Recent reviews by DemiseKey

there needs to be more to do while you wait for customers, but otherwise it's cute

world is flat and predictable. i thought the writing would shine, but it just doesn't. the companions are bland, their interactions forced and stilted. all the story pacing feels both rushed and not, side content and main. the dialogue with everyone throughout had me bored and i'm not the type to click through fast. there's no conflict, no urgency. even when there's supposed to be both or either. world is flat and predictable. i thought the writing would shine, but it just doesn't. the companions are bland, their interactions forced and stilted and there's no conflict at all, despite ideological differences. all the story pacing feels both rushed and not, side content and main. the dialogue with everyone throughout had me bored and i'm not the type to click through fast. there's no conflict, no urgency. even when there's supposed to be both or either.

the combat is boring and clunky, which sucks extra considering you have to fight the same robots, outlaws, and reptiles over and over again; these also serve as obstacles in the world that gives you little incentive to explore anywhere at all. there is no climbing or swimming as far as I can tell. No exciting locations to discover. No cool loot. No memorable enemies. No clever mini-stories scattered around. it's a disservice because the art direction is great. Music... is bad. Jingles are good, but that's all.

there's weak characterization of factions. You feel no obligation to do what you are meant to do, since you have no real backstory and no real connection to any of the people you interact with, even with the man at the beginning of the game who saves you. Very few NPC around. None has any kind of daily routine. For example, in the starting town the population is supposedly oppressed and overworked but you will never actually see anyone working inside the infamous cannery. A few idle NPC are just standing somewhere 24/7 gossiping or drinking in a bar. A guard or two are patrolling the premises. The end. Lifeless and pointless. first 2-3 hours were not bad but game makes you realize that the rest of the game will be same as those 2-3 hours you played just different colors and textures

I've 100% the game. It's great if you literally want to quiet your mind, and get into a groove. I didn't really care about the story... the game play is a bit odd to get used to, but eventually it sticks. There are some weird moments, however, where it lags, as if it cannot keep up with your actions.

plays way better on PC than it did on my xbox at launch. romances are mid tho. <3
edit: 100%'d it.

wires and chains...

games are art and there's no place for ai in art

Quite the cute little game. Reminds me of MySims, even giving me the feeling of playing it on my old D.S.. Maybe it's like a slimmer version of Animal Crossing.

To start, I have not had any performance issues or bugs.

It does the Shire well. I do not play too many farming sims/cozy games, but this one is hitting just right. The art style is charming and feels painterly.

Contrary to what other reviewers have said, there is a way to upgrade your backpack size--it's by ranking up in the foraging club. And no, they had not forgotten about hobbit festivals. I'm not terribly far in the game at all, and they have mentioned it in the main story. Also, bigger tables for meals open up, and there are random story encounters in the world, if you explore it. It is not the most incredibly in-depth thing, but it is usually quite cute, and often with a little whimsical humor. The map is large enough to be interesting, but not large enough to be bloated or empty. The bird-following "GPS" system is a feature I wish more games would add, or something like it.

I think there are some weird expectations about the game, all of which I do not even think was advertised to be in the game. Giving a game a bad review for lack of voice acting (which, like, y'all I do not get why speech bubbles can't be enough) or romance is bizarre (maybe a wedding thing would be cute, I agree), is odd. I think this game capture's "whimsy" well, and highlights how sweet and simple life in the shire is when there is no corruption from Sauron sinking into it yet, at least in Bywater. I think there's something beyond disturbing to me, where many people refuse to try to progress in a game and claim that the features they are looking for are not there, when they are-just not within the first fifty minutes of game-play. Also, I do not care about not having a jump button. lol.

I think the game just starts off a bit too slow, but it picks up. It's incredibly stress-free, you can go at your own pace, and the mini-games are easy while still engaging.

I feel like if they were to add some things, and I say this as someone who is not through the game yet, maybe add pipes, or ale. Maybe Thom Bombodil would be cute, though I know he does not leave his woods. Also, maybe add more minigames or something. Maybe add more NPC interactions in the world, overall.

what a fantastic rpg experience. the game starts off slow, but it really keeps you coming back once you get going. the world of Avowed is a stunning, rich tapestry that draws me in with its detailed landscapes and deep lore. the story is equally compelling, with layers of political intrigue, ancient mysteries, and moral dilemmas that remind me of the fantastic narratives in Dragon Age. there often times does not seem to be a correct way to solve a problem, and you will have many of those come up. there's strong character development amongst your companions, and excellent dialogue. honestly, this game has some of the best ambient dialogue i have ever experienced in a video game.

the side quests DO have an impact on the main story, with a plethora of outcomes not existing if you do not do a side quest, and it could lead to really catastrophic consequences, and your actions do directly affect the behavior of your god.

the combat is very well thought out, fluid, and fun, and you can respec at any time! you get rewarded for exploring and interacting with the map. each area felt unique to itself and different enough to keep exploring interesting--which is something i feel a lot of games are not so good at--especially when designing deserts, but i feel avowed makes it feel special.

i have a very fond love and appreciation for sapadal, as well as the entire thematic point about nature, nurture, political philosophy, theology, and i will be thinking about the lesson's shared in this game for years to come.

edit: i've now 100% the game. :)

honestly, changing my review from positive to negative. the game is hugely misogynistic, and "gooner" bait, and the match-making is terrible as of late, and honestly, it kind of runs like ♥♥♥♥ (still! even way after release). i could be running so well for so long and then I just get a random crash.

I can't even launch the game anymore. Thanks EA.