World End Syndrome

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
tbd

No score yet - based on 3 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Hardcore Gamer
    May 14, 2019
    70
    Worldend Syndrome isn’t going to change anyone’s minds about visual novels. That’s not the developer’s goals. This is a title aimed squarely at existing fans of the genre. For the forgiving segment of that audience, this is a must play. Worldend Syndrome is a highly-enjoyable read and the story goes places, but it feels like the uninitiated would need to do some homework before jumping in to get the most out of it. Those without a familiarity of the genre can still get some enjoyment out of it, but they would be better served waiting for a sale price. Those that don’t like the genre in general will simply use this as another example of how these games aren’t really “games.” That’s not the point, but there it is.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. King_zlata
    Dec 27, 2020
    10
    One of the best vn I have ever played. Every route is well written and gradually get you to the truth. I definitely think it's a must play!
  2. PsychoZG
    Aug 4, 2020
    6
    First things first, Worldend Syndrome has some of the most gorgeous art I've ever encountered in a VN style game with beautiful backgroundsFirst things first, Worldend Syndrome has some of the most gorgeous art I've ever encountered in a VN style game with beautiful backgrounds and character art, it's a very visually appealing title. The overarching plot sits somewhere in between the "Small rural town with a dark secret" realm of Higurashi and the "Dead person unknowingly returned to life who trigger's death and tragedy" mystery of Another. It's certainly engaging, unraveling the mysteries of Mihate Town as you play through the various character routes and endings, learning a little bit more with each play through and for many, that will be enough to get them through to the end.

    Less appealing was that the game forces you to play through the entire prologue twice, which wouldn't be a huge issue if it wasn't so long. Thankfully there's a skip function for text you've already read. This function will likely see significant use as you play though the different routes of the story as many events play out the same or very similarly regardless of the route you're currently on.

    The cast of characters is nothing groundbreaking, mostly cliche archetypes that you'll find in a lot of anime games: 'Hot Teacher', 'Shy/Nerdy Girl', 'Perverted Male Sidekick', 'Popular Tsundere' and so on, it's not an issue necessarily but it's a little disappointing that there isn't a bit more originality here. More of an issue is the often completely unnecessary fan-service that can make some scenes a little uncomfortable, the worst offenders being the short dream sequences with heavy sexual undertones that add nothing to the story or characters and are just there for the sake of any horny teenage boys who happen to be playing. It's fair to say that this game can sometimes feel more like a dating sim than a murder mystery, it's up to the individual as to if that's a bad thing or not.

    Overall I can recommend Worldend Syndrome if you're into visual novels and murder mystery plots and can look past the fan-service and occasionally cringe dialogue that comes with it. Otherwise, you're not missing anything groundbreaking by giving it a miss.

    + The game looks gorgeous and the sound design is solid
    + The main plot line is interesting with some good twists and turns
    + Has a text skip function which will likely see plenty of use

    Neutral: The cast of characters are nothing new and mostly cliche archetypes

    - Has far too much fan-service and occasionally cringe dialogue
    - Can feel less like a murder mystery and more like a dating sim at times
    - Can get very repetitive as you play through the various routes as some events are fixed    … Full Review »
  3. hh3k0
    Jul 10, 2019
    10
    World End Syndrome is perhaps the visual novel with the most gorgeous character and background art that I've ever read/played. The protagonistWorld End Syndrome is perhaps the visual novel with the most gorgeous character and background art that I've ever read/played. The protagonist of this captivating story has just moved to a seaside town for a fresh start. He joins the mystery club of the local high school, a club that is mainly devoted to the research of an old legend of the town, and realizes soon that all is not what it seems in the peaceful town that is his new home. The visual novel has several interesting routes, surprising plot-twists and a diverse range of endings. Definitely my new all-time favorite vn.… Full Review »
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