or excitement. Critics such as GameSkinny and Dexerto pointed out that while new movement mechanics were introduced, they were often marred by sluggish controls and technical issues that disrupted immersion. Furthermore, the decision-making mechanics were described as lacking meaningful impact, leading to a diminished sense of player agency, as noted by Shacknews and Finger Guns. Overall, the gameplay is perceived as limited in its exploration and overly guided, with some reviewers feeling that it does not significantly deviate from previous titles in the anthology. The overall consensus among critics indicates a mixed reception for the gameplay of The Devil in Me. While some praised the new mechanics and the potential for exploration and character interaction, many others highlighted significant shortcomings, including repetitive gameplay, technical issues, and a lack of meaningful choices. As a result, the game appears to tread a familiar path without fully realizing its potential, leaving critics like Shacknews and IGN Italia to suggest that despite improvements, the gameplay remains largely linear and constrained. Ultimately, while there are elements that could enhance the experience, the execution has left many reviewers feeling that the game does not fully capitalize on its promising ideas.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me impresses with atmospheric graphics and detailed environments, particularly the chilling 'Murder Castle.' Critics laud the lighting and character models, especially in 4K. However, the game suffers from stiff animations, awkward character interactions, and repetitive outdoor settings. While some hail it as the best-looking installment, technical flaws and inconsistent quality hold it back, leaving the overall visual experience a mixed bag of brilliance and shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

39%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

51%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

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

The graphics and visual design of The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me have garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly for their atmospheric qualities. Many reviewers, such as PC Invasion and VG247, highlighted the effective use of lighting and shadow management, which contribute to a chilling and immersive atmosphere. The recreation of the 'Murder Castle' received commendations for its detail and design, enhancing the horror experience, as noted by Player 2 and Cinemablend. Critics like Impulsegamer and Xbox Achievements praised the character models and animations, noting that they are some of the best in the series, with PlaySense emphasizing the impressive graphics in 4K that effectively create a creepy ambiance. However, despite these strengths, several critics pointed out significant shortcomings in the game's visual design. Reviewers from CD-Action and SpazioGames expressed concerns about the inconsistency in character animations and facial expressions, describing them as stiff and lacking fluidity. Critics such as GameOver.gr and TierraGamer noted that character interactions often break immersion due to awkward camera cuts and characters not looking at each other during conversations. Furthermore, the repetitive and uninspired environments, particularly outdoors, were mentioned by Push Square and Game Rant, detracting from the overall visual experience. The overall sentiment indicates that while there are moments of visual brilliance, they are often marred by technical flaws. The overall consensus among critics is that The Devil in Me presents a visually engaging experience with notable improvements over previous entries in the series, yet it struggles with inconsistencies that prevent it from reaching its full potential. Critics like IGN Adria and WellPlayed acknowledged the beautiful environments and effective lighting but also pointed out the robotic character animations and uneven quality across different scenes. While some reviewers, such as Areajugones and GamingBolt, deemed it the best-looking game in the anthology, the recurring issues with character animations and environmental quality indicate that the game falls short of achieving a consistently high standard. Ultimately, the visual design of The Devil in Me is a mixed bag, showcasing both impressive elements and significant flaws.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me impresses with its sound design and music, enhancing the horror atmosphere and tension, earning praise for its spooky ambiance and quality voice acting. However, critics noted shortcomings such as a forgettable score, localization issues, reliance on clichés, and technical flaws like audio bugs. Overall, while the audio elevates the experience, it still has room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

57%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me have garnered mostly positive feedback from critics, highlighting its ability to enhance the horror atmosphere effectively. Reviewers such as Adventure Game Hotspot and Cubed3 praised the background music for its role in creating a spooky ambiance, with intense pieces elevating chase scenes and contributing to the overall experience. The voice acting received commendations from COGconnected and Hobby Consolas, who noted its authenticity and high quality, while Finger Guns and Gameblog.fr appreciated the sound design's focus on ambiance over jump scares, which they felt enriched the horror experience. Additionally, critics like Games.cz and Vandal emphasized the exceptional use of ambient noises and well-timed audio cues that significantly contribute to building tension throughout the game. Despite the many strengths noted, several critics pointed out various shortcomings in the sound design and music. For instance, IGN Adria described the musical score as forgettable, while RPG Fan criticized it for lacking originality compared to previous entries in the series. Issues with voice acting were also highlighted, particularly in localized versions, as Jeuxvideo.com noted problems with unlocalized voice acting and lip-syncing in the French version. Furthermore, some reviewers, such as GameSkinny and Game Rant, mentioned the reliance on clichés and jump scares, which detracted from the overall horror experience. Technical issues, including strange audio bugs and inconsistencies in volume levels, were also reported by critics like Game Rant and Hobby Consolas, indicating that while the audio design is generally strong, it is not without its flaws. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me features a commendable sound design that effectively enhances the horror atmosphere, despite some notable drawbacks. While many reviewers, such as IGN Spain and PC Invasion, highlighted the immersive qualities of the audio, others pointed out inconsistencies and technical issues that marred the experience. The balance between effective ambient sound, voice acting quality, and musical composition appears to be a central theme in the reviews, with critics generally agreeing that while the sound design excels in creating tension and atmosphere, there are areas that require improvement for a more polished experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

TL;DR: The voice acting in The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me shines thanks to talents like Jessie Buckley and Paul Kaye, earning praise for depth and chemistry. However, critics also point out major flaws—flat emotional delivery, weak character dynamics, and poor writing undermine the performances. Localization and synchronization issues further hurt immersion, leading to a mixed reception. Ultimately, strong acting is overshadowed by narrative shortcomings, leaving critics divided on its effectiveness.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

48%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

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

The voice acting in The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me has received a variety of positive remarks from critics, highlighting the talent of the cast, particularly Jessie Buckley and Paul Kaye. Critics such as Gamers' Temple and PlayStation Universe praised the performances for their quality, noting that the actors effectively brought depth to their characters. Adventure Game Hotspot and Cubed3 also recognized the notable talent within the cast, with several reviewers mentioning the strong performances contributing to the overall atmosphere of the game. Additionally, the chemistry between the characters was highlighted by Hardcore Gamer and Xbox Achievements, suggesting that the voice acting helped to create an engaging experience for players. However, despite the commendable performances, several critics pointed out significant shortcomings in the voice acting. Many reviews, including those from Gameblog.fr and JeuxActu, noted that the emotional delivery often fell flat, undermined by weak character dynamics and poor writing. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and TierraGamer mentioned that the scripting was immersion-breaking, leading to a disconnect between the performances and the narrative. Furthermore, issues such as localization and synchronization were highlighted by Jeuxvideo.com, which detracted from the overall immersion and effectiveness of the voice acting, leading to a mixed reception of the performances. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while the voice acting in The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me features some standout performances and notable talent, it is ultimately hampered by inconsistent writing and character development. Reviewers like IGN and Shacknews emphasized that the lack of interesting character traits and emotional depth detracted from the otherwise strong performances. As a result, while the voice acting has its merits, it appears that the game's narrative shortcomings significantly impact the overall effectiveness of the cast's delivery, leading to a divided opinion among critics.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me shows mixed technical performance across platforms. While PC and PS5 reviews praise smooth gameplay and good loading times, notable bugs, frame rate drops, and graphical glitches mar the experience. Xbox Series X users report stability but still face some issues. Overall, critics highlight significant technical shortcomings that detract from immersion, despite pockets of praise for performance. Developers need to address these concerns to improve future installments.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

32%

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

The technical performance of The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me shows a mixed bag of opinions across different platforms. On PC, several reviewers, including IGN France and The Games Machine, noted that the game runs smoothly, even with advanced graphical settings like ray tracing enabled. Critics such as Gaming Nexus and GameSpew also highlighted a stable experience, with good performance reported across various settings. On the PS5, many critics praised the game's overall performance, with Adventure Game Hotspot and PSX Brasil noting smooth gameplay and good loading times. Even in performance mode, the game was reported to run well, as mentioned by GameSkinny and WellPlayed. On Xbox Series X, ZTGD reported stability with no bugs or crashes, and MondoXbox acknowledged the stable performance utilizing Unreal Engine 4. However, the negatives are quite pronounced across all platforms. On PC, reviewers like SpazioGames and Oyungezer pointed out significant technical instability, with issues such as bugs, frame rate drops, and cutscene interruptions affecting gameplay. SECTOR.sk and GamingTrend echoed these sentiments, noting dialogue issues and animation glitches that detracted from the immersion. For the PS5, critics like Shacknews and IGN Adria reported poor performance on older hardware and graphical bugs, while Gameblog.fr and Malditos Nerds mentioned loading screens disrupting the experience. Xbox Series X players also experienced some technical issues, as noted by SomosXbox, who reported loading screens and texture pop-ins that affected immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me suffers from a range of technical issues across all platforms, impacting the overall experience and immersion. Despite some positive remarks regarding performance, particularly on high-end PCs and the PS5, the prevalence of bugs and glitches has led to a general perception of the game lacking polish. Critics like KeenGamer and Game Rant highlighted inconsistencies and technical shortcomings that hinder the game's potential. While some players may find enjoyment in the narrative and gameplay, the technical performance issues remain a significant concern that developers will need to address in future updates or installments.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me garners mixed reviews on replay value. Critics praise its branching narratives, multiplayer modes, and various playstyles, suggesting solid replay potential. However, many express frustration over shallow character development, binary choices, and cumbersome replay mechanics, which can dampen the overall experience. While it appeals to series fans, the lack of depth may leave others wanting, resulting in a polarized perception of its replayability.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

37%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

54%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me reveal a mixed sentiment among critics, with several positive aspects highlighted. Many reviewers, such as IGN Spain and Adventure Game Hotspot, commend the game for its branching narratives and multiple endings, which encourage players to revisit the experience to explore different outcomes. The inclusion of multiplayer options, as noted by Jeuxvideo.com and Hobby Consolas, further enhances replayability by allowing players to engage with friends, adding a social dimension to the gameplay. Critics like Hey Poor Player and GameSpew also appreciate the various modes available, such as the Curator's Cut and Movie Night, which provide alternative perspectives and scenarios, making the game appealing for multiple playthroughs. However, despite these positive elements, a significant number of critics express concerns about the game's overall replay value. Reviewers like GameSkinny and Gamersky point out that the lack of meaningful player choices and the reliance on binary decisions can lead to frustrating outcomes, diminishing the impact of earlier decisions. Additionally, IGN Adria and Finger Guns highlight the blandness of characters and predictability of the plot, which may deter players from wanting to replay the game. Critics such as Shacknews and PC Games mention that while replaying scenes is possible, the process can be cumbersome, further reducing the incentive for players to engage in multiple playthroughs. The overall consensus among critics suggests that while The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me offers some replay value through its branching paths and multiplayer options, the execution of its narrative and character development leaves much to be desired. Reviewers like God is a Geek and NME acknowledge that the game has potential for replayability, yet many feel that the lack of engaging characters and meaningful choices limits the desire for repeated playthroughs. Ultimately, the game appears to cater more to dedicated fans of the series who may appreciate the nuances of its mechanics, while others may find the experience lacking in depth and engagement, leading to a more polarized view on its replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me reveals a mixed reception among critics, with several positive aspects highlighted. Many reviewers commend the game for its strong storytelling and engaging horror elements. For instance, IGN Spain and WellPlayed both regard it as one of the best entries in the series, praising its captivating narrative and character development. Critics like Cubed3 and XboxEra echo this sentiment, noting improvements in gameplay mechanics and visual presentation, which contribute to a rich horror experience. Additionally, Digital Chumps and God is a Geek appreciate the atmosphere and tension the game provides, suggesting that it effectively immerses players in its horror setting. Conversely, a significant number of critics express disappointment with various aspects of the game, particularly in terms of technical performance and gameplay mechanics. App Trigger and TierraGamer are among those who describe the game as underwhelming, citing issues like lackluster character dynamics and repetitive gameplay. Critics such as GamingTrend and Eurogamer Poland also highlight the game's pacing problems and narrative inconsistencies, which detract from the overall experience. Furthermore, IGN Portugal points out that the game represents a step back for Supermassive Games, emphasizing narrative and performance issues that overshadow its potential. These criticisms suggest that while there are redeeming qualities, they are often overshadowed by significant flaws that hinder the overall enjoyment. In conclusion, the consensus among critics indicates that The Devil in Me is a divisive installment in The Dark Pictures Anthology. While some reviewers, like Malditos Nerds and Hey Poor Player, view it as a solid conclusion to the season with a compelling story, many others argue that it fails to live up to the standards set by its predecessors. The game is recognized for its engaging horror elements and production values, yet it is marred by technical issues and gameplay shortcomings, leading to a perception of it as the weakest entry in the series. Overall, the reception reflects a blend of appreciation for its narrative ambitions and frustration over its execution, leaving fans of the genre with mixed feelings about its contribution to the anthology.

TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me receives a mixed reception from critics. Praise flows for its strong storytelling, character development, and immersive horror atmosphere, with some hailing it as a top series entry. However, significant criticisms arise regarding technical performance, gameplay mechanics, and narrative pacing, leading many to deem it underwhelming and a step back for Supermassive Games. While some see it as a solid conclusion to the season, others consider it the weakest installment, reflecting a frustrating blend of ambition and execution flaws that leaves fans divided.

MONSTER

Reviews

153 reviews found

PC Invasion

Nov 17, 2022

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

Despite some flaws, The Devil in Me is considered one of Supermassive's best offerings, with engaging gameplay, a strong atmosphere, and unique character tools, making it a worthwhile experience.

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Player 2

PlayStation 5

Nov 20, 2022

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

The Devil In Me is considered one of the best entries in the series, with a compelling story, likable characters, and effective horror elements, making it memorable.

Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Nov 30, 2022

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

The Devil In Me is a solid round-off to Season One of The Dark Pictures Anthology, with strong story and character work, immersive visuals, and enjoyable horror. The technical issues in online co-op mode detract from the experience, but it is still recommended for fans of the series.

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GameSpew

Nov 17, 2022

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

The Devil in Me is praised as a fantastic conclusion to the anthology, excelling in storytelling, character development, and horror elements.

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XboxEra

Xbox Series X

Nov 23, 2022

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

The game is considered the best entry in The Dark Pictures Anthology so far, with improved series mechanics and extended depth. It is praised for its acting, visual detail, sound design, and writing. It is recommended for fans of the series and the genre.

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Gaming Nexus

Nov 18, 2022

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

The Devil In Me is a strong finale for Season One of The Dark Pictures Anthology, recommended for horror fans despite minor technical issues.

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Gamer.nl

PlayStation 5

Nov 28, 2022

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

The Devil in Me is a captivating and innovative horror game that successfully combines storytelling and gameplay, despite some technical flaws. It sets a promising stage for the next season of the anthology.

God is a Geek

Nov 17, 2022

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

The Devil in Me is considered the best horror experience in the series, providing a tense and scary atmosphere with enough choices to keep players engaged, despite some shortcomings in gameplay mechanics.

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GAMES.CH

Xbox Series X

Nov 17, 2022

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

The Devil In Me is the strongest episode in the Dark Pictures Anthology so far, offering an intense horror experience with a more realistic approach. Despite some questionable character motivations and a slow start, it is the best game from Supermassive Games to date.

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COGconnected

PlayStation 5

Nov 17, 2022

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

The game is considered a fitting end to the season and surpasses previous entries in the franchise. The storytelling and characterization are praised, while the movement is criticized for being stiff and the concept is seen as cliché.

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