Erica Reviews
Erica is a unique undertaking in the FMV world that worked out well and has set new standards for the genre. It brings an engaging story to life with superb acting, and enough interactive choices for the player to make it a cut above the rest in its genre. It does waste time in unnecessary interactions on occasion, but nothing too detrimental to take away from the mystery and intrigue of its narrative.
Erica is a genuinely terrific achievement. As far as the ‘PlayLink’ aspect goes – even if the game is not officially part of Sony’s range – there’s nothing better out here. Technically it feels solid as a rock, with gloriously smooth transitions from gameplay back to FMV cut-scenes. You immediately feel part of the world and it never really gets old. You want to do right by Erica the moment you meet her and there’s very few games that offer this level of interaction, even if as a whole, the game is about the journey rather than the destination.
A highly engrossing occult interactive adventure anchored by a great central performance and refreshing interactivity and non-linear storytelling, Erica is deftly curated bite-sized adventure that makes a compelling case as the best Playlink title available.
Erica is an outstanding production that may jumpstart the interactive live action game genre yet again.
With such an engrossing experience ready to be played right in the palm of your hands, it’s a bite sized tale that only will cost you a two cups of coffee (That’s around about $13 bucks, right?). Erica is highly recommended and essential gaming, for casual and experienced gamers alike, and would definitely be considered one of the best surprises Sony Interactive Studios have presented us this year.
PS4 exclusive FMV game Erica has turned out to be one of the most worthwhile surprises from Gamescom 2019.
Erica is experimental in design, and because of that, some things just aren’t going to work out as well as you would hope. But despite both its big fault and barely noticeable flaws, Erica is an interesting, immersive and well-realised experience.
Despite its production quality, some good acting and great accessibility, Erica doesn't feel like a great interactive movie. Most of the actions are just pointless and the story and characters as a whole, whatever our decisions are, feel rushed and fail to really create a connection between the player and the characters.
Review in French | Read full review
The dreamlike way Erica flows from scene to scene is also both a strength and a weakness. There are no hiccups or stutters in the narrative, but it also hides the major turning points of the story, or at least the moments when my decisions really make a difference. It's going to be interesting to go back and try again, making different choices. The relatively short running time gives that option extra appeal, especially if you're surrounding yourself with new people who don't know what's going to happen.
Erica is an intriguing, admirable experience that those looking for something a little outside of the video game norm will surely latch on to. With an impressive set of performances, a story that'll have you hooked straight from the off, and meaningful decisions that have a major impact on the game, FMV is making waves all over again.
Erica is an interesting game at a budget price that everyone should try if they can. If you have ten dollars burning a hole in your pocket, you might as well experience one of the best FMV games made in recent times instead of blowing it on a few microtransactions or fast food extra value meals.
action makes it different from its genre but it also confines it within it, specially about interactivity and design. However, despite its low duration and hybrid nature, it's evident the passion in every level (writing, background, actors). A courageous but also riskful experiment.
Review in Italian | Read full review
An intruiguing multi-choice adventure, Erica does almost anything new but offer a interesting story and great replayability.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Erica isn’t exactly ambitious when it comes to FMV or adventure games. But it doesn’t have to be. It is a succinct experience with lots of different choices that change the story and lead to different sorts of outcomes. It is well performed has good transitions, and there are no overly-complicated inputs.
ERICA stands as an intriguing example of connecting players with a game through touch controls. It succeeds primarily as a technical feat and less so as a deeply-engrossing video game. If the storyline were given more time to grow then maybe it would have blossomed into something special. As is, it's akin to a murder mystery popcorn flick. There's fun to be had solving the mystery, but not quite enough to create a memorable experience.
PlayStation 4; Flavourworks/SonyThis experiment in storytelling has a fascinating premise – but its repetitiveness renders it a lesser Bandersnatch
Erica offers a very casual take on the adventure game genre with a rather convoluted story, but a great price and solid production values make it a novelty thriller that's worth a look.
Erica is a solid addition to the FMV world, and I'm excited to see if the developer (FlavourWorks) continues with this genre in future games. The acting is solid, the companion app is a delight to use, and the story is intriguing.
Strengthened by the interactive nature of the game and the stellar acting from a talented cast, Erica is a thriller you won’t want to miss.
If you've never played an FMV before, Erica will probably be a lot more interesting and maybe it's a good entry-level to these types of games. But as far as I'm concerned Erica Mason can stay in the hospital and stop bothering me to help light her damn zippo.