A Perfect Day review (PS5)

A Perfect Day, published by Perfect Day Studio, takes players on a unique journey through the eve of the millennium in 1999, offering a refreshing perspective on modern-day China while doing that. Setting it apart from other games, it allows players to explore and interact with a culture rarely seen in gaming, presenting a rich narrative woven with familiar human dilemmas of love, family, and youth. It’s out now on PlayStation, where we tested it.

The game’s premise, which the developers are keen to compare to a blend of Groundhog Day and a Choose Your Own Adventure book, stands out as a novel idea. Players find themselves in a time loop, tasked with refining their actions to craft a perfect day right before the turn of the year. This process requires keen observation, experimentation, and patience, making it a distinctive challenge.

A Perfect Day combines elements of a visual novel with mini-games and puzzles, enhancing the interactive experience. While the control system may feel less intuitive, especially now that they’ve been transitioned from PC to console, it remains functional. The game incorporates a well-designed inventory system and introduces intriguing objects to collect along the way.

The inclusion of mini-games adds an extra layer of enjoyment and a break from the more narrative-driven exposition. Engaging in activities like toy car races and arcade games on the “Gamicon” console evokes a sense of nostalgia, particularly for players familiar with these experiences and the real life consoles and games they’re based on.

Visually, A Perfect Day features a unique style, resembling an illustrated children’s book in many ways. The meticulously drawn characters and locations immerse players in the atmosphere of 1990s China – a period where traveling there was much less common than it is today. The soundtrack complements the experience, contributing to the game’s overall appeal. While some may point out the absence of voice work, it doesn’t feel necessary given the game’s narrative-driven nature and modest production budget.

However, the game does come with its share of challenges. There are instances of control issues in the console port, and the slower pace of A Perfect Day may not resonate with console gamers not used to visual novels. These factors can impact the overall experience, making it a title that might cater more to specific preferences that are typically found more on PCs.

In conclusion, A Perfect Day is a commendable departure from conventional interactive novels, offering a unique gameplay experience and a fresh cultural perspective. The combination of narrative depth, engaging mini-games, and nostalgic elements creates a compelling journey, even despite some control hiccups and pacing considerations.

Score: 7.1/10