N.E.R.O.: Nothing Ever Remains Obscure

 Xbox One
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 61 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 61
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 61
  3. Negative: 10 out of 61

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  1. KaiserKloud
    May 16, 2015
    10
    Ottime ambientazioni, suggestive e particolari, ottimo anche il gioco di luci, trama interessante e personaggi molto curati, davvero un ottimo prodotto!
  2. johncharles53
    May 16, 2015
    7
    As usual indie development is a breath of fresh air and ideas in a world of triple A. I'm old (...) and it reminds me Myst in some way, glad to read that the developers pitched the game as a sort of new Riven. I read about puzzles around and what i've to say is that someone could find them easy and it's true, but if they refer to the blocking ones to change environment and not theAs usual indie development is a breath of fresh air and ideas in a world of triple A. I'm old (...) and it reminds me Myst in some way, glad to read that the developers pitched the game as a sort of new Riven. I read about puzzles around and what i've to say is that someone could find them easy and it's true, but if they refer to the blocking ones to change environment and not the optional. These are really difficult and well designed, even for an aged player like me that loves spending time reasoning on how to solve stuff. Took 30 mins on the last one and i'm happy for this. Kudos for the heartpuzzle too and timed stuff. Good ideas. Maybe the price is too high but if you're on for some challenge and a great story, it's worth the price. You spent 70 bucks for Call of Duty, come on!… Expand
  3. zomboidmike
    May 16, 2015
    10
    I'm curious to see how this game will be judged by the game press because it is not the kind of game that the mass market is going to love. It has not be designed for hardcore gamers for sure but with some luck this could be the Microsoft option for Journey-like player. It has problems (didn't see many drops or a bad average framerate but a few stutter at the beginning of all levels) butI'm curious to see how this game will be judged by the game press because it is not the kind of game that the mass market is going to love. It has not be designed for hardcore gamers for sure but with some luck this could be the Microsoft option for Journey-like player. It has problems (didn't see many drops or a bad average framerate but a few stutter at the beginning of all levels) but judging the game for this is like reviewing 300 blaming the lack of accuracy as a docufiction. 4 hours and half to complete and missing some stuff i think. What a heartbreaking story guys… Expand
  4. Dragonio
    Jun 8, 2015
    9
    I liked the game. Nice story, very atmospheric, exactly the right pace for me. Great visuals, not too difficult either, just a very enjoyable experience.
  5. EDD0
    May 16, 2015
    10
    Great indie title with a good narrative, parents should get this for themselves and children it would be a bonding experience definitely worth the buy.
  6. angryreviewer82
    May 15, 2015
    10
    Reviewing this game means take your time to explore, read, think and use brain. Reviewing this game as a non game means you didn't play it well. Great experience in the end, if you loved Journey take a look at this game even if it has a few tech problems. Worth 20 bucks for sure. Amazing music, great story, fresh use of narrative. Not for kids. Good job Microsoft, push it now!
  7. xatmo
    May 16, 2015
    9
    A gorgeous story. Almost heartbreaking.
    Loved the atmosphere and the musics. You should really try this game, especially for 20$ which is a fare price.
  8. roctavian
    May 17, 2015
    10
    After just a few seconds I felt home. It instantly reminded me the Myst series, particularly Myst Exile, my favorite. I always liked story driven games and this one is no exception. Love the puzzles, everyone give a little emotional reward and keeps you going. Always, with this type of games, the biggest disappointment is when the game finish. You would like to keep going forever.
    Great    After just a few seconds I felt home. It instantly reminded me the Myst series, particularly Myst Exile, my favorite. I always liked story driven games and this one is no exception. Love the puzzles, everyone give a little emotional reward and keeps you going. Always, with this type of games, the biggest disappointment is when the game finish. You would like to keep going forever.
    Great mood, great visuals, loved the music and the storyteller. Waiting for the next one. :)    … Expand
  9. Elkethus
    May 29, 2015
    8
    If you love Exploring and Puzzle game with an awesome music in the backround this game is definitely for you. i really enjoyed every minutes on the game is a relax puzzle game is different from the other game i definitely recommend it ^.^
  10. MammaSnob
    May 16, 2015
    10
    I had tried to Lucca and already intrigued me, now that I've downloaded and I've played definitely has far exceeded my expectations. Nice game, congratulations.
  11. Kristina88
    May 16, 2015
    8
    A heartbreaking story.
    I didn't know about the existence of this game, I saw it on Twitch and donwloaded it immediately.
    It has been like living in a film for 4 hours.
    Touching, as I'm a mother.
    Loved it!
  12. CakeFox
    May 16, 2015
    7
    I like indie games a lot and this is on of the reasons why!
    It is a "dark" game. To gloomy for journey, to colorful for limbo, something nice in between.
    A good story, with a nice soundtrack that fits the mood.
  13. Sirvano
    May 17, 2015
    10
    Great Indie game, interesting story and intrigating atmospheres. Nice gameplay and story, even music is great. A must-play in it's genre. Good job developers!
  14. TechnoGod
    May 17, 2015
    10
    I just finished playing this game, what can I say. It's dense, emotional and the atmosphere is awesome. The

    music is absolutely amazing and does a lot. As soon as I finished it I started crying, it touched all my senses. Considering that the game it's been made in Unity the team was able to push it and take the most out of it. It's a small great piece of art. Good job Storm in    I just finished playing this game, what can I say. It's dense, emotional and the atmosphere is awesome. The

    music is absolutely amazing and does a lot. As soon as I finished it I started crying, it touched all my senses.

    Considering that the game it's been made in Unity the team was able to push it and take the most out of it.

    It's a small great piece of art.

    Good job Storm in a Teacup ;-)    … Expand
  15. UFOROBOT
    May 17, 2015
    9
    Once I started playing it I was sure that Nero is a wanderful novel story. but only at the end of Nero I have discovered how much fantastic is such game; fully different from any other "normal" game
  16. EgrDottssa
    May 18, 2015
    10
    “What are you willing to sacrifice for the one you love?” That's maybe the key of the game. NERO is unique, it’s an experience. Amazing story, a beautifully drawn world, very good gameplay, fantastic soundtrack.
    Honestly, I really recommend it, love it!
    I would especially like to congratulate Carlo Bianchi, Alberto Belli and the team at Storm in a Teacup are capable of doing amazing    “What are you willing to sacrifice for the one you love?” That's maybe the key of the game. NERO is unique, it’s an experience. Amazing story, a beautifully drawn world, very good gameplay, fantastic soundtrack.
    Honestly, I really recommend it, love it!
    I would especially like to congratulate Carlo Bianchi, Alberto Belli and the team at Storm in a Teacup are capable of doing amazing things! good job guys!    … Expand
  17. pavlovic
    May 28, 2015
    9
    Very nice and original little game with great atmosphere and interesting gameplay.Considering the price.it far exceeded my expectations.I'm very glad I bought it.
  18. Danguru
    May 16, 2015
    9
    One of the Best Indie Games on XBOX One for 2015.An amazing story with a powerfull lights and magic! Around 4 hours of story and mistery who bring to you in another world!
  19. werewolfsamurai
    May 16, 2015
    10
    Awesome piece from indie development with great story !!!. Really nice atmosphere with stunning graphics and effects. Very good gameplay. I really recommend it !!!
  20. GuN_jAcK
    May 17, 2015
    10
    Really beautiful indie game with a stunning atmosphere, amazing music and original story!
    To everyone recommend to add this title into a personal library (only 20$)!!
  21. FeBus982
    May 17, 2015
    10
    Are you tired of playing always same games (XXX, XXX 2 the revenge, XXX 3 i'm back, ...)? You have the chance to play a completely different game type, with excellent lights and atmosphere. Lot of hours of fun. Excellent work for an Indie production :)
  22. Cloudheaven
    May 17, 2015
    10
    Finally a different game and a different approach to gaming.
    Loving the story, the soundtrack and the general atmosphere, something that lately is hard to find, sometimes even in AAA game, so well done Storm in a Teacup!! An obliged purchase for every lover of adventure, plus the price is very inviting!
  23. Yuz4
    May 17, 2015
    9
    Great game, stunning visual impact, story and gameplay experience are awesome, 'cause they makes you think about a lot of serious things (i won't spoil anything ;) ). I tried it for the first time in Lucca Comics & Games event in November 2014 and I totally loved it. Now I played it, and i "devoured" it with a full immersion rush. Totally worth. Must buy ^_^
  24. Baffeus
    May 17, 2015
    8
    Very nice game, suggestive images, cool atmospheres and everything seems like a space dream. Very cool music and nice puzzles too. Money well spent. Thumb up!
  25. Pomettini
    May 18, 2015
    5
    The game is very short (less than two hours on my first playthrough) with almost no replay value, technically speaking is a mess, puzzles are so easy that you can solve them on the first try, except the last one which made me crazy. The story in my personal opinion is well narrated but not deep as other similar titles. On the other side dubbing, sound effects, and the music especially areThe game is very short (less than two hours on my first playthrough) with almost no replay value, technically speaking is a mess, puzzles are so easy that you can solve them on the first try, except the last one which made me crazy. The story in my personal opinion is well narrated but not deep as other similar titles. On the other side dubbing, sound effects, and the music especially are very well made. Overall could have been much better. Definitely not a 20€ game for me.… Expand
  26. mjheed
    May 31, 2015
    0
    I am completely lost in this game. Nothing makes sense. The story line doesn't even flow logically at all. One minute the son is dying, the next it's the mother. The narrator tells a story that has no meaning nor plot. There are glowing words just randomly painted on walls that do nothing for the game play. The puzzles aren't really puzzles, just distractions that have no logicalI am completely lost in this game. Nothing makes sense. The story line doesn't even flow logically at all. One minute the son is dying, the next it's the mother. The narrator tells a story that has no meaning nor plot. There are glowing words just randomly painted on walls that do nothing for the game play. The puzzles aren't really puzzles, just distractions that have no logical progression. Often you're just doing random things until whatever the "puzzle" is finally unlocks. Then you move on with no idea what you've done. The physics engine in the game is barely adequate to move about the story. I've played thru about 4 levels (I'm not certain because there's no clear beginning or ending to levels). The entire experience reminds me of using a translator app.... you can read the translation, but it has no meaning. Maybe this game is better in it's native language? So far the only emotion the game as elicited in me is frustration.
    I wish there was a guide or walk thru that helped explain what my goal in the game is... because the story is leading me nowhere. I only keep playing it hoping there will be a sudden revelation that explains what I've been doing.

    But, on a positive note, the graphics are quite pretty....    … Expand
  27. osprey
    May 16, 2015
    10
    Love this game! Another reviewer called the story trite, I couldn't agree less. This is a moving story with beautiful atmosphere and a haunting soundtrack. This is a game that you explore slowly to discover everything it has to offer. There are a few issues such as the occasional crash but the game is so special that this was not a problem for me. I was a little reluctant to pay $20Love this game! Another reviewer called the story trite, I couldn't agree less. This is a moving story with beautiful atmosphere and a haunting soundtrack. This is a game that you explore slowly to discover everything it has to offer. There are a few issues such as the occasional crash but the game is so special that this was not a problem for me. I was a little reluctant to pay $20 for a unknown entity but it was worth every penny. A very rewarding gaming experience not to be missed.… Expand
  28. xl33tgamerx
    Jun 14, 2015
    6
    Very pretty indie game with good narrative and puzzles. It is however, a bit of a yawn-fest, everything seems slow paced as you are wandering listening to the story, although I guess this could be considered a good change if you need a break from other hardcore fast action games - and it is very pretty... so I could say between the pros and con's a 6 is very fair, especially considering IVery pretty indie game with good narrative and puzzles. It is however, a bit of a yawn-fest, everything seems slow paced as you are wandering listening to the story, although I guess this could be considered a good change if you need a break from other hardcore fast action games - and it is very pretty... so I could say between the pros and con's a 6 is very fair, especially considering I usually don't buy indies since so many reflect the lack of budget that went into their creation. This one is a notch above most for good scenery.… Expand
  29. Rodrigo_31
    May 17, 2016
    8
    What a way to tell a story! Well, it is true that N.E.R.O. is short, easy, too easy that is impossible to be stucked in a puzzle solving situation. All puzzles I managed to solve it in only one or two tries... Some may say a few puzzles take more time, which is true though, for me, nothing challeging at all. That hardest to me was not even the last one.

    Let´s talk about length. The    What a way to tell a story! Well, it is true that N.E.R.O. is short, easy, too easy that is impossible to be stucked in a puzzle solving situation. All puzzles I managed to solve it in only one or two tries... Some may say a few puzzles take more time, which is true though, for me, nothing challeging at all. That hardest to me was not even the last one.

    Let´s talk about length. The game, to me, could last 1:30 hour or so, but it took me almost 7 hrs to finish it, because I simply explored the entire enviroment in the game, try to catch all the pictures and wonder around.

    The strongest points in N.E.R.O. is on the narrative elements, from the start I alreayd understood what I was doing, and what was my role. When the story started to emerge as I was diving in I already noticed who I was, who the companion was and what was happening around, the only true surprise I had was the end, which I did not expected at all. The game is touching but its music, narrative, slow paced gameplay, gorgeous and beautiful levels with awesome art design. I saw a trailer and thought as an instant buy because I started at atari, and we "oldies" are tired from the same of the same every day and when something like this just comes it looks like a "breeze of spring fresh air" coming to my console.
    If you like touching stories with that sense of wonder you only see in stories like "The Little Prince", that is totally for you. The game mechanics never fails though there are some few bugs but they don't ruin the experience, it could have been a little longer with harder puzzles to make the ending even more memorable, the game is a blast though... It just didn't reach 10 because it seemed fast at moments... I'm talking about the narrative here. Anyway, congrats to storm in a teacup for the excellence, and I wonder, if something like this couldn't be improved by then, because they really know how to amaze telling a simple drama, a beautiful story.    … Expand
  30. SuperkenGaming
    Aug 12, 2016
    8
    N.E.R.O. Nothing Ever Remains Obscure
    A strangely calming adventure.
    It’s so hard to talk about NERO without spoiling it, so I’m not going to go into story details even a little bit. .. I will only say this is a story about acceptance… If you’re looking for awesome gameplay, don’t look here... this isn’t what Nero is about the magic here is in the journey and story telling... The    N.E.R.O. Nothing Ever Remains Obscure
    A strangely calming adventure.
    It’s so hard to talk about NERO without spoiling it, so I’m not going to go into story details even a little bit. ..
    I will only say this is a story about acceptance…
    If you’re looking for awesome gameplay, don’t look here... this isn’t what Nero is about
    the magic here is in the journey and story telling...
    The atmosphere in this game really is perfect excluding 1 on the 4 chapters...
    This is a quote unquote walking simulator with light puzzle elements thrown in here…
    As you explore the beautiful levels with calming ambience, you’ll run into pieces of pictures and puzzles that completing them will give more insight into the story…
    It’s a real joy exploring these 4 levels so these collectibles do not feel like a chore at all to search for…
    The puzzles in this game are for the most part very simple and involve mainly pressure pads and throwing an orb of blue light to activate a switch… you’ll even get a companion early on to help with a couple puzzles throughout your journey… and a handful of these puzzles can actually be completely skipped… but if you want the most out of this 2 hour game, it’s definitely worth seeking all 29 out…
    I will say there were probably about 4 puzzles that I had to look up a solution to... not because I couldn’t figure it out. .but because I had no idea what the puzzle was asking me to do in the first place…
    which unfortunately does break the immersion the rest of the game did such a great job at placing me into…
    But the story makes it all worth it…
    it’s just as beautiful and mysterious as the rest of the world and even brought a few tears to my eyes..
    NERO may not have the best puzzles... but the puzzles do their job at keeping the pace…
    And if there’s one thing NERO does have, it’s one of the most heartwarming experiences of the year.
    I give NERO Nothing Ever Remains Obscure
    an
    8/10    … Expand
  31. Fuland
    Oct 18, 2015
    1
    I was intrigued by this game and its visual novel premise, but I've sadly been very disappointed due to its uninspired design, technical flaws and nonsensical story, where storytelling (floating writings in the air? really? "visual novel" doesn't mean you get to write your story everywhere like in a book) and puzzles really don't blend together. Moreover, it took me a couple of hours toI was intrigued by this game and its visual novel premise, but I've sadly been very disappointed due to its uninspired design, technical flaws and nonsensical story, where storytelling (floating writings in the air? really? "visual novel" doesn't mean you get to write your story everywhere like in a book) and puzzles really don't blend together. Moreover, it took me a couple of hours to finish a 20 bucks game. Not great value for money.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2015
89
#89 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 19
  3. Negative: 3 out of 19
  1. Gaming Age
    Aug 7, 2015
    75
    It's definitely a Westernized way of approaching the visual novel, but if you look at it just so, you can see how it might fit in that box.
    Read full review
  2. SpazioGames
    Jun 9, 2015
    70
    As a debut for Storm in a Teacup, Nero is a partial success that you should try. While not free from defects and with puzzles that, in many cases, leave something to be desired in terms of originality and variation, the touching story told by Nero has been able to excite us in many moments.
    Read full review
  3. COGconnected
    Jun 1, 2015
    63
    Nero calls itself an interactive story, and does fine by itself with the story aspect, however interaction is sorely lacking.
    Read full review
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