Disco Elysium is considered by many to be an absolute masterpiece of role-playing games. However, the mobile port of the popular story game is now causing controversy.
Disco Elysium recently received a mobile version – an ambitious port for such a large role-playing game. And what many feared has come to pass: the smartphone version has not been well received by most fans.
And that’s despite the fact that Disco Elysium is considered by many to be one of the best story games of all time – ourselves included. We rightly chose the role-playing game as number 1 in our big story ranking back then.
What’s in Disco Elysium for on the go
Disco Elysium Mobile was released on August 5 for Android, in a significantly slimmed-down version. The role-playing game has not been transferred one-to-one, but has been adapted to the target audience and technical limitations.
This means, for example, that the story and role-playing elements are more linear, and that we control our detective as in a point-and-click adventure instead of from an isometric perspective as in the original game.
However, the painted look and the story remain true to the original.
Between confusion, anger, and hope
Nevertheless, the port is causing a lot of frustration in the community, who are venting their anger on Reddit. On the one hand, the confusing monetization is to blame. Even though it is mentioned in the description, many players are unhappy about being asked to pay in the middle of the game. The beginning is free to play, but once you reach a certain point in the story, you have to pay a one-time fee of 10 euros to continue.
On the other hand, many are irritated by how the brand is being handled. They accuse the studio of only thinking about profit and simply wanting to rake in more money with the vision of the original developers, who are no longer there – ironically, in stark contrast to the criticism levelled at the actual game.
While some are calling for a boycott or even illegal downloads, others are visibly confused as to why there is such a fuss about the mobile version. User Snoo-15714 writes, for example:
I fundamentally don’t understand why you would engage with something you know you’re going to hate. I don’t understand hate watching – or hate playing. Just don’t engage with it. If you don’t want something to exist, don’t acknowledge it. Interacting with something empowers it.
Many players agree that as a fan of the original, there is no reason to try the mobile version. After all, it simply offers a poorer gaming experience. Others are much more optimistic. For them, the Android version is aimed at new players who have never heard of Disco Elysium before.nbsp;This would give them a chance to discover this fantastic game.
On Google Play, the mobile version currently has a rating of 2.7 stars from 949 reviews. Most of the negative comments also criticize the gameplay changes compared to the original Disco Elysium, as well as the monetization.
However, other voices are positive about the look and narrative depth of the mobile game.
Disco Elysium impressed many upon its release: story, art style, role-playing depth—all of this speaks such a clear, confident language that the game has been a permanent fixture in many best-of lists since its release by developer ZA/UM.
However, the euphoria has recently been mixed with disappointment and concern. Reports speak of a cancelled sequel and major upheavals at the studio. Many developers who were instrumental in the creation of Disco Elysium are no longer part of the team and are now doing their own thing.
While several spiritual successors are in the works, which are discussed in more detail in the reports linked above, the chances of a real Disco Elysium 2 from ZA/UM are currently very slim.
