Newcomer : A Language Learning RPG

I think this is pretty good game and can be helpful on one's language learning journey, provided expectations are maintained. I first discovered this game before the 1.5 update while searching for RPG games whose purpose was to learn a language. At the time, I didn't realize the game relied on AI. I played the game a little bit for Spanish and Portuguese - two languages that I'm high-beginner to low-intermediate in - and found the gameplay enjoyable. The graphics and playing style remind me of old Legend of Zelda games, such as those for NES or Gameboy. Because the graphics and style of play is an older one, I found it a little challenging to get into compared to games that are 3D and employ more modern styles of play. However, as I focused on the language learning aspect, I found myself enjoying things. I'm someone who is a big language learning nerd, and from that perspective, I initially also found the approach a little slow and repetitive. But, then I realized that repetition is a good thing. As I continued to play, I changed my perspective to be that of a "newcomer" or complete beginner and I found the language learning methodology used to be helpful. There is a certain immersion aspect that the game provides and the slow buildup of the target language words and phrases, along with the repetition, allows one to build their confidence. I also enjoyed the fact that one can look up grammar explanations for words. For those, such as myself, who learn well via grammar, I find that a novel touch. The Store page for this game mentions the use of AI. That makes a lot of sense considering the amount of grammar explanations. Prior to reading that, I was impressed regarding the amount of work that must have gone into this game - things such as creating all the grammar explanations, the dialogues, etc. This isn't to say there wasn't a lot of work put into this game at all. Just that, the developer has spent their time incorporating AI into the language learning methodology. On the Store page, the developer mentions they did this to help as many people as possible learn a language. I imagine this approach also saves on time and resources since the development team is just one person. I read some of the negative reviews and wanted to address them. The common one seems to be about incorrect translations and word/phrase choice. I read two reviews specifically regarding Dutch and Italian. So, I created a new game from French > English. English is my native language and I have a high-intermediate level of French. From the little bit that I played, I would agree that, due to AI being heavily - or exclusively - used for the language learning aspect, there are things that are off. One example that struck me from the start was the translation of "newcomer" in the very first dialog box. The French was a direct one of "nouvelle-venue" - literally "new" + "come". The correct, idiomatic translation would most likely be the French word for "beginner". I also agree with those negative reviews that the voices do have some of the roboticism that happens when using AI. Although I will say that the NPCs do each seem to have their own disctinct voice. Additionally, the pronunciations didn't seem off, but then I only played a little bit. Overall, I still would recommend this game but, as I started with for this review, I would recommend to also manage one's expectations. I think one of the negative reviews mentioned that the developer's response to the incorrect translations was that a learner shouldn't use this as their only resource. The reviewer responded that a game such as this shouldn't be teaching the target language incorrectly. I think both points are valid. Anyone learning a language shouldn't use only one (or even a small handful) of resources. Nor can any one resource teach a target language fully in all four areas - reading, writing, speaking, and listening. But, it's also true that if a resource teaches the wrong things, that's not a good resource to use. At the end of the day, this is a game. And like any game, there will be issues. There will be things the developer has to fix. In this case, the developer chose to use AI for the language learning aspects rather than real translators and voice actors. While some other reviews have suggested that the developer should instead go this route, I think it's good to keep in mind that going that route will cost money. The developer will need the money to hire translators and voice actors, and that enhancement will then trickle down to us, the consumer. The game will cost more. In the end, I think the game is a fun play for what it is. I like the old-school Legend of Zelda 2D style of play - it's nostalgic for me. I also think the game can be a good language learning resource. At the very least, it provides me with a fun way to learn/study my languages. But, I also think it's worth knowing the (current) limitations of the game.

It's a helpful game for intermediate and advanced conversations. The content isn't totally relevant to everyday life or practical uses, but there are a lot of great tools for speaking and writing sentences. It could be improved by having the option to slow down the conversations. The bot speaks fast.

Helps retain and review vocabulary. It would be great to see more sentence development and practice options. Also, the reading books you find is very helpful and interactive. The sound of the speaker reading the word during review also helps with correct pronunciation acquisition.

I was looking for a language learning game for a while now, and found this one by accident. I played just 2 hours at the time of writing this review, and while I cannot comment about the quality of translation, I still spent this time learning new phrases, trying to pronounce the newly learned sentences, and trying to focus on spelling as combat needs it occasionally. In my opinion, the game has a good idea and the execution is good, especially for the price tag. I will be playing more time permitting and hope to learn more.

Siempre he buscado juegos de steam para compartir con mi hija y poder aprender y practicar Ingles juntos. Pero los que he encontrado no han podido engancharla, Este juego me ha parecido el mejor de todos, porque tiene el toque perfecto entre una historia que engancha al mismo tiempo que vas aprendiendo y practicando el nuevo Idioma, tambien se refuerza lo aprendido; A pesar de que tengo un nivel intermedio de Ingles, lo estoy jugando en principiante junto con mi hija de 7 años y a ella le encanto y a mi tambien y hemos aprendido y practicado mucho. y a ambos se nos queda grabado en la mente los dialogos que tuvimos, incluso los replicamos , es lo mas inmersivo y al mismo tiempo entretenido que he visto hasta ahora; Felicito a los creadores y ojala que sigan expandiendo el juego.

The help text describing the words, is the best I've ever seen, way better than duolingo. It really helps with context!

It's a fun little way to learn a language. I wish the IPA was involved though.

It's kind