Deep beneath the surface of the dead Earth, the City, the last refuge of humanity, hides. Engineering genius and efforts of all mankind; a giant structure of steel, concrete, and biopolymers. It keeps the remnants of civilization one step away from total extinction.
The gameplay in this visual novel revolves entirely around progressing the narrative through text-based choices and decisions. While there are no traditional gameplay mechanics like combat or puzzles, the core appeal lies in the game's intricate, multi-layered story and the meaningful impact of the player's choices.
Reviewers consistently praise the game's depth, noting the complex, adult characters, their diverse motives and aspirations, and the way the story explores difficult philosophical and ethical questions. The narrative features multiple branching paths and endings, ranging from "bad" to "horrific," with players emphasizing that their choices have significant and often unexpected consequences. Navigating these choices and uncovering the full scope of the story is a compelling and replayable experience.
The game's distinctive biopunk aesthetic, accompanied by a haunting, atmospheric soundtrack, create a pervasive sense of dread and unease that immerses players in the oppressive, dystopian setting of the City. Reviewers praise the level of detail in the environments, character designs, and body horror elements, which contribute to the unsettling tone. The poetic, evocative writing further enhances the game's ability to draw players into its disturbing, Lovecraftian world.
The multiple narrative paths and endings provide a strong incentive for repeated playthroughs, as players seek to uncover the full scope of the game's story and lore. Reviewers highlight that each playthrough offers new perspectives and revelations, with different choices leading to vastly different outcomes. The game's focus on narrative exploration and "filling in the puzzle pieces" is praised, as players piece together the intricate worldbuilding and backstory through their choices and the various endings they encounter.