Stay or Leave / 留离 : Game Review

Choose your fate in this captivating visual novel

"Stay or Leave - 留离" is a captivating puzzle game set in a breathtaking virtual world inspired by traditional Chinese ink paintings. It tells the story of a young couple facing a pivotal decision - whether to stay together or part ways. As players navigate this narrative, they will encounter thought-provoking puzzles that challenge their problem-solving abilities.

The game's visuals are truly mesmerizing, with intricate details and subtle animations that breathe life into the ink paintings. The serene and peaceful atmosphere further immerses players, creating an aesthetically captivating experience. The accompanying soundtrack is worth noting, as it perfectly complements the game's visual beauty and strengthens the emotional connection with the characters.

A standout feature of "Stay or Leave - 留离" is its non-linear storytelling. Every choice made by the player directly influences the outcome of the story, leading to different narrative branches and multiple endings. This adds replay value and encourages players to explore various paths and possibilities within the game.

The puzzles in "Stay or Leave - 留离" are skillfully designed and vary in difficulty, catering to players of different levels of expertise. They seamlessly blend into the narrative, enhancing the overall immersive experience. These puzzles often require out-of-the-box thinking, fostering critical thinking and creativity.

Although the game's duration is relatively short, the quality of storytelling and gameplay remains uncompromised. With its stunning art style, compelling narrative, and engaging puzzles, "Stay or Leave - 留离" offers an enriching experience for puzzle game enthusiasts and those intrigued by meaningful choices in a virtual world.

What do players think?

Stay or Leave is a game developed by Light & Digital for PC that takes the form of a visual novel-style experience. It is set in modern-day China and follows the journey of a young woman named Bai, who finds herself torn between remaining in her hometown or embarking on a new life. The response to the game has been mixed, with players expressing both appreciation for its immersive atmosphere and realistic depiction of contemporary Chinese society, as well as criticism for its repetitive gameplay and lack of impactful choices.

One of the standout qualities of Stay or Leave lies in its ability to weave a captivating and atmospheric narrative. Players have complimented the game's capacity to construct a believable and engrossing world that accurately portrays the challenges faced by numerous young people in modern China. The game's artwork and soundtrack further contribute to the overall experience, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia and emotional depth.

Immerse yourself in a beautifully crafted world

Additionally, the game has been commended for its realistic portrayal of contemporary Chinese society. Stay or Leave candidly addresses pertinent issues such as urbanization, societal pressures, and the generation gap, offering players a glimpse into the complexities of life in modern China. This authentic approach has struck a chord with players who appreciate the game's cultural accuracy.

However, some players have expressed dissatisfaction with the repetitive nature of the gameplay. Many choices presented throughout the game appear superficial and fail to significantly impact the story or outcome. This lack of meaningful choices has led to a sense of detachment and limited replayability for some players.

Another area of critique pertains to the game's relatively short length. With only a few hours of gameplay, some players have felt that the story was rushed and could have benefitted from further development and exploration of the characters and their relationships.

StayOrLeave 留离 SteamGame