Always Sometimes Monsters
| Always Sometimes Monsters | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Vagabond Dog |
| Publisher(s) | Devolver Digital |
| Designer(s) | Justin Amirkhani |
| Programmer(s) | Jake Reardon |
| Artist(s) |
|
| Writer(s) | Justin Amirkhani |
| Composer(s) | Laser Destroyer Team |
| Engine | RPG Maker VX Ace |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, iOS Android |
| Release date(s) |
Microsoft Windows
OS X, Linux
iOS, Android
|
| Genre(s) | Role-playing |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Always Sometimes Monsters is a narrative role-playing video game created by Justin Amirkhani and Jake Reardon, developed by Vagabond Dog and published by Devolver Digital. The game was released on May 21, 2014 for Microsoft Windows. A later update using the MonoGame framework brought the game to OS X and Linux on January 10, 2015 and to iOS and Android on May 28, 2015.
The game puts players in the role of an author who receives notice that the love of their life is marrying someone else across the country within a month. After being evicted from their apartment on the east coast, players then head to the west coast in order to intercept the wedding and win back the love they lost.[1]
Gameplay
As the game starts, players are introduced to their character through a narrative sequence that allows the selection of their character and love interest.[2] From there, the game begins its narrative, told through text windows supported by character portraits. Players make choices in dialogue and in action to alter the course of the story and change the fate of their protagonist.[3]
Players can walk around to explore city environments, interact with NPCs, and find the means to earn money so they may progress to the next location. This often means taking repetitive odd jobs for low pay, or compromising a concept of morality.[4]
The game plays out over a span of 30 in-game days,[5] with time progressing through morning, day, and night as activities and events are completed. Choosing how to spend time during the journey is a key component of the game, as some options disable others.[6]
Reception
Always Sometimes Monsters received generally positive reviews. Daniel Starkey of Eurogamer[7] gave the game a 9/10. Danielle Riendeau of Polygon,[8] Jordan Erica Webber of PC Gamer,[9] and Jessica Conditt of Joystiq[10] all gave the game an 8/10.
Sequel
A sequel, Sometimes Always Monsters, was announced on August 13, 2015.[11]
References
- ↑ Birnbaum, Ian (August 30, 2015). "Always Sometimes Monsters explores the most terrifying setting—the real world". Retrieved December 5, 2015.
- ↑ Campbell, Colin (December 18, 2013). "The Hard Road To Always Sometimes Monster". Polygon. Retrieved January 5, 2015.
- ↑ Cooper, Lee (April 19, 2014). "A Journey Through Always Sometimes Monsters". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved January 5, 2014.
- ↑ Davison, Pete (August 29, 2013). "Always Sometimes Monsters: A Different Take on Grinding". USgamer. Retrieved January 5, 2015.
- ↑ Matulef, Jeffery (April 4, 2013). "Realistic role-playing drama Always Sometimes Monsters dated for May". Eurogamer. Retrieved December 5, 2015.
- ↑ Werner, Jillian (May 26, 2014). "Always Sometimes Monsters Review". Gamezebo. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
- ↑ Starkey, Daniel (May 21, 2014). "Always Sometimes Monsters review". Eurogamer. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
- ↑ Riendeau, Danielle (June 5, 2014). "Always Sometimes Monsters review: working class hero". Polygon. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
- ↑ "Always Sometimes Monsters". PC Gamer. June 3, 2014. Retrieved January 6, 2016.
- ↑ Conditt, Jessica (June 3, 2014). "Always Sometimes Monsters review: Being human". Joystiq. AOL. Retrieved January 5, 2016.
- ↑ Parlock, Joe (August 13, 2015). "Sometimes Always Monsters is the follow-up to Always Sometimes Monsters". Destructoid. Retrieved January 1, 2015.