OFF

OFF is a surreal and influential indie RPG that has captivated players for over a decade, now reintroduced through a polished remaster that preserves the core experience while adding new content and improved gameplay. This remaster offers a fresh coat of paint with revamped combat mechanics, additional secret bosses, and quality-of-life improvements such as animations and updated menus. Players appreciate the opportunity to support Mortis Ghost, the original creator, through this official release, which finally brings the game to Steam and consoles after nearly 20 years. However, the new soundtrack, a necessary replacement due to licensing issues, has received mixed reactions, with some fans missing the original's atmospheric and iconic music. The remaster is generally considered a love letter to fans and a gateway for new players, balancing nostalgia with modern enhancements. While the combat is more engaging and challenging, some find the game easier than expected, and the added bosses and content offer varied but sometimes uneven difficulty. Overall, the remaster is praised for its faithful storytelling and unique world, though some elements like music and polish spark debate among longtime fans.

Highlights

Players praise the revamped combat system, which adds strategic depth and makes battles more engaging compared to the original's simplicity. The addition of new secret bosses and extra content enriches the game, providing fresh challenges and lore expansion. Graphically, the remaster features improved animations, polished menus, and distinctive art pillars that enhance immersion. The storyline remains compelling and surreal, with its enigmatic narrative sparking interpretation and emotional resonance. The remaster also benefits from quality-of-life features and accessibility options, making it more approachable. Many appreciate the opportunity to support Mortis Ghost officially, viewing the release as a respectful tribute to the original masterpiece. The new soundtrack, though controversial, includes contributions from notable composers and introduces memorable tracks that complement the game's atmosphere for many players.

Criticisms

The most common criticism centers on the replacement soundtrack, which some players find less fitting and atmospheric than the original, detracting from the game's unique vibe. A segment of fans feels the new music lacks the original's grit and charm, with certain tracks considered forgettable or tonally off. The combat, while improved, is sometimes viewed as too easy or unbalanced, with a few bosses deemed either trivial or artificially difficult. Some players mention tedious backtracking in purified zones and occasional jankiness in controls. The new content, though appreciated, is seen by some as minimal and disconnected from the main story, offering limited impact. Additionally, issues such as missing descriptions, occasional bugs, and the inability to toggle window size or restore original music within the remaster contribute to mixed feelings. Overall, longtime fans sometimes prefer the free original version for its rawness and iconic soundtrack.