Info about BURIED STARS:

Official game description:
A brutal murder inside a collapsed broadcast studio.
Uncover the hidden truth through **Communication x Survival x Adventure**.
_Buried Stars_ is a mystery adventure game from Studio LARGO—the creators of the beloved Korean titles _Panic Room_ and _City of Mist_—in collaboration with LINE Games.
**Murder at a Survival Audition Gone Wrong**
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During a live broadcast of a survival audition show, the studio building suddenly collapses.
Trapped beneath the rubble, the remaining contestants and crew face something even more terrifying: a murder among them.
Who is the culprit? Why did this happen? And how?
**Striking Visual Presentation with 3D x 2D Harmony**
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Dynamic 2D character illustrations are blended into detailed 3D environments
to create an atmospheric and cinematic visual experience.
**Immersive Gameplay through Social Media Mechanics**
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Keep track of real-time public reactions via the in-game “Social Media” and “Timeline.”
These systems not only deepen the immersion but also provide crucial hints to help uncover the truth.
**Branching Scenarios and Multiple Endings**
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Your dialogue choices and actions shape the story.
With multiple routes, endings, and hidden stories, each playthrough reveals new truths—and new fates for the survivors.
**Powerful Soundtrack and Performances**
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Dive into the emotional intensity of the story with an original soundtrack, environmental sound design, and the gripping main theme, “Be Honest.”
**Stellar Voice Acting in Korean and Japanese**
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Featuring passionate performances by seasoned voice talent from both Korea and Japan:
**Korean Cast**
_Park Sungtae, Ryu Seunggon, Nam Dohyoung, Kim Yeonwoo, Kim Haru, Lee Kyoungtae, Lim Yoonsun, and more_
**Japanese Cast**
_Tetsuya Kakihara, Takuya Eguchi, Hiro Shimono, Yoko Hikasa, Rina Sato, Soichiro Hoshi, Eri Kitamura, and more_

Release date: Nov 29, 2021

Categories: Visual Novel, Mystery, Multiple Endings, Choice-based Narrative, Character Management, Social Media Mechanics, Deductive Reasoning Puzzle, Psychological Horror

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Guide-Dependent; summary: The dominant user complaint is that the game's complex branching narrative, hidden endings, and opaque choice consequences make external walkthroughs or guides almost mandatory for a satisfying experience. Players frequently mention needing to consult wikis or guides to avoid wasting time and to discover all content, which detracts from the immersive quality of the visual novel. This dependency on instructional data is the core issue.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $20.00
  - Reasoning: The majority of reviews indicate the game is not worth its $40 base price, with many suggesting it is only worth purchasing at a significant discount. Specific price points mentioned range from $10 to $20, with some saying it's worth up to $20. Thus, a fair base price range is $10-$20.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 40.0h
  - Story completion: 24.3h
  - Session length: 3.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The 40-hour figure from the review indicates total time to experience the full game including multiple playthroughs, supporting a full completion time of ~40 hours. The 24.3h figure for achieving the true ending provides a concrete time for completing the main story. The 3-hour gameplay mention and the 3-hour first playthrough suggest typical sessions around 3 hours. No specific time for endgame activities is provided, so endgame is null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game opens with a slow, repetitive stretch that delays enjoyment, but a specific plot beat and deeper characterization eventually make it pick up. Player reports conflict, with some finding it tedious throughout and others hooked immediately.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: The specific plot beat
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Slow start with odd pacing in the first 3-4 chapters; Repetitive dialogue in communication sections; Tedious and long communication sequences; Boring beginning with repeated discussion topics; Repetitive gameplay mechanics
  - Unlock drivers: The specific plot beat hitting; Deeper characterization kicking in; Reaching the crux/climax of character arcs; The story picking up
  - Conditions: You don't mind a slow start to reach the crux/climax; You don't mind some repetitive dialogue or repeated conversation topics; If you are into this type of settings; The phenomenal writing justifies the boring segments; Game requires multiple playthroughs to solve the overarching mystery
- Player Archetypes:
  - BL/CP Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: To experience and enjoy the gay romance and character relationships.
    - Playstyle: Focuses on character interactions and CP dynamics, often skipping or tolerating gameplay flaws.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: BL enthusiast
    - Reference games: Hashihime; Divine School
  - Mystery/Reasoning Purist (deep sale)
    - Motivation: To solve challenging mysteries and engage in deductive reasoning.
    - Playstyle: Attempts to deduce the culprit and plot, but finds the clues too obvious and the reasoning shallow.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Danganronpa; Zero Escape; Your Turn to Die
  - Visual Novel Newcomer (buy)
    - Motivation: To experience an engaging story and immersive visuals in a new genre.
    - Playstyle: Plays through the story linearly, often following guides to avoid frustration, and appreciates the narrative.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Characters are well-developed (weight 0.32): Reviewers appreciate the distinct personalities, complexity, and depth of the characters. Each character is memorable and multi-faceted, with unique traits and backgrounds that enrich the narrative.
- Voice acting is excellent (weight 0.21): Players consistently praise the voice acting, noting its high quality, emotional richness, and immersive nature. The abundance of voiced dialogue enhances character liveliness and overall presentation.
- Art style is appealing (weight 0.19): The art style is frequently highlighted as a major strength, described as beautiful, gorgeous, and pleasing to the eye. It is considered a selling point and contributes significantly to the game's visual appeal.
- Story is engaging (weight 0.16): The story is described as interesting, engaging, and addictive, with a compelling narrative that keeps players invested. The plot is well-written and offers a satisfying experience.
- Gameplay is unique (weight 0.15): The gameplay stands out as unique and intriguing, differentiating the game from typical visual novels. The inclusion of reasoning elements and new mechanics adds to its appeal.
- Choices have consequences (weight 0.07): The branching narrative and meaningful choices are appreciated, with consequences that go beyond just the ending. Players enjoy the logical and impactful nature of their decisions.
- True ending is impactful (weight 0.07): The true ending is considered well-crafted and emotionally impactful, providing a satisfying conclusion. The effort required to reach it is seen as worthwhile.
- Mystery is strong (weight 0.07): The game offers a strong mystery story that keeps players guessing and engaged. The suspenseful and story-rich experience is a key highlight.
- UI is stylish (weight 0.06): The user interface is praised for being clean, attractive, and well-made. The stylish UI enhances the overall presentation of the game.
- CGs are beautiful (weight 0.06): The CG illustrations are described as exquisite and beautiful, adding to the visual appeal of the game. The high-quality CGs are a positive aspect.
- Graphics are great (weight 0.06): The graphics and visuals are praised for their quality, contributing to the game's overall aesthetic. The combination of art and UI is well-received.
- Animations are well done (weight 0.06): The animations are praised for being top-tier and smooth, enhancing immersion. The animated characters add to the game's visual appeal.
- Character interactions are cute (weight 0.05): The interactions between characters, especially the male protagonist, are described as cute and affectionate. These relationships add charm to the game.
- Fan culture is realistic (weight 0.05): The portrayal of fan culture and fandom atmosphere is praised for being realistic and authentic. This fresh perspective is appreciated by players.

Common complaints:
- Forced multiple playthroughs required (weight 0.36): The game mandates multiple playthroughs to see all endings, but lacks convenience features like skipping read text, making the process tedious and exhausting. Players find the first playthrough meaningless since it always leads to a fixed ending.
- Inconvenient save system (weight 0.17): The save system is highly inconvenient, with saving only possible during dialogue scenes and limited save points. Players find this restrictive and anti-human, as it prevents saving at critical moments.
- Skip function skips all text (weight 0.16): The skip function defaults to skipping all text rather than only already-read text, preventing players from efficiently navigating new content during repeat playthroughs. This issue is repeatedly highlighted as a major frustration.
- Excessive dialogue volume (weight 0.11): The game contains an overwhelming amount of dialogue, which even players who enjoy dialogue find tedious and bloated. The sheer volume of text makes reading feel like a chore rather than an engaging experience.
- Repetitive dialogue across playthroughs (weight 0.1): Dialogue is repeated identically across multiple playthroughs, and the keyword system forces players to revisit the same topics, inflating playtime and causing boredom. This repetition is a key contributor to the game's tediousness.
- Weak deduction logic (weight 0.08): The deduction mechanics are poorly designed, with weak reasoning and confusing elements that fail to engage players. This undermines the core gameplay and leaves players frustrated.
- Slow game pacing (weight 0.08): The game has a slow and dragging pace, especially in the early stages, which makes it feel loose and unengaging. This slow start can deter players from continuing.
- Tedious latter half (weight 0.07): The latter half of the game becomes increasingly tedious and boring, with excessive dialogue and sluggish gameplay. This decline in engagement makes the overall experience feel drawn out.

Gameplay feedback:
- Multiple playthroughs required (weight 0.38): The game is designed for multiple playthroughs to see different routes, endings, and fully understand the story. Players must replay the game to unlock all content and reach the true ending.
- Dialogue-driven clue gathering (weight 0.26): The core gameplay revolves around talking to characters, presenting keywords, and collecting clues to progress the story. Players must pay attention to each character's responses and use dialogue to assemble facts and reason through the mystery.
- Visual novel with mechanics (weight 0.26): The game is primarily a visual novel, but it incorporates additional mechanics like clue-finding, affinity-building, and investigation sections. This blend makes it more interactive than a standard visual novel.
- Affection and relationship management (weight 0.21): The game includes an affection system where dialogue choices and keywords affect character relationships and the protagonist's mental state. Managing these stats is essential for progressing through the story and unlocking different outcomes.
- Deduction and mystery core (weight 0.2): The game is a mystery deduction game where players solve puzzles, explore theories, and identify the culprit. The deduction elements are central to the gameplay, though some players find the reasoning relatively simple.
- Dialogue choices and branching (weight 0.14): The game features binary dialogue choices that lead to different route storylines and affect character support. These choices are time-limited in some cases, adding pressure to decision-making.
- Multiple routes and endings (weight 0.13): The game features multiple routes (A, B, C) and various endings, including true, hidden, and common endings. Players must explore all routes to see the full story.
- Forced bad first ending (weight 0.09): The first playthrough always ends in a forced bad ending, which can be frustrating but encourages replaying to achieve better outcomes. This design choice is a common point of feedback.
- Text-heavy interactive fiction (weight 0.09): The game is a text-based adventure with a very large amount of text, making it feel like an interactive novel. Players who enjoy reading and narrative-driven experiences will appreciate this, but others may find it overwhelming.
- Skip and fast-forward features (weight 0.08): The game includes a skip function that fast-forwards through text, but some players note the lack of a full skip option. This is important for replayability, as multiple playthroughs are required.
- Character-focused narrative (weight 0.08): The game centers on a cast of distinct characters, with voice-over for each and a focus on building trust and relationships. The narrative is driven by interactions with these characters.
- Conversation topic control (weight 0.07): Players control which topics are discussed with characters, and characters react differently to each topic. This system allows for strategic dialogue management to build rapport.
- Social media system (weight 0.07): The game includes a social media system called 'Fite' that functions similarly to Twitter, affecting relationships and reactions. This adds a modern twist to the character interaction mechanics.
- Collection and achievements (weight 0.07): The game has collection elements, including achievements and collectibles, which require multiple playthroughs to complete. This adds replay value but can be seen as grindy.
- Investigation and interrogation (weight 0.07): The game includes investigation and interrogation gameplay, where players search for evidence and question characters from multiple angles. This is a key part of the detective experience.

Performance notes:
- Save data lost on reinstall (weight 0.02): Users have experienced loss of save data when reinstalling the game, which can be a significant setback for progress. This is a critical data integrity issue.
- Xbox controller input unreliable (weight 0.02): Players report that the Xbox controller input is unreliable, causing frustration during gameplay. This issue likely affects game control and overall experience.
- Dialogue clicking stutters with portraits (weight 0.02): Clicking through dialogue is stuttery due to portrait changes, disrupting the narrative flow. This is a UI/UX issue that affects immersion.
- Game runs fine on default settings (weight 0.02): One player reported that the game ran without incident on default settings, indicating that the game is stable under standard configurations. This is a positive note amidst other issues.

Recommendations:
- Buy on sale (weight 0.26): A significant number of reviewers advise purchasing the game at a discount rather than at full price. They suggest waiting for sales or buying at a reduced price to get the best value.
- Recommended for visual novel fans (weight 0.17): Multiple reviewers highly recommend this game to fans of visual novels, especially those who enjoy psychological storytelling and interactive gameplay. The game is praised for its narrative depth and is considered a must-play for the genre's enthusiasts.
- Not worth full price (weight 0.13): Several reviewers explicitly state that the game is not worth its full price, recommending it only when discounted. This sentiment is consistent across multiple clusters, indicating a common concern about the game's value proposition.
- Not recommended for some (weight 0.12): Some reviewers cannot recommend the game, citing various reasons such as dislike for forced multiple playthroughs or lack of interest in character shipping. This indicates the game may not appeal to all players.
- Not for reasoning expectations (weight 0.11): Several reviewers caution that the game should not be approached as a pure reasoning or deduction game. They advise against expecting orthodox mystery-solving mechanics, as the game may not meet those expectations.
- Recommended for mystery fans (weight 0.1): The game is highly recommended for fans of mystery and visual novel genres, with reviewers noting its appeal to those who enjoy crime-solving and deduction. It is particularly praised for its narrative and character-driven storytelling.
- Worth at low price (weight 0.09): The game is considered worth playing if purchased at a low price, with reviewers noting it provides good value for the cost. This aligns with the general advice to wait for discounts.
- Use guide for endings (weight 0.09): Reviewers recommend using a guide after the first playthrough to discover all endings and routes, as it can be difficult to figure out on your own. This advice is particularly useful for completionists.
- Recommended for story lovers (weight 0.07): The game is recommended for players who enjoy immersive, narrative-driven experiences with psychological tension and character-focused storytelling. It suits those who prioritize story over gameplay mechanics.
- Good for character fans (weight 0.06): Reviewers recommend the game for fans of characters and shipping, indicating that the character development and relationships are a strong point. This may appeal to players who enjoy character-driven narratives.
- Use Korean voice acting (weight 0.06): Reviewers strongly recommend playing the game with Korean voice acting, highlighting it as a superior experience. This specific advice appears in multiple clusters, suggesting it's a key enhancement for players.
- Recommended for Danganronpa fans (weight 0.06): The game is recommended for fans of Danganronpa and Zero Escape, offering a more grounded and emotionally complex experience. This comparison helps set expectations for players familiar with those titles.
- Genre fans recommended (weight 0.04): The game is recommended for fans of its genre, with reviewers suggesting it for those who have a tolerance for the genre's conventions. This implies it may not be accessible to newcomers.
- Strongly recommended (weight 0.03): A few reviewers give the game a strong recommendation without any caveats, indicating a high level of satisfaction. This is a positive signal for potential buyers.
- Avoid even if free (weight 0.03): A minority of reviewers advise against playing the game even if it is free, suggesting a strong negative reaction. This is a rare but notable opinion.
- Second playthrough tips (weight 0.03): Reviewers suggest starting the second playthrough from the continue option and taking a break between playthroughs to avoid burnout. These practical tips help players manage the multi-playthrough requirement.
- Historical low price (weight 0.03): Some reviewers recommend buying the game at a historical low price, indicating that deep discounts are the best time to purchase. This reinforces the value of waiting for sales.

Other player notes:
- Comparisons to Danganronpa and Ace Attorney (weight 0.17): Many reviewers compare the game to Danganronpa, Ace Attorney, and Zero Escape, noting similar mystery elements and gameplay. Some mention it scratches the same itch, while others warn it is a true visual novel without executions.
- Korean-developed visual novel (weight 0.16): The game is a Korean visual novel with Korean voice acting and culture, and the English translation is noted as not flawless. Some reviewers mention the localization is machine-translated or poor.
- Korean and Japanese voice options (weight 0.11): The game offers both Korean and Japanese voice acting, with the ability to switch between them in-game. Some reviewers recommend the Korean voice acting over the Japanese.
- Translation quality criticized (weight 0.09): Several reviewers criticize the translation quality, particularly the English and Simplified Chinese versions, citing grammar errors and machine-translation issues. This is a significant drawback for non-Korean players.
- Set in Korean entertainment industry (weight 0.06): The game is set in a fictional Korean survival show or entertainment audition, with a strong K-pop vibe. Reviewers note the portrayal of the Korean entertainment industry.
- Contains male-male relationship content (weight 0.06): The game features male-male relationship content and is described as gay-themed. Some reviewers compare it to BL games, preferring dedicated BL titles.
- Approximately 20 hours to complete (weight 0.05): Reviewers estimate the game takes about 20 hours to complete, including two playthroughs and full achievements. This provides a clear expectation for potential players.
- Compared to other enjoyed games (weight 0.04): Reviewers compare the game to other titles in the genre they enjoyed, suggesting it fits within a familiar framework for fans of similar games.
- Developed by LINE Games Corporation (weight 0.03): The game is developed and published by LINE Games Corporation, which may be relevant to players familiar with the company's other titles.
- Available on multiple platforms (weight 0.03): The game is available on Steam, PS4, and Switch, giving players flexibility in how they play. This is a positive for accessibility.
- Chinese localization available (weight 0.03): The game provides Chinese subtitles and localization, though the Simplified Chinese translation quality is criticized by some reviewers.
- Different names in Korean and Japanese (weight 0.03): The Korean and Japanese versions use different character names, with the Japanese audio using different names for the main cast. This may confuse players who switch languages.
- Better as TV show or traditional visual novel (weight 0.03): Some reviewers suggest the game might have been better as a TV show or traditional visual novel, finding the current format tiring to consume.
- Reviewers anticipate future updates (weight 0.03): Some reviewers look forward to the game's growth and future plans, indicating interest in continued support and content.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.21): Players are frustrated by the lack of quality-of-life features, especially the inability to save at any time and the absence of a skip-read-only function, which makes multiple playthroughs tedious. The repetitive dialogue, poor translation, and unclear choice outcomes further compound the annoyance, forcing players to replay long sections or use guides.
- Disappointment (weight 0.11): Many players felt the game did not meet expectations, particularly regarding the mystery and reasoning elements, which were too simple or lacking. The endings were often anticlimactic, and the lack of a proper skip function and multiple playthroughs requirement diminished the overall experience.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.08): Players enjoyed the engaging story, attractive characters, and the mix of mystery, psychological tension, and idol drama. The art, voice acting, and character development were frequently praised, and the game's unique mechanics and multiple endings added to the fun.
- Boredom (weight 0.07): The game's pacing and repetitive dialogue caused boredom, especially during the second playthrough and the communication sections. The low information density and predictable mystery made the long text-heavy segments feel tedious and sleep-inducing.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.05): Players were satisfied with the well-crafted story, character development, and the resolution of mysteries, especially in the true ending. The art, voice acting, and the game's value for money when on sale also contributed to a positive overall experience.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Players appreciated the game's strong writing, character development, and atmospheric presentation, including art, music, and voice acting. The realistic portrayal of online harassment and the game's emotional depth were also highlighted as positive aspects.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Annoyance stemmed from the inability to save/load freely, the repetitive communication system, and the lack of a skip-read-only feature. Poor translation and inconsistent voice acting also irritated players, as did the need to replay for different endings.
- Excitement (weight 0.03): Players were excited by the foreshadowing payoff, the engaging story, and the anticipation of uncovering more mysteries. The game's visuals, gameplay, and the promise of New Game Plus content also fueled excitement.
- Engagement (weight 0.02): The game's high-quality main plot, twists, and character interactions kept players hooked. The tense atmosphere and the weight of every choice made the experience immersive and hard to put down.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): Players found amusement in the game's humorous dialogue, character interactions, and absurd situations, such as characters calling each other on smartwatches while standing close. The localization errors and the protagonist's appeal also provided comedic moments.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Confusion arose from the game's forced bad ending on the first playthrough, poor translation affecting choice outcomes, and unclear route branching. The horror side story and certain reveals felt disconnected and hard to understand.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Players admired the game's story structure, art, music, and character designs, which were considered top-tier. The well-developed characters and the game's emotional impact were also praised.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Players were surprised by the unexpected killer reveal, the game's depth, and the quality of voice acting. The realistic portrayal of fan culture and the engaging nature of the game exceeded expectations.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players expressed love for the characters, art style, and the suspenseful story. The unpredictability of characters and the game's atmosphere made it a favorite among mystery and horror visual novel fans.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): The game's sad story, emotional true ending, and character fates evoked sadness. Some players also felt sadness due to the poor English translation preventing full enjoyment and the loss of save data.
- Immersion (weight 0.01): The game successfully immersed players through its presentation, voice acting, and the mix of social media and investigation elements. The isolated setting and realistic performances contributed to a deep sense of immersion.
- Curiosity (weight 0.01): Players were curious about the story's progression, hidden content, and the meaning behind certain reveals. The suspense and the sense that the story was leading to something bigger kept them engaged.
- Exhaustion (weight 0.01): The game's length, repetitive dialogue, and mandatory multiple playthroughs led to exhaustion. Managing character emotions and the frequent communication system also drained players.
- Interest (weight 0.01): Players were interested in the premise, the dark side of the Korean celebrity industry, and the need to be careful with choices. The game's presentation and the gradual reveal of contestants' pasts captured attention.
- Shock (weight 0.01): Players were shocked by the game's endings, character deaths, and twists. The lack of basic save/load functions despite the need for careful management also came as a shock.}