CONVRGENCE
- April 22, 2024
- Monkey-With-a-Bomb
- 7h median play time
"CONVRGENCE is a single-player horror shooter with stellar gameplay and outstanding graphics, resembling an extraction shooter like Escape from Tarkov set in a procedurally generated Chernokamensk exclusion zone. At night, eerie monsters and your own fear transform the gameplay, and wise planning is essential to survive, scavenge, and extract. Despite some bugs, CONVRGENCE boasts a phenomenal atmosphere."
Reviews
- Great atmosphere and sense of presence, immersing players in a post-apocalyptic world.
- Awesome dog companion that can be commanded to attack, stay, or follow, adding a unique gameplay element.
- Creative VR game elements, including a personal bunk room and storage chest, enhance the overall experience.
- Overall poor AI and shallow gameplay, leading to repetitive experiences.
- No free-roaming in the world, limiting exploration and player agency.
- Many bugs and performance issues, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the game.
- gameplay82 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this early access title has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the core loop of looting, upgrading, and combat, while also noting significant issues with AI and repetitive mechanics. The atmosphere and graphics are praised, but the gameplay can feel shallow and lacks depth, particularly in enemy behavior and mission variety. Overall, while the foundation is solid and enjoyable for fans of similar genres, many reviewers suggest waiting for further development to address the current shortcomings.
“If you like metro-esque or stalker-esque atmosphere and gameplay, you will feel right at home.”
“The gameplay is excellent, the feeling of the weapons (even if it still lacks a little realism) is excellent.”
“I love the gameplay and mechanics and the overall vibe is amazing.”
“Overall poor AI and shallow gameplay.”
“The tilesets are dreary, and there really aren't any tactics or advanced AI features during gameplay or with the NPC behavior.”
“Large, mazelike maps and dumb, repetitive enemies combined with simple quests make the core gameplay loop deeply uninspired.”
- story54 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 83 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The game's story is currently minimal, with players noting a lack of substantial narrative content, though some appreciate the atmosphere and immersion during missions. While there are elements of lore through collectible notes, many feel that the gameplay primarily revolves around repetitive fetch quests and random objectives, leaving the story feeling underdeveloped. Overall, players express hope for future expansions to the narrative as the game is still in early access.
“The plot seems to be interesting too.”
“Great game, still needs more story, but I understand it's in early access.”
“That story is one of my favorites of the last years in gaming.”
“Story - this is non-existent at the moment, but you can find random notes that build small lore.”
“Admittedly, there is almost no story, but it's a raid loot type of game and the atmosphere and mechanics are really awesome.”
“Large, mazelike maps and dumb, repetitive enemies (for the first map, at least) combined with simple quests (collect x items, find x story object, kill x enemy) make the core gameplay loop deeply uninspired - why would I want to do 4 raids that are all exactly the same so I can unlock a better gun and backpack?”
- graphics41 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received generally positive feedback, with many players praising the art direction, attention to detail, and immersive atmosphere. While some users noted occasional bugs and performance issues, the overall visual quality is considered impressive, especially for a VR title, often compared to AAA games. However, there are mixed opinions on optimization, with some players experiencing variable frame rates and graphical glitches.
“Graphically, the game looks great and has an obvious art direction that it's settled in, and nothing in the environment, items, or character models looks out of place.”
“Graphics wise, I love the gritty art style and the attention to detail is stunning (no spoilers, but look closely at the dog).”
“The graphics, level of detail, sound design, and gunplay are really impressive, and the fact that you can twirl the revolver in your hand puts a smile on my face every time I do it.”
“This isn't a game with visuals that let me play it for more than a few minutes at a time.”
“Unknown if that's a graphics glitch or how it's meant to be, but it makes the game look broken.”
“I tried reducing the graphics settings, but that had no impact on performance at all. I think it's just an issue with the engine currently as movement is very lurchy and uneven, and actually made me a little queasy at times.”
- atmosphere35 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive and colorful design, drawing comparisons to beloved titles like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and Into the Radius. Players appreciate the chilling and engaging environments, enhanced by effective sound design, which contribute to a strong sense of presence and enjoyment. Despite some criticisms regarding gameplay repetition and map design, the overall atmosphere is considered a standout feature that keeps players engaged and excited for future updates.
“While this game may be in early access, I've had a ton of fun playing it. The atmosphere is well done and immersive, the developer is actively working on the game and does a great job listening and interacting with the community, and it's just fun.”
“This game absolutely nails its atmosphere and it made me appreciate so much more.”
“The use of sound and the atmosphere in this game is incredible.”
“The atmosphere in this game is equivalent to that of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.”
“I have come to visit him, hoping for an experience similar to 'Into the Radius' and to be honest, I wasn’t disappointed. However, if I’m going to compare between those two games, there are massive problems like the maps being boring, gray, and linear. There are also very few enemies, and their AI isn’t the best. The dog companion most of the time just does not work, and the gameplay gets very repetitive very quickly. Other than that, the sound is good, the mechanics are pretty cool, and the visuals are great, but to be honest, I cannot even compare this to 'Into the Radius' because, in my opinion, 'Into the Radius' is just a perfect game. This game has many problems, but if you want a similar atmosphere and kind of gameplay and you do not have the budget, I cannot recommend this game.”
“Bleak misty atmosphere with vehicles floating in the air.”
- optimization29 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 28 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players experiencing performance issues such as lags and stutters, particularly in certain maps. While some users report that the game runs smoothly on higher settings, others note that significant optimization is still needed, especially to improve interactions and reduce discomfort in VR. Despite these challenges, there is optimism about future updates and improvements from the developer.
“Optimization-wise, my PC was chugging quite a bit near the village sections found on the new forest map, and would sometimes chug on the garage map; however, the bunker map (arguably the best map in the game) runs smooth like butter on high settings with either enemy types selected.”
“The game is pretty well optimized; with my computer being somewhat middle of the road by today's standards, the fact I can run it smooth and steady is pleasing!”
“The new update is excellent; the latest maps, bug fixes, and improvements to AI and performance are all fantastic.”
“Optimization-wise, my PC was chugging quite a bit near the village sections found on the new forest map, and would sometimes chug on the garage map; however, the bunker map (arguably the best map in the game) runs smooth like butter on high settings with either enemy type selected.”
“There are some serious optimizations that need to be done for this game.”
“I tried reducing the graphics settings, but that had no impact on performance at all. I think it's just an issue with the engine currently, as movement is very lurchy and uneven, and actually made me a little queasy at times.”
- stability19 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is currently plagued by numerous glitches and bugs, typical of an early access title, but players remain optimistic about future fixes from the developers. While some issues, such as AI behavior and animation stiffness, detract from the experience, many users find the gameplay enjoyable and manageable despite these technical shortcomings. Overall, the game shows promise but requires significant stability improvements to reach its full potential.
“Broken buggy mess if you like loot falling through the ground, bodies clipping through walls, making it impossible to search them.”
“It's janky, buggy, and kinda barren.”
“While I do recommend it even in its current state, I would like to post a few annoying glitches and criticisms I've found.”
- humor8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by clever interactions with a playful dog and amusing loading screens featuring nostalgic music, which enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the funny AI and quirky elements, such as a fast-running goblin and humorous animations, contributing to a lighthearted atmosphere despite some bugs. Overall, the game successfully blends fun gameplay with comedic moments, making it an enjoyable experience.
“Gotta say, 10 hours in and I'm having a blast. It's a buggy mess, but for a VR game made by one developer, it's great. It's fun, and the second location is super creepy. The dog is very fun to play with; the small interactions with it are really clever and funny at times.”
“I bloody love the loading screen when you're driving a car and listening to the old Soviet remastered song 'там далеко далеко есть земля'; it is really funny.”
“Wow, funny game with a funny little goblin that runs at you at mach 1.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious and repetitive, often feeling stuck in a cycle of raiding the same locations with limited variety. While some see potential in the game, the reliance on reputation grinding to unlock weapons and the lack of engaging mechanics contribute to a frustrating experience.
“Most of the weapons are locked behind rep grinding, which takes forever since you’re stuck raiding the same places with the same setup, same enemies, every single time.”
“I was hoping for a more extraction-based experience, but the controls weren't great and the body grabbing (the PDA and flashlight were not reliable for me in the slightest) really made it boring and tedious.”
“Overall - for the 2.4 hours that I played; admittedly not a lot at all, I think it has great potential but it's not a grinding game for me (yet).”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game to have significant replayability due to its procedural level design, which ensures varied experiences with each playthrough. While some improvements in enemy AI and gunplay are needed, the overall fun factor and potential for diverse gameplay keep players engaged.
“A little rough around the edges and needs some enemy AI and gunplay improvements, but honestly a really fun game so far with a lot of replayability that shows a ton of promise.”
“Finally, the levels, such as the garages for example, are procedural, so each time you launch a raid, the map changes. This is obviously very good for replayability. In two raids, I didn't really have the time to see if everything fits together correctly, but nothing seemed strange to me in terms of the procedural creation of the levels for the moment.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization of "Convergence" is criticized as a blatant cash grab, with users expressing concerns that it feels incomplete and may even harm their PCs.
“If you want to experience what a half-baked cash grab that will damage your PC is like, then buy Convergence.”
“The monetization in this game feels exploitative and detracts from the overall experience.”
“It's frustrating to see so many features locked behind paywalls, making it hard to enjoy the game fully without spending extra money.”
- music1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The music in the game, particularly the remastered Soviet song "там далеко далеко есть земля" during loading screens, has been well-received for its humor and nostalgic appeal, enhancing the driving experience.
“I absolutely love the loading screen when you're driving a car and listening to the old Soviet remastered song 'Там далеко, далеко есть земля'; it's really funny.”
“The music in this game is repetitive and lacks variety, making it feel monotonous after a short while.”
“I found the soundtrack to be uninspired and forgettable, which detracted from the overall experience.”
“The audio quality of the music is subpar, and it often feels out of place with the game's atmosphere.”