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My Time At Portia

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of My Time At Portia
Item: My Time At Portia
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresVirtual Reality, Adventure, Indie, Action, Third Person Perspective, Simulation, RPG, Single Player

AvailableJan 15, 2019

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

DeveloperPathea Games

Overview

Start a new life in the enchanting town of Portia! Restore your Pa's neglected workshop to its former glory by fulfilling commissions, growing crops, raising animals, and befriending the quirky inhabitants of this charming post-apocalyptic land!

Elsewhere

7.2

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

51%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

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 My Time At Portia are varied, with some positive aspects highlighted. Critics like Vooks and Pure Nintendo appreciate the fascinating setting and the depth of conflict between nations and technology, adding layers to the narrative. Additionally, GamingTrend praises the rich story and lore that contribute to the game's charm and personality. The game's focus on player agency and freedom, as mentioned by TrueAchievements, also stands out as a positive aspect of the storytelling, allowing players to build their lives in Portia as they see fit. On the negative side, several critics express concerns about the depth and engagement of the storyline. GameSpot and PCGamesN critique the lack of meaningful engagement with the world's past and the underdeveloped character interactions and lore exploration. AusGamers and Wccftech point out the story's mundane and selfish aspects, with stilted NPC interactions and a lack of compelling reasons for the player's actions in the town. The Guardian also notes that while the game presents a post-apocalyptic setting with potential, it fails to fully capitalize on this in terms of writing and depth. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mixed reception of the story in My Time At Portia. While some appreciate the game's charming setting, engaging elements, and player agency, others find the narrative lacking in depth, character development, and meaningful engagement with the post-apocalyptic world. Critics like Gameblog.fr and The Digital Fix highlight the importance of relationships with townspeople and the larger backstory, indicating that there are elements that resonate with players. However, the general sentiment suggests that while the game offers an intriguing premise and opportunities for personal growth and exploration, there is room for improvement in terms of narrative depth and character development to fully immerse players in the world of Portia.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the storytelling in My Time At Portia. Positive reviews praise the game's fascinating setting, rich lore, and player agency. However, negative feedback points out issues with shallow character interactions, lack of engagement with the world's past, and underdeveloped storyline. While some appreciate the charm and player freedom, others find the narrative lacking depth and character development. Overall, critics agree that while the game has potential, it falls short in fully immersing players in the post-apocalyptic world of Portia.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

46%

Mixed (50-79)

52%

Negative (0-49)

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

The gameplay of My Time At Portia has received praise for its focus on crafting and building mechanics, with activities like farming, mining, fishing, and combat adding depth to the player experience. Critics like CGMagazine and AusGamers appreciate the emphasis on crafting, with players taking on commissions and gathering materials to create new items. The variety of mechanics and activities, as noted by Game Revolution and Vandal, including building structures, gathering resources, and engaging in social systems, offer players a wide range of options to explore and enjoy. On the downside, some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks in the gameplay of My Time At Portia. Issues such as repetitive tasks, time-consuming crafting systems, simplistic combat, and clunky inventory management have been highlighted by reviewers like GameSpot, TrueAchievements, and Vandal. The grind and time-consuming nature of tasks, as mentioned by PlayStation Universe and GamingTrend, can hinder the overall experience and prevent players from fully immersing themselves in the game's world. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed regarding the gameplay of My Time At Portia. While some appreciate the addictive nature of the crafting and building mechanics, others find certain aspects like combat and resource management lacking in depth and engagement. The game's emphasis on crafting and exploration is generally well-received, but issues like repetitive tasks, slow progression, and clunky mechanics detract from the overall enjoyment for some players. Despite its flaws, My Time At Portia offers a diverse range of activities and tasks for players to engage in, providing a unique and immersive experience for those who enjoy life simulation and role-playing elements.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

My Time At Portia offers a gameplay experience praised for crafting and building mechanics like farming and mining. Critics love the variety of activities but point out drawbacks like repetitive tasks and clunky combat. While some find it addictive, others feel aspects like combat lack depth. Mixed opinions exist on the game's overall enjoyability, with its diverse activities providing a unique experience for life simulation and role-playing fans.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

51%

Mixed (50-79)

41%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Graphics and Visual Design of My Time At Portia have received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its vibrant and charming art style, with colorful visuals and picturesque landscapes. Critics like PlayStation Universe and Xbox Tavern highlighted the game's vibrant colors, lush environments, and charming character designs, comparing them to the aesthetics of Studio Ghibli films. AusGamers also drew parallels to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, appreciating the inviting and visually appealing world design. The use of a watercolor-inspired aesthetic, as noted by GameSpot and Windows Central, added a unique and artistic touch to the post-apocalyptic setting, creating a visually diverse and immersive experience. However, several critics pointed out various issues with the graphics and visual presentation of My Time At Portia. TrueAchievements criticized the animations and visual design for feeling simplistic and lacking polish, with issues like hit detection, NPC behavior, and framerate stutters detracting from the overall experience. Switch Player highlighted performance issues such as pop-in figures, jagged landscapes, and lack of distinct character models, which made the game feel unfinished. Critics like Critical Hit and Metro GameCentral mentioned that the town and character designs felt uninteresting, lacking charm, and feeling empty in some areas. Additionally, God is a Geek and Nintenderos noted technical shortcomings on the Nintendo Switch version, including aliasing, poor textures, and frame rate drops, impacting the overall visual quality. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards appreciation for the charming and whimsical art style of My Time At Portia, with its colorful and inviting world design. Despite some technical issues and criticisms regarding the depth of storytelling and character designs, the game's visual presentation has managed to create a visually appealing and immersive experience for players. Positive aspects such as the vibrant color palette, charming character designs, and diverse environments have resonated with many reviewers, enhancing the overall atmosphere and enjoyment of exploring the post-apocalyptic world of Portia. Critics like Wccftech praised the beautiful graphics for evoking a nostalgic and charming feel, akin to an old postcard from a picturesque destination, further emphasizing the game's visual allure.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed feelings about the graphics in My Time At Portia. Some love its vibrant and charming art style, comparing it to Studio Ghibli films and Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The watercolor-inspired aesthetics add a unique touch to the post-apocalyptic setting. However, others criticized the simplistic animations, performance issues, and uninteresting town designs. Despite technical problems, the game's colorful visuals and immersive world design have won over many reviewers, creating a visually appealing experience for players.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

10%

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

The Sound Design and Music of My Time At Portia received a mix of positive feedback from critics. PlayStation Universe praised the game for featuring a "wonderfully soothing soundtrack" that enhances the restful atmosphere, while Windows Central and Nintendo Life appreciated the charming and fitting soundtrack that complements the gameplay experience. Critics like Gamer.nl and The Digital Fix also highlighted the uplifting and relaxing ambient music that immerses players in the world of Portia, contributing to a sense of tranquility and engagement. On the flip side, some critics pointed out various issues with the Sound Design and Music of the game. Nintenderos and Hooked Gamers criticized the repetitive nature of the music, with comparisons to elevator music and a lack of variety in sound effects. Xbox Tavern and The Indie Game Website mentioned the absence of ambient sounds and character noises, impacting the overall immersion and experience. Additionally, GameSpew and GamingTrend noted problems such as annoying elevator music, quiet dialogue, and inconsistent sound levels, which detracted from the overall enjoyment. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of My Time At Portia leans towards a positive but slightly mixed reception. While the soundtrack was generally praised for its soothing and charming qualities by reviewers like AusGamers and Cubed3, issues such as repetitive music, lack of ambient sounds, and inconsistent sound levels were raised by critics like GameSpew and GamingTrend. The game's music and sound design seem to have successfully contributed to the atmosphere and immersion for some players, but improvements in variety and balancing could enhance the overall experience for others, as highlighted by the diverse opinions of the critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics had mixed feelings about the Sound Design and Music of My Time At Portia. Some praised the soothing and charming soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere, while others criticized the repetitive music and lack of variety in sound effects. While the music contributed to immersion for some players, issues like inconsistent sound levels and quiet dialogue were noted. Overall, opinions varied, with some appreciating the music's qualities and others calling for improvements in variety and balancing.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

25%

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

The voice acting in My Time At Portia has received mixed feedback from critics. Cubed3 appreciated the fully voiced characters, considering it rare in the genre and mentioning that it adds depth and charm to the residents of Portia. This positive aspect of having fully voiced characters enhances the immersive experience for players, according to Cubed3. However, the majority of critics had negative opinions about the voice acting in the game. Critical Hit and RPGamer both criticized the voice acting for being inconsistent, mediocre, and lacking emotion. Critical Hit specifically mentioned that the dialogue felt flat and devoid of any real emotion. GamingTrend on both Nintendo Switch and PC versions, and Hooked Gamers found the voice acting to be awkward, deadpan, and not matching the tone of the game. The Indie Game Website described the voice acting as "pretty bad," although they also noted that it added to the quirky feel of the game. Twinfinite highlighted moments where the voice acting felt abrupt and cut off, indicating a lack of polish in the delivery. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in My Time At Portia is a significant point of criticism. While some appreciated the effort to include fully voiced characters for immersion, the execution fell short for most reviewers. The general sentiment is that the voice acting is inconsistent, lacking emotion, and often awkward or mismatched with the game's tone. This aspect detracts from the overall experience of the game, as noted by Critical Hit, GamingTrend, Hooked Gamers, and RPGamer. Despite some acknowledging that the subpar voice acting adds to the game's charm or quirkiness, the overall impression is that improvements in voice direction and delivery could have elevated the game's narrative and character interactions.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed feelings about the voice acting in My Time At Portia. While some praise the fully voiced characters for adding depth and charm, most criticize the voice acting as inconsistent, lacking emotion, and awkward. Many reviewers feel that the execution falls short, with dialogue being flat and mismatched with the game's tone. Overall, the general consensus is that the voice acting is a significant flaw in the game, detracting from the overall experience and narrative.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

33%

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

In terms of the technical performance on different gaming platforms, My Time At Portia received mixed reviews. On the PS4, critics like PlayStation Universe and PlayStation LifeStyle noted minor performance issues such as dropped frames and glitches, while Generación Xbox reported a visually appealing environment with no major technical issues on the Xbox One. TrueAchievements and Windows Central highlighted technical issues on the Xbox One, including framerate stutters, NPC glitches, and rough animations. On the Nintendo Switch, Nintenderos and God is a Geek pointed out significant technical issues like frame rate drops, freezing, and input lag, impacting the overall experience. However, Nintendo Life mentioned that a patch significantly improved loading times on the Switch, making the gameplay more enjoyable. On the negative side, several critics across different platforms highlighted technical issues affecting the gameplay experience. CGMagazine and COGconnected experienced graphical glitches and long loading times on the PS4 version. Xbox Achievements and Xbox Tavern mentioned minor glitches and lengthy loading times on the Xbox One. Game Informer, GamesRadar++, and Switch Player reported long loading times, silent cutscenes, and rendering problems on the Nintendo Switch. Critical Hit and GamingTrend on PC noted rough edges, clunky combat, and occasional missing sound effects, impacting the technical performance and stability of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that My Time At Portia suffers from various technical issues across different gaming platforms, including framerate drops, glitches, long loading times, and performance hiccups. While some platforms like the Xbox One and PC received mixed reviews with both positives and negatives, the Nintendo Switch version faced more significant technical challenges according to critics like Nintenderos and God is a Geek. Despite these technical issues, some critics like Gameblog.fr and Metro GameCentral reported a stable performance without major flaws, indicating that the experience may vary depending on the platform and individual gameplay preferences.

TL;DR

technical performance

My Time At Portia's technical performance varies across gaming platforms, with mixed reviews. PS4 experienced minor issues, Xbox One had framerate stutters and glitches, while the Nintendo Switch faced significant problems like frame rate drops. Critics highlighted technical issues such as long loading times and glitches, affecting gameplay experience. Despite some stability improvements, the game's technical flaws impact overall enjoyment, varying by platform and individual preferences.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

49%

Mixed (50-79)

49%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of several critics highlight the positive aspects of the replay value in "My Time At Portia." CGMagazine praises the game for offering over sixty hours of gameplay just in its main story, with additional content from side quests and activities. PlayStation LifeStyle also notes the abundance of content, mentioning that even after a year in-game, there is still much left to explore, like unlocking new areas and engaging in character relationships. TrueAchievements and Xbox Tavern commend the game for providing a significant amount of content, estimated at around 80 hours, with various activities and playstyles to engage with, ensuring replay value through different goals and achievements. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the negative aspects affecting the replay value of the game. GameSpot, in both the PS4 and Xbox One reviews, mentions the lack of depth in certain gameplay systems that may limit long-term replayability. DarkStation criticizes the game for spending too much time in less rewarding downtime and grinding, which can detract from the overall experience. Vandal and TheSixthAxis highlight the slow pace and grindy nature of the game, suggesting that it may not appeal to a wider audience and could be overwhelming for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the game offering substantial replay value due to its vast amount of content, activities, and customization options. Critics like Gameblog.fr and The Digital Fix praise the addictive gameplay and compelling story that drive players to continue exploring and building within the world of Portia. While there are concerns about pacing, depth in gameplay systems, and potential repetitiveness in the late game, the majority of critics appreciate the variety of tasks, relationships, and exploration opportunities that incentivize players to replay and uncover different paths within the game. Ultimately, "My Time At Portia" seems to cater well to players seeking a game with extensive gameplay and replayability, especially for those interested in a more relaxed, open-ended gaming experience.

TL;DR

replay value

"My Time At Portia" offers extensive replay value with over 60-80 hours of gameplay, praised for its abundance of content, activities, and customization options. Critics highlight addictive gameplay and compelling story, but raise concerns about pacing and lack of depth in gameplay systems. Despite some criticisms, the game incentivizes players to replay and explore different paths within the world of Portia, making it a great choice for those seeking a relaxed, open-ended gaming experience.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

49%

Negative (0-49)

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

My Time At Portia has garnered praise for its engaging gameplay, charming aesthetic, and compelling story, as noted by critics such as The Digital Fix and Push Square. The game offers a vibrant and relaxing indie life-simulation experience that excels in delivering a wealth of content and a polished gem of Early Access development. The depth of gameplay mechanics, lovable characters, and Studio Ghibli-inspired world have been highlighted as standout features by reviewers like Cubed3 and Twinfinite, making it a great experience for players seeking a rewarding and immersive simulation game. The game's ambition, freedom in shaping experiences, and unique 3D perspective have also been commended by TrueAchievements and Vandal, further adding to its appeal for fans of the genre. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks of My Time At Portia. Issues such as slow pacing, clunky combat, repetitive tasks, and technical problems have been highlighted by reviewers like Game Informer, GamingTrend, and Wccftech. The game's lack of polish, inconsistent tone, and demanding nature, which can feel like actual work rather than a fun experience, have been mentioned by Metro GameCentral and Game Informer. Additionally, the game's slow pace, excessive resource requirements, and lackluster character interactions have been criticized by PC Gamer and PCGamesN, impacting the overall enjoyment for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding My Time At Portia is mixed. While the game has been praised for its charming and idyllic setting, strong crafting system, and soothing life sim experience, it has also faced criticism for its flaws in combat, pacing, and technical issues. Some reviewers recommend the game for players who enjoy a relaxed and endless progression of tasks, while others suggest holding off on certain platforms due to performance issues. Despite its shortcomings, My Time At Portia is seen as a compelling choice for those looking for a relaxing and immersive simulation game, offering a unique take on the genre with room for improvement in certain areas, as highlighted by Gameblog.fr and Windows Central.

TL;DR

My Time At Portia receives praise for its engaging gameplay and charming aesthetic, with standout features like lovable characters and Studio Ghibli-inspired world. Critics laud its wealth of content and polished Early Access development. However, drawbacks such as slow pacing, clunky combat, and technical issues have been noted. While some recommend it for a relaxing simulation experience, others caution about its flaws in combat and pacing. Overall, a mixed reception for a game offering a unique take on the genre with room for improvement.

CRITIK

Reviews

102 reviews found

GameGrin

Jan 31, 2019

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

My Time At Portia is a wonderful and beautiful experience with a lot of content to offer. Despite a few bugs and issues, it is an excellent game that players will love.

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GamesRadar+

Nintendo Switch

Apr 16, 2019

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

My Time at Portia is highly recommended and almost perfect in the life-building simulator genre.

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TheSixthAxis

Jan 15, 2019

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

My Time at Portia is more than a worthy alternative to Stardew Valley and one of the first must have games of 2019.

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The Digital Fix

Jan 15, 2019

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

My Time At Portia is highly praised for its engaging gameplay, charming aesthetic, compelling story, and addictive nature, making it a polished gem and a great example of Early Access done well.

Twinfinite

Jan 15, 2019

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

My Time at Portia cultivates hard work, pays off with a sense of progression and achievement, and offers a vibrant world with engaging gameplay, making it a great experience.

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Pure Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

Apr 17, 2019

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

My Time at Portia is a soothing and satisfying life sim that offers new spins on familiar mechanics. It is compared to a warm cup of cocoa and is recommended for those looking to relieve tension.

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Xbox Achievements

Xbox One

Apr 16, 2019

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

My Time At Portia is described as one of the most wholesome, relaxing, and chilled experiences of this generation. It is compared to Stardew Valley but is considered its own beast with an emphasis on engineering over farming.

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GamingTrend

Nintendo Switch

Apr 23, 2019

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

My Time at Portia is a visually beautiful and charming game, but it has some downsides like clunky combat and a steep learning curve at the start.

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Wccftech

Apr 24, 2019

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

My Time at Portia is a beautiful, relaxing experience. It looks amazing, feels delightfully charming, and has something for everyone. However, there are occasional bugs, some farming products are almost completely pointless, and timed assignments can add stress to the game.

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Nintenderos

Nintendo Switch

Apr 16, 2019

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

My Time At Portia is highly recommended for simulation and adventure game enthusiasts, offering a visually appealing indie experience with a solid lore foundation in a colorful open world. Despite technical issues, the game provides many hours of enjoyable gameplay, making it a worthy successor to Stardew Valley.

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