It doesn't help that the game is (intentionally) slow that it makes you go "wow, this game is really outdated and crappy, wish they'd <apply modern frictionless game design>". And that is missing the forest for a tree.

It is telling a lot of the negative Steam reviews simply pan it for what it is. And yeah, I get it: if you come expecting another friendly Undertale-like, you're bound to be aggravated.

I haven't finished it but have come to terms with not being able to see everything in one go. But it's a game that is likely going to be talked for years to come as a niche title that not enough people really "got" in 2025.

I's going to be one popular video essay away from being successful lol

Fair bit of warning though: you are not going to 100% this game without a guide. Simply not possible. A lot of the optional content is easily missed and afaik required.

And this all is in service of the themes of the game. If Earthbound was about navigating the weird world of adults from the viewpoint of a child, SC takes this viewpoint and actually examines what it is.

it is one of the games of all time

”You have my sword.”
”And my bow.”
”And my fucking axe!”