Another thought that one of the screenshots in the review prompted: While playing Pokémon sword, I started to really think how odd it is that almost everyone you talk to only regurgitates knowledge or facts about the world. I only noticed this after someone pointed it out to me, but it’s quite eerie.
Imagine being in a town and everyone you talk to never responds to your question, they just say some random bit of knowledge.
I’m always tempted by a new Pokémon. It’s nostalgia bait. It’s never the same when I go back. I played Sun and couldn’t even finish it. I played Sword and HATED it. I swore that would be my last Poke’mon. I’ve stayed strong so far!
The chain reaction system sounds really creative. And the player character having a health bar? Sounds neat! But the social commentary? Don’t get me wrong, that can be done well (looking at you Citizen Sleeper) but I don’t enjoy the vibe of a cutesy colorful game trying to make deeper points about poverty and inequality, as CB seemingly does. Those two tones don’t work together for me.
It reminds me of my experience with Going Under, the charming roguelite game that is also a commentary on how terribly some companies treat interns and employees. I think it’s a great and important topic to explore, but it just felt heavy-handed, and that quickly makes a game unfun for me.
All that to say I won’t be trying Cassette Beasts. And I’ll try to keep from buying another Pokémon. Because I know it won’t ever be as magical as it was.
I reviewed Cassette Beasts for Polygon
Another thought that one of the screenshots in the review prompted: While playing Pokémon sword, I started to really think how odd it is that almost everyone you talk to only regurgitates knowledge or facts about the world. I only noticed this after someone pointed it out to me, but it’s quite eerie.
Imagine being in a town and everyone you talk to never responds to your question, they just say some random bit of knowledge.
That is some Twilight Zone material!
I’m always tempted by a new Pokémon. It’s nostalgia bait. It’s never the same when I go back. I played Sun and couldn’t even finish it. I played Sword and HATED it. I swore that would be my last Poke’mon. I’ve stayed strong so far!
The chain reaction system sounds really creative. And the player character having a health bar? Sounds neat! But the social commentary? Don’t get me wrong, that can be done well (looking at you Citizen Sleeper) but I don’t enjoy the vibe of a cutesy colorful game trying to make deeper points about poverty and inequality, as CB seemingly does. Those two tones don’t work together for me.
It reminds me of my experience with Going Under, the charming roguelite game that is also a commentary on how terribly some companies treat interns and employees. I think it’s a great and important topic to explore, but it just felt heavy-handed, and that quickly makes a game unfun for me.
All that to say I won’t be trying Cassette Beasts. And I’ll try to keep from buying another Pokémon. Because I know it won’t ever be as magical as it was.