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Disco Elysium: The Final Cut

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Item: Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Indie, Comedy, Crime, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Drama, Single Player

AvailableMar 30, 2021

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperZA/UM

Overview

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a groundbreaking role playing game. You’re a detective with a unique skill system at your disposal and a whole city to carve your path across. Interrogate unforgettable characters, crack murders or take bribes. Become a hero or an absolute disaster of a human being. The Final Cut adds full voice acting to the game, as well as new quests, more characters and fresh explorable areas.

Elsewhere

9.1

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praise the intelligent and suspenseful writing, describing it as a masterpiece (COGconnected). The narrative is often described as deep, complex, and engaging, with intriguing characters and branching decisions based on ideology (GamingTrend). The story is applauded for its exploration of the human condition, with interesting characters and a beautiful yet strange setting (Impulsegamer). Critics also highlight the game's ability to shift from hilarious to poignant to soul-crushing in a single conversation, showcasing the writing's ability to highlight beauty amid bleakness (Game Informer). The negative opinions about the story of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut are scarce. One critic mentions that the game is deeply political and challenges players to think about different ideological positions and perspectives (Digitally Downloaded). While this may not be a negative aspect for everyone, some players might find the heavy political themes overwhelming or divisive. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is exceptional. The majority of critics praise the game's narrative, describing it as captivating, immersive, and expertly written (Gamers Heroes, Push Square). The story is commended for its unique and engaging elements, such as exploring mental health and abstract thoughts (Metro GameCentral). The writing is often described as powerful, deep, and thought-provoking, with memorable characters and a real-life setting (TierraGamer, Softpedia). The game's ability to tackle complex themes, political struggles, and societal problems from multiple angles is also highlighted (PlayStation Country, Press Start Australia). Overall, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut's story is widely regarded as one of the best in gaming, with its originality, prose, and depth standing out (TheXboxHub, Nintendo Insider). In conclusion, the story of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is highly praised by the majority of critics. Its intelligent and suspenseful writing, deep and engaging narrative, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout experience. While the game's heavy political themes may not appeal to everyone, the overall consensus is that Disco Elysium: The Final Cut offers a unique and captivating story that sets a new standard for storytelling in video games.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics rave about Disco Elysium: The Final Cut's story, calling it a masterpiece with intelligent writing, deep narrative, and captivating characters. The game seamlessly transitions from humor to heart-wrenching moments, exploring complex themes and offering a thought-provoking experience. While some find its heavy political themes challenging, the consensus is clear: Disco Elysium sets a new standard for storytelling in gaming.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut are generally positive. Many critics highlight the unique and innovative gameplay mechanics that set the game apart from traditional RPGs. The game features a skill-check system, dialogue trees, and dice rolls to determine outcomes, allowing players to customize their character and approach tasks in different ways. Critics like GamingTrend, Impulsegamer, and God is a Geek praise the game's character-building system and skill checks, which add depth and replayability to the gameplay. The ability to mold the character into different personas and the emphasis on exploration and conversation are also appreciated by critics like Metro GameCentral and TierraGamer. The integration of tabletop RPG mechanics and the high level of player choice are commended by critics like Push Square and PlayStation LifeStyle. The gameplay mechanics of Disco Elysium are described as unique, off-beat, and top-notch, offering a deep and ever-surprising experience. However, there are some critics who express concerns and criticisms about the gameplay. TheGamer criticizes the game for its broken controls, janky movement, and bugs that hinder quest progression. Nintendo Insider mentions that the reliance on dice rolls for actions may be frustrating for some players. These criticisms suggest that there may be technical issues and potential frustrations with certain gameplay elements. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a standout feature of the game. The combination of RPG elements, skill checks, and intelligent writing creates a unique and immersive experience. The gameplay mechanics, such as the character-building system and dialogue choices, offer depth, replayability, and a high level of player choice. While there are some criticisms regarding technical issues and reliance on dice rolls, the positive aspects of the gameplay outweigh the negatives. The overall sentiment is that Disco Elysium's gameplay is innovative, engaging, and sets a new standard for RPGs. Critics like GamingBolt, Game Informer, and Wccftech highlight the impressive build variety, story-driven nature, and top-notch detective work of the gameplay.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about Disco Elysium: The Final Cut's innovative gameplay mechanics, character-building system, and deep RPG elements, setting it apart from traditional RPGs. While some critics raise concerns about technical issues and reliance on dice rolls, the game's unique gameplay, exploration, and player choice receive high praise. Overall, Disco Elysium's gameplay is hailed as a groundbreaking experience that sets a new standard for RPGs.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics have expressed positive opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut. Many reviewers praised the unique art style and visuals of the game. COGconnected mentions that the game has a gorgeous homage to the 70s and 80s with a little wartime romance sprinkled in, making it engaging. GamingTrend describes the art style as visually appealing and richly designed, adding to the overall experience. Impulsegamer highlights the visuals as gorgeous, oily, and smudged, perfectly complementing the grimy world of the game. God is a Geek and TheSixthAxis both mention the unique art style, with God is a Geek calling it beautiful and a treat for the eyes, while TheSixthAxis praises the lighting, shadows, and attention to detail in the city of Martinaise. While the majority of critics had positive opinions, there were a few minor negatives mentioned. Metro GameCentral points out that reading over a million words on consoles can be challenging, which may affect the overall visual experience. TierraGamer mentions that playing on a TV screen can sometimes make it difficult to navigate due to the beautiful watercolor-like backgrounds. Switch Player also mentions performance issues and long load times on the Switch port, which can detract from the overall visual experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Disco Elysium: The Final Cut has a visually appealing and unique art style that adds to the immersive experience of the game. The visuals are often described as gorgeous, beautiful, and striking. Critics such as Push Square, Softpedia, and TheXboxHub specifically praise the visuals and art style. The game's painted backgrounds, well-designed character models, expressive portraits, and attention to detail are also mentioned positively by several reviewers, including PlayStation Country, Press Start Australia, and Game Rant. Despite a few minor drawbacks mentioned by some critics, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of reviewers appreciating the graphics and visual design of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Disco Elysium: The Final Cut's stunning visuals, praising its unique art style and design inspired by the 70s and 80s. While some mention challenges like reading long text on consoles and performance issues on Switch, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Reviewers highlight the game's gorgeous, striking visuals, with specific praise for its detailed backgrounds, character models, and overall immersive experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the sound design and music of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the voice acting in the game, with COGconnected describing it as tremendously nuanced and expressing emotions clearly, and GamingTrend stating that it features incredible voice acting by talented voice actors. The inclusion of full voice acting was highlighted by multiple critics, including Game Informer, PlayStation LifeStyle, and Softpedia, who all mentioned that it enhances the immersive experience and brings the world to life. The voice acting was also commended for delivering a staggering amount of information with a style that fits the atmosphere perfectly, as noted by Game Informer. The soundtrack of the game was also highly regarded, with Impulsegamer describing it as a perfect companion to the game's atmosphere and TheGamer stating that the mournful music matches the melancholy of the game's setting perfectly. The atmospheric score by British Sea Power was highlighted as a highlight by Metro GameCentral, and Push Square noted that the soundtrack effectively ties the atmosphere together. Overall, the majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, with many highlighting the high-quality voice acting and immersive narration. While the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, there were a few minor criticisms mentioned by some critics. Gamers Heroes noted that there were some technical issues and crashes, which affected the gameplay experience. Metro GameCentral mentioned that some fans may be disappointed by re-recordings of certain character's lines, although this was not a major concern raised by other critics. PlayStation LifeStyle mentioned occasional voice-over issues, but did not provide further details. These issues, however, seem to be minor in comparison to the overall positive reception of the sound design and music. In conclusion, the sound design and music of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut received high praise from the majority of critics. The voice acting was consistently commended for its nuance, emotion, and the amount of information it delivered, with multiple critics highlighting the immersive experience it created. The soundtrack, particularly the work by British Sea Power, was described as a perfect companion to the game's atmosphere, effectively tying the ambiance together. While there were some minor criticisms such as technical issues and occasional voice-over problems, they did not significantly impact the overall positive reception. Overall, the sound design and music of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut were highly regarded by critics, contributing to the high quality of the game's presentation and enhancing the overall experience for players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Disco Elysium: The Final Cut's sound design and music, praising the incredible voice acting and atmospheric soundtrack that bring the game to life. While some critics mentioned minor issues like technical glitches and re-recorded lines, the overwhelmingly positive reception highlights the high-quality immersion and narration that elevate the overall gaming experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Disco Elysium: The Final Cut has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. Many critics praised the performances and the level of nuance brought to the characters by the voice actors. COGconnected specifically mentions that the voice acting is worth the wait and tremendously nuanced. GamingTrend describes the voice acting as astonishing, with each character voiced incredibly well, bringing the characters to life and enhancing the overall enjoyment of the game. GameSkinny highlights a standout performance by Jazz musician Lenval Brown, further emphasizing the quality of the voice acting. In terms of negatives, some critics did mention occasional issues with voice overs. PlayStation LifeStyle notes occasional voice over issues, while Screen Rant mentions that the voice acting on the Nintendo Switch version sounds great even from the smaller speakers. These minor issues, however, do not significantly detract from the overall positive reception of the voice acting. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is exceptional and greatly enhances the overall experience of the game. The voice actors are praised for their tremendous performances, bringing depth and life to the characters. Critics such as Impulsegamer and God is a Geek emphasize the exceptionally good quality of the voice acting. The voice acting is also seen as a key inclusion, with Game Informer noting that it adds depth to the characters and TheXboxHub mentioning that the cast fully embraces the weird world of Disco Elysium. The positive reception of the voice acting by the majority of critics solidifies its importance and contribution to the unique atmosphere and immersive nature of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics rave about the exceptional voice acting in Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, praising the performances for bringing depth and life to the characters. While some mention minor issues, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the voice acting greatly enhancing the game's immersive experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

84%

Negative (0-49)

12%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, there are both positive and negative aspects across different gaming platforms. Starting with the positives, the PlayStation 5 version of the game generally runs well, with occasional slowdowns mentioned by God is a Geek. The PC version, according to Press Start Australia, is praised for its non-existent bugs and issues. Additionally, the Nintendo Switch version, as noted by Nintendo Insider, has no noticeable slowdowns except for a brief moment during auto-saving. These positive aspects indicate that the game performs relatively well on these platforms. However, there are also several negative aspects regarding the technical performance of the game on various platforms. On the PlayStation 4, COGconnected and GamingTrend mention minor audio and visual hiccups, framerate issues, voice lines cutting out, and interactions with objects not working properly. GameSkinny and Gamers Heroes point out clunky interactions, framerate drops, loading issues, crashes, and UI glitches on the PlayStation 5 version. The Switch version, as highlighted by Digitally Downloaded, NintendoWorldReport, and Switch Player, suffers from lengthy loading times, poor AI, compromised controls, frame drops, audio stuttering, and crashes. These negative aspects indicate that the game faces technical challenges on these platforms. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Disco Elysium: The Final Cut has had technical issues across different gaming platforms, but many of these issues have been addressed through patches. TheGamer mentions that the game launched as a broken mess on consoles, but the issues have been fixed. Softpedia also notes that most of the biggest issues have been resolved through patches. While there are still some minor problems mentioned by Push Square and TierraGamer, the overall stability of the game has improved with updates. It is worth noting that the PlayStation 5 version generally performs better than the PlayStation 4 version, with fewer technical issues reported. However, the Nintendo Switch version seems to have the most significant technical challenges, including long loading times and performance issues.

TL;DR

technical performance

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut has a mix of positive and negative technical aspects across different platforms. PlayStation 5 runs well with minor slowdowns, PC version is bug-free, and Nintendo Switch has occasional slowdowns. However, PlayStation 4 faces audio and visual hiccups, framerate issues, and more. Critics agree the game had technical problems but patches have improved stability. PS5 performs better than PS4, while Switch version has significant issues like long loading times.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics, such as GamingTrend, Game Informer, GameSkinny, God is a Geek, Push Square, Softpedia, TheSixthAxis, TierraGamer, Press Start Australia, Wccftech, TheXboxHub, Digitally Downloaded, Game Rant, Nintendo Insider, NintendoWorldReport, Player 2, Screen Rant, and Switch Player, highlight the game's ability to offer multiple playthroughs with different choices, outcomes, and storylines. They praise the inclusion of new quests, locations, and political vision quests in The Final Cut edition, which adds to the game's replayability. The branching dialogue and customizable options in Disco Elysium are also commended for encouraging players to explore different paths and playstyles. Critics like Impulsegamer and Metro GameCentral specifically mention the game's political decisions and outcomes as factors that contribute to the replay value. Overall, the positive opinions of these critics indicate that Disco Elysium: The Final Cut provides a high level of replayability, with each playthrough offering a unique and engaging experience. While the majority of critics express positive views on the replay value of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, there are a few critics who mention some limitations or potential negatives. Gamers Heroes notes that while the skill system and different play styles add replayability, the overall outcome remains the same. Nintendo Insider mentions that some repeated decisions and a skill controlling the ending may limit the game's replayability. However, these criticisms are relatively minor compared to the overall positive reception of the game's replay value. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is that Disco Elysium: The Final Cut offers exceptional replay value. The game's intricate systems, branching decisions, and new content in The Final Cut edition provide players with multiple playthroughs that feel fresh and unique. The inclusion of political vision quests, different choices, and outcomes further enhance the replayability. The critics' positive opinions, such as those of GamingTrend, Game Informer, Push Square, and Wccftech, highlight the game's ability to keep players engaged and invested in exploring different paths and storylines. While there are some minor criticisms, the overall sentiment is that Disco Elysium: The Final Cut offers a highly replayable experience that is both immersive and enjoyable.

TL;DR

replay value

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut hailed by critics for its exceptional replay value, offering multiple playthroughs with unique choices, outcomes, and storylines. Critics rave about new quests, locations, and political vision quests adding depth to the game. While some mention minor limitations, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, praising the game's intricate systems and diverse playstyles that keep players engaged and immersed in a fresh and engaging experience.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

95%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics, who consider it a must-play game and an exceptional achievement in role-playing. The game is praised for its engrossing narrative, expert writing, and haunting audio-visual experience. Critics such as Push Square and PlayStation LifeStyle highlight the exceptional writing and depth of the RPG experience, while Game Informer and God is a Geek emphasize the unique and complex nature of the game's world. The deep and intricate systems, as mentioned by GamingTrend, further contribute to the game's appeal. In terms of positives, the voice acting in Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is highly praised by COGconnected, Wccftech, and Press Start Australia, adding an additional layer of immersion to the game. The exceptional graphics and production values, as noted by Impulsegamer and TierraGamer, further enhance the overall experience. The game's captivating story, memorable characters, and thought-provoking nature are also mentioned as positives by GameGrin and Game Rant. However, there are some negatives mentioned by the critics. Technical issues, such as bugs and framerate problems, are acknowledged by multiple reviewers, including COGconnected, Gamers Heroes, and App Trigger. These issues, particularly on consoles, may hinder the overall experience for some players. Additionally, some critics, such as TheSixthAxis and Nintendo Insider, mention that the heavy reliance on dialogue may limit the game's appeal to those who do not enjoy extensive conversations. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus among the critics is that Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is an exceptional game that offers a unique and complex CRPG experience. The majority of critics highly recommend the game, praising its engrossing narrative, expert writing, immersive gameplay, and memorable characters. The game's flaws, such as technical issues and heavy dialogue, are overshadowed by the overall quality and depth of the experience. Overall, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is considered a modern classic and a must-play for fans of the genre, as well as those who appreciate engaging storytelling and exceptional world-building.

TL;DR

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a must-play game praised for its engrossing narrative, exceptional writing, and haunting audio-visual experience. Critics commend its deep RPG systems, outstanding voice acting, and captivating story. While some mention technical issues and heavy dialogue as drawbacks, the overall consensus is that this game is a modern classic, offering a unique and complex CRPG experience that is highly recommended for fans of the genre.

CRITIK

Reviews

106 reviews found

100

GameGrin

Oct 15, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is an outstanding game that is thought-provoking and innovative.

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100

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Oct 11, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is described as a true piece of art, with fantastic writing, brilliant voice acting, and highly unusual and unique gameplay elements. The reviewer highly recommends the game.

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100

Player 2

Nintendo Switch

Feb 22, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a highly immersive and engaging game with a captivating story and deep gameplay mechanics. It is highly recommended.

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100

Wccftech

Apr 15, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is praised for its voice acting, engaging story, interesting quests, and fascinating characters. Minor technical issues are mentioned, but they do not overshadow the unique experience the game offers.

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100

Impulsegamer

PlayStation 4

Apr 19, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Disco Elysium is a slow-paced visual novel that prioritizes engaging writing and exceptional graphics, making it worth investing in for those who appreciate these aspects.

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100

TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

Apr 14, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

This game probably won’t be for anyone that doesn’t enjoy lots of dialogue either, as that’s pretty much all of the game.

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Press Start Australia

Mar 31, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a thrilling and engaging roller-coaster with a deep narrative, immersive gameplay, stunning visuals, fantastic voice acting, and great technical performance.

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GamingTrend

PlayStation 4

Apr 8, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is an excellent narrative experience with deep and intricate systems. Despite a few technical issues, it is one of the highest-rated games. Highly recommended for those who enjoy unique experiences.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Apr 26, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a unique and complex CRPG that stands out in the medium. It is worth picking up and investing time and effort into its wonderfully complex world.

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COGconnected

PlayStation 4

Apr 15, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review describes Disco Elysium: The Final Cut as everything the 2019 classic was and more. It recommends double-dipping for fans of the original and praises the voice acting. It mentions the presence of bugs and framerate issues, but also notes that the developers are actively patching the game.

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