Info about LiEat:

Official game description:
  
Efina is a very special young girl. She's curious. She's optimistic. She has the power to make lies manifest themselves as physical beings, which then become her own sustenance.  
She's also a dragon.  
LiEat is the classic story of a vagabond traversing a strange and mysterious world together with a dragon protégé, buying and selling secrets, while also attempting to uncover the truth about themselves. Along the way, they'll discover a web of arcane mysteries, meet a variety of colorful characters (including other dragons), and shed light on events of the past which ultimately served to lead them to where―and who―they are today.  
The epic tale of LiEat is composed of three fantastical, bite-sized chapters:  
Chapter I introduces Efina and her caretaker―the multinominal Leo―as they happen upon a small town with a big secret. As Efina starts to perceive and understand the world around her in a new and different light, the pair finds that the legends of beings which haunt the night are more than just tales told to frighten children...  
Chapter II finds Efina and Hal (formerly Leo) investigating rumors of something magical and possibly dangerous inside a resort casino. Posing as a newly-assigned guard, Hal arranges room and board for himself and Efina―however, they quickly come to the jarring realization that a roof over one’s head and a bed to sleep in do not a safe haven make.  
The final chapter of LiEat brings Efina and the newly rechristened Sid (Leo/Hal) to a lavish mansion to foil the plans of a master thief. However, in the wake of the great robbery, Sid discovers that the heist itself was only the tip of the iceberg, and Efina watches as his past―As well as his lies―finally catch up to them both.  
For the first time ever, this beloved trilogy that has long been treasured by JRPG enthusiasts can now be enjoyed in its entirety on Steam in one single comprehensive package! In collaboration with the original developer (and featuring translation painstakingly crafted by a longtime fan), PLAYISM is proud to finally bring LiEat to the entire world!  
*   Engaging and emotionally resounding JRPG storytelling  
*   Entrancing atmospheric music that seamlessly transports the player into the world of LiEat  
    (\*Purchase of the game includes the OST! Make sure to check your Local folder.)  
*   Myriad hidden items and conversations spread throughout the game  
*   Multiple achievements for each chapter of the game  
*   All three chapters in one package; no DLC, just the whole story
Special Thanks to vgperson and SmokingWolf
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Release date: Feb 25, 2016

Categories: JRPG, Visual Novel, Turn-based RPG, Detective Game, Multiple Endings, RPG Maker Engine, Puzzle Solving


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $2.99 - $4.99
  - Reasoning: The reviews repeatedly anchor the game's value at about $3, directly calling three dollars a fair price and describing the structure as roughly one dollar per part. Reviewers acknowledge the game is short but still consider the low base price appropriate and worthwhile, with sale prices around $1.30 treated as discounts rather than the normal fair price. Higher figures such as 5-10 euros appear only as hypothetical prices for a substantially expanded version, so they do not raise the fair range for the existing base game. This supports a fair base-game range centered on the current $2.99 price and extending only modestly upward.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 5.2h
  - Story completion: 4.5h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The 5.2h 100% achievement run and the under-4h all-achievements report support a full game completion around 5.2 hours. The under-5h trilogy completion and the three chapters at about 1.5 hours each support a main story completion of roughly 4.5 hours. No quote gives a distinct session length or an endgame-only duration, so those metrics are null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game is generally enjoyable from the start thanks to its story, pacing, art, and easy combat. Some players report friction from boring leveling, backtracking, and repetitive exploration, but these are usually presented as minor drawbacks rather than a delayed hook.
  - Stance: Fun immediately
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Boring leveling before enough levels are gained; Back-and-forth backtracking; Repetitive chapters with few places to explore; Getting stuck on puzzles or objectives can feel boring; Repetitive soundtrack when puzzles are difficult
  - Unlock drivers: Reaching a high enough level removes worry about being attacked; Late-game stronger lies enable a min/max defense route that players enjoy; Story payoff makes backtracking worth it
  - Conditions: Interest in the detective story and lore is the main hook; Tolerance for backtracking and repetitive exploration affects enjoyment; Puzzle-solving ability affects tolerance for repetition; Low combat difficulty keeps enjoyment accessible; Liking min/max optimization can add late-game enjoyment; Short length may affect perceived value and long-term engagement
- Player Archetypes:
  - Story-Driven Anime RPG Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Experience a short, emotional, character-driven anime story with a satisfying conclusion.
    - Playstyle: Plays in short episodic sessions, prioritizing dialogue, music, and narrative over combat.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: weeb
    - Reference games: 1BitHeart; Alicemare; Sam & Max
  - Cute Character & Caretaker Dynamic Fan (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoy wholesome cute characters and the parent-child/caretaker-protege relationship.
    - Playstyle: Focuses on character interactions, cute art, and emotional attachment; treats the story as a caretaking fantasy.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: old father
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Achievement Hunter Completionist (buy)
    - Motivation: Complete all achievements and endings efficiently.
    - Playstyle: Uses guides, replays episodes, grinds levels as needed, and tracks achievement completion.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: achievement hunter
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Critical RPG Maker Veteran (no buy)
    - Motivation: Find a substantive RPG experience without padding, repetitive combat, or poor localization.
    - Playstyle: Scrutinizes pacing, exploration value, combat depth, and translation quality; compares design against RPG Maker conventions.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Charming and varied characters (weight 0.65): Players consistently praise the diverse, well-written, and endearing cast. Distinct personalities make characters a standout aspect of the game.
- Beautiful art style (weight 0.49): The art style is widely praised as distinctive, appealing, and beautiful. Illustrations and character designs are highlighted as strong points.
- Engaging and interesting story (weight 0.45): The narrative is frequently described as rich, moving, and worthwhile. Many players find the story a major strength.
- Great soundtrack (weight 0.42): The soundtrack is pleasant, relaxing, and reminiscent of classic RPGs. Music is often mentioned as a highlight.
- Cute and cozy game (weight 0.37): Reviewers often call the game cute, pleasant, and cozy. It is seen as a fun, lighthearted experience worth the price.
- Multiple endings enhance replayability (weight 0.34): The game features multiple endings based on player choices, which adds replay value and encourages saving often. Each chapter may have different outcomes.
- Beautiful pixel art (weight 0.27): The pixel art style is colorful, charming, and aesthetically stunning. It adds a unique visual appeal to the game.
- Efina is an adorable protagonist (weight 0.19): The heroine Efina is praised for being cute and her growth is heartwarming. Players find her endearing.
- Simple and relaxing gameplay (weight 0.19): Gameplay is simple but works well, making the game lighthearted and relaxing. The simplicity is not seen as a negative.
- Low difficulty (weight 0.18): The game is not too difficult, with an overall low difficulty. It is not meant to be challenging.

Common complaints:
- Gameplay lacks depth (weight 0.43): There are not many gameplay elements and RPG elements are barely there. Gameplay is basic and not unique, with monotonous and unenjoyable mechanics.
- Poor translation quality (weight 0.39): Translation quality is poor, with awkward phrasing, nonsensical translations, and issues in multiple languages. The Simplified Chinese translation is particularly bad, often machine-translated and hindering understanding.
- Story is plain and average (weight 0.37): The story is described as relatively plain with no dramatic ups and downs, and overall just average. It lacks depth and is not particularly amazing.
- Weak story progression guidance (weight 0.37): Players often need to explore the entire map to advance the story due to poor guidance. Some get stuck or lost because the game doesn't clearly indicate what to do.
- Combat lacks challenge (weight 0.35): Many players report that combat provides no challenge and the game is generally easy to complete. Fights are not challenging and there is pretty much no difficulty.
- Achievement bugs in Chinese (weight 0.34): The Chinese version has achievement bugs that prevent unlocking all achievements, especially for chapters 1 and 2. Some achievements require the English version to unlock, causing tedious replays.
- Story is too short (weight 0.2): The story flow is slightly too short and the plot seems sparse. It ends before fully understanding the world.
- Puzzles are confusing (weight 0.19): Puzzles can be very confusing and hard to solve. For some, the puzzle and combat elements are terrible and make the experience bad.
- Graphics are pixelated and blurry (weight 0.18): Graphics are considered ugly and extremely pixelated even for RPG Maker standards. Full-screen quality is poor and CGs are blurry.
- Chapter switching requires restart (weight 0.11): Switching chapters requires exiting and restarting the game, which is troublesome. Each chapter is a separate game, forcing players to close and reopen.
- Saving issues cause frustration (weight 0.11): Forgetting to save once can lead to a troublesome situation after a mistake. Losing progress is a common frustration.
- Story is predictable (weight 0.1): The story is rather predictable and can be guessed from the beginning. It lacks surprising twists.
- Legendary weapons hard to find (weight 0.1): Legendary weapons are fairly difficult to discover without a guide. Players find it challenging to locate them.
- No sequel available (weight 0.09): Players note that there is no sequel to the game. Some express a desire for a continuation.

Gameplay feedback:
- Three-Part Story Structure (weight 0.97): The game is consistently described as being divided into three chapters, episodes, or independent short stories that are connected. Cluster references include LIEEAT I, II, and III, with each part dealing with distinct mysteries. Many reviewers note the game can be viewed as a collection of three short games in one package.
- Turn-Based RPG Combat (weight 0.61): Combat is universally described as turn-based, typical of RPG Maker titles. Reviewers compare it to simple JRPG systems and classic turn-based RPGs. The combat system is intentionally basic but functional.
- RPG Maker Engine (weight 0.3): The game is built using RPG Maker or a comparable engine, which defines its visual style and mechanical framework. Reviewers frequently describe it as a typical RPG Maker game. This engine choice influences the overall presentation and gameplay feel.
- Visual Novel With RPG Elements (weight 0.27): The game is primarily a mystery visual novel that incorporates light RPG mechanics and combat sections. Reviewers describe it as an unusual hybrid with visual novel storytelling and exploration. Combat is secondary to the narrative experience.
- Legendary Weapons Discoverable (weight 0.21): Hidden legendary or broken weapons can be found through diligent searching in each chapter. These items reward exploration and thorough investigation. Their presence adds a collection element to the game.
- Protagonist Is Lie-Eating Dragon (weight 0.19): The story follows Efina, a dragon who eats lies, and her partnership with a con artist or master liar. They travel from town to town solving mysteries that typically involve deception. This unique premise is central to the narrative identity.
- Puzzle Elements Included (weight 0.18): The game incorporates puzzle elements, with roughly one puzzle appearing per chapter. These puzzles are integrated into the investigation and narrative progression. Reviewers note them as a secondary gameplay component.

Performance notes:
- Startup crashes fixed in beta (weight 0.12): Some players experienced startup crashes and save-load freezes before a beta fix. The beta version resolves these issues, indicating a patch is available.
- Chinese version crashes (weight 0.12): Players report the game crashes on startup when the language is set to Chinese. The Chinese version specifically fails to launch, preventing play.
- Light and stable performance (weight 0.07): The game runs light and stable on almost any hardware. This suggests low system requirements and broad compatibility.
- Runs well on Steam Deck (weight 0.07): Players report the game runs really well on the Steam Deck. This indicates good compatibility with the device.
- Intermittent failure to open (weight 0.07): Sometimes the game can't open at all. This intermittent launch failure frustrates players.
- Shift+Tab causes black screen (weight 0.06): Using Shift+Tab in fullscreen mode easily causes a black screen that is hard to recover from. This disrupts gameplay.
- Win10 compatibility restored (weight 0.06): The game was previously incompatible with Windows 10, but now it works. This indicates a fix for OS compatibility.
- No proper volume settings (weight 0.06): The game lacks in-game volume controls, forcing players to adjust volume through Windows. This limits audio customization.
- No image size settings (weight 0.06): There are no options to adjust image size, and fullscreen mode cannot be expected. This restricts display flexibility.
- Screen does not maximize (weight 0.06): The screen does not maximize correctly, leading to display issues. This can hinder the fullscreen experience.
- Poor fullscreen and blurry CGs (weight 0.06): Fullscreen quality is poor and CG images appear blurry. This degrades the visual presentation.
- FPS lock present (weight 0.06): The game has an FPS lock, which may limit performance on high-refresh-rate monitors. Players note this as a limitation.
- Resolution too low (weight 0.06): Some players find the resolution too low, causing eye strain. This affects visual comfort during play.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended and worth buying (weight 0.95): Many reviewers strongly recommend the game and consider it worth the price, often calling it a must-buy.
- Short but worth the price (weight 0.62): Despite being short, the game offers good value for its low price, often taking only a few hours to complete.
- Ideal for story-focused players (weight 0.58): The game is recommended for those who enjoy narrative-driven experiences, especially in indie RPGs or visual novels.
- Supports developer and Steam version (weight 0.23): Buying the Steam version supports the developer and offers achievements, even if a free version exists.
- Appeals to cute art fans (weight 0.23): Reviewers recommend it for those who enjoy cute artwork, anime aesthetics, and heartwarming stories.
- Use a guide for completion (weight 0.22): For achievements or full completion, using a guide is recommended, especially for certain chapters or endings.
- Not for action-oriented players (weight 0.21): Those seeking challenging combat or complex systems may not enjoy this game, as it focuses on story and exploration.
- Play in English (weight 0.2): Several reviewers suggest playing in English to avoid translation issues and achievement bugs.
- Not recommended for some (weight 0.2): A few reviewers do not recommend the game due to personal preferences, lack of polish, or poor RPG systems.
- Good for relaxing and casual play (weight 0.19): It is suitable for casual play and relaxation, especially for those seeking a wholesome experience.
- Recommend for RPG Maker fans (weight 0.18): Fans of RPG Maker-style games, especially horror or 2D adventure, will enjoy this title.
- Great for miwashiba fans (weight 0.15): Fans of miwashiba's other games or similar RPG Maker titles will particularly enjoy this game.
- Explore thoroughly for hints (weight 0.11): Interacting with every corner, NPC, and object is advised due to subtle hints and missable content.
- Multiple endings and mysteries (weight 0.11): Exploring multiple endings and delving into the protagonist's past is highly recommended.
- Good for parent-child dynamics (weight 0.1): The game is recommended for those who enjoy caretaker/protege or parent-child relationship dynamics.
- Try the free version first (weight 0.1): Some suggest trying the free version before purchasing, unless you want achievements or to support the developer.
- Play at night for atmosphere (weight 0.05): Some suggest playing at night with lights off to enhance the game's atmosphere.
- Recommended for loli fans (weight 0.05): The game is especially recommended for loli fans, though this is a niche audience.

Other player notes:
- Cheap or free pricing (weight 0.65): The game is widely described as very cheap, especially on sale, and it is also available for free from multiple online sources, including the official site.
- Short total playtime (weight 0.57): Players report a total playtime of roughly 3 to 6 hours, with full achievement completion taking around 4 to 5 hours.
- Chinese support and crash fixes (weight 0.43): The game supports Chinese languages, but some users encounter crashes with the default Traditional Chinese setting; a beta fix (code ChineseTest1128, beta2) is available, and some achievements require switching to the English version.
- RPG Maker horror visual novel (weight 0.37): The game is an RPG Maker horror visual novel by Miwashiba, and it is frequently compared to Alicemare, another work by the same author.
- Achievements and trading cards (weight 0.23): The game includes around 30 achievements, trading cards, and badges that unlock through progression, appealing to completionists.
- Multiple endings with save advice (weight 0.19): The game features multiple endings (BE, NE, HE), and reviewers recommend saving often to experience all endings without replaying lengthy sections.
- Chinese translation quality varies (weight 0.18): The quality of the Chinese localization differs; the Simplified Chinese translation is criticized as mediocre or terrible, while the Traditional Chinese translation handles character and place names differently.
- No official Spanish localization (weight 0.09): There is no official Spanish translation available for the game.
- Unofficial Chinese version limitations (weight 0.09): An unofficial Chinese version exists online but cannot be integrated with Steam, preventing Steam achievements from unlocking.
- Korean version available (weight 0.09): A Korean version of the game can be downloaded from the developer's homepage.

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.11): Players find enjoyment in the fun fighting mechanics, well-written characters, and engaging story, with the father-daughter relationship and cute art style being highlights. The game's humor, good morals, and relaxed gameplay contribute to a pleasant experience. Even the predictable plot and short detective story are still enjoyable due to the charm and tempo.
- Disappointment (weight 0.1): Disappointment stems from the game being too short, with only three chapters and a lack of sequel, leading to underdeveloped empathy and a flat twist. Technical issues like poor translation, gameplay flaws, and unpolished mechanics also contribute to unmet expectations. The romance and challenge are often cited as underdeveloped.
- Frustration (weight 0.09): Frustration is caused by poor guidance, translation bugs (especially with special characters), and getting stuck due to sequence requirements or narrow paths. Achievement bugs requiring English versions and tedious replays further aggravate players. Additionally, crashes, lack of auto-save, and backtracking add to the frustration.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.05): Satisfaction comes from the final chapter resolving central mysteries, getting good value for money, and achieving the good ending. The dynamic combat, memorable characters, and touching endings provide a fulfilling experience. Easy achievements and low difficulty also contribute to satisfaction.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Appreciation is driven by the interesting and creative story, excellent art, music, and atmosphere. The fairy-tale illustrations, smooth UI, and stylish design are particularly praised. The music's ability to convey emotions and the remade modules and cutscenes also earn appreciation.
- Admiration (weight 0.04): Admiration arises from incredible world-building, stunning art, and atmospheric storytelling with a unique concept. The cinematic endings, character detail, and what the creator achieves with minimal resources are impressive. The music and pixel art also evoke strong admiration.
- Affection (weight 0.04): Affection is primarily directed at the character Efi (Efina), who is consistently praised as cute and adorable. The father-daughter dynamic between Efi and Leo, as well as the cute interactions, foster a strong emotional attachment. Childhood memories and the loving short stories also contribute to this affection.
- Love (weight 0.04): Love for the game is expressed through appreciation of its story, art, music, and characters. Many players fell in love with the game immediately and consider it a favorite, even opening up a love for pixel RPGs. The well-developed story and pleasant soundtrack are key factors.
- Sadness (weight 0.04): Sadness is evoked by the story's exploration of grief, guilt, and the lies people tell to survive. The endings, including the normal and bad endings, made players cry, and the lack of a sequel or part 4 adds to the sadness. The emotional depth and touching conclusion leave a lasting melancholic impact.
- Surprise (weight 0.03): Surprise comes from the game exceeding expectations, with more emotional range than anticipated and unexpected depth in storytelling. The second game is a huge improvement, and the puzzles in LiEat III were more challenging than expected. Many were pleasantly surprised after initial low expectations or delays.
- Warmth (weight 0.03): Warmth is felt from the cute and heartwarming series, with simple pure love stories that bring happiness. The comical conversations, healing stories, and scenes of Efina's growth and townspeople's kindness create a cozy and warm atmosphere. The small animations and character interactions also contribute.
- Boredom (weight 0.03): Boredom results from dull stories, repetitive tasks, and grindy leveling that make the player sleepy. The gameplay is not enjoyable, and the lack of meaningful ups and downs in the story leads to a tedious experience. Being stuck on one thing also adds to the boredom.
- Relaxation (weight 0.03): Relaxation is achieved through the game's simplicity, peaceful soundtrack, and low difficulty. The relaxing atmosphere and easy gameplay make it a soothing experience, often compared to enjoying afternoon tea. The calming music and comfortable pace help players unwind.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.02): Nostalgia is triggered by the old-school anime character designs, classic RPG soundtrack, and reminiscence of playing GBA games as a kid. The game transports players to a good era of RPG Maker games, with comical conversations feeling nostalgic. Childhood memories and replaying past games also evoke nostalgia.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Annoyance is caused by characters resetting to level 1 in each part of the trilogy, community members having to do translation work, and the detective minigame in chapter 3 being torturous. An impossible boss fight due to early wrong decisions and having to close the game to change arcs also annoy players.
- Joy (weight 0.02): Joy is derived from the overall jolly experience, cute story, and super good characters. The very cute game got legitimate laughs out of the reviewer. The charming story and lovable characters bring a sense of joy.
- Fondness (weight 0.02): Fondness is felt for the healing and warm story, art, and extremely cute character designs. Characters like Aifei are cute, and the sweet, likable characters and charming fairy-tale art create a fondness. The cozy and heartfelt nature of the game fosters affection.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Confusion arises from getting lost while looking for the story path, an unexplained combat system, and puzzles that are confusing. The background behind character busts and unclear map connections add to the confusion. The lack of Russian language support despite an official link also confuses players.
- Charm (weight 0.02): Charm is found in the feeling of playing in somebody's OC universe from 2007, the chibi and adorable character designs, and the adorable aesthetic and pixel art. The dark fairy tale with cute humor is charming, and the graphics have a lot of charm despite being blurry. Shallow gameplay that elevates the experience also adds charm.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Engagement is driven by well-made illustrations, animations, and music that push the story forward, and a good plot that keeps players wanting more. The game made players want to keep playing and explore everything, with time flying by. The complexity of the story and character development maintain engagement.}