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MONSTER

Trek to Yomi

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Trek to Yomi
Item: Trek to Yomi
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2022

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Third Person Perspective, Side View Perspective, Single Player

AvailableMay 5, 2022

PlatformXbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperFlying Wild Hog

Overview

As a vow to his dying Master, the young swordsman Hiroki is sworn to protect his town and the people he loves against all threats. Faced with tragedy and bound to duty, the lone samurai must voyage beyond life and death to confront himself and decide his path forward.

Elsewhere

6.8

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

54%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Trek to Yomi are varied, but there are several positive aspects that stand out. CGMagazine, Pure Nintendo, and NintendoWorldReport praise the storytelling, describing it as cinematic, immersive, and wonderfully told. They appreciate the game's dedication to authenticity, with Pure Nintendo specifically highlighting the beautiful flow between cutscenes and gameplay. The incorporation of Japanese mythology and cinema, particularly the works of Akira Kurosawa, is also lauded by CGMagazine and Noisy Pixel, who mention that the writing effectively portrays the protagonist's plights and the severity of his surroundings. The game's atmospheric visuals, as mentioned by GameSpew, add depth to the story and enhance the overall experience. However, there are also negative opinions regarding the story of Trek to Yomi. Easy Allies, Game Informer, Game Rant, and GameGrin all express disappointment in various aspects of the narrative. Easy Allies criticizes the lack of depth in exploring Hiroki's emotions beyond basic concepts of loyalty and revenge. Game Informer and Game Rant mention that the story is predictable and uninspiring, with limited character development. GameGrin struggles to connect with the characters and finds the narrative lacking, offering a dark tone but little else. Destructoid adds that the story serves mainly as a framework for the aesthetic, suggesting that it lacks thematic coherence. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side, with many appreciating the game's dedication to Japanese mythology and cinema. The cinematic and immersive storytelling, as praised by NintendoWorldReport and Pure Nintendo, adds to the game's appeal. The atmospheric visuals, mentioned by GameSpew, contribute to the overall experience. However, there are criticisms regarding the lack of depth in character development and the predictability of the story. Game Informer, Game Rant, and GameGrin all express disappointment in these aspects. Despite the mixed opinions, Trek to Yomi seems to have successfully captured the essence of black and white Samurai cinema, as acknowledged by Player 2.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Trek to Yomi's story. Positive reviews highlight its cinematic storytelling, immersive experience, and dedication to Japanese mythology. However, some critics find the narrative lacking in depth and character development, with a predictable storyline. Overall, while some praise the game's aesthetic and atmosphere, others feel it falls short in delivering a compelling narrative.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

72%

Negative (0-49)

14%

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

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Trek to Yomi, it is evident that there is a mix of positive and negative feedback. The gameplay is praised for its simplicity and engaging mechanics by CGMagazine, Easy Allies, and Guardian. CGMagazine highlights the deceptively simple combat system with various attacks and unlockable techniques, keeping the game fresh and engaging. Easy Allies appreciates the emphasis on lethality and executing staggered enemies. Guardian commends the tactical and involved swordplay, with directional slashes, parries, and different attacks. These positive aspects contribute to a satisfying gameplay experience. However, there are also negative opinions regarding the gameplay. Critics such as Power Unlimited, Launcher (The Washington Post), and ZTGD express disappointment with the gameplay. Power Unlimited simply describes it as uninteresting, while Launcher criticizes the combat for falling short and not feeling good. ZTGD finds the combat shallow, lacking depth and variety. These criticisms highlight the underwhelming and repetitive nature of the gameplay, which detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics, like Pure Xbox and Game Rant, appreciate the expanding combat mechanics and enemy variety, others, like TheSixthAxis and Game Informer, find the combat to be clunky, unresponsive, and lacking challenge. The gameplay is described as monotonous and lacking depth by Nintendo Life, NintendoWorldReport, and Softpedia. The presence of repetitive combat, unimpressive exploration, and a lack of challenge are common criticisms raised by multiple critics, including Destructoid, Game Informer, and Gamers' Temple. Despite the mixed opinions, there are positive aspects to the gameplay, such as the engaging combat mechanics, tactical swordplay, and the inclusion of unlockable techniques. However, the negative feedback regarding repetitive combat, lack of depth, and unresponsive mechanics cannot be ignored. Ultimately, the gameplay of Trek to Yomi seems to have its strengths and weaknesses, leaving room for improvement in certain areas to provide a more consistently enjoyable experience for players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on the gameplay of Trek to Yomi. Positive reviews praise its engaging combat mechanics and tactical swordplay, while negative feedback points out its repetitive nature and lack of depth. While some appreciate expanding combat mechanics and enemy variety, others find it clunky and unresponsive. Overall, the game has strengths like engaging mechanics but also weaknesses like repetitive combat, indicating room for improvement.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

76%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Trek to Yomi, with many highlighting its black and white aesthetic inspired by classic Japanese cinema. CGMagazine and Easy Allies both appreciated how the black and white visuals conveyed a sense of isolation and loneliness, while also evoking a nostalgic feeling of staring into the past. Power Unlimited commended the visuals for their love and respect for Japanese history, and Push Square described the game as a superbly crafted indie adventure with rich environments and excellent direction through fixed camera angles, effectively capturing the cinematic magic of samurai duels. TheSixthAxis and ZTGD also found the black and white visuals and film grain effect to give the game a classic film feel, with visually appealing environments and enemy designs. However, there were a few critics who had some concerns about the graphics and visual design of Trek to Yomi. God is a Geek and Nintendo Life both mentioned that the visuals suffered on the Nintendo Switch, with low resolution and simplified scenery. NintendoWorldReport also noted that the Nintendo Switch port fell short in terms of detailed environments. Game Informer described the art direction as eye-catching and praised some shining visual moments, but overall found it noticeably outdated. Gamers' Temple appreciated the game's capture of the look of a Kurosawa film, but GameGrin wished for color to capitalize on the beautiful environments. Softpedia mentioned fixed camera and animation issues that could be annoying. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the graphics and visual design of Trek to Yomi are very good. The black and white aesthetic, reminiscent of classic Japanese cinema, was widely praised for its ability to create a sense of atmosphere and evoke a nostalgic feeling. The attention to detail, rich environments, and excellent direction through fixed camera angles were also highlighted as strengths. While there were some criticisms regarding the visuals on the Nintendo Switch and certain technical issues, these were outweighed by the positive opinions of the majority of critics. The visuals of Trek to Yomi are considered a standout aspect of the game's identity, with many critics commending the meticulous execution and the homage paid to classic samurai films.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Trek to Yomi's stunning black and white visuals, inspired by classic Japanese cinema, captivated critics for their nostalgic charm and cinematic magic, effectively setting the mood of isolation and samurai duels. Despite some concerns about graphics on the Nintendo Switch and minor technical issues, the majority agree that the game's visuals are a standout feature, meticulously crafted and rich in detail, earning praise for their homage to Japanese history and film aesthetics.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the sound design and music of Trek to Yomi are generally positive. Multiple critics praise the game's sound design, with Push Square stating that the over-the-top screams and sound effects add to the atmosphere effectively. Video Chums also commends the audio, describing it as phenomenal and highlighting the layers of ambience, occasional percussion, and shamisen plucks. NintendoWorldReport further adds that the sound design and soundtrack are excellent, contributing to the richness of the game. Game Informer mentions the melancholy music and flashes of lightning illuminating the stormy sky as positive aspects of the sound design. Press Start Australia applauds the use of traditional Japanese instruments, which achieves immersion and authenticity. These positive opinions from various critics highlight the strong points of Trek to Yomi's sound design and music. While the majority of critics express positive views, there are a few minor criticisms mentioned. Video Chums notes that the sword slashes in combat sound a bit wet, which could potentially detract from the overall experience. However, this criticism is relatively minor and does not significantly impact the overall positive reception of the sound design and music. It is worth mentioning that Guardian does not explicitly mention the music or other sound design elements, which could indicate a lack of emphasis or impact in these areas. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Trek to Yomi has a strong sound design and music. The use of traditional Japanese instruments, authentic voice acting, and atmospheric soundscapes contribute to the immersive and cinematic experience the game aims to provide. Critics such as Pure Nintendo, TheSixthAxis, and Noisy Pixel specifically highlight the positive impact of the Japanese language, voice acting, and grave score on the overall experience. The positive reception from multiple critics, along with the minimal criticisms raised, indicates that Trek to Yomi successfully delivers a high-quality audio experience that enhances the game's atmosphere and storytelling.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Trek to Yomi for its outstanding sound design and music, with over-the-top screams and authentic Japanese instruments creating an immersive atmosphere. Some minor criticisms include wet sword slashes in combat, but overall, the game's audio is highly acclaimed for enhancing the cinematic experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the voice acting in Trek to Yomi is overwhelmingly positive. Multiple critics praised the Japanese voice cast, with Video Chums stating that they are excellent and add personality to the story. Guardian also commends the solid Japanese voice talent, noting that it helps the game feel authentic. TheSixthAxis and ZTGD both describe the voice acting as good and excellent, respectively, emphasizing how it adds to the cinematic experience and immersion of the story. NintendoWorldReport goes as far as praising the Japanese voice acting as perfect. These positive opinions highlight the high quality and well-directed performances of the native voice actors, as mentioned by Press Start Australia. While the majority of critics had positive things to say about the voice acting in Trek to Yomi, there were no negative opinions mentioned in the provided reviews. This suggests that the voice acting was generally well-received and did not have any significant flaws or drawbacks that stood out to the reviewers. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Trek to Yomi is of high quality and greatly enhances the overall experience of the game. The well-written dialogue and well-acted line readings, as mentioned by Launcher (The Washington Post), contribute to keeping the story interesting. The positive comments from multiple critics regarding the Japanese voice cast and their performances further support the notion that the voice acting in Trek to Yomi is a standout aspect of the game. With no negative opinions mentioned, it can be concluded that the voice acting in Trek to Yomi is a strong and well-executed element that adds depth and immersion to the overall cinematic experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics unanimously praise the top-notch Japanese voice acting in Trek to Yomi, highlighting its authenticity, excellent performances, and immersive quality. With no negative feedback mentioned, the voice acting stands out as a standout feature that elevates the game's cinematic experience, according to multiple reviews.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

50%

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

In terms of the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch, the critics had mixed opinions. God is a Geek mentioned that the visuals and camera angles can be challenging, which suggests some issues with the overall presentation. On the other hand, Noisy Pixel and Player 2 had positive experiences with the PC version, highlighting silky smooth performance and no graphical hiccups. This indicates that the game was well optimized for PC, providing a seamless gaming experience. However, the Nintendo Switch version of Trek to Yomi faced several technical challenges according to the critics. Nintendo Life mentioned shimmering graphics, a drop in playability, dropped resolution, and ugly character close-ups. NintendoWorldReport also criticized the visuals, highlighting rough edges on objects and plant life. These issues suggest that the game struggled to maintain a consistent visual quality on the Nintendo Switch platform. Softpedia also encountered issues on PC, such as slashes not connecting and characters getting stuck in the environment. These technical glitches hindered the overall gameplay experience for the players. Taking into account the opinions of the critics, it is clear that the technical performance of Trek to Yomi varied across different gaming platforms. While the PC version received praise for its smooth performance and lack of graphical hiccups, the Nintendo Switch version faced significant challenges. Critics mentioned issues such as shimmering graphics, dropped resolution, and rough edges on objects and plant life. These technical shortcomings on the Nintendo Switch platform affected the overall gameplay experience. However, it is important to note that not all critics had negative experiences on the Switch, as God is a Geek only mentioned challenging visuals and camera angles. Overall, the consensus suggests that the PC version provided a more technically sound experience compared to the Nintendo Switch version.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed opinions on the technical performance of Trek to Yomi. While the PC version received praise for smooth performance, the Nintendo Switch version faced challenges like shimmering graphics and dropped resolution. Some critics noted issues with visuals and gameplay on both platforms, but overall, the PC version offered a more seamless gaming experience compared to the Nintendo Switch version.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

17%

Mixed (50-79)

75%

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 Trek to Yomi are varied. Some critics, such as CGMagazine and GameSpew, highlight the game's positive aspects in terms of replayability. CGMagazine praises the inclusion of the Ronin difficulty mode and unlockable techniques, which adds to the game's replay value. GameSpew also mentions collectibles, upgrades, multiple endings, and the option to play on a harder difficulty as factors that provide some replay value. These features offer players the opportunity to explore different paths, improve their skills, and experience alternate endings, which can enhance the overall replayability of the game. However, not all critics share the same positive sentiment. Push Square criticizes the lack of a New Game+ mode and the fact that collectibles, skills, and upgrades do not carry over to subsequent runs. This limitation diminishes the potential for replayability, as players are unable to build upon their progress and fully utilize their acquired abilities. Nintendo Life also expresses disappointment in the game's short length, which diminishes its replay value. The visuals losing their novelty before the final act further detract from the overall replayability. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mixed reception regarding the replay value of Trek to Yomi. While some critics, such as CGMagazine and Game Rant, appreciate the game's multiple endings, challenging combat, and paths to take, which potentially extend the playtime, others, like ZTGD and Nintendo Life, criticize the short length and lack of variety in enemy encounters. The inclusion of collectibles, upgrades, and alternate ways to defeat enemies is acknowledged positively by some critics, but the repetitive combat and lack of carryover progress are seen as negatives. Despite the divergent opinions, it can be concluded that Trek to Yomi offers some replay value, particularly for players who enjoy a challenge and are interested in exploring different story paths and endings.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on the replay value of Trek to Yomi. Some praise its features like Ronin difficulty mode and unlockable techniques, offering players the chance to explore different paths and endings. However, others criticize the lack of a New Game+ mode and the game's short length, diminishing its replayability. While some appreciate the challenging combat and multiple endings, others find the combat repetitive and progress limitations discouraging. In conclusion, Trek to Yomi provides some replay value for players seeking a challenge and different story paths.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of the videogame reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Trek to Yomi, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects highlighted by the critics. Starting with the positives, several reviewers praise the game's stunning visuals and presentation. Critics such as CGMagazine, GameSpew, and Pure Nintendo appreciate the visually appealing design of the game, with Pure Nintendo specifically noting that it leaves a lasting impression. The game's strong story and engaging gameplay are also commended by CGMagazine, Easy Allies, and Noisy Pixel, who highlight the well-paced narrative and compelling combat. The inclusion of Japanese mythology and cinema elements is seen as a strong point by CGMagazine, making it a must-play for fans of these genres. Additionally, Gamepressure describes Trek to Yomi as a well-executed samurai tale steeped in history, art, and culture, highly recommending it. On the other hand, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. The gameplay is a common point of criticism, with Video Chums and TheSixthAxis pointing out the simplistic and repetitive nature of the gameplay, which can feel like a chore to play after a while. The combat is specifically criticized by Easy Allies, TheSixthAxis, and IGN, who find it lacking depth, unresponsive, and underwhelming. The narrative is also a point of contention, with critics such as Destructoid, Game Informer, and Press Start Australia expressing disappointment in the story, considering it lackluster, not living up to its aspirations, and hollow, respectively. Technical issues are mentioned by Nintendo Life and NintendoWorldReport, who highlight performance problems on the Nintendo Switch. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there are positive aspects such as the visually stunning design, strong story, and engaging adventure, as mentioned by Pure Xbox and NintendoWorldReport, there are also criticisms regarding the gameplay, narrative, and technical issues. The general sentiment leans towards appreciating the game's visual and storytelling aspects, but feeling let down by the execution of gameplay mechanics and narrative depth. The game's short length is seen as both a positive and negative aspect, with Gaming Age appreciating the additional story paths and replay value, while Guardian warms up to the game after the tedious early hours. Despite the mixed opinions, critics like NME and Gamers Heroes recommend Trek to Yomi for its stylish swordfights, thought-provoking storytelling, and intense samurai experience.

TL;DR

Trek to Yomi receives mixed reviews from critics. The game is praised for its stunning visuals, strong story, and engaging gameplay, drawing inspiration from Japanese mythology and cinema. However, criticism is aimed at the simplistic and repetitive gameplay, lackluster combat, underwhelming narrative, and technical issues. While some appreciate the visual and storytelling aspects, others feel let down by the execution. Despite differing opinions, the game is recommended for its stylish swordfights and intense samurai experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

203 reviews found

Gaming Age

May 5, 2022