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Obey Me, the debut traditional game from VR/AR studio 404 Error Game Studios, presents a promising concept with intriguing characters and a unique world. However, the game’s execution ultimately falls short due to several design missteps that hold back its potential. This review explores both the strengths and weaknesses of Obey Me, examining its captivating protagonists, lackluster story, and unbalanced gameplay.

A Devilishly Charming Duo

Obey Me plunges players into a contemporary world secretly influenced by angelic and demonic forces. You take on the role of Vanessa Held, a demon hunter, and her hellhound companion, Monty. Together, they embark on a mission across twelve demon-infested levels, carrying out tasks for a mysterious figure. While the narrative isn’t groundbreaking, the dynamic between Vanessa and Monty is undeniably entertaining. Their witty banter and contrasting personalities inject a much-needed dose of humor into the experience. Their back-and-forth is a constant source of amusement, making it a joy to follow their journey, even as the story itself falters.

Vanessa and Monty

A Story That Goes Nowhere

Unfortunately, the engaging protagonists can’t salvage the game’s underwhelming narrative. The world, despite its visual flair, feels generic and lacks depth. The overarching plot, while initially intriguing, quickly unravels with predictable twists and a childish resolution. The potential of the captivating world and its intriguing characters is ultimately squandered by a poorly executed storyline.

Obey Me Gameplay

Frustrating Gameplay Hampered by Inexperience

Obey Me is a top-down hack-n-slash action game where balancing enemy encounters and character abilities is crucial. This is where the developer’s inexperience becomes most apparent. One glaring issue is the overabundance of environmental traps. Nearly every combat arena is littered with hazards, severely limiting the player’s ability to utilize Vanessa and Monty’s unique skills. While their abilities, such as Monty gaining new powers after devouring bosses and Vanessa wielding different weapons with varying skills, are interesting on paper, they are often rendered ineffective by the restrictive level design. This forces players to rely on basic attacks, leading to repetitive and unsatisfying combat.

Obey Me Traps

Another significant flaw lies in the inconsistent enemy design. Some enemies are overwhelmingly powerful, while others pose little threat. The haphazard placement and unpredictable difficulty of these encounters create a jarring experience, swinging between trivial and unfairly challenging. This further exacerbates the game’s balance issues and detracts from the overall enjoyment.

Enemy Design

Monty's Abilities

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity

Obey Me had the potential to be a truly enjoyable hack-n-slash experience. The charming duo of Vanessa and Monty provides a strong foundation, but the game is ultimately let down by its weak story, unbalanced gameplay, and frustrating level design. While the core concept and characters show promise, the execution leaves much to be desired. Hopefully, the developers can learn from these shortcomings and deliver a more polished and engaging experience in future projects.