Eternights

“The first work of a small independent studio, Eternights is exactly what we expected: a title that is anything but ambitious and limited more or less in every respect, which overall is still delightful, witty and intriguing.”

“Eternights may not be a game-changer for the genre, but it still offers a solid experience, thanks to a strong cast of characters and an engaging gameplay, especially in its dating sim aspect. It caters to a very specific audience and will likely thrive within its niche; however, if you have even a remote interest in this genre, we recommend giving it a chance: you won't regret it.”

“Eternights, an indie game inspired by Persona, blends RPG progression with hack 'n' slash action. While combat lacks depth, the game shines in character development and storytelling. Its teenage-oriented tone may not appeal to everyone, but it offers a unique mix of romance and supernatural intrigue.”

“Mixing Persona with real-time combat, Eternights delivers a robust package with charming characters, intimate romance, quirky writing, vibrant visuals, and an engaging gameplay loop. Despite it's flaws, Eternights makes a valiant effort in being one of the many games you will enjoy this year, and is a must play for RPG fans!”

“There’s a lot of cool little ideas on display here. The combat system and the use of bonds is excellent. The dating sim sections are fun. Even the survival scavenging elements are a fun distraction. But they all feel insubstantial. Certain activities feel repetitive or limited. The progression path you follow with every teammate feels almost identical. Scavenging is the same thing every time. Even the fights fall into a predictable rhythm after a while. But I still had fun. I’m not sure if all these subgenres add up to a proper game. But I did enjoy the ride. If you’re looking for a pretty, Persona-style RPG, check out Eternights.”

“Eternights combines hack and slash action with Persona social links, but has a few too many issues to recommend to everybody.”

“Weightless combat and forgettable story aside, Eternights is a solid game of romantic vibes in a crumbling world. (Review Policy)”

“Eternights is a surprisingly compelling and thoughtful horror action RPG with relationship bonding elements.”

“It's amazing to see such a passionate debut title from Studio Sai. Eternights elegantly blends in addicting and engaging action combat with dating mechanics while providing beautiful visuals and excellent voice acting. I can't wait to see what's next from this small team of developers.”

“Eternights is an ambitious and mostly successful swing at the dating-sim/action genre that delivers a cool world and likeable characters with robust combat options and a refreshing take on who you can love at the end of the world.”

“Eternights' great success is that it manages to be more than the sum of its parts. The witty writing papers over the shakier aspects of the storytelling, the slight combat is used sparingly enough that its flaws rarely frustrate, and above all, it's got an undeniable charm despite its rough edges. We're swiping right on this one.”

“It’s amazing how talented Studio Sai is, and how much it got right with Eternights. I had a great time despite some rough patches in the early hours, and I’d love to see what these folks can do with more time and resources. And a better joke-writer. Don’t go into Eternights expecting an alternative to Persona; that’s not what this game is. Instead, put your action shoes on and keep an open mind about playing a more “true” dating sim, and I’ll be shocked if you don’t walk away with a smile on your face. And make sure you have a QR reader handy. You’ll see.”

“For that reason, however, it kind of bothers me. Part of my interest in independent titles involves viewing the art form without the overwhelming gloss. Eternights has that gloss, which is an accomplishment in its own right, but when you peel that away, you just find something that seems a bit bland and lifeless. Certainly, not a night you’ll remember. You’d probably be better off just keeping your hand.”

“Eternights is commendable but contentious, an intimate apocalyptic action-adventure that reaches for greatness with limited resources. For every unsophisticated story beat or half-baked mechanic, a pleasant surprise or diversion appears to take its place, a dynamic which should motivate almost anyone intrigued by the premise to see the story through. It all makes Eternights a fine first date, but it might not be marriage material.”

“Though far from perfect, Eternights has a lot of good ideas that heavier hitters in the action dating sim genre should follow. Despite being a small team, Studio Sai provides a fun and enjoyable experience in the scene, offering charming and equally viable dating options to get to know, even adding a queer romance option. There's an engaging mystery to uncover in-game too, every so often taking the time to showcase this in gorgeous 2D animation. Though polish could've been greater in distracting HUD and menus, combat checkpoints and the like, what the studio has done for the genre is create an earnest and wholehearted positive step forward.”