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CRITIK

Twin Mirror

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Twin Mirror
Item: Twin Mirror
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2020

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Thriller, Drama, Mystery, Single Player

AvailableDec 1, 2020

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One

DeveloperDONTNOD Entertainment

Overview

Twin Mirror is a psychological thriller wrapped around an investigation where your memories, choices, and relationships will determine Sam's complicated fate. In Twin Mirror, every decision you make alters the course of your investigation, as well as your relationships in Basswood. Trust others or rely only on yourself in your hunt for the truth. But no matter your choices, your story is yours. Take a look in the mirror - what will you see?

Elsewhere

6.2

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

54%

Negative (0-49)

11%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Twin Mirror are varied. Some critics praise the game for its compelling narrative, intriguing premise, and well-written characters. GameSpew and The Games Machine, for example, highlight the excellent storytelling and engaging plot that keeps players immersed and engaged. The narrative explores themes of guilt, anger, small-town dynamics, and personal struggles, providing a unique and thought-provoking experience. The representation of a troubled protagonist, Sam Higgs, and his interactions with an imaginary version of himself add depth and complexity to the story. Additionally, the game touches on relevant social issues such as police brutality, unemployment, and drug addiction, as acknowledged by Metro GameCentral and PlayStation LifeStyle. However, there are several criticisms regarding the story of Twin Mirror. Some critics, like Destructoid and Easy Allies, mention that the story feels rushed, truncated, and lacks depth. They argue that the game fails to fully explore the psychological elements and interpersonal relationships it introduces. The brevity of the game hampers the exploration of characters, plot points, and heavier subject matter, according to GameSpot. Shacknews also points out that while the game features a fascinating mystery with unexpected twists and turns, it doesn't give enough time for character development or plot points to fully develop. Comicbook.com criticizes the conversations and character development as not compelling, while Video Chums finds the protagonist hard to root for. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the compelling narrative, well-written characters, and exploration of relevant themes, others feel that the story falls short of its potential. The game's brevity, lack of depth, and rushed storytelling are common concerns raised by critics such as Destructoid, Easy Allies, and GameSpot. However, there are also positive opinions from critics like GameSpew, The Games Machine, and Metro GameCentral, who find the narrative engaging and thought-provoking. Ultimately, the story of Twin Mirror seems to have its strengths and weaknesses, leaving players with a varied and subjective experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Twin Mirror's story. Some praise its compelling narrative and well-written characters exploring themes like guilt and social issues. However, others criticize the rushed storytelling and lack of depth, hindering character development and plot exploration. While some find it engaging, others feel it falls short of its potential. Ultimately, Twin Mirror offers a varied and subjective experience for players.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

12%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

12%

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

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Twin Mirror, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects highlighted. The introduction of the Mind Palace mechanic is widely regarded as a positive addition to the gameplay. Critics such as Destructoid and GameSpot praise the depth and satisfaction that this mechanic brings to the game. The ability to analytically imagine crime scenes and piece together the correct sequence of events adds a Sherlock Holmes feel to the gameplay, as mentioned by Guardian. Additionally, the inclusion of dialogue choices and conducting investigations through searching for clues is seen as enjoyable and rewarding by GameSpew. However, there are also negative aspects pointed out by the critics. Some critics, such as Easy Allies and Launcher, express frustration with the trial-and-error nature of the mind palace segments. The alter-ego character is criticized for leading the player in one direction without strong opposing choices, as mentioned by Easy Allies. GameSpace and PCGamesN highlight the sluggish and tedious nature of the gameplay, with frustrating interactions and slow progression. Noisy Pixel also mentions difficulties in navigating the gameplay and precise positioning required for interacting with objects. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While the Mind Palace mechanic is generally praised for its depth and satisfaction, some critics find it underwhelming and limited in its use, as mentioned by GamingTrend and TheSixthAxis. The gameplay is described as standard for adventure games, with elements such as exploration, interaction, and choices, as mentioned by PCGamesN and GameCritics. The inclusion of mini-game style tasks, branching paths, and alternative options for major decisions is appreciated by Metro GameCentral and Shacknews. However, criticisms regarding tedious investigation processes, repetitive solutions, and clunky controls are also prevalent among the critics, as mentioned by GameSpace, Stevivor, and Comicbook.com. In conclusion, the gameplay of Twin Mirror receives both positive and negative feedback from the critics. The introduction of the Mind Palace mechanic is generally seen as a positive addition, adding depth and satisfaction to the gameplay. However, there are criticisms regarding trial-and-error segments, limited use of new mechanics, sluggish progression, and frustrating controls. The overall consensus suggests that while the gameplay has its strengths, such as enjoyable investigations and rewarding puzzle-solving, it also has room for improvement in terms of variety, content, and smoother execution.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Twin Mirror gameplay. The Mind Palace mechanic is praised for depth and satisfaction, but some find it limited. Dialogue choices and investigations are enjoyable, but trial-and-error segments frustrate. While some appreciate the exploration and choices, others criticize tedious processes and clunky controls. Overall, Twin Mirror's gameplay is a mix of highs like rewarding puzzle-solving and lows like repetitive solutions, indicating room for improvement.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

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 Twin Mirror are generally positive. Many critics praise the game's realistic art style and detailed environments. Easy Allies, GameSpew, and JeuxActu all mention the high quality of the graphics, with GameSpew specifically stating that Twin Mirror looks fantastic overall. The character models are also commended for their accuracy and impressive detail, as noted by Metro GameCentral and TheSixthAxis. The visuals of the Mind Palace, in particular, are highlighted as stunning and visually appealing by Launcher and Metro GameCentral. The mix of realism and hyperrealism in the visuals is also appreciated by GAMINGbible, who compares it to other successful games from DONTNOD. Overall, the positive aspects of the Graphics and Visual Design of Twin Mirror include the realistic art style, detailed environments, and impressive character models. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Twin Mirror. Several critics, such as GamingTrend, TheSixthAxis, and Comicbook.com, point out issues with the facial animations. They describe them as stiff, uncanny, and not matching the dialogue, which can be distracting and break immersion. PC Invasion also mentions that while the environments are well-rendered, the textures and animations don't hold up to high levels of scrutiny. Texture pop-in and limited variety in the areas to investigate are also mentioned by Video Chums. The inconsistent graphics, rendering issues, disappearing NPCs, and uninteresting environments are highlighted as negatives by Noisy Pixel. The lip-syncing issues are another common criticism, mentioned by Comicbook.com, COGconnected, and GameCritics. Despite these negatives, it is important to note that the overall sentiment regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Twin Mirror is still generally positive. In conclusion, the Graphics and Visual Design of Twin Mirror receive mostly positive feedback from the critics. The realistic art style, detailed environments, and impressive character models are praised by multiple critics. The visuals of the Mind Palace stand out as stunning and visually appealing. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned, such as stiff and uncanny facial animations, inconsistent graphics, and lip-syncing issues. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among the critics is that Twin Mirror presents a visually pleasing experience with high-quality graphics, even though there are some areas that could be improved.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics mostly praise Twin Mirror's realistic art style, detailed environments, and impressive character models, with some highlighting the stunning visuals of the Mind Palace. However, there are criticisms regarding stiff facial animations, inconsistent graphics, and lip-syncing issues. Overall, while there are areas for improvement, the game offers a visually pleasing experience with high-quality graphics.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

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 Twin Mirror are generally positive. GameSpew praises the soundtrack, stating that it perfectly sets the scene throughout the game and enhances the overall experience. This sentiment is echoed by XboxAddict, who commends the sound design and music for effectively setting the tone of the game and enhancing the small-town atmosphere. Metro GameCentral also highlights the high quality of the voice-acting and performances, which give each character a clear identity, while also mentioning that the score effectively sets the atmosphere and supports the narrative. On the other hand, TheSixthAxis mentions some lip syncing issues in the voice acting, indicating a slight negative aspect of the sound design. Additionally, Noisy Pixel points out that the game lacks the soundtracks typically found in Dontnod games, which can be seen as a disappointment for fans of the developer's previous works. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Twin Mirror are strong aspects of the game. The well-curated soundtrack is praised for contributing to the mature storytelling, and the voice acting is consistently strong, bringing out the traits of each character. The sound design effectively sets the tone and atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience for players. While there are some minor issues mentioned, such as lip syncing problems and a lack of typical Dontnod game soundtracks, these do not overshadow the positive aspects of the sound design and music.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Twin Mirror's Sound Design and Music for enhancing the game's atmosphere and storytelling. High-quality voice acting and well-curated soundtrack set the tone effectively, with some minor issues like lip syncing problems and missing typical Dontnod game soundtracks noted. Overall, the consensus is that the sound design and music are strong aspects of the game, contributing positively to the player experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

45%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Twin Mirror are varied, but overall, there is a positive sentiment towards the performances. GameSpot and Metro GameCentral both highlight the strong voice acting in the game, with notable performances that give each character a clear identity. TheSixthAxis and Video Chums also praise the consistently strong voice acting throughout the dialogue-heavy game. These positive opinions suggest that the voice actors were able to effectively bring out the traits and personalities of their respective characters, enhancing the overall experience for players. However, there are some negative opinions regarding the voice acting in Twin Mirror. GamingTrend criticizes the writing, particularly with the character of Joan, stating that it brings down the overall acting quality. Launcher from The Washington Post mentions that the dialogue and voice acting feel stiff and unnatural. Comicbook.com also notes that while the voice acting is largely admirable, even the most familiar non-playable characters come across as undercooked. These negative opinions suggest that there may be some inconsistencies in the quality of the voice acting and the writing, which could potentially impact the immersion and believability of the game's narrative. Taking into account the opinions of the critics, the overall consensus regarding the voice acting in Twin Mirror leans towards the positive side. The majority of the critics, such as GameSpot, Metro GameCentral, TheSixthAxis, Video Chums, XboxAddict, GameCritics, and Noisy Pixel, express satisfaction with the voice acting performances. They highlight strong performances, consistent quality, and the ability of the voice actors to bring out the traits and identities of the characters. While there are some negative opinions regarding the writing and occasional stiffness in the voice acting, the positive sentiments outweigh the negative ones. Overall, the voice acting in Twin Mirror is generally well-received by the critics, contributing positively to the storytelling and character development in the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Twin Mirror, with some praising strong performances that enhance character identities, while others criticize stiff dialogue and underdeveloped characters. Overall, most reviewers like GameSpot and Metro GameCentral appreciate the voice acting, despite some flaws in writing and execution. Positive feedback outweighs negative comments, with the majority agreeing that the voice acting adds value to the game's storytelling and character portrayal.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

25%

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

In terms of the Technical Performance on PC, the majority of critics had positive experiences. GAMINGbible noted some animation glitches and occasional visual problems, but they did not consider them game-breaking. PC Invasion mentioned that the game is short and rarely difficult to progress, but did not specifically comment on technical issues. However, The Games Machine praised the game for running smoothly without any FPS issues on the tested PC configuration, highlighting DONTNOD's attention to ensuring a fluid experience. This indicates that Twin Mirror generally performs well on PC, with only minor issues reported. On Xbox One, the critics had a mixed experience with the Technical Performance. TheXboxHub mentioned that the game runs at a mostly locked 60fps and loads quickly, which are positive aspects. However, they also noted occasional framerate drops and long loading times, which could be seen as negatives. Xbox Tavern mentioned experiencing texture popping, but it did not affect the overall gameplay experience. Overall, while the game performs well on Xbox One in terms of frame rate and loading times, there are occasional technical issues that can impact the gameplay experience. On PS4, the Technical Performance of Twin Mirror received more negative feedback from the critics. GameCritics mentioned distracting lip-syncing issues, but did not comment on other technical aspects. Noisy Pixel reported rendering issues, disappearing NPCs, and long load times, which are significant negatives. Push Square specifically mentioned poor performance as a flaw in the game. These criticisms suggest that Twin Mirror may have more technical issues on the PS4 platform compared to PC and Xbox One. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the Technical Performance of Twin Mirror is that it performs well on PC, with only minor issues reported. On Xbox One, the game generally runs smoothly but has occasional framerate drops and long loading times. However, on PS4, the game received more negative feedback, with reports of lip-syncing issues, rendering problems, disappearing NPCs, and long load times. It is important to note that while some critics had positive experiences on certain platforms, others experienced technical issues. Therefore, players should consider the specific platform they intend to play on when assessing the Technical Performance of Twin Mirror.

TL;DR

technical performance

Twin Mirror's technical performance shines on PC with only minor issues, while Xbox One offers smooth gameplay with occasional hiccups. However, PS4 faces more challenges with lip-syncing problems and rendering issues. Choose your platform wisely for the best experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

88%

Negative (0-49)

12%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Twin Mirror are varied. Some critics, such as Easy Allies and GamingTrend, feel that the game does not offer much replay value. Easy Allies mentions that there are only a few moments worth revisiting and that the traditional aspects of investigating and interacting with characters are more interesting than the unique features like the mind palace and alter-ego. GamingTrend states that while the game is fairly lengthy for its genre, the lack of fleshed-out mechanics and plot points may not make it worth replaying. These opinions suggest that the game may not offer enough incentive for players to replay it. On the other hand, several critics, including GAMINGbible, Stevivor, and TheXboxHub, highlight the multiple endings and choices in Twin Mirror as factors that contribute to its replay value. GAMINGbible mentions the possibility of a second playthrough to gain more context and information on the mystery, suggesting that there is some replay value. Stevivor and TheXboxHub also mention the multiple endings as providing replay value, particularly for completionists. These opinions suggest that the game does offer some replayability through different narrative paths and outcomes. However, there are also critics who express concerns about the game's replay value. TheSixthAxis mentions that while there are alternative endings and paths to take, the differences mainly result in slightly different conversation lines or heavily signposted binary choices. This lack of significant variation may provide little incentive for players to replay the game. Video Chums also notes that the game is short and lacks a sense of slowly uncovering pieces and putting them together, which may further diminish the replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed regarding the replay value of Twin Mirror. While some critics appreciate the multiple endings and choices that offer replayability, others feel that the lack of significant variations or fleshed-out mechanics may not make it worth replaying. The opinions of critics such as Easy Allies and GamingTrend highlight the potential shortcomings in terms of replay value, while the opinions of critics like GAMINGbible and Stevivor emphasize the game's potential for multiple playthroughs. Ultimately, players who enjoy exploring different narrative paths and outcomes may find value in replaying Twin Mirror, but those seeking deeper gameplay mechanics or significant variations may be less inclined to do so.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on the replay value of Twin Mirror. Some find the lack of significant variations and fleshed-out mechanics make replaying not worthwhile. Others appreciate the multiple endings and choices that offer some replayability. While some critics highlight the game's potential for multiple playthroughs, concerns remain about the game's lack of significant variation and short length. Players who enjoy exploring different narrative paths may find value in replaying Twin Mirror, but those seeking deeper gameplay mechanics may be less inclined to do so.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

10%

Mixed (50-79)

78%

Negative (0-49)

11%

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

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Twin Mirror, it is clear that there are both positive and negative aspects to the game. Starting with the positives, several critics praised the game's visuals, characters, and story. GAMINGbible describes Twin Mirror as visually stimulating and intellectually invigorating, with an interesting plot and characters. GameSpew highlights the excellent narrative and engaging gameplay, while Guardian recommends the game for players who prioritize narrative in their adventures. Metro GameCentral applauds Dontnod's mastery of branching narrative and serious-minded storytelling, stating that the game is dramatic, emotive, and affecting. The Games Machine also acknowledges the enjoyable self-contained story enriched with additional mechanics like the Palace of Memory. On the negative side, some critics expressed disappointment with Twin Mirror. Destructoid criticizes the rushed and truncated story, suggesting that the game needed more development time. Easy Allies mentions that the game falls short in exploring its psychological elements and providing satisfying gameplay, with limited replay value. JeuxActu states that the game could have benefited from more depth and originality in both gameplay and story. Launcher (The Washington Post) goes as far as calling the game soulless and a failure compared to Dontnod's previous work. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there are positive aspects to Twin Mirror, such as its visually stimulating world, interesting characters, and compelling narrative, there are also negative aspects, such as the rushed story, lack of depth in gameplay and character development, and inconsistent visuals. Some critics, like GameSpot and PCGamesN, acknowledge the game's potential and interesting mechanics but feel that it falls short of fully realizing its ambitions. On the other hand, critics like Stevivor and Push Square express disappointment and compare Twin Mirror unfavorably to Dontnod's previous games. Ultimately, the overall sentiment seems to lean towards a game with potential but missed opportunities for further exploration and development.

TL;DR

Twin Mirror receives mixed reviews from critics. Positives include stunning visuals, engaging characters, and a compelling story. However, some critics criticize the rushed plot and lack of depth in gameplay. Overall, the game shows potential but falls short of fully realizing it, leaving room for improvement.

CRITIK

Reviews

106 reviews found

GameCritics

PlayStation 4

Jan 22, 2021