Info about Celestial Return:

Official game description:
BACK US ON KICKSTARTER
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About the Game
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_**A dying city. A string of suicides. A detective with nothing left to lose.**_
Netherveil City eats the weak. Its streets bleed neon, its corpses crawl back to life, and its secrets? They'll gnaw through your sanity.  Step into the worn boots of Detective Howard. Armed with a rusted badge, a sentient rose that won't shut up, and a pocketful of stolen dice.
**Explore** the city. **Interrogate** the dead. **Expose** the c\*rpos.  
Investigate. Make choices. Loot the dice. Roll the dice.  
And survive. _(Optional.)_
Dice are oxygen. They keep you alive. Earn 'em, spend 'em, lose 'em. Hoard too long, and opportunities vanish. Roll recklessly, and resources burn.
There’s no perfect build. No power fantasies. Just survival... barely.
Your choices build character. Your character builds choices.
_Intelligence_ picks locks in silence. _Virtue_ pleads for mercy. _Foolishness_ laughs at the abyss.  
These fragments clash, corrupt, and rewrite your path mid-conversation. Choose your poison and deal with the consequences.
A hand-shattered art style. Where manga’s precision meets the raw nerve of American comics. Ripping pages from legends like Blame!, Biomega, Akira, and Berserk. Our artistry aims to evoke the same depth and intensity that made these series iconic.
Gear up for an auditory assault. Noir Jazz, Cyberpunk Techno, Death Metal. This isn't background noise. Sonic warfare.
Heroes don't last long in Netherveil. This is a manifesto for the forgotten, the erased, the expendable, those never given a chance. It’s about those who were never meant to survive, yet somehow still do. It’s about the existential terror of being alive in a world ruled by forces you can’t see. It’s about resistance.
**_“I’m here, and I won’t go quietly.”_**

Release date: Jul 14, 2026

Categories: Narrative RPG, Dice-based Gameplay, Cyberpunk, Investigation, Noir, Choice-based Narrative, Resource Management, Multiple Endings

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 8; verdict: Works Well; summary: The available Linux/SteamOS evidence is positive: the game is reported to run successfully on SteamOS with suitable default performance, and a user completed the whole game on Steam Deck. The only caveat is the official Playable rather than Verified Deck rating, but no launch failures, Proton tweaks, anti-cheat issues, or Linux-specific instability are reported.
- Steam Deck: score 50; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The game runs successfully on Steam Deck with suitable default performance, but the experience is not fully seamless. Users report small or unscaled interface text in some locations and controller/input friction, including incomplete default controller access and prompts that may show keyboard, mouse, or non-Steam Deck icons. These issues make the game playable but require occasional workarounds such as touchscreen interaction, a community layout, or the virtual keyboard.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: Reviewers repeatedly describe the game as a good value at its price. One explicit anchor is $15, which is called well worth it for a unique experience, while another says the amount of content is worth less than 10 EUR. Comments about short length and picking it up at a discount keep the fair upper bound near $15 rather than higher. The evidence therefore supports a community fair base-game range of roughly $10 to $15.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 5.0h
  - Story completion: 5.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: 4.0h
  - Reasoning: The evidence clusters first-run and main-story completion around 4-6 hours, with explicit statements of 5 hours for the main story and a translated 4-5 hour main plot. I therefore use 5 hours for both storyCompletion and gameCompletion as central estimates. For endgame/replay, one reviewer reports a second playthrough taking about four hours while also noting multiple endings, so I set endgame to 4 hours. Session length is left null because the only short-time mention is an initial 30-minute check, not a reliable typical session length.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Mixed reports: some players are engaged almost immediately, but the clearest time-to-fun account says the game clicks only after the first twenty minutes once slow pacing and unexplained systems are endured.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: The game clicks after the opening stretch
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Slow early pacing; Dialogue-heavy, investigation-focused pacing; Almost absent tutorial and system explanation; Unexplained nonrenewable dice and tutorial dice carryover; Randomness limiting broader appeal; Progression-lock risk requiring a new game
  - Unlock drivers: A gradual incline toward the hook until the game clicks; Appreciation of details as the story develops; Patience as the game gets better the longer you sit with it; Slow character development and consequential minor actions paying off
  - Conditions: Tolerance for slow pacing and dialogue-heavy investigation; Liking slow character development and minor actions with larger consequences; Interest in investigative mysteries and experimental RPGs; Willingness to learn systems without a tutorial; Careful save-slot management to avoid progression locks; Not seeking constant action or conventional RPG combat
- Player Archetypes:
  - Narrative CRPG Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Experiencing a Disco Elysium-like narrative RPG with meaningful choices and roleplaying depth.
    - Playstyle: Plays through the story blind on a first run, follows natural dialogue choices, and compares the experience to genre touchstones.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: lover of CRPG's; story driven games
    - Reference games: Disco Elysium; Citizen Sleeper
  - Story-Driven RPG Newcomer (buy)
    - Motivation: Finding an accessible entry into story-driven RPGs and cyberpunk narrative experiences.
    - Playstyle: Approaches the game as a reading-heavy narrative experience and explores the genre for the first time.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Art-Focused Worldbuilding Explorer (buy)
    - Motivation: Immersion in distinctive artwork, cyberpunk/noir atmosphere, and a vividly built world.
    - Playstyle: Explores the game for aesthetic and worldbuilding payoff, treating the story as an atmospheric experience.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Mechanics-Sensitive Completionist (no buy)
    - Motivation: Achieving fair, completable progression and unlocking content without being blocked by dice outcomes.
    - Playstyle: Uses save-scumming, prepares carefully for chapters, and replays to manage achievements and failed rolls.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: achievement hunters
    - 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:
- Outstanding visual art (weight 0.8): Players consistently praise the game's artwork as beautiful, unique, and alive. The visual style is a major strength that draws players in and leaves a strong impression.
- Strategic dice mechanics (weight 0.46): The dice system is seen as interesting, innovative, and tense, turning probability into a strategic resource. It creates engaging decisions and adds fun tension to gameplay.
- Excellent immersive soundtrack (weight 0.44): The soundtrack is repeatedly described as excellent, immersive, and well-fitted to the atmosphere. Music enhances the overall experience and is a standout feature.
- Engaging and intriguing story (weight 0.33): The narrative is described as interesting, compelling, and intriguing, keeping players curious and invested. The story and its progression are a key draw.
- Strong and enjoyable writing (weight 0.28): The writing is frequently praised as great, enjoyable, and well-crafted. It stands out and contributes significantly to the game's quality.
- High overall fun factor (weight 0.27): Players find the game a blast to play and fantastic overall, often calling it a vibe. The gameplay experience is consistently enjoyable and satisfying.
- Strong aesthetic and atmosphere (weight 0.21): The game's atmosphere, vibes, and aesthetic are consistently praised as amazing and spot on. The distinctive visual style and mood create an immersive experience.
- Replayability through multiple endings (weight 0.16): Multiple endings and mission variations provide strong replay value. Different outcomes impact players and encourage repeated playthroughs.
- Gritty cyberpunk visual style (weight 0.12): The dark, grimy cyberpunk vibe is specifically highlighted, with art reminiscent of a cyberpunk comic. This unique direction resonates with players.
- Interesting and promising experience (weight 0.12): Players find the game quite interesting and worth giving a chance, wanting to see more. It generates curiosity and positive first impressions.

Common complaints:
- Dice system feels unfair and punishing (weight 0.47): Players report that the dice mechanic is unbalanced, difficult to manage, and can end runs through outcomes outside player control. Running out of dice causes automatic failure of all skill checks, and the system can even softlock the game.
- Bugs and technical issues are frequent (weight 0.26): Players encounter numerous annoying bugs, including a reviewer's save becoming bugged. The save and load system sometimes fails to work at multiple story points.
- Endings are unsatisfying and lack closure (weight 0.23): The ending is described as disappointing, abrupt, and leaving many questions unanswered. Players feel endings are unfinished and provide no real resolution or closure.
- Writing quality is weak for narrative game (weight 0.22): Reviewers criticize the writing as not great and of low quality, which is a problem for a game carried by its story. The narrative also has many gaps and unanswered questions.
- Dice tutorial is nearly absent (weight 0.16): The tutorial and explanation of the dice system are almost absent, leaving players to figure out a feast-or-famine mechanic that feels unbalanced and hard to parse.
- Autosave is too infrequent (weight 0.16): The autosave system is not generous enough, forcing players to save-scum to get by. Infrequent saves combined with buggy save/load can frustrate players.
- Steam Deck compatibility is only playable (weight 0.15): Steam Deck compatibility is rated Playable, with some functionality inaccessible through the default controller configuration. Controls are confusing and interface text may be too small.
- Accessibility options are lacking (weight 0.14): The game lacks accessibility options for font size, type, and contrast. This makes interface text hard to read, especially on Steam Deck.
- Endings fail to differentiate meaningfully (weight 0.14): Endings provide no closure or resolution and feel similar to each other. Many questions remain unanswered, leaving a sense of incompleteness.
- Game length is disappointingly short (weight 0.14): Multiple reviewers note the game can be completed in around two hours, with some saying it is under 10 hours. The short length is described as ridiculous and underwhelming.
- Golden Feather true ending is obscure (weight 0.09): The golden feather ending is very hard to obtain, and the true ending requires a Golden Feather item with no clear way to acquire it. This adds frustration for completionists.
- Story is too linear for dice gameplay (weight 0.09): The storyline is extremely linear, which reviewers say does not support the dice-based gameplay style. The lack of narrative branching undermines the mechanic's purpose.

Gameplay feedback:
- Dice serve as dual currency and action resource (weight 0.8): Multiple clusters describe dice functioning both as the currency for purchasing items and as the random resolution mechanism for combat, dialogue, and skill checks. Players must spend dice to buy from merchants and to attempt actions, making them a central economic and gameplay resource.
- Dice are limited and require careful management (weight 0.62): Dice are a consumable, non-renewable resource that must be rationed and planned for. Players feel the scarcity when performing meaningful actions and passing skill checks, making resource management a core strategic concern.
- Dice-based skill checks drive progression and narrative (weight 0.51): Dice rolls resolve skill challenges and gate dialogue options, with success and failure both continuing the story. These checks determine outcomes, open or lock branches, and are tied to the narrative structure.
- Choices lead to multiple endings and branching paths (weight 0.5): Player decisions carry consequences that open different dialogue lines, quest outcomes, and at least two or three distinct endings. The game features branching paths across multiple playthroughs, though the overall route remains somewhat linear.
- Text-heavy visual novel with RPG elements (weight 0.39): The game is predominantly text and narrative, presented as a visual novel with light RPG mechanics. It includes interactive dialogue trees and branching narrative, with the gameplay centered on reading and choices.
- Unique dice system with powerful bonus dice (weight 0.39): The game uses a distinctive dice system where players can acquire and accumulate powerful dice like +10 or +12 modifiers. This system resolves interactions and checks, adding strategic depth through die selection and bonuses.
- Strong Disco Elysium-inspired inner voices (weight 0.22): The game features inner voices, such as Foolishness, Perception, Intellect, Anger, and Morality, that argue with each other and the player, closely mirroring Disco Elysium's internal dialogue system. The mechanics are compared to Disco Elysium but with unique twists.
- Choice-driven character development and story (weight 0.2): Interactions with characters lead to player decisions that shape the protagonist's character. The story emphasizes storytelling alongside gameplay, with meaningful dialogue choices that influence playthrough variants.
- Dice can be hoarded and spent on items (weight 0.16): Players can save dice and spend them at merchants on items that provide passive stat bonuses or allow rerolls and difficulty reduction. This creates a trade-off between saving dice for checks and investing in permanent upgrades.
- Simple but engaging gameplay loop (weight 0.15): The mechanics are straightforward and fun, combining point-and-click navigation with dice-driven choices. Players find the simple gameplay engaging and well-integrated with the narrative.
- Chapter-based structure with cutscenes (weight 0.14): The game is divided into chapters, with cutscenes and episode title transitions between scenes. This structure paces the narrative and provides clear progression markers.
- Side quests expand the world (weight 0.08): The game includes side quests and activities accessible on a map, offering additional content beyond the main narrative. These optional tasks add depth to the world and character interactions.

Performance notes:
- Crashes and freezes disrupt play (weight 0.2): Multiple users report crashes, frequent freezes, and repeated lockups that force restarts. These stability issues appear across different points in the game, including Act 1 and after making choices.
- 4K fullscreen rendering broken (weight 0.14): Players experience black screens, blurry colors, and failure to render in fullscreen at 4K resolution. This makes the game unplayable in common display configurations.
- Graphical loading errors occur (weight 0.09): Users report infrequent graphical loading errors and various graphical bugs that are usually correctable. These issues affect visual fidelity but are not always game-breaking.
- Audio bugs: missing and stuttering music (weight 0.09): Music sometimes fails to play when loading a save, and stutter issues occur in Book 3. These audio problems detract from the atmosphere but are not universal.
- Runs well on Steam Deck (weight 0.08): Several users confirm the game runs successfully on SteamOS and Steam Deck with default graphics settings. This positive note contrasts with other technical complaints.
- Steam Deck text too small (weight 0.06): On Steam Deck, text is often too small to read comfortably, requiring players to use magnify or zoom features. This hurts usability on the handheld screen.
- Mouse cursor vanishes on Deck (weight 0.06): When using touch or buttons on Steam Deck, the mouse cursor disappears, which can make navigation confusing. This is a specific input issue on the handheld platform.
- Game sometimes fails to load (weight 0.05): Some users report that the game occasionally does not load properly, preventing them from starting or continuing. This adds to the overall instability perception.
- Controller support is iffy (weight 0.05): Controller support is described as a little iffy, suggesting inconsistent or imperfect gamepad functionality. This may affect players who prefer controllers over mouse and keyboard.
- Modest PC requirements (weight 0.05): The game requires only 8 GB of RAM, integrated graphics, and about 8 GB of storage, making it accessible on lower-end hardware. This is a positive point for budget-conscious players.

Recommendations:
- General recommendation for genre fans (weight 0.54): A large number of reviewers simply recommend the game to fans of the genre, including CRPGs, RPGs, and story-driven games. They encourage supporting indie projects like this.
- Mixed or negative reviews exist (weight 0.35): Some reviewers do not recommend the game or have refunded it, citing issues such as poor dice balance or unmet expectations. A few warn that it may not appeal to those expecting a Disco Elysium/Cyberpunk 2077 hybrid.
- Appeals to cyberpunk and noir fans (weight 0.31): Reviewers consistently recommend the game to fans of cyberpunk settings, noir detective stories, and bleak futuristic atmospheres. The combination of these elements is a major draw.
- Flawed but still recommended (weight 0.26): Reviewers acknowledge jank and inconsistencies but still recommend the game, often because the positives outweigh the negatives. It is described as having soul despite shortcomings.
- Strong recommendation for Disco Elysium fans (weight 0.23): Numerous reviewers explicitly recommend the game to fans of Disco Elysium and similar narrative-driven RPGs. They highlight the deep narrative and existential tone as key similarities.
- Worth the price, especially on sale (weight 0.2): Several reviewers emphasize the game's value for money, calling it an absolute steal and worth it despite its short length. Some suggest picking it up at a discount.
- Good for visual novel and comic fans (weight 0.19): Many reviewers suggest the game for fans of visual novels and comic books, noting its graphic novel style and narrative focus. It blends RPG and DND elements with decent art.
- Save-scumming and exploration advised (weight 0.19): Reviewers recommend saving often in multiple slots and thoroughly exploring all map points to avoid missing story arcs. Save-scumming is suggested due to dice balance issues.
- Niche appeal to specific tastes (weight 0.18): The game is recommended for players who enjoy interpretive plots, philosophical existentialism, and writing styles reminiscent of Bukowski or Palahniuk. It is also suggested for those new to story-driven RPGs.

Other player notes:
- Frequent Disco Elysium comparison (weight 0.51): Players repeatedly compare the game to Disco Elysium, especially for its internal voice system, inner-monologue writing, voiceover, and dialogue-driven design, while noting it maintains its own world, plot, and protagonist.
- Cyberpunk and Citizen Sleeper inspirations (weight 0.29): The game is described as taking inspiration from cyberpunk, noir, Disco Elysium, Citizen Sleeper, Prey, TTRPGs, and FMV imagery.
- Kickstarter-funded indie project (weight 0.26): The game was funded via Kickstarter by a small first-time indie studio, a detail frequently mentioned by reviewers.
- Fast developer patches (weight 0.21): Developers released patches quickly to fix launch issues and bugs, including a progress-blocking bug, and are working on dice economy improvements.
- Favorable Citizen Sleeper comparisons (weight 0.19): Reviewers compare the game to Citizen Sleeper for resource management mechanics, with some claiming it may be better than Citizen Sleeper 2, though others consider Citizen Sleeper better.
- Short completion time criticized (weight 0.13): Multiple reviewers note the game can be finished in roughly 3-4 hours and describe it as ridiculously short, making length a recurring concern.
- Good value for price (weight 0.13): Reviewers consider the game well worth the price and reasonably priced, offering a good amount of content for what it costs.
- Frequent Cyberpunk vibes comparison (weight 0.12): The game's neon sleaze, gritty vibes, soundtrack, and atmosphere are compared to Cyberpunk 2077.
- Dice-driven narrative adventure (weight 0.12): Reviewers compare the game to Disco Elysium and Esoteric Ebb as a dice-driven narrative adventure, expecting dice rolls and dialogue choices to matter similarly.
- Multiple endings add replayability (weight 0.09): Replay value extends playtime through different mission outcomes and multiple endings.
- Russian localization available (weight 0.08): A Russian localization is available and described as well done.
- Turkish developer noted (weight 0.07): Reviewers noticed in the credits that the game is made by Turkish developers.
- Free demo available (weight 0.07): A free demo is available for players to try the game.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.12): Players are frustrated by the unbalanced and limited dice system, which often causes soft-locks and forces save-scumming or full restarts. Bugs, crashes, unclear dice economy, and choices that lock out story arcs further compound the sense of unfairness and wasted progress.
- Disappointment (weight 0.11): Disappointment stems from underdeveloped systems, side quests, and endings that feel rushed or abrupt, along with poor writing and a linear narrative where choices seem meaningless. The dice system and lack of closure in the story leave players feeling the game's potential was wasted.
- Appreciation (weight 0.11): Players appreciate the game's strong storytelling, distinctive art style, atmospheric soundtrack, and meaningful character interactions. The developers' passion, the unique dice system, and the cohesive cyberpunk world are frequently highlighted as standout qualities.
- Admiration (weight 0.07): Admiration is driven by the game's powerful aesthetic, imaginative art direction, and atmospheric music that elevate its surreal and cyberpunk elements. The craftsmanship, passion, and care put into the presentation are consistently praised.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.05): Enjoyment comes from the stylish cyberpunk noir presentation, engaging story, and fun dice mechanics that drive meaningful decisions. The immersive atmosphere, charismatic characters, and soundtrack make the experience a blast to play.
- Engagement (weight 0.04): Players are engaged by the compelling story, rich lore, and writing that keeps them wanting to read on. Dice budgeting, exploration rewards, and replayable outcomes further sustain their investment in the narrative.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.04): Satisfaction arises from a well-written story, strong art and music, and a concise experience that encourages replay. The game delivers on its Kickstarter promises and matches expectations with solid systems and rewarding dice mechanics.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Excitement is fueled by anticipation for future improvements and the next session, as well as the tense, gambling-like dice mechanics. The fresh dice system and gripping mystery keep players hooked and eager to see where the story goes.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Annoyance is caused by uneven chapter pacing, useless dice checks that waste resources, and frequent disruptive cutscenes. Bugs, confusing UI, and small text on Steam Deck also detract from the experience.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.03): Enthusiasm is driven by excellent art, soundtrack, and characters, along with a meaningful dice system and a distinctive setting. The game offers strong value and is considered a worthwhile investigative gem with meaningful choices.
- Interest (weight 0.02): Interest is sparked by the game's atmospheric blend of cyberpunk, noir, and psychedelic horror, along with its original ideas and striking art style. The paranormal Altereds layer and overall concept make the world worth exploring.
- Hope (weight 0.02): Hope stems from balance updates and developer efforts to improve dice mechanics and fix bugs. Players wish the developers well and look forward to future content that could elevate the game further.
- Curiosity (weight 0.02): Curiosity is driven by the intriguing story and unresolved threads that make players want to see what happens next. Environmental details and the desire to explore different decisions keep them invested.
- Love (weight 0.02): Love for the game comes from its soundtrack, art style, and characters, as well as the supernatural detective-noir narrative. The trippy dream sequences and tension from dice decisions create a deeply engaging experience.
- Surprise (weight 0.02): Surprise comes from the game's unexpected depth and creativity, often discovered despite not hearing about it before. The 3D first-person cutscenes and the game exceeding expectations contribute to this feeling.
- Immersion (weight 0.02): Immersion is achieved through atmospheric world-building, meaningful choices, and small details that draw players in. The gripping storyline and distinctive visual style make the world stay with them after playing.
- Intrigue (weight 0.01): Intrigue is sparked by the unconventional blend of philosophical storytelling and unpredictable gameplay, along with the dark cyberpunk vibe. The intertwining timelines and nervy dice checks keep players questioning what is real.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Anticipation centers on looking forward to the game's finale and future titles from the developers. The story flow and gripping plot make players eager to see what happens next.
- Mild disappointment (weight 0.01): Mild disappointment stems from the game being shorter than desired and some parts feeling unpolished. The inner thought system and unexplored locations leave players wanting more depth.
- Mild frustration (weight 0.01): Mild frustration arises from dice balance issues that disrupt flow and minor scripting bugs that risk soft-locks. Controller support and UI navigation problems also contribute to a smoother experience being desired.}