Info about BOKURA:

Official game description:
the successor game『BOKURA: planet』
==================================
About the Game
==============
**Are you and I really seeing the world the same way?**
**An exclusively two-player puzzle adventure game that makes you question your reality.**
\*Players must communicate with each other to play this game. If you are not playing in the same location, you will need another communication method, such as voice chat. Before buying the game, please keep in mind that the game itself does not provide a separate communication method.
BOKURA is a puzzle adventure game that can only be played with two players. To play the game, two people must play on two separate machines.
While you have to work together, what you see on your game screens is completely different.
Even though the same character should be displayed on both of your screens, to one of you, they might look like an animal out of a picture book, while to the other, they might look like a robot. (The objects you can interact with might move differently for each of you too!)
You will need to talk to each other to find out what you can and cannot see. Work together to solve the puzzles and continue your journey.
You can play online in different locations while talking to each other over a call.
Player 1: A world of animals
Player 2: A world of machines
Gameplay
--------
The game is a side-scrolling co-op puzzle adventure. You will be faced with a number of critical choices throughout the story which will lead your journey in different directions.
You Can't Play Alone
--------------------
A unique feature of this game is that you cannot play it alone. You cannot play it singleplayer or with a computer as player two. It can only be played with two people—no more, no less.
As such, the very first choice you make in this game takes place before you even start: Who should I play this game with?
The total gameplay time is around three to four hours. While you play, you and the other player will need to talk to each other to understand what is happening, solve problems, and make important decisions together.
Story
-----
Two boys who run away from home encounter a dead deer. The sight of it causes them to faint, but when they wake up, the worlds they see are no longer the same.
One of them sees a world of animals, while the other sees a world of machines. Will the boys be able to find out what has happened to them and return to the world they used to be in?
Creator Profile
---------------
tokoronyori
An indie game dev with a distinctive style that fills his games with originality and mystery. He is known for his 2016 hit game Hitoribocchi Wakusei (Lonely Planet). He created the two-player puzzle adventure game BOKURA as a member of the first round of Kodansha's Game Creators' Lab. He specializes in making experiences only possible through games with his characteristic game mechanics.
Creator Comment
---------------
Have you ever wondered if the world you see is the same as the world everyone else sees?
BOKURA is a game about two boys whose worlds are no longer the same as everyone else's. When you play, you'll find that what you and the other player see are not the same either. I hope you'll overcome the differences in how you see the world and relive the friendship of your childhood through the story of these two boys.

Release date: 9 Aug, 2023

Categories: Cooperative Multiplayer, Puzzle Solving, Perspective-based Puzzles, Platformer, Multiple Endings, Single-player Story


- 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:
- Highly enjoyable co-op experience (weight 0.82): Players consistently highlight the immense fun and enjoyment derived from playing the game with friends, partners, or family. The co-op nature leads to shared laughter, memorable moments, and a highly engaging experience.
- Innovative dual-perspective gameplay (weight 0.59): The game is praised for its innovative and unique mechanics, particularly the asymmetrical gameplay where players see different perspectives of the same world. This design fosters communication and creative problem-solving, setting it apart from other co-op titles.
- Great value and replayability (weight 0.42): Players feel the game offers excellent value for its price, often exceeding expectations. Its replayability, especially for experiencing different perspectives and endings, is also a significant positive.
- Clever and engaging puzzles (weight 0.41): Reviewers consistently commend the game's puzzles for being well-designed, engaging, and appropriately challenging without being overly frustrating. The puzzles often leverage the unique dual-perspective mechanic, enhancing teamwork.
- Charming art style and atmosphere (weight 0.39): The game's art style is consistently described as beautiful, cute, and charming, often with a surprising dark or melancholic undertone. This aesthetic, combined with the narrative, creates a unique and emotionally resonant atmosphere.
- Compelling and emotional story (weight 0.28): The story is frequently described as incredible, amazing, and deeply moving, with unexpected twists and turns. It's praised for being thought-provoking, emotional, and leaving a lasting impression on players.
- Beautiful and immersive soundtrack (weight 0.1): The game's soundtrack and sound design are consistently praised for being beautiful, atmospheric, and enhancing the overall emotional impact and immersion of the experience.
- Memorable and impactful experience (weight 0.08): Many players describe the game as an unforgettable and amazing experience, creating cherished memories and evoking strong emotions, often leading to it being considered a favorite gaming moment.
- A unique hidden gem (weight 0.08): The game is frequently referred to as a 'hidden gem' or a 'work of art,' highlighting its unique qualities and exceptional nature within the co-op puzzle genre.

Common complaints:
- Frustrating & Repetitive Puzzles (weight 0.34): Many players found the puzzles frustrating, repetitive, and poorly designed, especially towards the end. Issues included unclear guidance, tedious mechanics, and one player often being idle or 'blind' while the other solved the puzzle.
- Confusing & Unresolved Story (weight 0.26): The story was widely criticized for being confusing, vague, and lacking emotional impact or clear resolution. Many felt it was poorly written, predictable, or simply didn't make sense, leaving too many questions unanswered.
- Frequent Online Disconnections (weight 0.16): The game suffers from severe online connectivity issues, including frequent disconnections, lag, and difficulty joining rooms. These problems significantly disrupt gameplay and lead to lost progress, making the co-op experience frustrating.
- Numerous Game-Breaking Bugs (weight 0.15): The game is plagued by numerous bugs and glitches, ranging from minor graphical issues to game-breaking problems like characters getting stuck, teleporting, or key items disappearing. These bugs often necessitate level restarts or game reboots.
- Overall Negative Game Experience (weight 0.14): A significant number of reviews expressed extreme dissatisfaction with the overall game experience, labeling it as buggy, frustrating, unplayable, and not worth the price. Many questioned its high ratings and would not recommend it.
- Clunky & Unresponsive Controls (weight 0.12): Players frequently reported that the controls were clunky, unresponsive, and unintuitive, leading to accidental deaths and frustration. Issues included poor jump mechanics, awkward button mapping, and a strong preference for controllers over keyboard/mouse.
- Poor Save System (weight 0.1): The save system is problematic, with sparse or poorly placed save points leading to significant progress loss upon death or bugs. The lack of manual save options and issues with auto-saves contribute to player frustration and repeated sections.
- Repetitive Multiple Playthroughs (weight 0.08): The requirement for multiple playthroughs (2-3 times) to experience the full story or true ending is a major point of contention. Players found these subsequent runs repetitive and boring due to identical puzzles and minimal new content.
- International Player Frustrations (weight 0.07): Reviews in non-English languages echo many of the common complaints, specifically highlighting frustrating controls, repetitive and tedious puzzles, frequent disconnections, and a confusing or overly dark story that contrasts with the game's initial appearance.
- Excessive Unskippable Dialogue (weight 0.04): A common complaint is the excessive amount of dialogue and unskippable, lengthy cutscenes. Players found the dialogue slow, tedious, and often unnecessary, hindering the gameplay flow and overall enjoyment.
- Strict Co-op Requirements (weight 0.03): The game's strict requirement for two separate copies and two players (no solo or local co-op) was a significant drawback. Players also disliked that progress was tied to a specific co-op partner, limiting flexibility.
- Short Playtime for Price (weight 0.03): Some players felt the game was too short for its price, especially given the repetitive nature of multiple playthroughs. The slow start and long intro also contributed to a perception of limited 'actual' gameplay.

Gameplay feedback:
- Communication is Key (weight 0.37): The game's core mechanic is its heavy reliance on communication and teamwork between two players. Due to asymmetrical perspectives and information, players must constantly describe what they see and coordinate actions to solve puzzles and progress. This aspect is crucial for the game's experience and difficulty.
- Multiple Playthroughs for Full Story (weight 0.33): The game is designed for multiple playthroughs (typically two full runs and a short third epilogue) to fully understand the story, experience both character perspectives, and unlock all achievements. Subsequent playthroughs are generally faster, with options to skip cutscenes, and the third run is a brief, story-focused epilogue.
- Asymmetrical Two-Player Co-op (weight 0.32): The game is exclusively a two-player co-op experience, with no single-player mode. Each player sees a completely different world (e.g., animal-themed vs. mechanical) and unique elements on their screen, even when in the same location. This asymmetrical design necessitates constant verbal communication as players cannot see each other's screens.
- Short Playtime, Simple Gameplay (weight 0.26): The game is relatively short, with a typical first playthrough lasting around 3-5 hours. Subsequent playthroughs are much quicker, making the total time to complete all content (including achievements and the true ending) around 6-8 hours. The gameplay is generally simple, with puzzles that increase in difficulty but are rarely frustrating.
- Engaging Puzzle Design (weight 0.18): The game features a variety of puzzles that are generally well-designed and increase in difficulty as the game progresses. While some puzzles can be challenging, they are mostly solvable and engaging, requiring thought and cooperation rather than being overly complex or frustrating. The level design is also noted as interesting and unique.
- Precise Platforming Elements (weight 0.03): The game incorporates platforming elements, which are generally precise and require careful movement. While some players found the controls to be stiff or challenging, the platforming aspects are integrated with the puzzles and contribute to the overall gameplay experience.
- Unique Interactive Mechanics (weight 0.03): The game features unique and sometimes bizarre interactive mechanics, such as players being able to carry, throw, or even twist off their teammate's head. These elements contribute to the game's distinct and memorable co-op interactions.

Performance notes:
- Unstable online connectivity (weight 0.06): A significant number of players experienced frequent disconnections, high latency, and general lag during online play, making the experience frustrating. Some noted that the game is very demanding on network quality, leading to issues like desynchronization and operation delays.
- Frequent and severe bugs (weight 0.04): Many players reported various significant bugs, including frequent crashes, frame drops, screen tearing, getting stuck in geometry, and inconsistent save points. Some specific issues like disappearing platforms or character parts were also noted. These issues severely impact gameplay.
- Stable performance for some (weight 0.02): Conversely, a subset of players reported experiencing very few or no significant bugs and stable performance, indicating that technical issues might not be universal or could be system-dependent.
- Appealing simple graphics (weight 0.02): Players generally found the graphics to be simple yet appealing, with fluid animations and a gentle color palette. The focus on character and environment depiction was appreciated, even if character models weren't extremely detailed.
- Low PC system requirements (weight 0.02): The game is noted for its low PC requirements and ability to run smoothly even on older or less powerful computers, making it accessible to a wider range of players.
- 30 FPS frame lock (weight 0.01): The game is locked at 30 frames per second, which can be a limitation for players expecting higher frame rates.
- Simple, intuitive controls (weight 0.01): The game's controls are described as very simple and intuitive, contributing to ease of play.
- Supports display modes (weight 0): The game offers both full-screen and windowed display modes, providing flexibility for player preferences.
- Fixed window resolution (weight 0): The inability to change the window resolution was noted as a minor inconvenience for some players.
- No technical innovations (weight 0): The game does not feature any groundbreaking technical innovations, focusing instead on its core gameplay and presentation.
- Small game size (weight 0): The game has a small installation size, which some players found to be a positive, reminiscent of older games.

Recommendations:
- Essential for Co-op Play (weight 0.38): The game is overwhelmingly recommended for cooperative play with a close friend, partner, or family member. Players emphasize that the core experience is designed for two people, highlighting the importance of communication and shared discovery.
- Highly Recommended Experience (weight 0.35): Reviewers highly recommend the game, often giving it perfect or near-perfect scores. They praise its unique experience, value for money, and replayability, suggesting it's a must-play title.
- High Replay Value & Sequels (weight 0.23): Many players recommend multiple playthroughs, especially to experience both character perspectives and uncover all story elements or endings. There's also significant anticipation for sequels.
- Best Value on Sale (weight 0.07): While generally recommended, many players suggest purchasing the game when it's on sale. They feel the discounted price offers exceptional value, making it an even more compelling buy.
- Mixed or Average Experience (weight 0.06): Some players found the overall experience average or lacking, citing technical issues or unmet expectations regarding story depth or gameplay. It's not recommended for those seeking action or a consistently smooth experience.
- Play Blind for Best Experience (weight 0.04): Players strongly advise going into the game blind, without watching reviews or gameplay videos. This enhances the unique discovery and emotional impact of the experience.
- Genre & Thematic Appeal (weight 0.03): The game is recommended for fans of 2D puzzle platformers with interpretive stories and moral themes. It's noted for its unique 'different worlds' concept and is suitable for mid-teens and up.
- Desire for Similar Games (weight 0.02): Players express a desire for more games in this specific co-op puzzle style, indicating satisfaction with the game's core mechanics and narrative approach.
- Unique Dual-Perspective Puzzles (weight 0.01): This cluster contains reviews in Chinese and Japanese, generally recommending the game for its unique dual-perspective puzzle-solving, especially for those who appreciate creative concepts despite potential technical flaws.

Other player notes:
- Co-op experience defines game (weight 0.13): The game is primarily a two-player cooperative experience, with its enjoyment and emotional impact heavily dependent on the relationship with the co-op partner. Many players found it to be a unique test or enhancer of friendships and romantic relationships, often leading to deep discussions or reflections on personal connections. Voice acting characters together was also noted to enhance the experience.
- Deceptively dark and mature (weight 0.12): Despite its initial cute and charming pixel art style, the game delves into surprisingly dark, mature, and emotionally heavy themes. Players were often caught off guard by the unexpected depth and disturbing content, which includes gore, violence, and sensitive topics like suicide and difficult family relationships. This contrast between visuals and content is a significant aspect of the game's identity.
- Short but replayable (weight 0.09): The game is relatively short, with a single playthrough typically lasting 3-5 hours. However, multiple playthroughs (often 2-3) are required to experience the full story, different perspectives, and unlock all achievements, extending the total playtime to around 8 hours. This design encourages replaying with a different role.
- High anticipation for sequels (weight 0.07): Many players expressed strong anticipation and excitement for sequels or new games from the same developer, particularly 'Bokura: Planet'. This indicates a high level of satisfaction with the game's unique concept and execution, leading to a desire for more content in a similar vein.
- Story is abstract or negligible (weight 0.04): While many found the story impactful, some players found the plot to be abstract, ambiguous, or even melodramatic. A segment of players also admitted to skipping or not fully engaging with the story, suggesting that for some, the co-op gameplay experience overshadowed the narrative.
- Gameplay tips (non-English) (weight 0.02): This cluster contains non-English reviews, primarily offering tips or specific observations about gameplay mechanics, such as the importance of consistent host for co-op sessions, forced role-swapping in second playthroughs, and the need for good communication with a teammate.
- Affordable price point (weight 0.02): The game is considered inexpensive, with many reviewers highlighting its low price point, especially when on sale. This affordability makes it an accessible purchase for many players.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.27): Players felt satisfied due to the game's high overall quality, including its unique co-op mechanics, engaging story, and well-designed puzzles. The game's value for money, beautiful art style, and impactful emotional content also contributed significantly to player satisfaction, often enhanced by playing with a friend.
- Joy (weight 0.11): Joy stemmed primarily from the cooperative gameplay experience, especially when playing with friends or loved ones, leading to shared laughter and memorable moments. The game's charming aesthetics, heartwarming story, and fun, innovative puzzles also contributed to a generally positive and enjoyable experience.
- Frustration (weight 0.09): Frustration was frequently caused by technical issues such as bugs, crashes, disconnections, and save data loss, which significantly hindered gameplay. Poor controls, repetitive puzzles, and unclear story elements also contributed to player annoyance, sometimes exacerbated by communication challenges in co-op.
- Excitement (weight 0.06): Excitement was generated by the game's high quality, unique co-op mechanics, and intriguing story with surprising twists. The prospect of replaying the game to discover new perspectives or anticipating a sequel also fueled player enthusiasm and strong recommendations.
- Disappointment (weight 0.06): Disappointment arose from various factors including a perceived weak or ambiguous story, repetitive gameplay in later playthroughs, and technical issues like bugs and server instability. Players also expressed dissatisfaction with the game's length, lack of replayability, and unfulfilled expectations regarding its potential.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.05): Players enjoyed the game for its original concept, engaging story, and well-designed puzzles, particularly when experienced in co-op. The unique dual perspectives, charming art style, and the fun of communicating and problem-solving with a friend were key drivers of enjoyment.
- Amusement (weight 0.04): Amusement was largely derived from the chaotic and humorous communication challenges inherent in the co-op gameplay, often leading to laughter and silly moments with friends. The game's quirky elements, unique visual dynamics, and unexpected character interactions also contributed to its entertaining nature.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Players appreciated the game's originality, unique co-op design, and emotional depth, often highlighting its beautiful pixel art, music, and compelling story. The developers' craftsmanship, the game's moderate difficulty, and its ability to foster communication and reflection also garnered significant appreciation.
- Surprise (weight 0.04): Surprise stemmed from the game's unexpected quality, unique mechanics, and the depth of its story, often revealing dark or emotional themes not initially apparent. The innovative dual-perspective design, plot twists, and the discovery of new content in multiple playthroughs also contributed to player astonishment.
- Admiration (weight 0.03): Admiration was directed towards the game's innovative dual-perspective mechanic, beautiful art style, and profound story, often described as a masterpiece. The cleverness of its design, the quality of its music, and its status as a unique co-op puzzle experience were also highly praised.
- Sadness (weight 0.02): Sadness was primarily caused by the game's emotional and poignant story, particularly its ending, which resonated deeply with players. The game's themes and atmosphere, along with personal reflections on friendships, also contributed to feelings of melancholy.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arose from the game's ambiguous storytelling, unclear plot points, and the unsettling nature of its narrative and endings. Players also struggled with understanding certain game mechanics or the cognitive differences between player perspectives, leading to a sense of bewilderment.
- Interest (weight 0.01): Interest was sparked by the game's unique mechanics, particularly the asymmetric puzzle design and different player perspectives, which encouraged exploration and discovery. The intriguing story, its continuation, and the psychological horror elements also maintained player engagement and curiosity.
- Amazement (weight 0.01): Amazement was evoked by the game's innovative gameplay mechanics, brilliant concept, and captivating storytelling, often leading to a sense of wonder. The constantly changing mechanics, unique visual presentation, and surprising plot twists also contributed to players' awe.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger was primarily caused by severe technical issues such as frequent crashes, lost save data, and persistent connection problems, which made the game unplayable or led to significant loss of progress. Perceived poor quality, developer choices, and unskippable content also fueled player frustration and anger.
- Awe (weight 0.01): Awe was inspired by the game's exceptional quality, unique concept, and profound emotional impact, often described as an indescribable journey. The innovative puzzles, challenging yet touching story, and creative character perspectives contributed to a sense of deep admiration and wonder.
- Curiosity (weight 0.01): Curiosity was driven by the game's mysterious narrative, unresolved endings, and the desire to explore different perspectives and hidden story details. The unique co-op model and the evolving, strange universe also prompted players to seek further understanding and content.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Anticipation was generated by the desire to experience future playthroughs, explore multiple endings, and the strong expectation of a sequel. The game's story development and the potential for new content also fueled players' eagerness for what was to come.
- Love (weight 0.01): Love for the game stemmed from its overall high quality, unique gameplay, and captivating story and characters. The game's ability to strengthen relationships through co-op, its charming aesthetics, and its emotional depth also fostered a deep affection among players.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Nostalgia was evoked by the game's themes of friendship and childhood adventures, which resonated with players' past experiences and memories. The game's ability to create a sense of shared history and its emotional impact on personal relationships also contributed to this feeling.}