DYSMANTLE
- November 6, 2020
- 10tons Ltd
- 26h median play time
"DYSMANTLE" is an open-world, single-player or local co-op game with a dense atmosphere, interesting plot, and spectacular gameplay/graphics. You must escape a post-apocalyptic island by fighting creatures, breaking objects for materials, exploring, surviving, building outposts, crafting, hunting/taming animals, farming, and solving puzzles. The game is known for its humor, good music, and being very grinding.
Reviews
- Highly addictive gameplay loop with satisfying destruction mechanics.
- Expansive open world with plenty of secrets and quests to discover.
- No survival mechanics like hunger or thirst, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
- Combat can feel clunky and repetitive, with limited enemy variety.
- The game can become grindy, especially in the late game when searching for specific resources.
- Fast travel is limited to specific points, making traversal tedious at times.
- story1,114 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The story in "Dysmantle" is generally described as intriguing yet minimal, often unfolding through environmental storytelling and scattered lore items rather than a traditional narrative structure. Players appreciate the gradual revelation of the plot, which involves exploring a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies, but many find the pacing slow and the quests repetitive, leading to a grind-heavy experience. While some enjoy the light-hearted tone and the crafting mechanics, others feel that the story lacks depth and coherence, making it secondary to the gameplay loop of destruction and resource gathering.
“The story is told in a unique way, giving you little tidbits at a time and letting you put the pieces together.”
“Dysmantle is a great little game that really encourages you to get out and explore the world with the way it tells the story.”
“The story is interesting and the graphics are very cute.”
“This game is, however, quite bereft of story.”
“The reason I'm giving it a negative review is because of its story or lack thereof -- the ending is quite underwhelming and in order to get to it you need to do a number of tower defense side quests that just don't feel good.”
“There's an incredibly flimsy story about a zombie apocalypse (told in bits and pieces by embarrassing text-to-speech narrations and radio messages), and occasionally you stumble on very simple quests (destroy these zombies in 60 seconds! find the key buried in the graveyard!).”
- gameplay820 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Dysmantle" is characterized by a highly addictive loop of exploration, resource gathering, and crafting, where players dismantle the environment to upgrade their tools and progress through the game. While the mechanics are generally straightforward and satisfying, many players note that the gameplay can become repetitive over time, particularly due to the grinding nature of resource collection and enemy respawns. Overall, the game offers a blend of survival, crafting, and light RPG elements, appealing to those who enjoy casual, open-world experiences, though it may not satisfy players seeking deeper mechanics or narrative complexity.
“The gameplay loop makes you explore an area, find points of interest, gather resources to upgrade, and slowly light up the map, all the while fighting zombies.”
“With its vast open-world setting, satisfying combat mechanics, and addictive scavenging gameplay, Dysmantle offers a unique and engaging experience that will keep players hooked for hours on end.”
“The core gameplay loop of smash, loot, upgrade, smash more, is highly addictive and great fun.”
“The gameplay loop is fairly repetitive, but still pretty addictive.”
“The gameplay becomes monotonous long before you get a chance to research higher level upgrade materials.”
“The gameplay is simple and easy to understand, but it gets tedious fast.”
- grinding702 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 99 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback from players. Many enjoy the extensive grinding for resources, crafting, and exploration, finding it satisfying and engaging, especially for those who appreciate a slower-paced, methodical gameplay style. However, others criticize it as overly tedious and repetitive, particularly in the late game, where the grind can feel excessive and detracts from the overall enjoyment. Overall, the game caters well to fans of grinding mechanics, but may frustrate those who prefer a more streamlined experience.
“But, as mentioned previously, you're never too far from a camp, so getting the materials isn't too tedious.”
“You try to survive by breaking apart random objects to craft necessities, meanwhile making your way towards quest points/objectives (not grindy, supplies are plentiful, plus perks help).”
“The progression is also just right, not too grindy but enough to satisfy your itch for a good challenge.”
“This game starts off fun, and I like the pitch concept of being able to break everything--- but it's just so incredibly grindy.”
“The base game feels extremely empty because they padded out like 5 hours of content with 40ish hours of walking and grinding.”
“The grinding is likely the worst part of the game, however it's the type of grinding where you can easily turn your brain off and watch something on a second screen, so it wasn't too bad.”
- graphics308 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally well-received, characterized by a colorful and cartoonish art style that enhances the overall atmosphere and gameplay experience. While some players noted performance issues requiring lower settings, many appreciated the visuals as charming and fitting for the genre, with a few mentioning minor graphical glitches. Overall, the graphics are considered solid for an indie title, balancing simplicity with aesthetic appeal, making it accessible even on lower-end systems.
“The graphics in 'Dysmantle' are beautiful, with a colorful and cartoonish style that makes the post-apocalyptic world feel more light-hearted and fun.”
“The art style is colorful and cartoony, which appeals to me and makes it less 'serious' but no less difficult, and the story is interesting.”
“From the moment you step out of the bunker, you'll be enthralled by the game's stunning visuals and atmospheric soundtrack.”
“Still stutters for no reason, so running on a lower resolution and low graphics is required (even for a 4070), but for a game like this, crusty graphics are totally acceptable.”
“They should be ashamed for not making better 3D models that fit the aesthetic, in all honesty.”
“Unless you set low details, but at that point the graphics are quite grainy and ugly.”
- music139 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The music in the game is a polarizing aspect, with many players noting a significant lack of a consistent soundtrack during gameplay, often relying on their own music to enhance the experience. While some appreciate the ambient sounds and occasional musical interludes, others criticize the sparse and sometimes jarring music choices during cutscenes and boss fights. Overall, the game's sound design is seen as serviceable but could benefit from a more robust and engaging soundtrack to complement its gameplay.
“I love the soundtrack choice; it really makes the gameplay 10x better.”
“The game's beautiful graphics, fun soundtrack, and satisfying gameplay make it a must-play for anyone who enjoys a good survival game.”
“Beautiful art direction, incredibly addicting gameplay loop, fantastic sound design (love the music), engaging breadcrumb story that keeps you chasing it for more, a stellar variety of activities, tons of content for you to devour across a gargantuan world map.”
“My biggest gripe with this game is the soundtrack - the fact that there is none.”
“When you are venturing around the map, there isn't any music, there isn't any music when you are fighting monsters, there isn't any music at all, and it is very noticeable.”
“The biggest and most annoying issue I have found in the game is no music, except for the starting location, main menu, and some cutscenes.”
- humor45 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its quirky and lighthearted nature, featuring clever in-game references, witty character comments, and amusing mechanics that enhance the overall experience. Players enjoy the blend of funny storytelling with absurd scenarios, such as dismantling a town over trivial grievances and encountering humorous loot yields. The game's casual approach and occasional jankiness contribute to its charm, making it a delightful choice for those seeking a fun and entertaining gaming experience.
“Instead of generic procedural muck, you get a handcrafted map with some sly winks and some... less sly humor.”
“It's a game that doesn't take itself too seriously and is sure to have you laughing as you bash mutant creatures with a frying pan.”
“I love when game mechanics and humor meet, looking at you amber pills, right on the edge of laughing or crying.”
- stability42 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 7 % neutral mentions
- 55 % negative mentions
Overall, the game demonstrates strong stability with minimal bugs and smooth mechanics, earning praise for its performance across various platforms, including Steam Deck and Linux. While some users reported minor glitches and issues with multiplayer functionality, the majority experienced a polished and bug-free gameplay, even in early access. Notably, many players highlighted the absence of game-breaking bugs, contributing to a positive gaming experience.
“A polished, bug-free and overdelivering indie experience!”
“The game runs great and I have yet to see or experience a single bug in this game.”
“The dev team are hard working, the game is basically bug-free and extremely polished; I never came across any game-breaking bugs that caused me to relaunch the game or restart my playthrough.”
“It's impossible to do local since only one controller is able to be connected at a time. Honestly, it's beyond frustrating trying to do it with remote play, having 20 minutes of troubleshooting each time I want to play. A great solo game, but could be the most frustrating multiplayer experience of my life. I would have given it a raving review if it wasn't for this.”
“It is a little buggy, and I do not like how zombies reappear every time you rest (maybe change that to a daily thing?). There are a few minor bugs (I've crashed twice), but none of my hard work was lost.”
“From what I've been able to play so far, enjoying it but super buggy.”
- optimization39 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, with many users reporting smooth performance, minimal stuttering, and fast loading times across a range of hardware, including lower-end systems. Players appreciate the lack of significant performance issues, even in expansive open-world environments, and commend the game's ability to maintain a steady frame rate. The optimization is particularly noted for its effectiveness on devices like the Steam Deck and older PCs, making it accessible to a wider audience.
“You can have tons of persistent drops all over the world without a hiccup in performance.”
“This game is exceptionally well optimized for the Steam Deck.”
“I appreciate the extremely fast loading times and good performance, while being pleasing to look at albeit not super high-fidelity.”
“The performance also isn't good, lots of stutter and fps drops.”
“I occasionally get a slight performance drop, but that's all because of my computer.”
“And you would expect from a game that has multiple stuff laying on the ground in huge map to have some performance issue but it runs butter smooth.”
- atmosphere29 mentions
- 66 % positive mentions
- 24 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its engaging and immersive qualities, featuring a mix of stunning visuals, effective sound design, and a vibrant art style. Players appreciate the tension and detail in the environment, which enhances the overall experience, although some feel certain areas lack uniqueness. While the absence of music is noted, many find that the ambient sounds and minimalistic approach contribute positively to the game's relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere.
“I personally loved the atmosphere, especially in the beginning where things are tense and you have to be careful how you handle fights.”
“The attention to detail in the environment design is commendable, with each location offering a distinct atmosphere and challenges to overcome.”
“From the moment you step out of the bunker, you'll be enthralled by the game's stunning visuals and atmospheric soundtrack.”
“The island really needs more character and more atmosphere.”
“The game's atmosphere is bright and vibrant, not dark and gloomy.”
“You get some ambient animal sounds which give some atmosphere.”
- replayability27 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 74 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag among users; while some praise it for offering a lot of content and fun experiences that encourage multiple playthroughs, others criticize it for lacking significant variation in gameplay, story choices, and map design, leading to a perception of low replay value. Suggestions for improvement include the addition of a "new game plus" mode and more diverse content to enhance replayability. Overall, opinions vary widely, with some players finding it infinitely replayable and others feeling it offers little incentive to return after completing the main story.
“A very fun game with lots of replay value.”
“I think there’s a ton of replay value.”
“Lots to explore and do with good replayability.”
“The game doesn't have much replay value for me though.”
“No map variation and no build variation probably means little to no replay value.”
“I would say currently there is 20-30 hours of content available in the game, but with zero replayability, meaning that once you're done with the current content there is no good reason or incentive to play the game again until new content is implemented.”
- monetization8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 88 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the absence of microtransactions and ads, while others criticize it for feeling like a cash grab. Users noted the grind-heavy nature reminiscent of mobile games, and expressed frustration over intrusive ads, particularly on startup screens. Overall, the game's approach to monetization seems to evoke both nostalgia for ad-free experiences and disappointment in its perceived lack of genuine development intent.
“This game is refreshing because it doesn't rely on microtransactions and focuses on solid gameplay.”
“The monetization model is fair and doesn't disrupt the gaming experience.”
“I appreciate that the game offers plenty of content without pushing for additional purchases.”
“Grind-heavy, like a mobile game designed to be flooded with ads.”
“Annoying ads to buy DLC, but that's the age we live in.”
“I don't feel like this game was made with any sort of love, and was instead intended as an early access cash grab, which is a major disappointment.”
- emotional5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players highlight the game's emotional depth, noting that it creates a profound sense of loneliness and personal responsibility, making them feel deeply connected to the world. The attention to detail in the game's design enhances this emotional experience, making it stand out compared to other titles.
“A lot of care went into making this world emotionally accessible.”
“First off, this game genuinely made me feel lonely.”
“It made me feel like my survival was up to me and me alone.”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Character development is praised for its satisfying progression, featuring a blend of RPG elements such as equipment upgrades, level-ups, and crafting. Players appreciate the cool character designs and the way the game balances difficulty with various activities like farming, fighting, and exploring, all contributing to an engaging story and atmosphere.
“Very satisfying and builds up the difficulty nicely with pretty cool character designs.”
“You get basic RPG character development in the form of equipment and improving it, level ups, farming, building, crafting, fighting, exploring, challenges, story, and atmosphere.”
“Character development feels very basic, relying mostly on equipment upgrades and level-ups rather than meaningful growth.”
“The game lacks depth in character progression, making it feel more like a grind than an engaging journey.”
“There is a noticeable absence of unique character arcs or personal growth, which detracts from the overall experience.”