Utawarerumono: Past and Present Rediscovered Review Summary

Stable performance on PC: Many players report that the game runs smoothly on PC without any major performance issues or bugs.

Improved gameplay and optimizations: The game has seen significant improvements in gameplay mechanics and optimizations compared to its predecessor.

Engaging storyline: Players are satisfied with the storyline, finding it engaging and well-packed, especially in the initial hours of the game.

Positive reception on different platforms: The game works well on various platforms, including Linux, and has received positive feedback for its performance.

Battle environment improvements: Specific improvements in the battle environment have been noted, including visible enemy health bars.

Frequent black screen issues: Players report encountering black screens during various points in the game, including loading, after cutscenes, during dialogue scenes, and after performances. This issue seems to be widespread and significantly impacts the gameplay experience.

Game crashing and loading bugs: Several players have experienced crashes and loading bugs, particularly when transitioning between scenes or during the initial loading of the game. These issues prevent players from progressing and significantly disrupt the gaming experience.

Poor graphical quality: Many players have expressed dissatisfaction with the game's graphical quality, citing poor 3D modeling, texturing, and overall lower graphics quality compared to previous games. Some players feel there has been no improvement in the game's visuals over the past decade.

Difficult and confusing combat system: The combat system is criticized for being difficult and confusing. Players report that the combat tutorials are not applicable in the same battle, and the UI changes make it feel like a traditional online game, which has not been well-received.

Long and excessive cutscenes: Players feel that the game has excessively long cutscenes, particularly at the beginning. Some report that the first few chapters are mostly cutscenes, which can be tedious and slow down the pacing of the game.

Combat system tutorials: The combat tutorials and combat system are frequently mentioned, indicating a significant focus on combat mechanics. Players seem to either appreciate or critique the way combat is taught and executed in the game.

Long introductory storyline: The game has a lengthy introductory storyline, which may be seen as either immersive or tedious by players. This includes a long opening movie that delays getting to the main gameplay.

Visual and environmental enhancements: Players appreciate the modeling and background designs, as well as improvements in battle environments. These visual enhancements contribute to a more immersive gaming experience.

Innovative gameplay mechanics: The game introduces innovative gameplay mechanics that stand out to players. This could include new ways to interact with the game world or unique combat strategies.

Simplified map exploration: The game has simplified map exploration, making it easier for players to navigate and explore the game world. This change is likely aimed at improving user experience and accessibility.

Frame rate and black screen issues: Multiple players reported problems with frame rates and black screens, including crashes and loading bugs.

Positive launch experiences: Several players reported that the game launched without issues and ran fine on various platforms, including Linux.

Technical and optimization problems: Several reviews mentioned technical issues and poor optimization, affecting overall game performance.

Graphical settings and Vsync options: Players noted the presence of basic graphical settings and Vsync options with 30 FPS or 60 FPS.

Resolution and window mode change: Players recommend changing the resolution to 1080 and using windowed mode, likely for better visual experience or compatibility.

Login suggestion for NS2: Some players suggest logging into NS2, possibly indicating a preference or requirement for accessing certain features.

Story completion: 3.0h.

Session length: 2.0h.

Performance varies significantly across hardware cohorts, with higher VRAM configurations generally reporting better stability. Lower VRAM setups struggle with frequent black screen issues.

Windows <8GB VRAM: negative. Frequent black screen issues and loading problems reported.

Windows 16GB+ VRAM: negative. Black screen problems persist even with high VRAM.

Windows 12-15GB VRAM: positive. Mostly stable performance with few reported issues.

Steam Deck: The Steam Deck experience for this game is significantly marred by frequent black screen issues, particularly at the start and after cutscenes. Users also report frustration with controller and UI issues, including the lack of keyboard prompts and the need to switch to windowed mode to resolve black screens. Performance issues, such as being locked at 40 FPS, are also noted. These issues collectively result in a poor user experience.