Info about A Guidebook of Babel:

Official game description:
  
A Guidebook of Babel is a story-adventure game based on the butterfly effect. It was released in 2022 during the Nintendo Indie World showcase!  
You will go on a strange rebirth adventure on Babel. The crew would use Memory Extractor to erase your memories before launching you into the afterlife with the cloud cannon. Passengers frequently moan that it's too late to say farewell to the past, but the crew's prime focus is gathering memories as fuel!  
If you enjoy absorbing stories and mind-boggling puzzles, you've come to the right spot! Across four chapters, you'll need to go back in time and subtly rewrite history, trigger the butterfly effect, solve the puzzles hidden in it, and even change the future of Babel!  
From the drenched deck to the bustling Central Station, the busy Memory Factory to the empty Giant Boiler...... Explore the Babel, meet panic-stricken humans and tough crew members, and investigate unprecedented instruments and strange creatures!  
You need to help the trapped characters overcome difficulties: escape from the Interrogation Room, collect Stonehearth Crab Egg, and find mysterious signal sources... Don't expect to succeed with brute force!  
Fortunately, you can travel back in time and discover what put them into trouble. Once you've located the crucial event, you can rewrite it with the pen in your hand. This move will immediately trigger a butterfly effect, change the plot's path, and reverse the current situation!  
Feeling clueless? Then make use of this notebook. It will guide you through the process of assembling the collected evidence into a comprehensive reasoning chain!  
The pilot stuck in the monsoon, the head chef worrying about the canned food, the swimming team captain chasing fugitives...... Oh, and the poor circus clown looking for his daughter! The fates of the characters complement each other, and this is destined to be a tragicomedy about separation.  
Combining cute and funny, retro and cartoon, Babel is about to set sail. Grab your boat ticket, step on the deck, and enjoy the carnival!

Release date: 2 Aug, 2023

Categories: Narrative Adventure, Puzzle Solving, Time-based Mechanics, Point-and-click Adventure, Investigative Gameplay, Single-player Story, Choice-based Narrative


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


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:
- Unique & Charming Art Style (weight 0.97): The game is widely lauded for its distinctive and charming art style, often described as hand-drawn, picture-book-like, and cute. This visual appeal, combined with imaginative world-building and a unique overall aesthetic, contributes significantly to the game's immersive and enjoyable experience.
- Compelling & Emotional Story (weight 0.91): Players consistently praise the game's narrative, highlighting its emotional depth, unique multi-timeline structure, and compelling character stories. The plot is described as well-paced, logical, and capable of delivering both heartwarming and poignant moments, often likened to an adult fairy tale.
- Excellent Music & Sound Design (weight 0.67): The game's audio design, including its background music and sound effects, is consistently praised for enhancing the overall atmosphere and emotional impact. The music is described as pleasant, relaxing, and perfectly integrated with the game's visuals and narrative.
- Well-Designed & Accessible Puzzles (weight 0.67): The puzzle design is generally well-received, with many players finding the difficulty level 'just right' – challenging enough to be engaging but not overly frustrating. The game's guidance and hint systems are effective, ensuring a smooth puzzle-solving experience.
- Intuitive UI & Helpful Notebook (weight 0.52): The game's user interface (UI) and quality-of-life features, particularly the 'notebook' system, are highly appreciated. This system helps players organize clues, track timelines, and prevents them from getting stuck, contributing to a comfortable and intuitive gameplay flow.
- Memorable & Diverse Characters (weight 0.4): The game features a cast of well-developed and distinct characters, each with their own compelling stories and personalities. Players find the characters likable and relatable, contributing to the emotional resonance of the narrative.
- High Polish & Completion (weight 0.39): Players note the game's high level of polish and completeness, especially for an indie title. The game offers a satisfying length for its price, and achievements are generally easy to obtain, appealing to completionists.

Common complaints:
- Problematic character backstories (weight 0.56): A significant number of players were deeply disturbed and offended by the character backstories, particularly the recurring theme of female characters, including mothers and daughters, being forced into prostitution. This was seen as gratuitous, stereotypical, and poorly integrated into the main narrative, often contradicting the game's overall tone and feeling like 'suffering for suffering's sake'.
- Confusing start, poor guidance (weight 0.42): Many players found the game's initial stages confusing and slow, with poor guidance and a tedious tutorial. This often led to frustration and a need to consult external guides to progress, especially with poorly communicated or abstract puzzle solutions.
- Linear gameplay, limited choices (weight 0.38): Despite being advertised with a 'butterfly effect' mechanic, players felt the game was overly linear, forcing them down a single path. The 'choices' often led to predetermined failures or required specific, non-intuitive actions, limiting player agency and replayability.
- Stiff animations, slow movement (weight 0.32): Players noted that animations were stiff, slow, or sometimes missing, contributing to a clunky and unpolished feel. Character movement was also perceived as too slow, negatively impacting the game's pace and overall interactive experience.
- Poor localization quality (weight 0.08): The game's localization, particularly the English and Japanese translations, was criticized for being inconsistent, stiff, and clunky. This affected dialogue quality, character portrayal, and overall immersion, sometimes making it difficult to understand the narrative.
- Predetermined, unsatisfying ending (weight 0.06): The game's ending was criticized for being predetermined and lacking true player choice, despite offering apparent options. Players felt forced into specific outcomes and noted that the narrative often converged to a single conclusion, reducing replay value.

Gameplay feedback:
- Accessible Difficulty & Length (weight 0.2): The game is generally considered to have a light to moderate difficulty, particularly for its puzzles. Most players can complete the main story and even achieve 100% completion within 8-10 hours without needing external guides.
- Story-Driven Adventure Gameplay (weight 0.16): The game is primarily a story-driven, point-and-click adventure with light puzzle elements. It features a multi-line narrative, unfolding the story from the perspectives of four main characters, which players navigate to piece together the overall plot.
- Intertwined Multi-Character Narratives (weight 0.09): The narrative is structured around four distinct character storylines that initially progress independently but are intricately intertwined. These lines converge, particularly in the final 'Carnival' chapter, where their actions influence each other.
- Collectibles & Achievement Friendly (weight 0.08): The game includes various collection elements, such as 'memory runners' and hidden golden collectibles. These items often unlock character backstories and side content, and collecting them is generally straightforward, contributing to achievement completion.

Performance notes:
- Performance issues and lag (weight 0.01): Users experienced noticeable lag during gameplay. This suggests performance issues that could detract from the overall user experience.
- Game causes device overheating (weight 0.01): Players reported that the game causes devices to overheat significantly. This could indicate poor optimization leading to excessive resource usage.

Recommendations:
- Highly Recommended Game (weight 0.31): Many players highly recommend this game, especially considering its low price point and value as an indie title. It is often praised for its unique story, art style, and puzzle elements, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of narrative-driven or point-and-click genres.
- Anticipate Future Works (weight 0.18): Many players express strong interest in future works from the developer, including sequels or prequels, indicating satisfaction with the game's overall quality and a desire for more content. This suggests a positive impression of the development team's capabilities.
- Not for Everyone (weight 0.08): Some players do not recommend the game, citing issues with the story, localization, or a general lack of enjoyment. It is noted that the game might not appeal to everyone, particularly those who prefer fast-paced gameplay or specific narrative styles.
- Play in One Sitting (weight 0.03): Players suggest that the game is best experienced in longer, uninterrupted sessions, ideally completed in one sitting. This approach allows for deeper immersion and better engagement with the game's details and narrative flow.
- Support Domestic Games (weight 0.01): There is a sentiment among players to support the game due to its origin as a domestic (Chinese) indie title. This indicates a desire to encourage local game development.
- Try Demo First (weight 0.01): A specific recommendation is made for potential players to try the game's demo first. This suggests that the demo can help players determine if the game's unique style and mechanics are a good fit for their preferences.
- Use Clue Notebook Sparingly (weight 0.01): Players are advised to only consult the clue notebook when they are genuinely stuck. This encourages players to attempt solving puzzles independently before seeking assistance, promoting a more challenging experience.
- Unique Narrative Structure (weight 0.01): The game is noted for its rare networked narrative structure. This highlights a unique aspect of the game's design that sets it apart from other titles.
- Self-Exploration of Emotions (weight 0.01): The game is designed to allow players to explore emotional experiences on their own. This suggests a focus on player-driven discovery and personal interpretation of the narrative's emotional depth.
- Cautious Recommendation (weight 0.01): One review offers a cautious recommendation, implying that while the game has merits, there might be specific caveats or considerations that prevent a strong, unqualified endorsement.
- Mouse Operation Recommended (weight 0.01): A specific gameplay tip suggests that using a mouse is the recommended control method. This indicates that mouse controls might offer a superior or more intuitive experience.

Other player notes:
- Strong demand for sequel (weight 0.1): Many players expressed a strong desire for a sequel, particularly one that expands on the excellent world-view and the unique concept of the 'Babel Ship'. They are cautiously optimistic about the developers' plans for future works.
- Appealing fairy-tale art style (weight 0.09): The game's art style is highly praised, described as fairy-tale like and reminiscent of American comics. This visual appeal was a significant draw for many players.
- Explores profound themes (weight 0.09): The game deeply explores profound themes such as life, death, loss, memory, and reincarnation. It presents a unique perspective on the afterlife, encouraging players to reflect on human experiences and the concept of 'living well'.
- Imaginative 'Babel Ship' setting (weight 0.08): The game features a highly imaginative and novel setting centered around the 'Babel Ship,' a towering vessel that serves as a 'death transfer station' for souls to undergo memory processing and reincarnation. This unique concept, likened to a giant cruise ship or the Meng Po Bridge, is a central and well-received element.
- Short, completable playtime (weight 0.06): The game's main story can be completed in 6-8 hours, with full completion including achievements and collectibles taking around 8-10 hours. This length is generally considered manageable and allows for quick completion.
- Rare domestic indie title (weight 0.05): The game is a rare and notable domestic (Chinese) indie title, developed by a small team. Its release was delayed due to licensing issues, and some players discovered its Chinese origin through achievement guides.
- Developer's challenging debut (weight 0.03): This is the developer's first game, and it took over four years to create. Despite being a debut title, it is noted for its high level of completion and was developed under challenging circumstances, including piracy and review delays.
- Highly affordable price (weight 0.03): The game is frequently available at very low prices, often purchased for less than 5-10 yuan. This affordability makes it highly accessible and a worthwhile purchase for many players.
- Casual game with unclear audience (weight 0.02): The game is described as a casual experience, potentially suitable for playing with children. However, its target audience is somewhat unclear, as it doesn't fully cater to hardcore puzzle players, graphics enthusiasts, or light players.
- Linear story with time manipulation (weight 0.02): The game is primarily a linear, story-driven experience that cleverly uses time manipulation as its core mechanic. It employs a 'butterfly effect' system where small actions can lead to significant story divergences, with reveals handled subtly.
- Detailed, strange world-view (weight 0.02): The game features a detailed and strange world-view, supplemented by many unique settings. Despite its cartoonish art style, it incorporates cyberpunk elements in its background and character designs.
- Melancholic, sad ending (weight 0.02): The game's main story does not conclude with a perfectly happy ending. Instead, it leaves players with a feeling of 'bright sadness' after the truth is revealed and goodbyes are made.
- Ambiguous background story (weight 0.02): The game's background story received a mixed reception, with some finding it potentially alluding to specific historical periods. Its historical accuracy or underlying messages were questioned by some players.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.25): Players felt satisfied by the game's overall quality, including its engaging story, innovative gameplay mechanics (especially the butterfly effect), appealing art style, and well-designed puzzles. The sense of completeness and value for money also contributed to this positive emotion, often despite minor flaws.
- Disappointment (weight 0.11): Disappointment stemmed primarily from controversial and overly tragic character backstories, particularly those involving female characters, which many found clichéd or unnecessary. Other causes included the story's brevity, lack of depth, unfulfilled potential of certain mechanics, and a perceived lack of challenge in puzzles.
- Frustration (weight 0.11): Frustration was caused by confusing or poorly executed plot points, excessive dialogue, and a lack of clear guidance in puzzles, often leading players to get stuck. Tedious UI, repetitive gameplay elements, and problematic character portrayals, especially regarding female suffering, also contributed to this feeling.
- Appreciation (weight 0.06): Players appreciated the game's depth, emotional impact, and unique artistic style. The developers' effort in crafting a well-designed narrative, innovative mechanics, and a high-quality overall experience for an indie title were also significant factors.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Excitement was generated by the game's unique time manipulation mechanics, clever plot twists, and overall high quality. The novel concept, engaging gameplay, and distinctive art style made players eager to continue playing and recommend the game.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.04): Enjoyment came from the novel gameplay, engaging puzzles, and charming collectibles. The distinctive art style, sweet and touching narrative, and overall positive game experience contributed to a fun and pleasant time for players.
- Sadness (weight 0.04): Sadness was primarily caused by the emotional tone of the story, particularly the poignant ending and the tragic fates of certain characters. The themes of separation, death, and the overall emotional impact of the narrative and music evoked this feeling.
- Admiration (weight 0.04): Admiration arose from the game's unique world-building, artistic quality, and innovative narrative approach. Players were impressed by the complex yet clear story structure, the dedication of the developers, and the overall high quality and originality of the game's design and execution.
- Surprise (weight 0.02): Surprise was often linked to the game exceeding expectations in terms of quality, especially for a domestic indie title. The clever butterfly effect design and unexpected depth or heartfelt nature of the story also contributed to this positive surprise.
- Disgust (weight 0.02): Disgust was strongly associated with specific controversial plot elements, particularly the 'mother-daughter prostitution' or 'crotch tragedy' storylines in character backstories. Players found these portrayals of female suffering unnecessary, malicious, or absurd, leading to strong negative reactions.
- Moved (weight 0.02): Players were moved by the game's emotional impact, particularly the touching story, characters, and ending. The profound background stories and the overall narrative's ability to evoke strong feelings of empathy and sorrow contributed to this emotion.
- Discomfort (weight 0.02): Discomfort was caused by awkward translations, specific problematic story themes, and character designs, particularly those perceived as stereotypical or having a 'private agenda' from the scriptwriter. The 'prostitute mother-daughter inheritance' plot point was a significant source of unease.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Boredom resulted from the game's slow pacing, particularly in the early stages, and repetitive gameplay mechanics. A bland plot, unengaging characters, and awkward translations also contributed to a lack of immersion and interest.
- Reflection (weight 0.02): Reflection was prompted by the game's poignant story, its blend of fairy tale and harsh reality, and its themes of memory, loss, life, death, and fate. The narrative encouraged players to ponder character choices and life lessons.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger stemmed from perceived misogynistic writing and problematic story choices, particularly the portrayal of female characters. Illogical character motivations, a lack of imagination, and frustrating mechanics like the 'rewrite failed' system also contributed to this strong negative emotion.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arose from unclear puzzle solutions, poorly explained game mechanics, and a confusing plot structure with multiple perspectives. Issues with localization, particularly unusual phrases or incorrect idioms, also contributed to player disorientation.
- Interest (weight 0.01): Interest was sparked by the game's novel story concept, particularly the time manipulation and butterfly effect mechanics. The unique world-building, engaging puzzle design, and overall innovative approach to gameplay also captured players' attention.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Joy was experienced due to the game's cute art style, engaging gameplay, and well-developed characters. The overall enjoyable experience, including the logic map story setting and visual appeal, contributed to a feeling of happiness.
- Melancholy (weight 0.01): Melancholy was evoked by the game's themes of regret, sadness, and the contrast between its aesthetic and the tragic character backstories. Reflecting on memories, loss, and the twists of fate in the narrative contributed to this bittersweet emotion.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Anticipation was primarily driven by a strong desire for future content, specifically a sequel to the game. Players who enjoyed the experience expressed eagerness for the developers' next works.}