I'm kind of confused by The Crush House. I loved playing it, even when it was a little gimmicky and hard-to-follow (sometimes, the game makes it really clear what you should be aiming the camera at; other times, you're just filming a juice dispenser and hoping for the best). The core gameplay loop is that -- you have some audiences with some preferences and you need to film what they're excited about. Sometimes, this means you're focused on the characters (or, concerningly, their feet). Other times, you're focused on props that you need to spend ad revenue to buy. The problem is, the "ads" system of the game feels incomplete. You just turn your camera off and the ads cycle and the money comes in, so for some players, a lot of days will be "enough tasks are complete; time to collect ad money until the end of the day". I feel like that could (and should) have been fleshed out more.

Where I was really disappointed was the core narrative loop of the game. It kept building and building and building and then just kind of ... fell flat. It felt like there was supposed to be an Act III for the game that never happened, and that made me feel high and dry. I'm hoping I missed something or it felt like it would be added later, but honestly, I half expected a screen saying that I did all that I could and that the rest would come out with the 1.0. I don't mean that in a positive way. Plus, the game insists on locking you into the ending (you cannot continue doing seasons in The Crush House once you get to the ending), so I'd have to start a new game if I want to finish getting the other achievements. Doesn't feel great or fun.

What I'd love to see:
- Narrative conclusion / Act III
- Overhauled advertising system
- "Endless" mode where you can either pick audience type or number

I liked the game, otherwise, quite a bit (and was willing to overlook the things I didn't like), but the ending really let me down.

This game was nothing like what I thought it would be, but I very much enjoyed it nonetheless.

So I wanted to give this game a thumbs up but I can't do that. I love the designs, I love the colors and I love the idea but here are the problems. First off, there is a lot of repetitive dialogue and that in turn makes the character feel dull. They’re all supposed to be unique but they repeat the same dialogue as other characters. Second, the mystery they have ends up falling flat. It’s an interesting idea and I love a good mystery but I was left disappointed. Nothing was explained. But the biggest issue has to be the endings. I won’t give spoilers but they both felt underwhelming. All that build up and both endings felt rather lame.

I’m hoping that the developers make a sequel that’s better or update the game because it’s bursting with potential. It’s just missing a little something.