If you look at some of the negative Steam reviews, however, it seems like this game is either 1) too long (12-15 hours), 2) not fun, or 3) both.
In particular, multiple negative reviews mentioned that there are hundreds of meticulously crafted items on screen, but almost none of them are interactive.
The game still has a very positive score (81%), so I wouldn't judge it based on a few negative reviews.
Most "walking simulators" and story-rich cinematic experiences carry the "boring" stigma. This is no surprise when the average gamer is used to games designed to be as addicting as possible, and doesn't consider an experience as "fun" unless their dopamine receptors are constantly engaged.
There could be issues with the story, though this a very subjective topic, but complaining about boring gameplay shouldn't be a concern in this genre. These are supposed to be relaxing and meditative experiences, and the visuals and voice acting seem top notch from what I've seen.
Yes but I found the negative reviews to be considerate and informative. It wasn't "Not enough blam blam". In fact, the negative reviews seemed more considerate of the actual gameplay experience, while the positive reviews are more along the lines of "Gorgeous" (which I agree it is).
Bearing in mind that there have been effectively zero major graphic adventure games in the past two decades, exclusive console players, smartphone gacha gamers, and 20 year olds who did not grow up with parents who loved PC adventure games will likely not understand or appreciate something quiet that they can immerse themselves in and explore for days, weeks, months.
I say this as someone who hasn't ever played a game on a smartphone or tablet and bought a PS5 and has barely used it because none of the games are "fun" (also, is local co-op just not a thing anymore?).
It is hard to appreciate hand crafted interactive media, when current generation video cards can produce almost exactly the same visual result, with more interactivity. I am the fan of stop motion movies, like "Wallace and Gromit" or movies made by Laika studios. Yes, Neverhood was amazing at its time too, but today one must go even further to somehow put hand crafted assets into games. Should we go back to "feelies", that were provided in game boxes way back in the day?
While I loved the look of Neverhood, I personally never thought it was a good "game". The puzzles were obscure, random, etc. I almost feel like they should have just opted to make a short movie or if it adds up to 80+ mins then a full length movie, instead of a game.
Lumino City the puzzle game took this approach too, although their simpler detail perhaps makes it easier to appreciate the physical work that went into it. The “making of” app they released is worth it for anyone into making/crafting.
In particular, multiple negative reviews mentioned that there are hundreds of meticulously crafted items on screen, but almost none of them are interactive.