This game has a really unique and interesting premise.
All the reviews are very friendly, and maybe posted by the Devs friends, because there are very few (35), and all glowing. I'm sorry, this isn't really a frothing review, or anything, but I don't like this game.
For the price point, this game is fine.
It's doable, absolutely.
There's some clunkiness, like finishing the map and having to go back by arrow to choose the next map, or going back, back, back, exit, to leave the game.
My Deskworm and Bongo Cat are both overtop, but I can't interact with either one to move them or get my rewards. This is the first game to have difficulty running with them.
To the game itself...
The first folder is fun, top to bottom. Some photos are just way better than others.
The pictures used are varying quality, in both composition and basic, pixel-related quality. The zoomed in clues are often times blown out pixel wise and some parts of photos are too dark. Some things chosen are glaringly easy and some are really hard to see and small. You can zoom, but idk, many of the pictures were just bleh. The categories are really silly. I was picturing this as I SPY, but it's just a lot of grainy photos.
The cards before each map all have what seems to be player handles as the photographer. I'm not sure how they sourced the materials, or really, who made this game, but it feels podunk. Very home brew. It sort of seems like some of the photos could be AI generated stuff? I'm sorry to throw that out there, but some of the images are a little off, and I can't say why, exactly.
I did notice all the people are looking away or in profile. That got me wondering, is it AI? Or were they photographed without their consent? I hope not! Why would it be made this way? Especially if so many people worked on it... just take the DLSR out as a group and wait for it to be empty then pose yourselves? IDK, that made me feel creeped out.
EDIT:::::::
The developer has replied to my review and claimed they use stock photos. I like that they were proactive and wanted to get ahead of my "accusation". I find myself asking this question all the time now, unfortunately, "did this person make this? did any person make this?" AI is rampant, and a $2 game played by 50 people is absolutely in the possibility zone for AI.
Obvs you don't have to LMK, but I think double checking for AI is always the right choice. If you're willing, I think it'd be a great idea to reach out to the photographers of all photos and make sure. Since you are outsourcing, I think it's responsible to be sure you aren't circulating slop by accident.
I didn't mean to accuse anyone of anything, just pose a question.
I have written dozens of reviews and not heard from a developer, so hey, that's neat! Sorry if I offended you, friend! I'm just a person on the internet, and it's full of bots. Just trying my best at staying vigilant.
Good to know you're potentially a fellow person, UB! Good luck with Pictective 2!
END EDIT::::::::
Overall, it was worth $2 to find out about Pictective, and I got a lot of game for that money. If you're also super deep into finding stuff that you're here, you may want to try it. At least 34 people disagree with me.
:) There's always that hint button.
I am going to blue ribbon this, but it will be a march.
Not a fun one with music and costumes.
One with like, turf toe, and rain.
