The gaming industry is rife with deception, and “Consume Me” is a glaring example of this disturbing trend. At first glance, Jenny Jiao Hsia’s semi-autobiographical coming-of-age slice-of-life sim seems harmless, even charming, with its "cute-looking, approachable art style." But make no mistake, this superficial façade masks a darker side that demands to be called out. First and foremost, let’s talk about the time and resources wasted on a project that’s been almost a decade in the making. Ten years! What could possibly take that long? While the gaming world progresses at lightning speed, here we are, stuck with a title that feels like a relic of the past. The gaming community deserves better than this snail-paced development that leaves us with an insipid experience rather than a groundbreaking one. The longer it takes to release, the higher the expectations, and what do we get? A game that seems to rely solely on its art style to distract us from the lack of depth and substance. The very premise of “Consume Me” raises eyebrows. Are we really prepared to accept a coming-of-age story that tackles serious issues while presenting itself in such a visually juvenile manner? This attempt at juxtaposing cute aesthetics with darker themes feels insincere and, frankly, manipulative. The art style, while it may attract a casual audience, does a disservice to those who are genuinely looking for meaningful narratives. It’s as if the developers are saying, "Hey, look how cute this is! Don’t pay attention to the underlying issues!" That is not only frustrating but downright insulting to those who seek authentic storytelling in their gaming experiences. What’s more, the game’s marketing seems to play into this ruse, luring in unsuspecting players with the promise of depth hidden beneath a whimsical exterior. But when you peel back the layers, what remains? A lack of real engagement with the serious themes it purports to address. This is an outright betrayal of the audience's trust. We deserve games that challenge us, that provoke thought and discussion—not ones that simply try to disguise their shortcomings behind an attractive art style. Let’s not forget the broader implications of this trend within the gaming industry. More and more developers seem to believe that they can get away with mediocre narratives as long as they slap on a cute design. This sets a dangerous precedent. If players continue to support such titles, we’ll be stuck in a cycle of mediocrity where style triumphs over substance. We need to hold creators accountable for their work and demand more than just a pretty face. In conclusion, “Consume Me” is a glaring example of how the facade of charm can hide a multitude of sins. It’s time for the gaming community to wake up and realize that behind every cute art style lies the potential for deception. We deserve better, and we must demand it. #ConsumeMe #GamingCritique #ArtStyleDeception #JennyJiaoHsia #GameDevelopment