Loutra: Inaugural Group Show

My score: 3/10

Overview

I'm so, so sorry to give a "not recommended" to this game. The fact that it's free to play and an obvious passion project isn't enough to mitigate the abundance of baffling problems it has. First off: this is supposed to be a virtual art exhibition, right? So, why choose this grainy, opaque, dull artstyle? Most of the artpieces are barely visible as a result. Second: the exploration is confusing, disorienting, buggy. The layouts don't make sense, and yet there's no feeling of wonder or surprise - just frustration trying to reach something. It has almost no sound design (except for a few of the art installations that have music, the whole thing makes you wonder if your speakers are working), and overall no "gameplay". Listen, I know this is supposed to be an experience more than a game, but it's simply something I did not enjoy. I'm no game developer but I can think about at least 5 ways to make a virtual exhibition space more interesting, enjoyable and valorasing for the artists involved.

BUT: I'm all for the Art. I noticed the developer is very active and seemingly a nice person, so I promise to come back to the game every once in while to see if it gets better, and change my review accordingly.

Key Points

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DIFFICULTY:

None, it's just confusing and boring.
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PRESENTATION:

Very problematic considering what it wants to be.
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STORY:

None.
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GAMEPLAY/GAMEPLAY LOOP:

None. You just walk. There's no goal.
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TECHNICAL POLISH:

Rough around the edges.
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MONEYxCONTENT VALUE:

It's free if you want to take a look, but it's not an enjoyable experience in my opinion.

Loutra is something akin to a gallery, though group show suits it much better.
Rich in atmosphere and dream like at times, you move between the work of 13 artists in 3D space on an island (?).
Keenly aware that it is a game, its differentiates it self from other attempted to put art pieces into a virtual space with its use of 3D space and player interaction with the island. You kind of have to play this one for yourself, the vibe and how you choose to interact with it really make it.
Really nice, relaxed but engaging, I'll be coming back to this.

A fascinating experience from start to finish. I don't think I've ever played an interactive art gallery before, but I am so glad that I did now. All of the different work within the game was a treat to explore, the music was immersive, the world was strangely alluring and following the book I was able to see everything to it's fullest extent. I think anyone who loves to play surreal / dream like games and loves the art and effort and passion put into it will love to play this. Some of the best 30-50 minutes I've spent on the internet to this day.