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CRITIK

Fe

2018

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Open World, Single Player

AvailableFeb 16, 2018

PlatformPC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4

DeveloperZoink!

Overview

Fe is a new type of platform adventure where the story is up to you to discover, without handholding, told wordlessly through the discoveries you make during gameplay. Run, climb, and glide your way through a dark Nordic forest and explore its living, breathing ecosystem filled with secrets and mystical creatures. At the heart of the experience is a tactile, analogue song mechanic that allows you to communicate and speak to every living thing in the forest. Learn a diverse array of animal cries that allow you to befriend or manipulate any creature - even plants. Have birds guide you, bears fight for you and have plants grow berries that help you overcome the Silent Ones. Become Fe and discover a world that you will never want to leave.

Elsewhere

5.8

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

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 Fe are quite diverse, showcasing both positive and negative aspects of the narrative. Critics like COGconnected, GameSpot, and PlayStation Universe appreciate the game's focus on communication and connection between living beings in a woodland world, highlighting themes of nature and interconnectedness. This emphasis on exploring relationships and the beauty of the wilderness resonates positively with players who enjoy a more abstract and interpretive storytelling approach. On the other hand, several critics, such as IGN and Gamer.nl, express concerns about the lack of clarity and depth in Fe's narrative. They mention that the story is unclear and told through wordless cutscenes, making it challenging for players to fully engage with the plot and understand the motivations behind the characters and events. The reliance on collectibles for backstory and the vagueness of the storytelling style are cited as drawbacks that hinder the overall storytelling experience. Despite the mixed opinions on Fe's story, there seems to be a consensus among critics that the game offers a unique and intriguing narrative experience that may not be suitable for all players. While some appreciate the game's environmental storytelling and allegorical elements, others find the story too vague and lacking in memorable moments. The non-traditional narrative structure of Fe, focusing on themes of nature, communication, and connection, seems to divide opinions among critics, with some like Game Revolution and The Daily Dot finding the ambiguity and lack of context challenging, while others like PlayStation Country and Nintendo Life appreciate the poetic and interpretive nature of the storytelling. Overall, Fe's story seems to be a polarizing aspect of the game, appealing to players who enjoy a more abstract and open-ended narrative experience while potentially alienating those who prefer a more traditional and structured storytelling approach.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on Fe's narrative, with some praising its focus on nature and connection, while others criticize its lack of clarity and depth. The game's reliance on wordless cutscenes and collectibles for storytelling has polarized opinions, appealing to those who enjoy abstract narratives but alienating those seeking a more traditional story structure. Fe offers a unique and intriguing narrative experience that may not suit all players, emphasizing themes of nature, communication, and connection in a woodland world.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

51%

Negative (0-49)

16%

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

Fe, as described by several critics, offers a variety of gameplay elements that contribute to a positive experience. Attack of the Fanboy and COGconnected appreciate the mix of platforming, puzzles, and stealth mechanics, with a good pace of unlocking new powers. Game Revolution highlights the unique encounters and surprises found throughout the open-world environment. PlayStation Country praises the fun gameplay with a range of powers to unlock, while GameSpot and Nintenderos emphasize the innovative use of sound and communication with animals to progress through the game. The singing mechanic, as mentioned by GamingTrend, is a standout feature that adds depth to the gameplay experience. On the flip side, some critics point out certain drawbacks in Fe's gameplay. Game Informer and DarkStation mention issues with core movement mechanics, such as inaccurate controls and slipping off ledges, which can hinder the overall experience. Hobby Consolas and The Sydney Morning Herald note challenges with controls and camera angles, impacting the platforming aspects of the game. Additionally, AusGamers and Switch Player express frustration with clunky controls and sections that feel lacking or boring, respectively. These criticisms suggest that Fe may struggle with consistency in its gameplay mechanics across different platforms. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding Fe's gameplay is mixed. While some, like Easy Allies and God is a Geek, find the gameplay enjoyable and engaging, others, such as Game Informer and Gamer.nl, point out significant issues with controls and mechanics that detract from the overall experience. The unique communication and exploration aspects of Fe, highlighted by Generación Xbox and Vooks, receive praise for their creativity and immersion. However, the game seems to polarize opinions due to its varying levels of challenge, precision in controls, and overall execution of its gameplay mechanics. Despite its flaws, Fe manages to offer a distinct and imaginative gameplay experience that resonates differently with each player, making it a title that may appeal more to those seeking a unique and experimental adventure rather than a traditional platforming experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Fe for its mix of platforming, puzzles, and stealth mechanics, as well as innovative use of sound and communication with animals. The singing mechanic stands out as a unique feature. However, some highlight issues with core movement mechanics, controls, and camera angles, affecting the overall experience. While some find Fe enjoyable and engaging, others criticize its inconsistencies in gameplay mechanics. Overall, Fe offers a distinct and imaginative gameplay experience that may appeal more to those seeking a unique and experimental adventure rather than a traditional platforming experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

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

Fe has garnered widespread praise for its graphics and visual design, with the majority of critics lauding the game for its stunning and captivating visuals. Attack of the Fanboy describes Fe as "visually stunning, with a full spectrum of beautiful colors and sounds in the forest, creating an alluring world to explore." Easy Allies also commends the game for its "wonderful use of color and sound," with palettes that convey emotion and mood effectively. Critics like GamesRadar++ and PlayStation Universe highlight the visually stunning world of Fe, with pastel colors, polygonal landscapes, and a simplistic yet beautiful presentation that contributes to the overall immersive experience. Despite the overwhelmingly positive sentiment towards Fe's graphics, there are a few critics who express reservations about certain aspects of the visual design. Game Informer criticizes the art direction, stating that it is unique but not inviting or pleasant to look at, with every creature appearing as an enemy and areas of the forest feeling too similar. IGN also notes that while Fe features visually striking polygonal landscapes, the environments can feel repetitive and lack significant variation between areas. The Sydney Morning Herald points out that the style of Fe, while beautiful, may not lend itself well to exploration, as every area and creature in the world looks very similar in its spiky, near-monotone design. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of Fe. The game is praised for its gorgeous art style, stunning environments, and clever use of color and sound to create a visually appealing and immersive world. Critics like COGconnected, PlayStation LifeStyle, and Digital Trends highlight the breathtaking beauty of Fe, with stunning visuals that enhance the overall gameplay experience. While there are some criticisms about repetitive environments and enemy designs, the majority of critics appreciate the unique and captivating visual presentation of Fe, making it a standout feature of the game that contributes significantly to its charm and appeal.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Fe's stunning graphics and visual design, praising its beautiful colors, captivating environments, and immersive world. While some reviewers have reservations about repetitive elements, the majority applaud the game's unique and alluring art style that enhances the overall gameplay experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics unanimously praised the sound design and music of Fe, highlighting its exceptional qualities. Attack of the Fanboy appreciated the mellow and soothing instrumental soundtrack, which contributed to a relaxing gameplay experience. COGconnected and Easy Allies emphasized the outstanding score that played a crucial role in creating an emotionally charged atmosphere. GamesRadar++ and God is a Geek commended the interactive and stunning soundtrack that added depth to the overall experience. The atmospheric soundtrack and immersive world design, as mentioned by Hobby Consolas, created a sense of mystery and wonder without the need for words. IGN and Polygon lauded the passionate and beautiful music that added wonder to the forest setting, with Polygon specifically mentioning the mournful cello soundtrack complementing the game's atmosphere. However, there were some criticisms regarding the sound design and music of Fe. Washington Post found the string music to be too schmaltzy, indicating a personal preference issue rather than a flaw in the game's audio. IGN on Xbox One noted that while the music was beautiful and enhanced the platforming experience, the singing mechanic lacked depth and interaction with the world, suggesting a potential area for improvement. Generación Xbox mentioned that while the sound design was immersive, it could become repetitive, hinting at a need for more variety in the audio experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the sound design and music of Fe. The majority of reviewers praised the game for its exceptional score, immersive sound design, and the unique mechanic of using music to interact with the environment and creatures. Nintenderos highlighted the crucial role of sound in gameplay, while NintendoWorldReport recommended playing with good headphones to fully appreciate the music. The Daily Dot commended the stellar sound design with distinctive singing mechanics and melancholic violin scores that enhanced the overall experience. Despite some minor criticisms, Fe's sound design and music were widely regarded as a standout feature that significantly contributed to the game's immersive and emotional atmosphere.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics overwhelmingly praised Fe's exceptional sound design and music, with high marks for its immersive and emotionally charged atmosphere. While some critics had minor criticisms, the consensus is highly positive, highlighting the game's unique use of music to interact with the environment. Fe's stunning soundtrack and immersive world design left a lasting impression on reviewers, making it a standout feature that enhanced the gameplay experience.

Voice Acting

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Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, Fe seems to have varying experiences. On the PS4, Easy Allies and God is a Geek both encountered performance issues such as framerate dips, black screens, and bugs that hindered their progress. However, PlayStation Universe noted that while there were issues with character control and delayed inputs, the game was simple enough to mitigate these shortcomings. Moving on to the Xbox One, Generación Xbox praised the game for performing well on both Xbox One X and S, maintaining a solid 30fps. However, they mentioned that players may struggle with the protagonist's controls due to physics engine issues. On the other hand, Stevivor did not report any technical issues with the game, providing a contrasting view within the Xbox One platform. Conversely, on the Nintendo Switch, critics had mixed opinions regarding Fe's technical performance. Nintenderos, Nintendo Life, and NintendoWorldReport all noted occasional frame rate drops on the Switch, with minor impacts on gameplay. However, Nintenderos highlighted that the game runs smoothly overall, compatible with different play modes on the Switch. The Daily Dot and Vooks, on the other hand, reported more significant technical issues on the Switch version, including frame drops, freezes, and character clipping through environments. Vooks expressed hope that these performance issues could be addressed in the future. Overall, the consensus among critics for Fe's technical performance is somewhat divided. While some platforms like Xbox One received positive feedback for stable performance, others like the Nintendo Switch faced more noticeable technical issues. Easy Allies and God is a Geek highlighted significant bugs and performance issues on the PS4, while PlayStation Universe found the game manageable despite its flaws. The varying experiences across platforms suggest that technical performance in Fe may be inconsistent, with room for improvement in addressing issues like framerate drops and bugs. Critics like The Daily Dot emphasized the need for more polish to enhance the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Fe's technical performance receives a mixed bag of reviews across different gaming platforms. While some praise its stability on Xbox One, others criticize notable issues on PS4 and Nintendo Switch. Critics point out frame rate drops, bugs, and control issues, highlighting the need for improvements to enhance gameplay experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

12%

Mixed (50-79)

68%

Negative (0-49)

20%

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

The opinions of several critics regarding the replay value of Fe are quite varied. Critics like COGconnected, Game Revolution, and PlayStation LifeStyle highlight the positive aspects of the game's replayability. They mention collectibles, additional abilities to unlock, and the encouragement of exploration as factors that make Fe worth revisiting. COGconnected specifically mentions that the experience is well worth the length of the game, indicating a positive view on the replay value. Additionally, Nintenderos and Nintendo Life emphasize the replay value through exploration, collectibles, and unlocking abilities, which can extend gameplay for completionists. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the lack of replay value in Fe. Critics like IGN (PS4), Wccftech, and AusGamers point out the relatively short duration of the game, lack of variety in environments, and platforming challenges that may discourage replaying. IGN (XBOX ONE) also mentions the singing mechanic lacking depth and interesting uses, which could affect the overall replayability of the game. The Sydney Morning Herald criticizes Fe for being surprisingly brief and not maximizing its content, stating there is no evolution or combination of skills, providing no reason to revisit earlier areas with new capabilities. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards Fe offering some replay value, especially for players who enjoy exploration, collecting items, and unlocking abilities. Critics like COGconnected and Game Revolution appreciate the additional activities like collecting crystals and discovering hidden secrets that provide reasons to revisit the game. However, the concerns raised by critics such as IGN and The Sydney Morning Herald regarding the lack of depth in gameplay mechanics and short duration may deter some players from replaying Fe. It seems that while Fe has its strengths in terms of offering replay value through exploration and collectibles, the lack of depth and variety in gameplay elements could impact its overall appeal for replayability.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Fe. Some, like COGconnected and Game Revolution, praise its collectibles and exploration, making it worth revisiting. However, IGN and The Sydney Morning Herald criticize its short duration and lack of depth, which may deter players from replaying. While Fe offers replay value through exploration and collectibles, its gameplay elements' lack of depth could impact its appeal for replayability.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

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

Fe, a visually stunning and artistically ambitious game, has garnered praise from several critics for its unique approach to storytelling and immersive atmosphere. Critics like COGconnected and PlayStation Country commend the game for its outstanding score, addictive gameplay, and beautiful art style, which create a magical and memorable experience. The game's world and music, as highlighted by GameSpot and Nintenderos, compel players to explore and appreciate the intricate details of the environment. Additionally, Fe's emotional singing mechanics, as noted by Easy Allies and God is a Geek, add a layer of depth to the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience for those who connect with its unique language. On the flip side, Fe has faced criticism from reviewers such as Game Informer and DarkStation for falling short in various aspects, including gameplay depth, story clarity, and overall execution. The game's shortcomings, such as repetitive environments, lackluster platforming challenges, and frustrating puzzles, hinder its potential for greatness. Some critics, like Game Revolution and Digital Trends, also point out issues with navigation, controls, and a lack of direction, which can detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. The ambiguous story and gameplay mechanics, as mentioned by ZTGD and The Sydney Morning Herald, contribute to a sense of disconnect and make it a challenge to fully engage with the experience. Despite mixed reviews and varying opinions, the overall consensus among critics is that Fe offers a unique and artistic gaming experience that, while not without its flaws, manages to captivate players with its enchanting visuals and emotional depth. Critics like PlayStation Universe and Nintenderos appreciate the heart and charm of the game, recommending it as a special and rewarding experience for those willing to invest time and effort. While Fe may not be perfect, its ability to evoke emotions and create a sense of wonder, as highlighted by Polygon and Vooks, sets it apart as a game worth exploring for fans of atmospheric and immersive adventures. Ultimately, Fe's strengths lie in its ability to deliver a transcendent experience for those who appreciate its artistic vision, despite some of its gameplay challenges and technical issues.

TL;DR

Fe is a visually stunning game praised for its unique storytelling and immersive atmosphere, earning accolades for its score, gameplay, and art style. Critics laud its captivating world and music, but some criticize its lack of depth in gameplay and story clarity. Despite mixed reviews, Fe offers a unique and emotional gaming experience that captivates players with its enchanting visuals and artistic vision.

CRITIK

Reviews

134 reviews found

COGconnected

PlayStation 4

Feb 18, 2018

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

Fe is an atmospheric and magical experience that tells a beautiful story without words. With its outstanding score, addictive gameplay, and gorgeous art style, it is a strong contender for Game of the Year awards.

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NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Feb 15, 2018

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

Fe is praised as a spiritual journey through nature, providing a similar experience to a summer hike. The reviewer highly recommends the game and praises EA for selecting it as the first title of their Originals indie publishing label.

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Game Revolution

PlayStation 4

Feb 15, 2018

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

Fe is a truly unique platformer that demands to be played, offering a vibrant open-world experience with minor flaws. The reviewer highly recommends Fe for fans of the genre.

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Digital Trends

Xbox One

Feb 22, 2018

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

Fe is a beautiful and unique gaming experience that rewards patience and attentiveness, offering touching moments and inventive design.

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PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

Feb 15, 2018

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

Despite some frustrations with stealth portions and enemy encounters, the aspect of exploration makes Fe a memorable and rewarding experience.

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Vooks

Nintendo Switch

Mar 1, 2018

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

Fe is a beautiful and ambitious game that takes established ideas and puts them together to make a thoughtful and enjoyable experience. While there are a few moments of frustration and some performance issues, the game still trusts the player to learn and grow in their own time, making for a unique package.

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PlayStation Country

PlayStation 4

Feb 23, 2018

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

A lovely atmospheric game with fun gameplay and barely a dull moment.

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GamingTrend

Xbox One

Feb 15, 2018

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

Fe is a great success for EA Originals, providing a magical experience in a beautiful and whimsical platformer.

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Polygon

Feb 16, 2018

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

Fe is described as a magical, expansive, and multi-hued world that creates a sense of marvel, enveloping players in a fantasy experience that demands to be explored and admired.

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Hobby Consolas

PlayStation 4

Feb 15, 2018

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

Fe offers a unique and artistic gaming experience with some gameplay challenges but shines through as a transcendent experience for those who connect with its unique language.

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