The Nardio Review

Dysfunctional Systems learning to manage chaos

Is it Worth Your Time?

Yes. Dysfunctional Systems is a wonderful visual novel.

 

What Should I Play in On?

Dysfunctional Systems: Learning to Manage Chaos is a universal app so you get the same great experience on all devices. As always I prefer gaming on my iPad.

 

What Did You Think Without Spoiling It?

If you’re a fan of comics but want something that’s more interactive, you’ll love Dysfunctional Systems: Learning to Manage Chaos. It has a compelling storyline and does a great job pulling you into the world. As stated, this is a visual novel, so there’s going to be a LOT of reading. If that’s not your thing, then this might not be the game for you. If you do like a good story more than anything else, pick this up. This is the first episode in the series and man does it end with a bang.

 

Why it Works?

Dysfunctional systems episode one gameplay

Beautifully detailed character design and backgrounds make this game pop.

Dysfunctional Systems: Learning to Manage Chaos has a really compelling storyline. Sure the characters seem a bit boring and the dialogue at times gets a bit cliche, but there’s a good amount of tension in the story that builds as you learn more about the world. The game touches upon a lot of different themes like poverty, war and oppression. It’s pretty deep all things considered. But it’s not just the storyline that stands out. The artwork is excellent and will appeal to fans of the anime style. The music and sound effects really draw you into the story and makes  you feel as if you are a part of the world. While there’s very little gameplay here, the small amount you do have really makes you consider your choices. After all, the choices you make in this episode will affect the ending of the story. There are two distinct endings so there is a little bit of replay here. You also get to unlock some bonus art which includes concept and some fan art. Playing through the game once will take about an hour or so if you take the time to read all of the conversations and information. Considering that the game costs around the same as a single issue comic, I would say you get far more value for the price you pay.

 

No Like?

I kind of wish that Winter and Cyrus had more variety in their facial expression to really accentuate the breadth of human emotion, but other than that, the game is pretty perfect. I can’t wait for episode 2.

Agree? Disagree? Write your comments below.

Check out our other app reviews.

 

Basic Info:

  • 1 player game
  • 457MB
  • $3.99 on iTunes
  • Universal app
  • Two different endings
  • Rated 12+ for violence, tobacco and alcohol use

 

Weblinks

Developer: Dischan

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dysfunctional-systems-learning/id683417012?mt=8

Jasmine Greene

Jasmine Greene has been a freelance writer for over four years with experience in video game, book and movie reviews. She lives in Manhattan. Nardio is her second of hopefully many (successful) web ventures. When she is not working as an executive assistant or at Nardio, Jasmine volunteers at Kitty Kind so that she can get her crazy cat lady on.

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