Info about After Us:

Official game description:


Release date: May 23, 2023

Categories: 3D Platformer, Environmental Storytelling, Atmospheric Exploration, Collectathon, Post-apocalyptic, Light Puzzle Solving, Platforming

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 15; verdict: Works Well; summary: The Linux/Proton evidence is mostly positive. Multiple users report that the game runs well on Linux desktop with standard Proton and works on Steam Deck. There is one notable complaint about low frame rates and poor Steam Deck optimization, but no consensus of launch failures, anti-cheat blockers, or required Proton workarounds. The isolated performance issue does not outweigh the broader positive compatibility evidence.
- Steam Deck: score 60; verdict: Playable with Significant Friction; summary: Steam Deck compatibility is mixed. Several users report that verified status overstates performance: long shader compilation, a 30 FPS cap, dips into the low 20s or teens, stutter, disabled graphics options, and small-screen/input-lag concerns. Controller-only input is a repeated desktop complaint, though it is less damaging on Deck because built-in controls exist. Positive reports show the game can run well for some users, so the experience is not universally broken, but friction remains high within the playable range.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $9.99 - $14.99
  - Reasoning: The reviews consistently reject the current $29.99 base price as inflated for the amount of content, especially given the reported 7-15 hour length. Positive value comments are tied to discounts or bundles, including one reviewer who found roughly $4 in a bundle worthwhile. This supports a fair base-game range well below $30, roughly $10-$15.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 16.0h
  - Story completion: 5.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The review stating the game takes about 5 hours to beat if breezed through supports a story-only completion estimate of 5 hours. Multiple reports give longer completionist totals: 12 hours with extras, about 16 hours for all levels, memories, and spirits, and about 18 hours for all achievements. The reported 7-to-15-hour range also supports a typical completion window, with 16 hours used as the all-content estimate. No review provides a clear average session length or a distinct endgame duration, so those metrics are null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Players often find an initial spark in the art, setting, or movement, but many report that repetitive platforming, clunky controls, and weak hooks make the experience wear thin. A minority say the lore clicks later, but no explicit timing for that turn is provided.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Clunky controls and tedious platforming.; Slow, frustrating movement, combat, and puzzles.; Repetitive mechanics and level design.; First hour feels like simply going from point A to point B.; Weak story or character hook.; Linear paths, technical issues, and input lag at lower frame rates.
  - Unlock drivers: Piecing together the lore until it clicks.; Level-specific mechanics that vary play.; Different settings and stories that sustain interest.
  - Conditions: Tolerance for repetition and clunky controls.; Whether the lore and story hook clicks.; Preference for environmental storytelling over character-driven narrative.; Whether artistic settings outweigh repetitive platforming.; Playing at 60fps rather than 30fps.; Tolerance for linear paths and little progression freedom.; Whether new mechanics per level keep the game fresh.; Completing optional animal-spirit collection.
- Player Archetypes:
  - Chill Atmospheric Explorer (buy)
    - Motivation: Relaxation, aesthetic pleasure, and light exploration.
    - Playstyle: Slow-paced exploration and collecting, with easy platforming and story appreciation.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Completionist Achievement Hunter (buy)
    - Motivation: Completion, collectibles, and achievement hunting.
    - Playstyle: Thorough collection and 100% achievement completion, including online-linked tasks.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: completionist
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Social Co-op Replayer (buy)
    - Motivation: Sharing the experience and replaying with others.
    - Playstyle: Repeated playthroughs solo and in co-op, valuing communal moments.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Mechanics-First Platformer Veteran (no buy)
    - Motivation: Challenge and mechanical depth: precise platforming, varied combat, and meaningful puzzles.
    - Playstyle: Seeks demanding, mechanically varied platforming and judges the game against traditional action-platformer standards.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: A Simple Story


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:
- Stunning and beautiful visuals (weight 0.53): Players repeatedly praise the game's gorgeous visuals, describing it as a visual masterpiece with stunning, stylized graphics and spectacular views. The art direction and overall aesthetic are highlighted as a major strength.
- Fun and satisfying platforming (weight 0.22): The platforming gameplay is described as fun, surprisingly deep, and satisfying, with comfortable controls. The movement mechanics are a highlight for many players.
- Enjoyable atmosphere and immersive experience (weight 0.21): The game's atmosphere is widely praised as wonderful and enjoyable, drawing players in and keeping them immersed. The environment and overall mood contribute to a captivating experience.
- Excellent and atmospheric soundtrack (weight 0.17): The soundtrack is frequently commended as great, carefully crafted, and perfectly fitting the atmosphere. It enhances the overall experience and is worth listening to separately.
- Varied and refreshing level mechanics (weight 0.15): Each level introduces a different mechanic or gimmick, keeping the gameplay fresh and preventing boredom. Players appreciate the unique aspects added in every level.
- Magnificent art direction (weight 0.15): Reviewers consistently highlight the strong, magnificent art direction as a standout feature. It is frequently mentioned alongside the soundtrack as a key element of the game's presentation.
- Hauntingly beautiful and eerie (weight 0.1): Players describe the game as haunting, beautiful, and terrifying, with a surreal and eerie aesthetic. This unique blend of beauty and unease is a distinctive trait.
- Perfect game length (weight 0.1): The game's length is considered decent and well-balanced, being neither too long nor too short. This pacing keeps the experience enjoyable without overstaying its welcome.
- Fun exploration and environments (weight 0.1): Exploration is fun, with enjoyable environments that invite players to discover. The vistas and scenery add to the pleasure of exploring.
- Chill and relaxing gameplay (weight 0.09): The game is mostly chill and calm, offering easy and fun gameplay. It provides a relaxing experience suitable for unwinding.
- Smooth performance without bugs (weight 0.09): Players report no bugs, glitches, or crashes, and the game runs smoothly. This technical stability contributes to a positive experience.

Common complaints:
- Floaty and imprecise controls (weight 0.32): Reviewers frequently complain that movement and jumping feel floaty with little air control. Controls are described as imprecise, clunky, and janky.
- Gamepad required, no keyboard support (weight 0.28): Many players note the game requires a gamepad and lacks native keyboard and mouse support. This limits accessibility for players without a controller.
- Boring and repetitive gameplay (weight 0.2): Multiple players describe the game as boring, not fun, and very repetitive. The core loop lacks engagement for these reviewers.
- Poor optimization and stuttering (weight 0.18): The game lags even on PCs above requirements, with heavy stuttering in some areas. Optimization is described as horrible.
- Overall rough and buggy (weight 0.14): Players describe the game as rough around the edges with occasional bugs and iffy gameplay. While not severe for all, these issues affect polish.
- Weak story and combat (weight 0.12): The game lacks a compelling story and the combat mechanic is described as awkward and not fun. These elements feel underdeveloped.
- Double jump kills momentum (weight 0.1): Performing a double jump during a running jump removes all momentum, disrupting platforming flow. This is a specific and recurring complaint.
- Game-blocking glitches (weight 0.08): Some glitches make it impossible to finish the game and block achievements. These are critical issues for affected players.
- Falling through the map (weight 0.07): Players occasionally fall through textures and the map, which can be game-breaking. This is a notable bug that disrupts play.
- Unforgiving platforming with retries (weight 0.07): Gameplay largely consists of platform jumping over unforgiving chasms, forcing repeated retries. This design can be frustrating for players.
- Weak soundtrack (weight 0.07): The soundtrack is criticized as weak, disconnected at times, and lacking distinctive characteristics. It is considered a low point of the game.

Gameplay feedback:
- Core 3D platformer gameplay (weight 0.72): The game is fundamentally a 3D platformer where players jump, dash, and traverse levels to progress. Many reviewers describe it as a pure platformer with collectibles and light puzzle elements.
- Players control Gaia (weight 0.26): The protagonist is a small spirit named Gaia, a human-like girl who travels a ruined world to save animal souls. Players control Gaia throughout the game.
- Puzzle solving and combat included (weight 0.21): The game features puzzle-solving segments and combat encounters alongside platforming. Some reviewers describe the combat as light and minimal.
- Collectibles scattered throughout levels (weight 0.21): Players can find collectibles such as memories, spirits, and other items scattered across levels and worlds. These collectibles encourage exploration.
- Chapter-based level structure (weight 0.2): The game is structured in chapters, each themed around a different animal with its own distinct style. Each level introduces new mechanics or gimmicks.
- Precise movement mechanics (weight 0.18): Movement includes jumping, double jumping, dashing, gliding, and other abilities. Players use these mechanics to navigate platforming challenges.
- Atmospheric post-apocalyptic setting (weight 0.18): The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world with an environmental impact theme. It uses environmental storytelling with very few words, conveyed through backgrounds and level design.
- Exploration and environmental traversal (weight 0.17): The game combines exploration with platforming and parkour, allowing players to traverse environmental obstacles. Exploration is a key part of the experience.
- Find and revive animal spirits (weight 0.16): Players find spirits and memories during exploration and can revive various animals. There is also an animal petting interaction.
- Precision platforming sections (weight 0.12): The game includes precision platforming sequences on narrow paths. Core gameplay often involves jumping from point A to point B over deadly chasms.
- Multiple themed worlds (weight 0.11): The game features multiple worlds, each with its own theme and mechanics. Locations introduce new elements as players progress.
- Landing indicator circle (weight 0.06): A white circle under the protagonist indicates the landing range. This helps players judge jumps.

Performance notes:
- Persistent stuttering and frame drops (weight 0.28): Stutters occur regardless of resolution, FPS cap, or settings, and can worsen over time or in specific areas like the Power Plant. Frame drops are severe in certain puzzle regions and during scene changes.
- Long shader compilation on first launch (weight 0.24): Players report shader compilation taking 10-45 minutes on first launch, often on a black screen. This affects both PC and Steam Deck, with some cases causing crashes during compilation.
- Runs well on some systems (weight 0.23): Some players report smooth performance with no bugs, glitches, or crashes, even on older GPUs like GTX 1660 Ti and GTX 1060. The game runs fluidly at 4K max settings for some.
- Poor Steam Deck performance and optimization (weight 0.22): Steam Deck users report the game runs at 30fps or below, with dips into the low 20s or teens. Graphics options are disabled and settings may need lowering, making it not recommended for the device.
- Inconsistent optimization and performance bugs (weight 0.21): Optimization is inconsistent, with performance degrading after initial areas and bugs causing a big mess. Frame drops and crashes are linked to poor optimization, even on hardware above requirements.
- FPS capped at 60 or 30 (weight 0.14): The game is capped at 60fps on PC and 30fps on Steam Deck. The 30fps cap introduces input lag that degrades the experience.
- Crashes and fatal errors reported (weight 0.13): Players experience intermittent FATAL ERROR crashes typical of Unreal Engine, crashes during gameplay, and crash-to-desktop with too many enemies. One crash occurred over a full playthrough.
- High VRAM usage and memory issues (weight 0.12): The game can use more than 7GB of VRAM, with GPU memory maxed out in the city area. This may cause stutters due to memory limitations, especially on lower-end machines.
- Progress-blocking graphical bug in ocean area (weight 0.07): A graphical bug in the Ocean level can block progress, and is described as a potential progress-blocking bug. This is a critical issue for affected players.
- Long load times beyond shaders (weight 0.07): Long load times are reported in addition to shader compilation. First launch can take 30-40 minutes total.
- Camera and visual glitches (weight 0.06): Camera glitches and a weird static-like visual glitch appear when turning the camera in one world on PC. These are less common but disruptive.
- Steam Link and UEVR performance issues (weight 0.06): Playing via Steam Link in Big Picture mode may contribute to performance issues. Performance with UEVR is worse than in Arise.
- Controller connectivity issues on PS5 (weight 0.04): PS5 controllers are not accepted via Bluetooth and must be plugged in. This limits input options for some players.
- Resolution locked at 1080p (weight 0.04): The resolution is locked at 1080p, preventing higher resolutions without workarounds. This may disappoint players with high-end displays.
- Online garden unavailable temporarily (weight 0.03): The online garden was unavailable due to technical issues and was later brought back. This is a transient service issue.
- Small screen makes character hard to see (weight 0.03): On Steam Deck, the small screen makes the character hard to see. This is a minor usability concern.
- Runs well on Linux via Proton (weight 0.03): The game ran well on a Linux desktop with standard Proton and no other changes. This indicates good compatibility for some Linux users.
- Low system requirements reported (weight 0.03): System requirements are low, allowing the game to run on older hardware. However, this contrasts with reports of poor optimization on some systems.
- Visuals can be maxed on PC (weight 0.03): Visuals can be cranked to max on PC, indicating good scalability for those with capable hardware. This is a positive point amid performance complaints.

Recommendations:
- Recommended overall (weight 0.36): The majority of reviewers give a positive recommendation, often with high enthusiasm. Many describe it as definitely worth playing and even a must-have.
- Atmospheric platformer appeal (weight 0.35): Fans of atmospheric, artistic platformers with emotional storytelling and surreal visuals will enjoy this game. It is often recommended for its mood and environmental narrative.
- Buy on sale (weight 0.29): Many reviewers recommend purchasing only during a sale or as part of a bundle. Full price is often considered too high, while discounts make it worthwhile.
- Gamepad support confirmed (weight 0.21): Multiple reviewers confirm that the game supports controllers and recommend using one. It enhances the experience and is necessary for some.
- Dark themes warning (weight 0.2): The game contains dark surrealism and upsetting scenes, especially involving animals. Reviewers caution sensitive players or those easily depressed by such content to avoid it.
- Technical problems noted (weight 0.18): Some reviewers report crashes, poor optimization, and performance issues. They advise waiting for patches before purchasing or cannot recommend it in its current state.
- Journey/Abzu comparison (weight 0.17): Reviewers frequently compare it to Journey, Abzu, and Gris, recommending it to fans of those atmospheric exploration games. It is seen as a similar experience but sometimes more challenging.
- Relaxing and chill (weight 0.15): The game is well-suited for calm, relaxed play sessions, often described as a chill experience with collecting and exploration. It appeals to players seeking a low-stress journey.
- Mixed or reserved recommendations (weight 0.15): Some reviewers give cautious or conditional recommendations, noting that it may not suit everyone. Others give a negative recommendation despite acknowledging the game's high quality.
- Not for action seekers (weight 0.14): Players looking for constant action, complex mechanics, or precise platforming are advised to look elsewhere. The game focuses on atmosphere and exploration rather than combat or deep puzzles.
- Great for platformer fans (weight 0.13): Fans of 3D platformers and jump-and-run games will find a lot to enjoy. The game offers a straightforward and enjoyable platforming experience.
- Short but meaningful (weight 0.11): Reviewers describe it as a short experience with an engaging story and easy controls, suitable for a quick playthrough. It is recommended for its emotional impact despite its length.
- Visual and audio praise (weight 0.09): The game's graphics, soundtrack, and art style are frequently highlighted as strong points. Reviewers recommend it for its beautiful landscapes and carefully crafted audio.
- For adult audiences (weight 0.06): The game is recommended for adults rather than children, as it deals with mature themes and may not appeal to younger players. It is seen as an atmospheric experience to unwind.
- Negative reviews exist (weight 0.06): A minority of reviewers do not recommend the game at all, citing various reasons such as not being worth the price or technical issues. These are outweighed by positive reviews.
- Motion sickness caution (weight 0.03): Players prone to motion sickness or vertigo are advised to be careful, as the game may trigger discomfort. This is a niche but important warning.
- PS2 era nostalgia (weight 0.03): The game is recommended for those who miss the style of PS2-era games. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and classic platforming.
- Gift idea for gamers (weight 0.03): One reviewer suggests it would make a great gift for a gamer girl, indicating appeal to a specific audience. This is a niche but positive recommendation.

Other player notes:
- Short 5-15 hour playtime (weight 0.29): Many reviewers state the game lasts between 5 and 15 hours, with most citing around 8-12 hours for a normal playthrough. A few consider this length appropriate or balanced.
- Compared to Journey and similar games (weight 0.23): Reviewers frequently compare the game to Journey, ABZÛ, INSIDE, Gris, and Ori for its wordless environmental storytelling and emotional impact. Some note it is more challenging than Journey.
- Environmental damage theme (weight 0.23): The game deals with serious themes of environmental destruction caused by humans and conveys a message about respecting nature. Some reviewers find the message heavy-handed or misanthropic.
- Beautiful audiovisual presentation (weight 0.17): Reviewers consistently praise the game's excellent audiovisual presentation, including beautiful graphics, music, atmosphere, and landscapes. The art style and world design are highlighted as standout features.
- Emotional and artistic experience (weight 0.15): The game is described as an artistic and emotionally compelling experience with a very emotional ending. One reviewer calls it a tearjerker with high replay value and one of their favourite games.
- Worth full price (weight 0.14): Reviewers consider the game worth buying at full price, and some note it is priced below its value. The content volume is seen as appropriate for the price.
- Underrated hidden gem (weight 0.13): Several reviewers describe the game as beautiful and underappreciated, calling it an underrated hidden gem. This sentiment appears repeatedly in the feedback.
- Achievement completion time (weight 0.12): Getting all achievements takes about 18 hours, and some achievements require extensive jumping to collect all animal souls. The game includes 34 achievements in total.
- Steam Deck verified label (weight 0.11): The game carries the Steam Deck Verified label, though one reviewer questions how well it actually runs on the device. Another mentions it runs on Linux with standard Proton.
- Developed by Piccolo studio (weight 0.11): The game is developed by the small Spanish studio Piccolo, based in Barcelona. It is made by the creators of Arise: A Simple Story.
- Graphic animal death depictions (weight 0.1): The game contains graphic depictions of animal death and other unfortunate events happening to animals. This is a notable content warning for sensitive players.
- Appropriate length for price (weight 0.1): Reviewers find the playtime appropriate for the price, with content volume matching the cost. Some note it is not short when accounting for collectibles.
- Mixed quality reception (weight 0.09): One reviewer finds the game's quality very mixed, with the good parts being better and the bad parts worse than average. Another notes it resembles Fe and Ori but with less polish.
- Turkish language support available (weight 0.07): The game includes Turkish language support, as noted by two reviewers. This is a positive feature for Turkish-speaking players.
- No real replayability (weight 0.07): One reviewer states the game has no real replayability because using the singing key makes collectibles hard to miss. However, another felt compelled to replay it to 100% completion.
- Steam Cloud and Family Sharing (weight 0.06): The game supports Steam Cloud and Steam Family Sharing. These are convenient features for players using multiple devices or sharing with family.
- Little dialogue, wordless storytelling (weight 0.04): The game has little dialogue and relies on wordless environmental storytelling. This approach is compared to titles like Journey and INSIDE.
- Single-player only, no co-op (weight 0.04): The game is single-player only with no cooperative mode. This is a straightforward limitation for players seeking multiplayer experiences.
- Ending is hopeful (weight 0.04): The game's ending is described as rather full of hope, providing a positive conclusion to the emotional story.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.16): Players report imprecise jumps, floaty controls, and an unhelpful camera that make platforming sections arduous and cause missed jumps. Technical issues such as crashes, stutters, graphical glitches blocking progress, and mandatory gamepad requirements further compound the frustration.
- Disappointment (weight 0.11): The game fails to meet expectations due to weak combat, repetitive gameplay, and an unsatisfying ending. Technical problems like crashes, poor performance, lack of keyboard/mouse support, and glitches preventing completion also contribute to disappointment.
- Admiration (weight 0.08): Admiration stems from the game's stunning art direction, beautiful world design, surreal visuals, and strong soundtrack. Players also appreciate the serious environmental storytelling and the careful artistic expression that makes the game feel like a work of art.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.07): Enjoyment comes from fun exploration, engaging platforming, and the discovery of collectibles in beautiful environments. The relaxing low-difficulty gameplay, unique mechanics, and charming presentation keep players entertained throughout.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Players appreciate the game's deep storytelling, world-building, and the integration of environmental themes into mechanics and encounters. The beautiful cutscenes, memorable music, and smooth exploration contribute to a heartfelt experience.
- Annoyance (weight 0.04): Annoyance arises from forced controller use, unclear mechanics, and technical issues like clipping bugs and controller connectivity problems. Preachy storytelling, impractical maps, and cutscenes that remove player control also irritate players.
- Sadness (weight 0.03): Sadness is evoked by the game's depiction of environmental destruction, animal mistreatment, and the heavy realization of humanity's harm to nature. The emotional story and sorrowful atmosphere often move players to tears.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.03): Satisfaction comes from completing the game smoothly, freeing all animals, and experiencing great movement and level design. The forgiving controls, creative puzzles, and a well-written story that delivers on expectations contribute to a fulfilling experience.
- Love (weight 0.02): Love for the game is driven by its serious environmental theme, hopeful message, and beautiful art direction. The contemplative experience, petting animals, and the personal, museum-like atmosphere resonate deeply with players.
- Relaxation (weight 0.02): Relaxation is fostered by calm, chill gameplay, frequent saves, and activities like planting trees and hearing animals respond. The healing, melancholic atmosphere and light combat create a peaceful experience.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Boredom stems from repetitive platforming stretched over a long game, lack of story intrigue, and collecting animal spirits with no in-game reward. The game fails to hold interest due to tedious mechanics and forgettable fights.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Enthusiasm is sparked by the game's excellence as a platformer with a strong story and striking art direction. Players are eager to replay, complete everything, and look forward to the studio's next project, praising the varied levels and characters.
- Awe (weight 0.02): Awe is inspired by the surreal landscapes, magnificent art direction, and moments of restoring life. The beautiful color palette, animation, and soundtrack, along with unique artistic design and infinite detail, leave players stopping to take in the scenery.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise arises from the game exceeding expectations, such as unexpectedly becoming one of the best games played or offering a small but first-class conclusion. Unexpected combat sections and better-than-anticipated quality also contribute.
- Mild frustration (weight 0.01): Mild frustration is caused by imprecise platforming, confusing enemy encounters, and collectible hunts that drag on. Clunky combat, mandatory controller use, and difficulty knowing where to land when jumping add to the mild irritation.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion stems from unclear objectives in open areas, poorly designed water levels with uncomfortable swimming, and ground detection issues causing unexplained deaths. Many negative reviews about lack of keyboard support also baffle players.
- Excitement (weight 0.01): Excitement is generated by the trailer's appeal, the strange and horrifying world, and epic visual scope. Players find the underwater level fun and consider the game one of the best of the year, hooking them early.
- Melancholy (weight 0.01): Melancholy is evoked by the dramatic journey of humanity's fall and nature's destruction, coupled with a contemplative and anxious atmosphere. The beautiful yet decayed world moves players to silent tears.
- Discomfort (weight 0.01): Discomfort comes from graphic animal death depictions, camera motion, and harsh scenes of animal suffering. The inclusion of vegetarianism messaging and naked human bodies also contributes to unease.
- Thoughtfulness (weight 0.01): Thoughtfulness is provoked by the game's constant questioning of humanity's impact on the world and its cruelty. The environmental story encourages reflection on whether saving the world is worth it, stimulating deep contemplation.}