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CRITIK

Paradise Killer

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Paradise Killer
Item: Paradise Killer
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2020

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Open World, Puzzle and Logic, RPG, Visual Novel, Point & Click, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableSep 4, 2020

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

DeveloperKaizen Game Works

Overview

Paradise Island, a world outside reality. There’s been a murder that only "investigation freak" Lady Love Dies can solve. Gather evidence and interrogate suspects in this open world adventure. You can accuse anyone, but you’ll have to prove your case in trial to convict. It’s up to you to decide who’s guilty.

Elsewhere

6.9

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

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 Paradise Killer are largely positive. Many critics praise the game for its unique and intriguing narrative, with elements of murder mystery, fantasy, and surrealism. GamingTrend describes it as a "fascinating, open-ended murder mystery with no definitive answer," while TheXboxHub highlights the game's setting in a strange fantasy world and its focus on solving a murder mystery. The story is described as captivating, engaging, and gripping by GameSpew, Hardcore Gamer, and Starbit, respectively. The narrative is commended for its exploration of themes such as fallibility of detectives, potential for miscarriages of justice, and the distinction between proof and suggestion, as noted by Guardian, IGN, and GameGrin. The story is also praised for its complex and well-written lore, as mentioned by PC Invasion and PC Gamer. The narrative is described as smart, imaginative, and well-defined by We Got This Covered. However, there are some critics who have raised concerns about the story of Paradise Killer. Impulsegamer mentions that the story and writing can be needlessly convoluted, which may deter some players from fully immersing themselves in the experience. Vooks notes that the story can be confusing and requires investment to understand, with jargon abounding as the player interviews witnesses and suspects. Hooked Gamers finds the story convoluted and messy, with a lot of lore that is not explored in depth. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Paradise Killer is highly enjoyable and well-crafted. The majority of the critics express positive opinions, praising the unique setting, engaging narrative, and intriguing mysteries. The story is commended for its depth, well-written lore, and exploration of various themes. While there are some criticisms regarding convoluted storytelling and confusing elements, these concerns do not outweigh the overall positive reception of the story. Critics such as GamingTrend, TheXboxHub, GameSpew, and PC Gamer highlight the strengths of the narrative, supporting the analysis that the story of Paradise Killer is a standout aspect of the game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics rave about Paradise Killer's unique and captivating narrative, blending murder mystery, fantasy, and surrealism. They praise its exploration of themes like detective fallibility and justice miscarriages. While some critics find the story convoluted, most agree it's well-crafted and enjoyable, with rich lore and intriguing mysteries. Overall, Paradise Killer's story is a standout aspect of the game, earning high praise for its smart, imaginative storytelling.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

63%

Mixed (50-79)

34%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Paradise Killer are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for its open-world exploration and investigation mechanics. Critics such as Push Square and Nintendo Life highlight the ability to freely explore the island, gather evidence, and interrogate suspects, which adds a sense of agency and freedom to the gameplay. TheXboxHub and GameSpew also commend the game for its mixture of visual novel and first-person adventuring elements, allowing players to choose their own path in the investigation. The gameplay is described as engaging and satisfying, with Impulsegamer noting that the game offers a massive investigation with numerous leads and characters to talk to. The open-world concept is well-implemented, rewarding exploration with collectibles and currency, as mentioned by GameSpace and Vooks. However, there are some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Paradise Killer. Critics such as COGconnected and We Got This Covered mention that the gameplay can feel simple and flawed, with few and repetitive puzzles. Destructoid and Screen Rant also note that while the investigation aspect is engaging, the exploration can be hindered by a boring and mundane game world. Some critics, like TheGamer and Hooked Gamers, mention dead ends and frustrating navigation as drawbacks of the gameplay. Additionally, COGconnected mentions that the bulk of the gameplay consists of moving between areas, questioning characters, and examining evidence, which may become repetitive for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Paradise Killer offers a unique and enjoyable gameplay experience. The open-world exploration, investigation mechanics, and freedom to approach the mystery in a non-linear way are praised by many critics. The ability to freely explore the island and gather evidence adds depth and immersion to the gameplay. The game rewards curiosity and detective skills, as mentioned by PC Gamer. While there are some criticisms regarding the simplicity of puzzles and the mundanity of the game world, the positive aspects of the gameplay outweigh the negatives. The overall sentiment is that Paradise Killer provides an engaging and open-ended murder mystery experience, as supported by the opinions of critics such as GamingTrend, Push Square, and NintendoWorldReport.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics generally praise Paradise Killer for its engaging open-world exploration and investigation mechanics, offering players agency and freedom in solving a murder mystery. While some criticize the simplicity of puzzles and repetitive gameplay elements, the consensus is that the game provides a unique and enjoyable experience with depth and immersion.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

58%

Mixed (50-79)

39%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the graphics and visual design of Paradise Killer are quite varied. Several critics, such as GamingTrend, Push Square, TheXboxHub, and Impulsegamer, praise the game's visuals and art direction. They highlight the higher resolution, vibrant colors, and detailed object models that bring out the artistry of the island. The mix of visual novel styled comic book cutscenes and open-world gameplay, as mentioned by TheXboxHub, adds to the fantastic visuals. The unique aesthetic described as 'Vaporwave Satanism' with a mix of neon signs, blood, and grotesque statuary, as described by IGN, creates a visually intoxicating and sonically joyous experience, according to GAMINGbible. The lo-fi aesthetic with old-school computer visuals, reminiscent of Suda 51's games, as noted by TheSixthAxis, adds a weird and wild aura to the game. However, there are also critics who have more negative opinions about the graphics and visual design of Paradise Killer. Guardian and Gaming Age describe the game's visuals as garish and nauseating, respectively. Destructoid finds the visual design lacking, although they do mention the creepy statues of cosmic gods adding some style. TheGamer criticizes the game for trading in vaporwave aesthetics without earning its aesthetic, feeling insincere and lacking soul. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards positive sentiments regarding the graphics and visual design of Paradise Killer. The game's unique and vibrant vaporwave aesthetic, combined with its mix of neon signs, blood, and grotesque statuary, creates a visually captivating and atmospheric world. The higher resolution, vibrant colors, and detailed object models are praised by multiple critics. However, there are some critics who find the visuals garish or lacking in sincerity. Nevertheless, the majority of critics appreciate the game's art direction and the immersive world it presents.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics are divided on the graphics of Paradise Killer, with some praising its vibrant and detailed visuals, while others criticize its garishness and lack of sincerity. Overall, the game's unique 'Vaporwave Satanism' aesthetic, mix of neon signs, blood, and grotesque statues, creates an immersive and visually captivating experience that most critics appreciate.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The Sound Design and Music of Paradise Killer received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. Many critics praised the game's soundtrack, with several describing it as excellent, phenomenal, and an immediate standout. Critics such as GamingTrend, Impulsegamer, and Vooks specifically highlighted the killer tracks and amazing jazz tunes, while others like Hooked Gamers and GameGrin praised the unique blend of city pop, synthpop, and vaporwave that added to the game's atmosphere. The smooth jazz soundtrack was also mentioned as a positive aspect by We Got This Covered and Windows Central. The new tracks were regarded as some of the best of the bunch, and the ability for players to collect extra tracks to add to their music library was seen as a nice feature by TheXboxHub and GameSpace. Overall, the positive opinions of the critics indicate that the Sound Design and Music of Paradise Killer greatly enhanced the overall experience of the game. While the majority of critics had positive opinions, there were a few who expressed some negatives regarding the Sound Design and Music of Paradise Killer. Gaming Age, for example, found the music grating and the voice acting obnoxious, particularly when combined with the game's visual aesthetics. COGconnected mentioned that while the sound design focused on eighties-inspired instrumentals, it was not particularly special. However, these negative opinions were in the minority and did not significantly impact the overall consensus. In conclusion, the Sound Design and Music of Paradise Killer received high praise from the majority of critics. The soundtrack was described as excellent, phenomenal, and an immediate standout, with killer tracks and amazing jazz tunes. The unique blend of city pop, synthpop, and vaporwave added to the game's atmosphere and enhanced the overall experience. While there were a few critics who had some negative opinions, the positive consensus among the majority of reviewers indicates that the Sound Design and Music of Paradise Killer were highly regarded and greatly contributed to the game's appeal.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics overwhelmingly praised the Sound Design and Music of Paradise Killer, highlighting its killer tracks, phenomenal jazz tunes, and unique blend of city pop, synthpop, and vaporwave. Despite a few negative opinions, the majority agreed that the soundtrack greatly enhanced the game's overall experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

10%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

30%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Paradise Killer are quite varied. Some critics, such as Hardcore Gamer and GAMINGbible, mention that while there is no full voice acting in the game, the characters do let out little quips in English from time to time. This can be seen as a positive aspect as it adds some personality and immersion to the game. Additionally, Screen Rant highlights that different characters behave and speak in different ways, offering a unique experience. This adds depth to the voice acting and enhances the overall storytelling. However, the majority of critics have negative opinions about the voice acting in Paradise Killer. Impulsegamer criticizes the voice acting as highly amateurish, with poorly synced voice lines that are limited and repeated multiple times, even when they are not in context. This criticism is further supported by Gaming Age, who describes the voice acting as obnoxious little snippets. New Game Network also mentions that the voice acting doesn't always match up with the text and is not great to begin with. Windows Central adds that the voice acting is hit or miss, with some lines having a monotone delivery that doesn't match the dialogue. These criticisms highlight the lack of quality and inconsistency in the voice acting, which can be a significant drawback for players seeking a more immersive and polished experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Paradise Killer falls short of expectations. While there are some positive aspects, such as the occasional quips and the different behaviors of characters, the negative opinions outweigh the positive ones. The voice acting is criticized for being amateurish, poorly synced, limited, repetitive, and sometimes not matching up with the text. This can detract from the overall immersion and enjoyment of the game, leaving players wanting more in terms of quality and consistency in the voice acting department.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Paradise Killer. Some praise the occasional quips and unique character behaviors for adding personality and immersion, while others slam it as amateurish, poorly synced, repetitive, and inconsistent. The majority of critics lean towards the negative, highlighting the lack of quality and immersion in the voice acting, ultimately leaving players disappointed.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

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

In terms of the technical performance of Paradise Killer, the majority of critics had positive experiences across different gaming platforms. Starting with the positives, GamingTrend noted that the game played better on PS5, with more consistent performance and the resolution of some visual and performance issues. Impulsegamer, who played on PC with an RTX 3060, mentioned that the gameplay was smooth without any lags or glitches. PC Invasion, playing on both PC and PS4, highlighted the surprising absence of bugs or glitches throughout their playthroughs on both platforms. On the other hand, there were a few negatives mentioned by some critics. New Game Network, playing on PS4, pointed out technical flaws such as the lack of auto-saving and occasional crashes, which could be frustrating despite the abundance of save points. However, it's worth noting that this was not a sentiment shared by all critics, as PC Invasion, playing on PS4, mentioned that they did not encounter any bugs or glitches during their entire playthrough on this platform. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the technical performance of Paradise Killer is very good. The game received praise for its smooth gameplay, lack of bugs or glitches on multiple platforms, and the detailed character art on the Nintendo Switch when played in both handheld and docked mode, as mentioned by Vooks. While there were some minor technical issues mentioned by a few critics, the majority of reviewers had positive experiences with the game's technical performance.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics mostly praised Paradise Killer for its strong technical performance, noting smooth gameplay, lack of bugs, and detailed character art on different platforms. Some mentioned minor issues like occasional crashes, but overall, the game was well-received for its performance.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

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 Paradise Killer are generally positive. IGN, GamingTrend, GAMINGbible, and Xbox Tavern all highlight the multiple endings and the ability to interpret evidence in different ways, which contributes to the game's replayability. TheSixthAxis and PC Gamer also mention the option to choose different suspects, theories, and paths, as well as the presence of collectibles and upgrades that can be unlocked. These elements provide players with the opportunity to have different experiences and uncover new secrets with each playthrough. Additionally, Windows Central mentions the non-linear nature of the game and the desire to uncover missed clues as factors that may encourage replayability. On the other hand, there are a few critics who mention some potential drawbacks in terms of replay value. PC Invasion points out that finding everything in the game is harder than it seems, and there are mysteries that the reviewer is still scratching their head over. This could potentially frustrate players who are looking for a more straightforward experience. Screen Rant also mentions that the story is malleable with many potential ways to play out, but it lacks a clean ending. This ambiguity may not appeal to all players who prefer a more conclusive resolution. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Paradise Killer offers significant replay value. The multiple endings, ability to interpret evidence differently, and the option to choose different suspects and theories are highlighted as positive aspects of the game. The desire to uncover missed clues, the presence of collectibles and upgrades, and the non-linear nature of the game are also mentioned as factors that contribute to its replayability. However, there are some potential drawbacks such as the difficulty in finding everything and the lack of a clean ending. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall sentiment is positive, indicating that Paradise Killer provides an engaging and replayable experience for players.

TL;DR

replay value

Paradise Killer impresses critics with its replay value, offering multiple endings, diverse paths, and intriguing mysteries to uncover. While some find it challenging to discover everything and criticize its ambiguous conclusion, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Players can enjoy varied experiences, interpret evidence in unique ways, and unlock secrets with each playthrough, making Paradise Killer a captivating and replayable game.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

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

Paradise Killer has received a generally positive reception from critics, with many praising its unique approach to the detective genre and its captivating story. Critics like GamingTrend, Push Square, and TheXboxHub commend the game for its smart design, style, and substance, as well as its extraordinary and highly unique detective gameplay. The open-ended nature of the investigation, the fascinating world, and the intriguing characters are also highlighted as strengths by TheXboxHub and Hardcore Gamer. The game's compelling and unique storytelling choice is highly recommended by IGN and Nintendo Life, further emphasizing its positive aspects. The game's exceptional depth, detail, and rewarding exploration are also praised by GAMINGbible and PC Invasion. However, there are some criticisms raised by certain critics. GameSpew mentions that Paradise Killer may not initially appeal to everyone, but those who stick with it will be rewarded with a captivating experience. Impulsegamer and TheGamer point out the game's needlessly convoluted story and writing, while Hardcore Gamer and TheSixthAxis mention shortcomings in the world exploration aspect and anticlimactic trials. Gaming Age finds the game's hyperstylish aesthetic nauseating, which may deter some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Paradise Killer is a unique and memorable game worth playing. The game's compelling and unique detective gameplay, captivating story, interesting characters, and heavily detailed mystery are widely praised. The game's truth, which is described as more complicated and satisfying than a straightforward reveal, forces players to reckon with their fallibility and the potential for profound miscarriages of justice, as noted by Guardian. The game's distinct investigation gameplay, confident storytelling, and experimental and creative aspects are also highlighted as positives by various critics. While there are some criticisms regarding the game's convoluted story, writing, and world exploration, the overall sentiment is that Paradise Killer offers a compelling and engaging experience for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

Paradise Killer praised for unique detective gameplay and captivating story by critics, with highlights on smart design and intriguing characters. Some criticisms on convoluted story and world exploration, but overall a unique and memorable game worth playing according to consensus.

CRITIK

Reviews

101 reviews found

GamingTrend

PlayStation 5

Mar 21, 2022