Just Act Natural: A Deep Dive into the Impostor Game

Just Act Natural is an asymmetric multiplayer online game that puts a unique spin on the popular “find the imposter” genre. Developed by Conor Garity, this indie title challenges players to convincingly impersonate non-playable characters (NPCs) or, conversely, to successfully identify the human players masquerading among them. The game’s blend of deception, strategic thinking, and a charming visual style has garnered attention, though its smaller player base and paywall for full access represent notable drawbacks. This in-depth review explores the game’s mechanics, strengths, weaknesses, and overall player experience.

Gameplay Mechanics: Blending In or Hunting Down

The core gameplay loop of Just Act Natural revolves around deception and detection. Players are randomly assigned roles: either an NPC or a “player.” NPCs must seamlessly blend into the game’s environment, mimicking the AI-controlled characters to avoid detection by the player(s) tasked with finding them. Players, on the other hand, must meticulously observe the behaviors and movements of all characters, searching for inconsistencies and clues that betray the human imposters.

The game offers a variety of game modes, adding depth and replayability beyond the basic premise. While the free version provides a taste of the core experience, several modes and maps are locked behind a premium upgrade, priced at $8. These additional modes introduce unique objectives and gameplay challenges, diversifying the overall experience. Examples of these modes, some of which are accessible only after purchasing the upgrade, include:

• Diamond Grab: A mode centered around collecting valuable diamonds while evading capture. This mode introduces an element of resource management and strategic maneuvering. Successful players must balance the risk of exposure with the opportunity to secure a greater number of diamonds.

• Death Race: A fast-paced competition that requires players to navigate a treacherous course while simultaneously avoiding detection. Speed and precision are paramount in this mode, demanding quick reflexes and an understanding of the map’s layout.

• Assassin Mode: This mode thrusts players into a high-stakes game of stealth and elimination. The goal is to assassinate specific targets, adding another layer of complexity beyond simply blending in or identifying imposters. This requires careful planning and execution to succeed without alerting the other players or NPCs.

Beyond the game modes, power-ups are available to both NPCs and players, adding strategic layers to the gameplay. These power-ups can range from enhanced movement speed and cloaking abilities for NPCs to improved vision and detection capabilities for players. The strategic use of power-ups can significantly impact the outcome of a match, rewarding players who carefully consider their options and adapt to the evolving dynamics of the game. The core mechanic, however, remains remarkably simple: one button controls the character’s actions, emphasizing the strategic importance of observation and decision-making over complex controller inputs.

Visual Style: A Unique Clay Aesthetic

One of Just Act Natural’s most striking features is its distinctive visual style. The game employs a handcrafted, claymation aesthetic, where all characters and environments are meticulously crafted from clay and then photographically scanned into the game. This gives the game a unique charm and sets it apart from many other online multiplayer titles that rely on more conventional, digitally rendered graphics. This unique aesthetic contributes significantly to the game’s overall atmosphere and enhances the overall experience, making the game feel visually distinct and engaging. The resulting visuals are both captivating and subtly unsettling, contributing to the game’s suspenseful atmosphere.

Multiplayer Experience and Limitations

Just Act Natural supports up to eight players in a single match. While the game features a built-in matchmaking system, the smaller player base can lead to extended wait times and occasional imbalances in matchmaking. This is a significant point of contention for many players, as it can severely impact the quality of the gameplay experience. Finding a match with a full complement of players can sometimes prove challenging, particularly during off-peak hours. Moreover, the disparity between skill levels in unbalanced matches can make the gameplay frustrating for some players, leading to a less enjoyable experience.

Furthermore, the free version of the game is significantly limited in its content. The full suite of game modes and maps are only accessible to players who purchase the premium upgrade. This paywall is a significant drawback, as it restricts access to a substantial portion of the game’s content. While the free version allows players to sample the core gameplay mechanics, it doesn’t provide a truly representative experience of the game’s full potential.

Strengths and Weaknesses: A Balanced Perspective

Just Act Natural boasts several compelling strengths, alongside some notable weaknesses that need to be addressed.

Strengths:

• Unique Gameplay: The game’s core concept of blending into the environment or hunting down imposters is both innovative and engaging. It offers a refreshing take on the “find the imposter” formula, drawing players into a captivating game of deception and deduction.

• Handcrafted Visuals: The claymation art style is visually appealing and helps the game stand out from the competition. The charming aesthetic enhances the overall experience and makes the game memorable.

• Variety of Game Modes: While locked behind a paywall, the various game modes offer significant replayability, ensuring players are not confined to a single, repetitive experience.

• Simple Controls: The one-button control scheme makes the game accessible to a broader range of players. Focus is directed to strategic thinking rather than mastering complex controls.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Player Base: The smaller player base significantly impacts matchmaking and can lead to lengthy wait times and imbalanced matches. This is a major impediment to the game’s long-term viability.

• Paid Content: The paywall for additional game modes and maps represents a significant barrier to entry. This prevents players from fully experiencing the game’s complete content offering.

• Potential for Bugs: As with many indie games, the possibility of encountering bugs or glitches exists. While not widespread, these issues can occasionally detract from the overall gameplay experience.

Conclusion: A Promising Game with Room for Improvement

Just Act Natural is a compelling and innovative game with a unique visual style and engaging gameplay mechanics. The core concept of blending in or hunting down imposters is well-executed and offers a refreshing take on the established “find the imposter” genre. However, the game’s relatively small player base and the paywall restricting access to a significant portion of the content represent serious limitations. Addressing these issues, particularly expanding the player base through marketing and potentially revising the pricing model for the premium upgrade, would significantly enhance the game’s overall appeal and long-term success.

Despite these shortcomings, the game’s unique charm and inventive gameplay loop make it a worthwhile experience for players seeking something different from the usual suspects within the online multiplayer scene. If you are a fan of the “find the imposter” genre and enjoy games with quirky aesthetics, Just Act Natural offers a distinctive and engaging experience—just be aware of the limitations imposed by the smaller player base and the premium content paywall.