Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories Reviews
Is it a fun game? Not really. Is it intriguing? In a way. Is it worth buying at the full price? Certainly not. I would suggest if the usual gaming tropes aren’t scratching a gaming itch during this Coronavirus world lock-down right now, then you might find some enjoyment against this weird tree.
In many ways, Disaster Report 4 lives up to its name. Sure, it’s a disaster, but it’s a disaster with heart. It’s a buggy, technically-flawed mess that somehow, seemingly against all odds, manages to pull you in with its charming characters and compelling narrative. If you can overlook its unpolished nature and a few questionable design choices to experience a game unlike anything else on the Switch, you may just enjoy this quirky and chaotic adventure.
Not always I have a chance to review a game the title of which could be used as well as a title for my review. While playing Disaster Report 4 I truly felt like a reporter witnessing a tragedy first-hand since the game is a small catastrophe in almost every aspect. That being said, it is also virtually impossible not to develop a love-hate relationship with it because of how bonkers its story gets.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Overall, Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories is rather lacking as a whole. While there isn't really anything that makes it unplayable, it certainly doesn't help you out a whole lot either. The concept ins interesting, but it just couldn't take off the way I had hoped it would.
I found it quite difficult. This was due to the fact I couldn’t understand some of the logic behind why this triggers that, or that triggers this. I thoroughly have enjoyed the time I have spent on this game and I will definitely be continuing until I finish it! And then, perhaps, play again and see what I missed or could do differently this time!
BAD - No. Just…. No. Find something else to play. Terrible controls on top of poor writing on top of confusing and boring gameplay makes Disaster Report 4 a game I wouldn’t pick up in the bargain bin where they give you 99% off.
Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories was so much bigger and more in-depth than I originally thought it would be. Try and find your way home as you abuse desperate people or try to help those in need, the way you react and deal with the various situations all comes down to your own personality. Although the core narrative is set in stone, only deviating at set waypoints, the comedic and down-right silly interactions you can have are all rather unique and special. I’m very grateful that we were able to experience this fantastic game, easily one of my favourite games of the year so far.
Pity. I was really looking forward to the release of 'Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories'. The title lured me by the exciting premise of not being a hero who defies a supernatural threat, but simply a man who faces a devastating natural disaster. Basically, 'Disaster Report 4' delivers exactly that and in its best moments, the title knows how to make your pulse race. Unfortunately, these moments are rare, or they are undermined by the poor technique and presentation. Far too often I found myself thinking that a sequence could have been potentially outstanding if the antiquated game mechanics hadn't gotten in the way. All great approaches are thus nipped in the bud, which I regretted painfully when testing. Not only the playful rays of hope suffer from this deficient technical framework - the entire game ailments from dusty mechanics. In all regularity we wander aimlessly through the shattered areas of the city, with no clue as to how to proceed. This helplessness also runs through various other game principles, which often leads to frustration. Nevertheless, especially sensitive scenes drew me to the controller again and again and made me sigh, how unfortunate it is, that such promising potential remained untapped.
Review in German | Read full review
There are very small hints of a brilliant game in Disaster Report 4, but they’re quickly overshadowed by terrible graphics, controls, characters, and one of the worst framerates I’ve ever seen in a PS4 game.
Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories is quite a special game. Belonging to a very specific niche in the market, and to a franchise considered cult in that market, it is a fairly continuous part, which also suffers the consequences of having gone through a tortuous development with a change of platform included. Apparently but technically fair, and with a chaotic and irregular narrative that will take us from situations of great harshness to others of continual shame. At least it's entertaining and it has his audience.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The idea behind Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories is pretty good, but it can't unfold its potential: On the one hand it's telling you that your choices matter, on the other hand it's just a linear game without any real consequences. It seems that even it's techniques are from the olden days, especially on the scripting part and the uninspired NPC who are still doing what they were doing before the world collapsed. Nonetheless, the design of the characters is great and the soundtrack is amazing, but none of these two things will help Disaster Report 4: Summer Memories to become a blockbuster.
Review in German | Read full review