SANABI

SANABI game image

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AI Review

SANABI is a stylish dystopian action-platformer that combines fast-paced gameplay with a gripping cyberpunk narrative. Play as a legendary retired veteran armed with a chain-hook prosthetic arm, zipping through skyscrapers, dodging bullets, and defeating enemies in a high-tech city ruled by corruption. With an AI Community Rating of 91.85%, players praise its stunning art, emotional soundtrack, and engaging story. However, some note that frequent cutscenes and repetitive early gameplay can disrupt the flow. If you love challenging platformers with a rich narrative, SANABI offers a thrilling experience, though its pacing and controls may take some getting used to.

What the community wishes

Cutscene pacing disrupts gameplay flow
The 'tell don't show' approach to storytelling and long, frequent cutscenes interrupt gameplay too often. The game would benefit from condensing cutscenes or integrating story elements into gameplay to maintain momentum.
Early gameplay feels too easy
The first half of the game is too easy, which may deter players seeking a challenge. Increasing difficulty earlier or adding optional harder modes could improve engagement.
Controls feel clunky initially
Movement and controls feel awkward at the start until an upgrade is acquired. Improving the responsiveness and fluidity of early controls would enhance the initial experience.
Gameplay-to-cutscene ratio unbalanced
The game suffers from an uneven balance between gameplay and cutscenes, with long interruptions breaking immersion. Reducing cutscene length or spacing them out more evenly would improve pacing.
Story pacing slows in early chapters
The story starts strong but slows down in the early chapters, creating a lull. Tightening the narrative pacing in the first half would maintain player interest.
Cutscenes lack skip/replay options
Replaying the game is tedious due to unskippable or slow-to-skip cutscenes. Adding a skip or fast-forward feature for cutscenes would improve replayability.
Level design feels simplistic
Levels are blocklike and lack complexity, making gameplay feel repetitive. Introducing more varied and intricate level designs would enhance the challenge and engagement.
Translation quality inconsistent
The English translation has occasional errors or awkward phrasing, which can detract from the story. Improving translation quality would enhance the narrative experience.
Early dialogue is overly long
The opening dialogue is excessively long and repetitive, which may deter players. Streamlining early dialogue would improve the initial impression of the game.
Gameplay interruptions reduce immersion
Frequent interruptions by cutscenes break the flow of gameplay, making it hard to stay engaged. Integrating story elements more seamlessly into gameplay would improve immersion.
Controls lack precision in some areas
Players report occasional issues with controls not responding as intended, leading to frustration. Tightening control responsiveness would improve the overall gameplay experience.
Story predictability in early chapters
The early story feels clichéd and predictable, which may reduce player interest. Adding more unexpected twists or depth early on would enhance the narrative.
Replayability limited by cutscene length
Replaying the game is hindered by long, unskippable cutscenes. Adding options to skip or speed through cutscenes would make replays more enjoyable.
Early chapters lack challenge
The first half of the game is too easy, which may not appeal to players seeking a challenge. Introducing more difficulty options or scaling early on would improve engagement.
Story integration could be smoother
The story and gameplay feel disconnected at times, with cutscenes interrupting the flow. Integrating story elements more naturally into gameplay would enhance the experience.
Levels feel repetitive and blocklike
Level design lacks variety and complexity, making gameplay feel monotonous. Introducing more diverse and challenging level layouts would improve the experience.
Early dialogue drags on too long
The opening dialogue is overly lengthy and repetitive, which may deter players. Condensing or making early dialogue more dynamic would improve pacing.
Cutscenes disrupt gameplay momentum
Frequent and lengthy cutscenes interrupt gameplay, breaking immersion. Reducing cutscene frequency or integrating story into gameplay would improve flow.
Controls need early-game refinement
Movement and controls feel clunky at the start, which may frustrate players. Improving early-game control responsiveness would enhance the initial experience.
Translation errors detract from story
The English translation has occasional errors, which can disrupt the narrative. Polishing the translation would improve the overall storytelling experience.

Reviews

Toxicity trend

N-Grams

beyond that waysuper fun thesmall masterpiece itsobbing at mytruly well thoughttear marks 10/10made me cryphenomenal an extremelyfantastic art stylefrustrating cutscenes whichI am speechlessrich story ofgreat game I'vecried for almostunbelievable and thedeserves 11/10 forfavourite game that'swe are owlson the same level

Keywords

What the community loves
story
20
recommend
11
amazing
11
gameplay
10
fun
9
music
8
art
8
soundtrack
8
beautiful
7
emotional
7
masterpiece
6
great
5
good
5
love
4
10/10
4
Where the community is undecided
story
13
gameplay
7
dialogue
5
platformer
5
difficulty
4
experience
3
combat
3
action
3
swing
2
tears
2
time
2
predictable
2
graphics
2
cinematics
2
cry
2
What the community dislikes
cutscenes
7
repetitive
5
dialogue
5
pacing
5
frustrating
5
gameplay
3
tedious
3
story
3
frustrated
2
awful
2
trash
2
mediocre
2
cliche
2
melodramatic
2
bloated
2

In-depth analysis of most impactful community reviews

Positive

I initially became interested in Sanabi when I heard it was similar to my favorite game, Katana ZERO. I decided to wait on playing it until the full release, but I was eager to see if it would be on the same level as Katana ZERO. ...It is.

  • Sentiments

    • I initially became interested in Sanabi because it was compared to my favorite game, Katana ZERO, which made me eager to try it.
    • I decided to wait for the full release of Sanabi, showing my anticipation and high expectations for the game.
    • After playing Sanabi, I found that it is on the same level as Katana ZERO, which is a strong positive sentiment about its quality.

Positive

[h1] We are owls that never cry. And tigers that don't leave foot prints. [/h1] but after the ending I'm like [h1] We are owls that weep like babies. Tigers that leaves tear marks. [/h1] 10/10 must play.

  • Sentiments

    • I feel deeply moved by the emotional transformation depicted in the game, as it shifts from a sense of strength and mystery to vulnerability and raw emotion.
    • I appreciate the poetic and metaphorical language used in the review, which enhances the emotional impact of the game's narrative.
    • I am impressed by the game's ability to evoke such a strong emotional response, as reflected in the reviewer's shift from stoicism to emotional release.
    • I find the review's comparison of owls and tigers to human emotions to be creative and thought-provoking, adding depth to the game's themes.
    • I feel a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment from the reviewer's high praise and recommendation of the game as a 'must play.'
    • I notice the reviewer's emotional journey mirrors the game's narrative arc, which suggests a well-crafted and immersive storytelling experience.
    • I am struck by the contrast between the initial imagery of strength and the final imagery of vulnerability, which highlights the game's emotional depth.
    • I appreciate the reviewer's use of vivid imagery to convey their emotional experience, which makes the review engaging and relatable.
    • I feel a sense of connection to the reviewer's emotional journey, as it reflects the universal themes of strength, vulnerability, and transformation.
    • I am inspired by the reviewer's enthusiasm and emotional investment in the game, which speaks to its ability to resonate deeply with players.

Positive

Gosh darn it, I'm still bawling my eyes out over here. Uh... anyways, great game! I've seen people relate this game to [strike]Katana Zero[/strike] Time Samurai a bunch, and I agree with that. But I am curious if this game was also inspired by MO: Astray, the charge dash and body swapping felt right outta that game and I love it. I'd say the way they share their stories is a bit similar as well. So yea, if you're looking at this review to see if this game is worth it, I'd say so! And if you are here after beating this game, I recommend trying out MO: Astray as well. It's a great game! Edit: After going through this game again for the legend achievement, the ending STILL made me cry, and I'm not really the type of person who is easily emotional over video games. The game's story is just that good.

  • Sentiments

    • I am still emotionally overwhelmed and crying after finishing the game, which shows how impactful the story was.
    • I find the game to be great and agree with comparisons to other games like Time Samurai.
    • I am curious if the game was inspired by MO: Astray, as the charge dash and body swapping mechanics feel similar.
    • I love the similarities in storytelling between this game and MO: Astray.
    • I highly recommend this game to anyone wondering if it's worth playing.
    • I suggest trying out MO: Astray after finishing this game, as it is also a great game.
    • Even after replaying the game for the legend achievement, the ending still made me cry, which is rare for me as I am not easily emotional over video games.
    • I believe the game's story is exceptionally good, which is why it had such a strong emotional impact on me.

Positive

Wow... Wow... Wow... I am speechless. I am completely speechless.. I-I am. really. really. speechless. I finished the game 20 minutes ago and I have been crying the whole time since that point and I can't stop. This experience... I can't describe it... it wasn't phenomenal... it was beyond that... way beyond that... there are barely any words which can describe this. This game... has officially become my favourite game... that's how phenomenal this masterpiece was... The game which I will tell my kids about and let them experience it for the first time... I would wholeheartedly recommend this game to everyone. I really should go wash my face now... I can barely see anything because of these tears

  • Sentiments

    • I am completely speechless and overwhelmed by the experience of playing this game, to the point where I cannot find words to describe it.
    • The game has become my favorite game of all time, surpassing any other experience I have had.
    • I was moved to tears for 20 minutes after finishing the game, which shows how deeply it affected me emotionally.
    • The game is described as a masterpiece, far beyond phenomenal, and I feel it is an experience that transcends typical gaming.
    • I would wholeheartedly recommend this game to everyone, as I believe it is a must-play for anyone.
    • I am so emotionally impacted that I can barely see due to the tears, which shows the profound effect the game had on me.
    • This is a game I will tell my kids about and encourage them to experience for themselves, as it is that meaningful to me.
    • The game left me in a state of awe and emotional vulnerability, which is rare for any form of media.
    • I feel that the game is beyond description, as no words can truly capture its impact on me.
    • The experience was so profound that I am still processing it, unable to fully articulate my feelings.

Positive

This game has a truly well thought out story-line, beautiful ambiance and atmosphere, and not the most difficult game-play, but truly a masterpiece in terms of 'feel' and art style. This game is truly amazing, and deserves 11/10 for the work, and love the Devs put into it.

  • Sentiments

    • I feel that the game has a truly well thought out story-line, which adds depth and engagement to the overall experience.
    • I appreciate the beautiful ambiance and atmosphere, which significantly enhances the immersive quality of the game.
    • I find the game-play to be not the most difficult, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of players.
    • I consider the game a masterpiece in terms of 'feel', which highlights its unique emotional and sensory appeal.
    • I admire the art style of the game, which contributes to its overall aesthetic and artistic value.
    • I believe the game is truly amazing, reflecting a high level of satisfaction and enjoyment.
    • I think the game deserves an 11/10 rating, indicating an exceptional level of quality and excellence.
    • I recognize the significant work and love the developers put into the game, which is evident in its polished and thoughtful design.

Negative

This game has a fantastic art style and starts strong. However, the "tell don't show" approach to its storytelling and the long, click-through dialogue scenes interrupt the game far too often and for far too long for me to enjoy it. The gameplay feels chaotic, but I imagine it would be great if time were invested in getting used to it. Mostly, I just wanted to switch it off due to the frustrating cutscenes, which is a shame because the story is quite compelling and has good humour. You can skip some cut scenes, but knowing the story is part of the game. It's more the format and how often they happen, considering the levels are so short.

  • Sentiments

    • I find the art style of the game to be fantastic, which adds a lot of visual appeal to the experience.
    • The game starts strong, which initially creates a positive impression and draws me in.
    • I feel frustrated by the 'tell don't show' approach to storytelling, as it feels less engaging and immersive.
    • The long, click-through dialogue scenes interrupt the flow of the game too often and for too long, which I find disruptive.
    • The gameplay feels chaotic to me, though I think it could be enjoyable with more time and practice.
    • I often wanted to switch the game off due to the frustrating cutscenes, which significantly impacted my enjoyment.
    • I find the story compelling and appreciate the good humor woven into it, which adds depth to the experience.
    • I feel conflicted about skipping cutscenes because knowing the story is important, but their format and frequency are overwhelming.
    • The levels feel too short, which makes the frequent cutscenes feel even more intrusive and poorly paced.

Negative

Kinda love-hate it. Nice art style and music. Gameplay when you play is pretty ok, but.. Reading cutscenes is tedious and kills flow of the game. Rly, it feels like 1-1 ratio of game to plot. If they made cutscenes more fast or made plot run when you play it would be much better. Watching trailers and reading desc on steam i expected game to feel more like super meat boy, celeste or katana zero. Its not like that. Challenges arent really that hard, but are more tedious, which is bad when you realise how simplistic and blocklike levels are. It was more like a test to patience than a skill (in terms of gamplay and plot). Also, sometimes i felt like controls werent really that tight and i did things i didnt want, or things didnt play out as i wanted. Other reviews gave pretty reasonable examples of games who do controls good, so id like to add also game who i felt did it better: remnants of naezith. Plot, at start, felt cheap and cliche, but it had its nice points later. Sadly it plays very slowly, sometimes it is not possible to speed up/skip when replaying. Overall I have mixed feelings about this game, but it gave to many fristrating moments to leave positive review. EDIT: Again, dont get me wrong - i finished the game and it squeezed a tear from me. My issue is that the game is good only in some small moments, rest is usually tedious. The other (greater) part is that there is more cutscenes than gamplay in this game and authors had big issue with pacing and tempo.

  • Sentiments

    • I appreciate the nice art style and music in the game, which adds to its overall appeal.
    • The gameplay is decent when I am actually playing, but it feels overshadowed by other issues.
    • I find the reading cutscenes tedious and disruptive to the flow of the game, making it feel like there is too much plot compared to gameplay.
    • I expected the game to feel more like Super Meat Boy, Celeste, or Katana Zero based on trailers and descriptions, but it did not meet those expectations.
    • The challenges in the game are not hard but rather tedious, which is frustrating given the simplistic and block-like level design.
    • I feel like the controls are not tight enough, leading to unintended actions or outcomes that I did not want.
    • The plot initially felt cheap and cliché, but it had some nice moments later on, though it progressed too slowly.
    • I find it frustrating that cutscenes cannot always be sped up or skipped, especially when replaying the game.
    • Overall, I have mixed feelings about the game because while it had some good moments, the tedious aspects and pacing issues overshadowed them.
    • Despite its flaws, the game managed to evoke an emotional response from me, squeezing a tear at the end.

Negative

Game was decent, but it really depends on what you're looking for. This is a VERY story focused game. If you're looking for a cool platforming game, you will be VERY annoyed like I was at the insane story to gameplay ratio. It's really bad, like every 2 minutes of gameplay is 5 minutes of talking. I kept getting distracted and watching Youtube videos of random stuff because I would complete like 3 screens and then I have to have another cutscene. I don't mind cutscenes so much, its just how REPETITIVE the dialogue was. I felt like the same conversation was played in 20 different ways and that was half the dialogue in the game. It is VERY easy to tune out. The annoying part about it, is the story DOES have a great pay off. I feel like the story wouldn't be compromised if they chopped up some of the excessive dialogue whatsoever.

  • Sentiments

    • I found the game to be decent overall, but its quality heavily depends on what the player is looking for.
    • I was very annoyed by the game's heavy focus on story, as it significantly overshadowed the gameplay.
    • I felt the story-to-gameplay ratio was extremely unbalanced, with only 2 minutes of gameplay for every 5 minutes of dialogue.
    • I kept getting distracted and watching unrelated YouTube videos because the gameplay segments were too short and interrupted by frequent cutscenes.
    • I didn't mind the cutscenes themselves, but I found the dialogue to be overly repetitive and easy to tune out.
    • I felt like the same conversations were repeated in 20 different ways, which made up half of the game's dialogue.
    • I appreciated that the story had a great payoff, which made the experience somewhat worthwhile.
    • I believe the story's impact wouldn't have been compromised if some of the excessive dialogue had been trimmed.

Negative

Пресижн платформер, где не дают платформить и постоянно #@!здят. Я не смог переварить этот пейсинг. Да и не то чтобы [i]хВаТаЦа[/I] крюком за уступы, направляя стик, было бы фаново. Лучше поиграйте в [url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1104660/MOAstray/]MO:Astray[/url].

  • Sentiments

    • I found the game to be a precision platformer that doesn't allow for smooth platforming, which was frustrating.
    • I felt that the pacing of the game was unbearable and hard to digest.
    • I didn't enjoy the mechanic of using a hook to grab ledges while directing the stick, as it didn't feel fun.
    • I would recommend playing MO:Astray instead of this game, as it seems like a better alternative.

Negative

Too much cliche story. Gameplay is not bad and getting better and better but takes for ever. Most of the time you are just standing around waiting or clicking through story boxes. Maybe get it in sale if you are into cliche stories.

  • Sentiments

    • I feel that the story is too cliche, which detracts from the overall experience.
    • I think the gameplay is not bad and improves over time, which is a positive aspect.
    • I find that the gameplay takes too long to get engaging, which is frustrating.
    • I feel that most of the time is spent standing around waiting, which is boring.
    • I find myself clicking through story boxes frequently, which feels tedious.
    • I suggest getting the game on sale if you enjoy cliche stories, which is a neutral recommendation.

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