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MONSTER

The Forgotten City

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Forgotten City
Item: The Forgotten City
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2021

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, RPG, Drama, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableJul 28, 2021

PlatformXbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperModern Storyteller

Overview

The Forgotten City is a mystery adventure game of exploration and deduction, and a re-imagining of the critically acclaimed mod of the same name. Combat is an option, but violence will only get you so far. Only by questioning an intertwined community of colorful characters, cleverly exploiting the time loop, and making difficult moral choices can you hope to solve this epic mystery. Here, your decisions matter. The fate of the city is in your hands.

Elsewhere

7.9

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

The Forgotten City is winning rave reviews for its complex narrative, thought-provoking themes, and clever time loop mechanics. Critics love its blend of horror and humor, immersive dialogue, and moral quandaries, particularly around the "Golden Rule." However, some point to shallow character development and occasional implausible twists as weak spots. Overall, the game delivers a captivating experience that invites players to explore rich storytelling and multiple outcomes.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

100%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the story of The Forgotten City is overwhelmingly positive among critics, with many praising its complexity, depth, and engaging narrative. Reviewers from various platforms, including Video Chums and PlayStation Universe, highlight the intricate storytelling and the clever integration of a time loop mechanic that enhances the gameplay experience. Critics like Xbox Tavern and Hardcore Gamer commend the balance of horror and humor within the narrative, while others, such as Meristation and PC Invasion, emphasize the well-crafted dialogue and character interactions that keep players invested. The themes of morality and philosophical dilemmas surrounding the "Golden Rule" resonate strongly, with multiple critics noting how these elements provoke thought and encourage players to explore different outcomes based on their choices. Despite the acclaim, some critics have pointed out areas where the story could improve. For instance, Riot Pixels mentioned that while the narrative is compelling, character development could be deeper, suggesting that some characters may not have been fully fleshed out. Slant Magazine echoed this sentiment, noting that the writing sacrifices character development for clarity of message. Additionally, Hardcore Gamer remarked that certain plot twists felt ridiculous, indicating that while the narrative is engaging, it may not always maintain a consistent level of believability. These critiques suggest that while the story excels in many areas, there are aspects that could benefit from further refinement. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that The Forgotten City offers a rich and captivating narrative that effectively combines mystery, moral dilemmas, and complex themes. Reviewers like GameSpot and Gaming Nexus underscore the engaging character interactions and branching dialogue paths that contribute to a rewarding gameplay experience. While some criticisms regarding character depth and certain plot elements exist, they do not detract significantly from the overall appreciation of the story. With the majority of critics lauding its narrative strengths, The Forgotten City stands out as a compelling title that successfully draws players into its intricate world.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Forgotten City impresses with its engaging narrative, exploration, and innovative time loop mechanic, earning positive reviews for its rich dialogue and moral choices that enhance player agency. However, critics point out clunky combat and a linear approach to objectives that detract from the immersive experience. While the storytelling shines, calls for improved gameplay mechanics are prevalent, suggesting that the game excels in narrative but struggles with its action elements. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking journey that highlights the potential of narrative-driven gameplay—if only it could balance action more effectively.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

66%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

34%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of The Forgotten City has garnered a generally positive reception from critics, particularly for its emphasis on exploration, dialogue, and the innovative time loop mechanic. Reviewers like GameSpot and Gaming Nexus highlight how the game allows players to gather evidence and solve puzzles through conversations, creating a rich narrative experience. The time loop mechanic is frequently praised for adding depth and encouraging players to learn from their interactions, as noted by critics such as Gamer.nl and PC Invasion. Additionally, the game’s focus on character interactions and moral choices, as mentioned by Eurogamer Italy and BaziCenter, enhances the sense of agency and replayability, making it a compelling experience for players who appreciate narrative-driven gameplay. However, the gameplay is not without its drawbacks, particularly in the execution of combat and action elements. Critics like GameMAG and Push Square express frustration with the poorly designed combat mechanics, describing them as clunky and detracting from the investigative atmosphere that the game aims to create. The linearity in solving key tasks, as noted by GameMAG, and the limited depth in mechanics, pointed out by New Game Network, suggest that while the narrative and exploration aspects shine, the gameplay could benefit from more engaging and varied mechanics. Some reviewers, including Slant Magazine and Twinfinite, echo these sentiments, indicating that the combat feels sluggish and can disrupt the overall flow of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Forgotten City excels in its narrative and exploration elements, providing a unique experience through its time loop mechanic and character-driven gameplay. While many reviewers appreciate the focus on dialogue and investigation, there is a clear call for improvements in combat and action mechanics, which some feel detract from the overall experience. Critics like IGN and Metro GameCentral emphasize that the game’s strengths lie in its storytelling and player choices, suggesting that while the gameplay has its flaws, the core experience remains engaging and thought-provoking. The balance between exploration and action continues to be a point of contention, but the game’s innovative approach to narrative design is widely recognized as a significant achievement.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Forgotten City impresses with its stunning Roman visuals and immersive atmosphere, winning praise for its architectural detail and breathtaking environments. However, critics uniformly highlight major flaws in character models and animations, citing outdated designs and technical glitches. While the game's world is captivating, the lack of polish in character representation tarnishes the overall experience, indicating a need for improvement in visual consistency.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

48%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

51%

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 The Forgotten City showcases a blend of appreciation for its artistic direction and the immersive atmosphere it creates. Many critics, such as IGN and Gamer.no, highlight the game's stunning depiction of a Roman city, praising its historically accurate architecture and attention to detail. Critics like WellPlayed and Noisy Pixel commend the breathtaking vistas and the way the environments evoke a sense of ancient history, with elements like underground temples and flowing fountains contributing to the game's immersive quality. The use of Unreal Engine 4 has also been noted positively, as it allows for a visually appealing representation of the city, enhancing the storytelling experience, as pointed out by Gaming Nexus. However, despite the praise for the environments, numerous critics have pointed out significant shortcomings in character models and animations. Reviews from GamingTrend and Push Square highlight issues such as poor facial animations, janky character movements, and technical glitches like scenery not spawning correctly. Critics like GameMAG and Hardcore Gamer echo these sentiments, noting that while the graphics may be visually appealing, they often feel outdated and lack the polish seen in higher-budget titles. The consensus suggests that while the city itself is beautifully crafted, the character designs and animations fall short, leading to a mixed visual experience. In summary, the consensus among critics indicates that The Forgotten City excels in creating an immersive and visually captivating world that effectively conveys its historical setting. However, the game suffers from noticeable technical flaws and less impressive character animations, which detract from the overall experience. Critics such as Vandal and Meristation acknowledge the impressive art direction while also emphasizing the need for improvement in character design. Ultimately, while the game has succeeded in crafting a stunning environment, it is clear that the visual design could benefit from further refinement and polish, especially in character representation.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Forgotten City boasts exceptional sound design and music, with critics praising its immersive orchestral score and strong voice acting that enhances character depth. While some minor critiques exist regarding sound effects and accent choices, the overall reception is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting how the audio experience elevates the game's storytelling and atmosphere.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

79%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

21%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the sound design and music of The Forgotten City is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising various aspects of the audio experience. Reviewers such as Nintendo Life and GameSpew highlighted the strong performances of the voice actors, noting that they effectively bring characters to life with personality and depth. Critics like Adventure Gamers and XboxAddict commended the orchestral score, which enhances the game's atmosphere and complements the narrative beautifully. The soundtrack is often described as immersive and well-composed, with GamingTrend emphasizing its ability to enhance emotional depth during key moments. Many reviews, including those from Meristation and RPG Fan, noted that the music does not become tiresome and effectively supports the overall experience, contributing to the game's engaging environment. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some critics pointed out certain shortcomings in the sound design. Vandal mentioned that while the music is well-executed, the sound design for effects could be lacking, suggesting a disparity between the quality of the music and the sound effects. Similarly, GameSpace rated the sound design as decent but noted that the music could feel repetitive, particularly during combat situations. Additionally, some critics, such as SomosXbox and GameCritics, raised concerns about the choice of English accents for characters that are meant to reflect ancient Roman culture, which could detract from the immersion for some players. These critiques, while valid, seem to be in the minority compared to the general acclaim for the audio components. In summary, the consensus among critics is that The Forgotten City excels in sound design and music, with most reviewers celebrating the high-quality voice acting and immersive soundtrack. The game’s ability to create an engaging atmosphere through its audio elements is frequently highlighted, with critics like WellPlayed and Noisy Pixel emphasizing the tonal cohesion and emotional resonance achieved through the music and sound design. While there are some criticisms regarding sound effects and accents, they do not overshadow the overall positive reception. The majority view indicates that the audio experience significantly contributes to the game's immersive storytelling and engaging gameplay, making it a standout feature of The Forgotten City.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in The Forgotten City is widely praised as "stellar" and "exceptional," enhancing character depth and storytelling. Critics commend the diverse accents and emotional performances, though issues with stiff facial animations and accessibility for non-English speakers have been noted. Despite some technical flaws, the overall consensus is that the voice acting is a standout feature that significantly elevates the game.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

76%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

24%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in The Forgotten City has generally received positive acclaim from a variety of critics across different platforms. Reviewers such as GameSpew and RPG Fan have highlighted the voice acting as "stellar" and "exceptional," respectively, emphasizing how it brings depth and personality to the characters. Critics from multiple outlets, including NintendoWorldReport and Eurogamer Italy, have praised the range of accents and the quality of performances, which contribute to the immersive storytelling experience. Furthermore, the game is noted for its ability to evoke emotional connections with the characters, as seen in the reviews from Adventure Gamers and BaziCenter, who commend the strong performances that enhance narrative depth. However, not all feedback is entirely positive. Some critics, particularly from IGN and Hardcore Gamer, have pointed out issues with facial animations, describing them as "stiff" and occasionally "hilarious," which detracts from the overall immersion. There are also concerns regarding the accessibility of the voice acting, especially highlighted by Eurogamer Italy, which notes the absence of Italian voice acting and subtitles that could hinder understanding for non-English speakers. Additionally, while the voice acting is generally well-received, some reviews, such as those from GameOver.gr and COGconnected, indicate that while satisfactory, it may not reach award-winning levels. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in The Forgotten City is a strong aspect of the game, effectively contributing to character development and the immersive experience. While there are criticisms regarding certain technical elements like facial animations and accessibility, the majority of reviewers agree that the performances are well-executed and enhance the narrative. Critics from various platforms, including WellPlayed and Jeuxvideo.com, have noted that the voice acting significantly elevates the game's storytelling, making it a standout feature despite some minor flaws.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Forgotten City performs well across platforms, but each has quirks. The Nintendo Switch offers stability with minor bugs but suffers from frame rate issues. The PS5 and Xbox Series X are praised for polish but face glitches and slowdowns. PC has smooth gameplay but some graphical hiccups. Overall, while critics commend the technical performance, players may experience varying issues based on their platform. Developers aim to improve the game further, promising a brighter future for this indie hit.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

16%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

76%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of The Forgotten City varies significantly across different gaming platforms, with each platform showcasing a mix of strengths. On the Nintendo Switch, critics like GameSpot and IGN noted that the game offers a generally stable experience, with minor issues such as dialogue triggering and freezing loading screens. Similarly, on the Xbox Series X, GameSpot and Metro GameCentral highlighted the game's polish and stability, praising its performance without significant technical issues. The PS5 version also received commendations for its overall stability, with reviewers like Meristation and PlayStation LifeStyle acknowledging that while there are minor bugs, the game runs solidly and is polished. On PC, several critics, including IGN and Hey Poor Player, remarked on the game’s smooth performance and lack of major bugs, indicating a significant improvement over its predecessor. However, despite these positives, each platform has its share of technical drawbacks. On the Nintendo Switch, GamingTrend described the cloud version as unstable, with frequent frame rate fluctuations and crashes, while Nintendo Life pointed out issues like being booted back to the start screen if idle for too long. For the PS5, critics such as Gaming Age and Push Square reported slowdowns, freezes, and various glitches that, while not game-breaking, affect the overall experience. The Xbox Series X also faced criticism, with Gamer.nl mentioning bugs that disrupt conversations and affect camera controls, while Windows Central pointed out visual glitches that are expected to be addressed in a day-one patch. On PC, while many reviews praised stability, critics like GameCritics and Games.cz noted graphical hiccups and loading delays that detracted from the gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Forgotten City demonstrates a commendable level of technical performance across all platforms, but it is not without its flaws. Many reviewers acknowledged the game's stability, particularly on PS5 and PC, while also recognizing the minor issues that could hinder the experience, especially on the Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X. The mixed reviews suggest that while the game is generally well-received, players may encounter varying degrees of technical performance based on their chosen platform. As the developers address these issues, the potential for a more polished experience remains promising, especially given the game's origins as a mod and the challenges faced by a smaller development team.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Forgotten City garners positive reviews for its replay value, thanks to its time loop mechanic and multiple endings that encourage exploration of narrative choices. Critics praise its depth and character interactions, but some flag limited gameplay variety and similar endings as potential drawbacks. Overall, it remains a compelling experience for players willing to dive into its branching stories, making it a worthwhile adventure despite some repetitiveness concerns.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

60%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of The Forgotten City reveal a generally positive sentiment among critics, particularly highlighting the game's multiple endings and its time loop mechanic. Many reviewers, such as Riot Pixels and Pure Xbox, emphasize that the game encourages players to explore different choices and outcomes, making it appealing for those who enjoy narrative-driven experiences. Critics like GameMAG and Nintendo Life note that the branching storylines and character interactions add depth to the gameplay, enhancing the incentive to replay. Additionally, the ability to retain progress through time loops, as mentioned by MGG, allows players to revisit the game without feeling the burden of repetitiveness, which is a significant factor in its replayability. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the game's replay value. Some critics, like Video Chums and New Game Network, express concerns about the limited variety in gameplay and abrupt endings that may deter players from wanting to replay the game after experiencing all possible outcomes. Critics such as GameSpot also point out that while there are multiple endings, some players may find the endings not significantly different, which could diminish the motivation to explore every narrative thread. Moreover, the linearity in certain tasks, as highlighted by GameMAG, can restrict the overall replayability, making some experiences feel repetitive. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Forgotten City offers a compelling replay value primarily through its multiple endings and engaging narrative choices. While some reviewers highlight limitations in variety and potential repetitiveness, the majority agree that the time loop mechanic and branching paths provide a rewarding experience for players willing to explore different outcomes. Critics like Metro GameCentral and Gaming Nexus sum up this sentiment well, emphasizing that the exploration of different choices and the dynamic storytelling significantly enhance the game's replayability, making it a worthwhile adventure for players.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

85%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

15%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding The Forgotten City is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its compelling narrative, engaging gameplay, and innovative mechanics. Reviewers like IGN, GameSpot, and Adventure Gamers highlight the game's rich storytelling and character development, noting that it effectively expands upon its mod origins. The game is described as a "masterclass in narrative-driven storytelling" by GamingTrend, while Player 2 emphasizes its unique gameplay mechanics and contemplative themes. Critics also appreciate the immersive world and the thought-provoking moral dilemmas presented throughout the game, making it a standout experience for fans of narrative-driven titles. However, despite its many strengths, The Forgotten City is not without its flaws. Several critics point out technical shortcomings, including outdated visuals and performance issues. For instance, GameMAG mentions weak graphics and tedious item searches, while Hardcore Gamer notes that the gameplay mechanics lack engagement. Additionally, some reviewers, like Slant Magazine, express disappointment with character development and the game's conclusion, suggesting that it feels somewhat rushed or unsatisfying. These critiques indicate that while the narrative shines, the technical execution may leave some players wanting more. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Forgotten City is a highly recommended title, particularly for those who appreciate story-rich experiences. Reviewers such as Checkpoint Gaming and SomosXbox affirm its worthiness for RPG fans, while Nintendo Life and Gamer.nl commend its gripping narrative and engaging gameplay. The majority of critics agree that despite some technical flaws, the game successfully captivates players with its unique blend of mystery and philosophy, making it a noteworthy addition to the adventure genre.

TL;DR

The Forgotten City receives high praise for its compelling narrative and innovative gameplay, with critics calling it a "masterclass in storytelling." However, it faces criticism for technical flaws like outdated visuals and lackluster character development. Despite these issues, the game is a must-try for fans of narrative-driven titles, blending mystery and philosophy effectively.

MONSTER

Reviews

109 reviews found

100

Hey Poor Player

Jul 31, 2021

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

The Forgotten City is a masterfully crafted game that excels in storytelling, gameplay, and design, making it a top contender for Game of the Year.

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100

Gamer.no

Aug 6, 2021

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

The Forgotten City is a remarkable surprise, offering a unique blend of mystery, mythology, and engaging gameplay that is highly recommended for fans of the genre.

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100

Gaming Age

PlayStation 5

Oct 12, 2021

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

The reviewer loved The Forgotten City and recommends playing it.

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100

WellPlayed

Jul 27, 2021

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

The Forgotten City is described as a beauty to behold, offering extraordinary moments of contemplation regarding morality and the laws we exist under. It is praised for focusing on genuine ideas beyond aesthetic escapism and is recommended for players who appreciate this type of game.

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100

Adventure Gamers

Aug 16, 2021

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

The Forgotten City is an excellent mystery adventure that combines engaging gameplay, strong writing, and beautiful visuals, making it a must-play experience.

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100

Player 2

Aug 5, 2021

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

The Forgotten City is praised for its strong narrative, unique gameplay mechanics, and contemplative themes. It is recommended for players looking for a unique and thought-provoking experience.

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ZTGD

Xbox One

Jul 30, 2021

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

The review highly recommends The Forgotten City, praising its narrative, gameplay, and visuals despite the lackluster facial animations.

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Gaming Nexus

PlayStation 5

Aug 3, 2021

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

The Forgotten City is described as a modern classic, redefining adventure games with its storytelling and interactive elements, making it a must-play.

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The Indie Game Website

Jul 29, 2021

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

The Forgotten City is a compact marvel with intelligent and complex writing. It offers a clever story, immersive gameplay, stunning visuals, stellar voice acting, and replay value. History buffs and mystery fans will particularly enjoy this game.

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XboxAddict

Xbox Series X

Jul 27, 2021

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

The review gives an overall score of 9.0 out of 10, indicating a highly positive verdict.

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