DeepStates [VR]
- June 18, 2021
- Marc Zimmermann
"DeepStates " offers immersive experiences in six unique environments, designed to calm the mind and promote relaxation. Customizable parameters and a guided DeepGuide, featuring breathing exercises and binaural beats, help players reach a deep state of relaxation. Despite discontinued development, the game still provides a serene escape for VR users.
Reviews
- The game features stunning, photorealistic graphics and immersive environments that enhance the meditation experience.
- The audio design, including background music and guided meditations, is well-crafted and complements the visuals, creating a calming atmosphere.
- DeepStates VR offers a unique and transformative experience for relaxation and self-discovery, with potential for future content updates.
- The game is poorly optimized, requiring high-end hardware to run smoothly, which may deter players with less powerful setups.
- Content is currently limited, with few environments and interactions, leading to a feeling of emptiness and lack of replayability.
- The user interface and settings menu can be confusing and overwhelming, making it difficult for casual users to navigate and fully enjoy the experience.
- graphics24 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics in Deepstates VR are widely praised for their photorealism and stunning detail, particularly in the desert environment, which many consider the best in VR meditation experiences to date. However, some users noted a decline in graphical quality in later environments, suggesting that the developers should maintain high standards throughout. Overall, the visuals significantly enhance the immersive and meditative experience, with options available for adjusting settings based on hardware capabilities.
“The best graphics in these sorts of environmental meditation scenery as of yet, no doubt, these sceneries are photorealistic, not just a cheap engine with imported assets.”
“Best photorealistic graphics in VR so far, especially in the desert environment that can be experienced also in the demo.”
“Visually stunning and immersive - some of the best graphics I've ever seen in VR.”
“However, I noticed a degradation of graphics in some of the last environments; they are not as photorealistic and detailed in comparison to the desert environment of the demo.”
“I suggest the developer not to compromise on graphics, because the added value of this app is exploring beautiful environments rendered with photorealistic graphics; you cannot find something similar in other apps.”
“There's adjustments for brightness, contrast, etc. I didn't find any in-game graphic options, but maybe I just missed it.”
- music9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its ability to complement the scenes without being overpowering, creating a relaxing atmosphere that encourages players to immerse themselves in the experience. However, some users noted a dissonance between the music and sound effects, which detracted from the overall enjoyment. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a key element for enhancing the game's tranquil environment.
“The background music isn't too overpowering and suits each scene extremely well.”
“Beautiful scenery, music and surroundings.”
“Sit in the world and do nothing but listen to the music in that world, observe the world around you and relax.”
“Save your money, sit in a dark room with your meditation music, close your eyes and get someone to flash a torch in your eyes, enjoy that!?”
“Now imagine this: the low fps, chunky controllers, the music in disharmony with the sound effects, the Xanax girl forcing you to relax, and your hands shaking because of the controller vibration.”
“You can also change the brightness, contrast, sharpness, saturation, SFX and music levels, movement styles (smooth/teleport), height, and graphics settings (with an in-game supersampling setting), and other settings.”
- optimization7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been widely criticized, with players reporting significant performance issues even on high-end hardware, such as the RTX 4060 and 14400F processor. Many users suggest that a minimum of an RTX 2070 is necessary for acceptable performance, and some have found that using mods like FSR can help improve the experience. Overall, while the game shows potential, its current optimization leaves much to be desired.
“It still felt fluid with no stuttering at all.”
“There is a kind of 'mod' that improves performance (applicable to many VR games), I'll go over it in the tips section below.”
“I recommend using the FSR mod to improve performance.”
“So much potential, but the experience is so horribly optimized that even my 4060 with a 14400F processor can't even come close to loading the scenes at 80 Hz.”
“Like I said before, you need at least an RTX 2070 to play it at mediocre performance.”
“Deepstates is performance intensive.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is not explicitly detailed in the review, but the user expresses a desire for a multiplayer experience that enhances social interaction within the game's environments, suggesting that the narrative could benefit from collaborative gameplay.
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly immersive, effectively engaging multiple senses through sound, visuals, and lighting. Players appreciate the ability to dynamically control certain atmospheric elements in real time, enhancing the meditative experience.
“In each environment, you can control some aspect of the atmosphere dynamically in real time, which is amazing to see.”
“I had serious doubts that I could be meditative with tiny TVs strapped to my face, but the use of sound, sights, lights, and atmosphere to engage as many senses as possible and pull you in is incredibly effective.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight that the game's environments are not only visually impressive but also evoke strong emotional responses, enhancing the overall immersive experience.
“The environments are just stunning, both visually and emotionally.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is engaging and offers a variety of mechanics that keep players invested. Users appreciate the fluid controls and the balance between challenge and accessibility, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and veterans. Overall, the gameplay experience is well-received, contributing to the game's overall appeal.
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is noted for its lighthearted and amusing descriptions, which contribute to an overall playful tone.
“I know a description like this can seem a bit funny.”