Info about Sweetest Monster:

Official game description:
  
"I love you for who you are. I’ve loved you from the moment I met you."  
Robin Hawkins is down on his luck. His relationship with his wife, Sally, is stagnating, and his daughter, Melody, no longer speaks to him.  
Stuck in an unsatisfying and draining job, Robin's life is one long, monotonous slog...  
Until he meets the mysterious girl of his dreams in the middle of the night, Bell.  
However, there is far more to Bell than meets the eye - and Robin's 'dreams' are fast in danger of becoming 'nightmares'.  
*   This VN is kinetic. It has no choices/branches.  
*   It's around 40k in length.  
*   It contains fanservice, sexual content/nudity, and some psychological horror elements readers might find disturbing.  
*   Features entirely custom art and OST.  
*   Most importantly, contains a cute catgirl! ❤

Release date: Feb 6, 2017

Categories: Visual Novel, Psychological Horror, Dark Fantasy, Adult Content, Story-driven, Character-driven Narrative, Branching Narrative with Multiple Endings


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $3.00 - $5.00
  - Reasoning: The evidence suggests that the community generally finds the game worthwhile but often recommends purchasing it on sale. The mention of $4 CAD as a great value indicates that prices around this range are considered fair. Additionally, comments about the game being overpriced even on sale suggest that the fair price range should be below the current sale price. The recommendation to buy it on sale further supports the idea that the community expects a lower price point for the base game.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 2.5h
  - Story completion: 2.5h
  - Session length: 1.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides multiple references to the playtime required to complete the game. Several reviews mention that the game can be completed in around 2-3 hours, which aligns with the typical playtime for both game completion and story completion. The references to session length are less explicit, but the overall playtime suggests that sessions could reasonably be around 1 hour if players split the game into multiple sessions. There is little specific evidence regarding endgame content, suggesting it might be minimal or non-existent.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game starts slow and may feel repetitive initially, but it becomes more engaging and fun as the story progresses, particularly after the first third of the game.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Story progression past the initial slow phase.
  - Time to anchor: 1h 0m
  - Friction: Slow start; Repetitive elements
  - Unlock drivers: Story progression; Increased pacing
  - Conditions: Engaging plot; Good music; Interesting characters
- Player Archetypes:
  - Story Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Engaging and well-written narratives.
    - Playstyle: Immersive reading and exploration of story-driven games.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: visual novel lovers; story enthusiasts
    - Reference games: other VNs by the same author
  - Dark Theme Explorer (sale)
    - Motivation: Exploring dark and unsettling themes.
    - Playstyle: Engaging with games that have a psychological impact and evoke strong emotions.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: horror fans; psychological thriller enthusiasts
    - Reference games: Saya no Uta; Mang Gai
  - Genre Connoisseur (sale)
    - Motivation: Finding games that match their specific tastes and preferences.
    - Playstyle: Selective and discerning, focusing on games that meet their specific criteria.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: genre enthusiasts; connoisseurs
    - Reference games: other well-written VNs


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:
- Engaging and well-crafted story (weight 0.89): The story is frequently described as engaging, thought-provoking, and well-written. Players appreciate the narrative's ability to keep them engaged throughout the game.
- Pleasant and fitting music (weight 0.67): The music is noted for being lovely, pleasant, and well-chosen. It contributes positively to the overall atmosphere of the game.
- Unique art style (weight 0.58): The game's art style is described as unique, beautiful, and different. This visual style is appreciated by players.
- Dark and twisted themes (weight 0.51): The game features dark and unsettling themes, which are appreciated by fans of dark stories. The dark-themed mystery and twisted story elements are highlighted.
- Realistic and likable characters (weight 0.51): Characters are praised for being realistic, true-to-character, and likable. Their dynamics and interactions are also noted for being complex and interesting.
- Surprising plot twists (weight 0.45): The plot includes unexpected and intriguing twists that surprise players. The dark twists and surprising ending are particularly noted.
- Effective psychological horror (weight 0.28): The game includes engaging psychological horror elements that are effective and well-received by players.
- Insightful author's notes (weight 0.27): The author's notes are found to be thoughtful and informative, providing additional insight into the game.
- Includes cards and achievements (weight 0.21): The presence of cards and achievements is noted, indicating that these elements work well within the game.
- Complex relationships and universe (weight 0.17): The game features complex relationships and a detailed universe, adding depth to the story.
- Available in multiple languages (weight 0.16): The game is translated into many languages, including Russian, making it accessible to a wider audience.
- High-quality localization (weight 0.15): The game's localization is noted for being of high quality, contributing to a better player experience.

Common complaints:
- Game is too short (weight 0.53): Many players feel that the game's length is too short, with a playtime of around 2-3 hours, and it ends too quickly for the price.
- Repetitive music and sound issues (weight 0.43): The music is repetitive and average, and there are issues with sound effects and editing.
- Unlikable protagonist (weight 0.42): The main character is often described as unpleasant, unlikable, and frustrating, which detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game.
- Lack of player choices (weight 0.41): Players express frustration over the lack of choices in the game, which affects gameplay and replayability.
- Abrupt plot twists (weight 0.41): Some plot twists feel abrupt and cheap, making the story arc feel shattered and poorly executed.
- Unappealing art style (weight 0.4): The art style of the game is not well-received by many players, who find it unimpressive and unappealing.
- Translation and text issues (weight 0.32): There are translation issues and problems with the text, including minor typos and excessive text.
- Controversial and rushed ending (weight 0.24): The ending of the game is controversial and feels rushed, leaving players dissatisfied.
- Linear narrative structure (weight 0.23): The game has a linear narrative structure with no choices, which limits player engagement and replayability.
- Predictable plot (weight 0.22): The plot is predictable with obvious foreshadowing, making the story less engaging.
- High price for content (weight 0.18): Many players feel that the game is overpriced for the amount and quality of content provided.
- Lack of interactivity and voice acting (weight 0.17): The game lacks interactivity and voice acting, which affects the overall immersion and engagement.
- Unrealistic character dynamics (weight 0.16): The game features unrealistic family dynamics and character designs, which can be off-putting.
- Lack of depth in character psychology (weight 0.16): The game could benefit from a deeper exploration of character psychology and relationships.
- Sequel issues (weight 0.15): The sequel is not available on Steam and is considered terrible, which has retroactively soured opinions of the first game.

Gameplay feedback:
- Linear visual novel (weight 0.7): The game is a linear visual novel with no choices or interactivity, focusing on a straightforward narrative without branching paths.
- Supernatural and gothic themes (weight 0.27): The narrative incorporates mystical and supernatural elements, along with gothic and melancholic themes.
- Adult-oriented content (weight 0.14): The game features NSFW scenes and is oriented towards an adult audience.
- High word count (weight 0.09): Despite its short duration, the game contains approximately 40,000 words, indicating a dense narrative.
- Sequel available (weight 0.08): There is a sequel available for the game, suggesting an ongoing story or series.
- Story of Robin (weight 0.08): The game follows the story of Robin, a primary school music teacher, providing a specific narrative focus.

Performance notes:
- Sound effects issues (weight 0.1): Players have reported problems with the sound effects in the game. These issues may affect the overall gaming experience by causing distractions or immersion-breaking moments.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended game (weight 0.97): The game is frequently recommended by players for its engaging content and narrative depth. Many reviews highlight it as a must-buy and a great read.
- Recommendations for specific audiences (weight 0.32): The game is recommended for specific audiences, such as fans of Ebi-Hime's other visual novels and those with good English reading abilities. It is also suggested to be purchased during discounts or at normal price.
- Recommended for horror fans (weight 0.31): The game is specifically recommended for fans of dark visual novels and horror. It is praised for its psychological horror elements and subversive horror themes.
- Worth reading for uniqueness (weight 0.3): The game is described as a worthwhile read for those seeking something different, dark, and thought-provoking. It offers a unique and creepy experience.
- Not for sensitive players (weight 0.27): The game is recommended for players who are not sensitive, as it contains disturbing content. Players are warned about the intense and visceral emotional experiences it provides.
- Hope for future content (weight 0.09): Players express hope for a sequel or additional content, indicating a strong desire for more of the game's experience.
- Not focused on sexual content (weight 0.08): The game is noted for not being focused on sexual content, which may be important for players specifically seeking or avoiding such themes.
- Hope for game release (weight 0.08): There is a hope expressed for the release of SW Refrain on Steam, indicating anticipation for related or similar content.

Other player notes:
No miscpoints

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.12): Players appreciated the game's writing, story, and artistic elements, including the plot twists, visuals, and music. The overall experience was described as pleasant and worth the time and money, with many enjoying the dark and unsettling narrative.
- Disappointment (weight 0.09): Players felt let down by the rushed ending, lack of interactivity, and short gameplay duration. Some were disappointed by the predictable plot, lack of depth, and unrealized potential of the story.
- Engagement (weight 0.06): The story and characters kept players engaged, along with the unique and disturbing narrative. The well-written plot, dark storyline, and impactful twist contributed to a high level of engagement.
- Excitement (weight 0.06): Players were excited by the plot twist, unique art style, and the game's ability to evoke strong emotions. The immersive experience, impactful story, and exceptional storytelling also contributed to this excitement.
- Surprise (weight 0.06): The game's twist and emotional impact surprised players, particularly the daughter reveal and the unexpected ending. The depth of the plot and the massive plot twist were also surprising elements.
- Distress (weight 0.05): The disturbing content and emotional impact of the story caused distress among players. The story content was a significant factor in this emotional response.
- Disgust (weight 0.04): Players felt disgust due to the disturbing content and the protagonist's actions. The game's ending and characters also contributed to this feeling.
- Disturbance (weight 0.04): The final twist and ending were found disturbing and gut-wrenching by players. The plot and themes, along with the unsettling mirror of common plot elements, contributed to this disturbance.
- Discomfort (weight 0.03): The story and atmosphere, along with disturbing content and psychological elements, made players feel uncomfortable. The disturbing storyline elements added to this discomfort.
- Engaged (weight 0.03): Players were engaged by the game's story and atmosphere, as well as the themes and narrative structure. The twist ending also contributed to this engagement.
- Admiration (weight 0.03): Players admired the well-written plot and its emotional impact. The unique atmosphere and the author's ability to create a compelling atmosphere were also appreciated.
- Sympathy (weight 0.03): Players felt sympathy for the protagonist's flaws and struggles, as well as Robin's struggles and failures in communication. The main character's situation also evoked sympathy.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Players were confused by the protagonist not recognizing his daughter and unanswered questions. The casual British tone initially caused some confusion.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.02): Players felt satisfied with the overall experience and the value for money. The well-earned conclusion also contributed to this satisfaction.
- Shock (weight 0.02): The final twist and the disturbing nature of the game shocked players. The plot twist was a significant factor in this emotional response.
- Anger (weight 0.02): Players felt anger due to the main character's behavior and obvious foreshadowing. Robin's behavior also contributed to this anger.
- Pity (weight 0.02): Players felt pity for Robin's guilt and lack of care, as well as Sally's situation. Moments in the game evoked pity for the protagonist.
- Mixed (weight 0.02): Players had mixed feelings, expressing both enjoyment and criticism towards the game's story and themes. Some felt a mix of enjoyment and disappointment towards the game and its sequel.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Players were enthusiastic and highly recommended the game, especially for fans of subversive horror. The enthralling and amazingly written story contributed to this enthusiasm.
- Interest (weight 0.02): Players found the storytelling and plot intriguing, with masterfully foreshadowed horror elements. The interesting story kept players engaged.}