It was criticized for being a predictable and formulaic hero journey. The series has also been criticized for formulaic and repetitive storytelling. IGN called the game "formulaic and forgettable". The genre was also criticized for being formulaic. The fault lies in the formulaic storytelling. Ceremonial prayer was highly formulaic and ritualized. It rejects broad generalizations and formulaic thinking. Joe Leydon of "Variety" called it "a frankly formulaic but raucously entertaining action comedy". Proverbs are often metaphorical and use formulaic language. In direct psalmody, psalm verses are sung without refrains to simple, formulaic tones. Categorized as formulaic language, an idiom's figurative meaning is different from the literal meaning. The album was criticised for sounding forced or formulaic. Critics typically complained that the film was formulaic and not funny. Critics praised the song, although some called it "formulaic" and reminiscent of her earlier work. It's totally formulaic but somehow different.