Genotype
- February 22, 2024
- Bolverk Games
In this Metroidvania FPS adventure, you explore an abandoned lab in Antarctica overrun by monstrous beasts. Print living creatures to use as weapons and survival tools, and take part in a fully voice-acted story as the facility’s sole survivor guides you through an alien ecosystem… but what role did he play in the research station’s downfall? 5 radically different weaponized creatures Div…
Reviews
- The game features a unique mechanic with genetic creatures that players can use as weapons, enhancing the combat experience.
- It offers a well-thought-out VR experience with a decent story, engaging gameplay, and great performance even on lower-spec hardware.
- The exploration and world-building are immersive, with a retro-futuristic setting that encourages players to uncover the mystery of the environment.
- The game suffers from some technical issues, such as poor default controller mappings and occasional bugs that can affect gameplay.
- There is a lack of clear direction at times, making it easy to get lost without sufficient guidance or waypoints.
- Some players noted that the environments can feel repetitive, and the absence of dynamic elements like shadows and ambient music detracts from the overall atmosphere.
- story36 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally well-received, described as engaging and well-narrated, with a decent length of around 10 hours. Players appreciate the atmospheric delivery through various media, such as radio communications and logs, although some note it doesn't quite reach the narrative heights of more prominent titles like Half-Life: Alyx. Overall, it is considered a hidden gem in the VR genre, with a compelling sci-fi theme and unique gameplay mechanics.
“Criminally underrated game, Genotype is no doubt one of the best VR games I have played these past years: great story, diverse enemies, and a well-narrated and exciting campaign with some of the most unique game mechanics I have ever seen in a VR game. When I first saw this game hit the shelves, I didn't think much of it, but when I tried it for the first time, it was obvious that this game is one of those 'hidden gems.' I 100% recommend this game to anyone who likes action story-rich shooters, and it is 100% worth the price. Seriously outstanding job to whoever created this game; I would be excited for a sequel if that were ever to happen.”
“Good story and atmosphere.”
“The important thing here is that the game is a great game, very well done, with a decent story that keeps you engaged throughout the ~10 hours it takes to complete.”
“The story/narration isn't on the same level as Alyx, but that's understandable coming from a smaller studio.”
“The story is delivered by your friend on the radio, text logs, and audio logs that feature everything from daily annoyances, their suspicions, who they do and don't like, the food, and loneliness.”
“I wasn't expecting much from it, to be honest. I had watched a few videos from the Quest version, but despite the generally favorable reviews, I wasn't too convinced about it; it looked a bit like a B-movie, so to speak.”
- gameplay12 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this VR game is praised for its engaging mix of exploration, puzzles, and combat, complemented by a unique mechanic of injecting currency and upgrades into gloves. Players appreciate the smooth performance on lower-spec hardware, the enjoyable core gameplay loop, and the immersive environments, making it a standout title that many consider a hidden gem in the action story-rich shooter genre. Overall, the game is recommended for its innovative mechanics and enjoyable experience, with potential for a sequel.
“As far as the gameplay, it's a mix of exploration, puzzles, and combat.”
“I'm glad to say I was quite wrong about it; it turned out to be an excellent game with great VR mechanics, great controls, fun exploration and puzzles, and good combat that gets better the more you play it.”
“This game has extremely good potential (great core gameplay loop, really good environments and immersion) and I do recommend it even for my issues.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are praised for their good art style and solid performance, even on lower-spec hardware, with no stutters and quick loading times. While the visuals may be somewhat basic due to its origins as a Quest port, they are still considered polished and convincing, evoking a retro aesthetic reminiscent of titles like Alien: Isolation. Overall, the game is well-optimized and visually appealing, despite not reaching the highest quality seen in PC-first titles.
“The visuals and performance are great.”
“It is a very polished game, very well optimized, and despite being a Quest port, it looked nice enough and the visuals were quite convincing, even if they don't reach the level of quality of other games made for PC first and then ported to inferior platforms.”
“Exploring really felt like I was playing Alien: Isolation again, with the kind of retro aesthetic to some things.”
“The art style, while somewhat basic (likely due to it being on the Quest first), is far from bad.”
- music6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Reviewers appreciate the quality of the music in the game, noting that it feels incredible during key moments. However, there is a consensus that the game would benefit from more ambient music and a greater presence of music outside of scripted events.
“When the music did swell, it felt incredible, so I say more is good.”
“The music is also perfect, but I wish it featured more, other than during scripted stings.”
“The music is also perfect, but I wish it featured more, other than during scripted stings.”
“The game needs more ambient music or noise!”
“The game needs more ambient music or noise!”
“The game needs more ambient music or noise!”
- optimization4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its excellent optimization, delivering great visuals and performance even on lower-spec hardware, with zero stutters, fast loading times, and instant fast travel. The art style and gameplay loop further enhance the overall experience.
“Good art style, weapon upgrades, gameplay loop with simple tasks to do between shooting, and great performance even on lower spec hardware (zero stutters, fast loading times, and instant fast travel).”
“The visuals and performance are great.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Reviewers generally appreciate the game's atmosphere, noting that it effectively complements the story. However, there is a consensus that the addition of shadows could enhance the overall ambiance without requiring significant changes to the design.
“Good story and atmosphere.”
“And some shadows would really add to the atmosphere without having to remodel anything.”
“Some shadows would really add to the atmosphere without having to remodel anything.”