Players Like...

❤ Smooth and Impactful Combat System

Players praise the fluidity and realism of the combat animations, with each attack and counter feeling visceral and grounded in classical martial arts. The protagonist, Seiji Maruyama, starts the game with a full arsenal of moves and maxed-out stats, reflecting his status as an experienced and powerful yakuza. This high skill ceiling allows players to master a wide array of techniques and effectively employ them against the game's diverse enemy types.

❤ Flexibility in Playstyles

Beyond the core beat 'em up mechanics, the game offers opportunities for players to approach situations in various ways. Reviewers highlight the ability to rely more on firearms, utilize the environment, or even avoid confrontation altogether, allowing players to shape Seiji's journey based on their own preferences. This flexibility encourages experimentation with different tactics and combat styles, further enhancing the game's replayability.

❤ Depth and Complexity of the Gameplay Loop

The depth and complexity of the gameplay loop in Fading Afternoon go beyond the core combat. Players can engage with a variety of minigames and activities, such as billiards and batting cages, which provide alternative ways to earn resources and interact with the world. Additionally, the game's emphasis on player choice and consequences creates a sense of agency and weight to the player's decisions, as the narrative branches and endings are directly impacted by their actions.