I’ve definitely seen some people bounce off the game, though maybe not for the exact same reasons as you. I think the nuanced characters are a real strength the game has, and even though there are definitely some bad people to encounter there are genuinely sweet and lovely characters as well. Right out the gate you have not just Kim but Lena, Anette and Tommy Le Homme. Even Mañana is a very pleasant character, though whether he is a good person becomes a more philosophical discussion.
Most people I’ve seen who stop playing early are those who get very upset at how the main character behaves. They come into the game with the idea of being given a blank slate like many other RPGs, and get incredibly frustrated by being forced to select “stupid” or insane dialogue options. You’re not really allowed to live out any character concept, the whole point is to explore this deeply flawed, pre-defined protagonist.
And there are also those who finish it but end up disappointed. These are typically players who wanted and expected a detective game, a CRPG whodunnit about a murder mystery. The game isn’t really that, and if you skip a bunch of “side stuff” and just try to focus on the case you probably miss not just many important moments but probably the whole point of the game. And then the conclusion will leave you disappointed.
I love Disco Elysium, but I totally get that it’s not for everyone.
It’s most certainly different tastes. I’m just surprised to find a reaction like mine so underrepresented.
I’ve definitely seen some people bounce off the game, though maybe not for the exact same reasons as you. I think the nuanced characters are a real strength the game has, and even though there are definitely some bad people to encounter there are genuinely sweet and lovely characters as well. Right out the gate you have not just Kim but Lena, Anette and Tommy Le Homme. Even Mañana is a very pleasant character, though whether he is a good person becomes a more philosophical discussion.
Most people I’ve seen who stop playing early are those who get very upset at how the main character behaves. They come into the game with the idea of being given a blank slate like many other RPGs, and get incredibly frustrated by being forced to select “stupid” or insane dialogue options. You’re not really allowed to live out any character concept, the whole point is to explore this deeply flawed, pre-defined protagonist.
And there are also those who finish it but end up disappointed. These are typically players who wanted and expected a detective game, a CRPG whodunnit about a murder mystery. The game isn’t really that, and if you skip a bunch of “side stuff” and just try to focus on the case you probably miss not just many important moments but probably the whole point of the game. And then the conclusion will leave you disappointed.
I love Disco Elysium, but I totally get that it’s not for everyone.