Ghosts of Tabor
- March 20, 2023
- Combat Waffle Studios
- 28h median play time
"Ghosts of Tabor" is an extraction-based VR FPS survival game with intense PvPvE combat, large explorable maps, and crafting. Survive by managing health, hunger, and thirst, and trade with vendors to upgrade your arsenal. Inspired by Escape from Tarkov and Day Z, the game offers a variety of scenarios and features for high replayability.
Reviews
- gameplay623 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Ghosts of Tabor" is characterized by a mix of immersive mechanics and frustrating bugs, with many players praising the gun mechanics and overall gameplay loop while also highlighting issues such as clunky controls, inventory management problems, and a steep learning curve. While the game offers an engaging experience reminiscent of "Escape from Tarkov," it suffers from technical glitches and unpolished mechanics that can detract from the enjoyment. Overall, the game shows significant potential but requires further refinement to fully realize its immersive and addictive gameplay experience.
“The gameplay is engaging, thrilling, and pure fun.”
“Ghosts of Tabor boasts some of the most fun and repeatable gameplay I have experienced in any game, let alone in VR.”
“The gunplay, the immersion, attention to detail on weapon models/mechanics, the risk vs reward gameplay loop is quite fun and the two maps currently in the game are well designed.”
“The food and drink meter goes down ridiculously fast. I understand it's supposed to be a game mechanic to create a timer within the timer, but it's really silly when my character starts dying of hunger or thirst just 10 minutes into a game.”
“The gameplay is incredibly buggy, particularly with mechanics like grenade throws, where physics often glitch, leading to catastrophic failures in an extraction-based looter shooter.”
“The controls are clunky, the graphics are outdated, and the gameplay mechanics are just downright infuriating.”
- stability528 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 98 % negative mentions
The stability of "Ghosts of Tabor" has been a significant point of contention among players, with many reporting a plethora of bugs and glitches that hinder gameplay. While some users acknowledge the game's fun factor and potential, they express frustration over frequent crashes, disappearing items, and inconsistent mechanics, particularly in its early access state. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess," with many recommending waiting for further updates before diving in.
“Pretty fun with friends, great if solo, and surprisingly runs great with the brand new Quest 3.”
“This is an amazing game with no glitches and it's very polished.”
“Decent game, runs great on the Quest 3 with minimum issues.”
“This game is a buggy mess at times, especially if you play on quest since you need to open it through virtual desktop.”
“The game is extremely buggy, I get it's in beta or early access but like the tutorial is absolutely horrible, it doesn't explain anything at all, doesn't explain how to heal yourself, in my first raid I killed some and tried to extract and it wouldn't let me, I ignore it, around 5 minutes later my game freezes and my PC crashes from the game and I lose everything, this game is not worth $19.99 at all this game could maybe be worth $4.99.”
“The game is very buggy, not just that there's some issues launching it (which there are for some headsets), but items disappear through tables if you don't place them correctly, supplies vanish from storage shelves and containers randomly, vests don't store well and there's a lot of weird mechanics that are incredibly particular that make the game very difficult before you even play a round.”
- story508 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 80 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The game "Ghosts of Tabor" lacks a cohesive story, with players noting that it primarily features repetitive and grindy missions focused on combat tasks, such as killing enemies or collecting items. Many reviews express disappointment over the absence of a narrative or engaging questlines, leading to a monotonous gameplay experience that feels unfulfilling. Overall, the mission structure is criticized for being overly simplistic and lacking depth, which detracts from the potential for a more immersive storytelling experience.
“Ghost of Tabor is my first entry to the extraction shooter genre. The game is really fun overall, but being in early access means it still has a lot of issues and bugs. I hope to get back into the game when the missions are more interactive than simply 'kill players' or 'kill players without dying.'”
“The game has its issues, and you can tell that it was held back by the Quest 2 in terms of graphical fidelity, but the gameplay loop is so fun that I really don't care.”
“From the stunning visuals to the gripping storyline, every aspect of the game is crafted with care and precision.”
“The quests leave a lot to be desired.”
“Ghosts of Tabor has no ongoing story, so any missions you accept are one-off repeatable missions that you can accept from any of the traders that you can buy from.”
“The mission structure is extremely bland, with every mission just being kill X amount of players with weapon Y.”
- graphics197 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Ghosts of Tabor" receive mixed reviews, with many players noting that they are outdated and reminiscent of earlier gaming generations, often comparing them unfavorably to titles like Half-Life 2. While some appreciate the game's visual appeal in the context of VR, others criticize the performance issues and lack of detail, suggesting that significant improvements are needed. Overall, the graphics are seen as a weak point, detracting from an otherwise engaging gameplay experience.
“After playing countless FPS games both VR and PC, nothing compares to the realism of this game, from the graphics to the mechanics and everything in between.”
“The graphics are pretty good; I'd say similar to Onward, maybe a touch better when it comes to the foliage, although the game has to be kept playable on standalone Quest 2 hardware but it scales well.”
“This game has the aesthetic and the surface-level elements of Tarkov but without any of the depth (yet) and an insane amount of bugs.”
“The graphics feel like they're from the PlayStation 1/2 era, and those are the reasons I don't play consistently.”
“The graphics are ugly.”
“The graphics are not Half-Life: Alyx, but it is a growing community, frantic action, frustration but also a feeling of accomplishment when things go your way.”
- grinding131 mentions
- 2 % positive mentions
- 9 % neutral mentions
- 89 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being excessively tedious and time-consuming, often requiring players to repeat the same tasks ad nauseam to progress. Many reviewers express frustration with the slow leveling of traders and the repetitive nature of quests, which detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game. While some players appreciate the grind as part of the experience, the consensus leans towards it being a significant barrier to fun, especially in a VR context.
“Depends on how much you like grinding.”
“I have a lot of videos from the game on my YouTube channel, so I have given this game a good go (142 hours at the time of review), but I enjoyed it when it wasn't as grindy, and I could still get away with only playing a couple of hours per week.”
“Oh well, though it’s the player, not the game. After this, I went out 5 more times doing the same thing, only this time I avoided other players, but I found that to be impossible. Every single time I went out, I got gunned down, tracked, or sunk. The skill gap in this game is insane, and if you're not grinding on wipe day, then you may as well give up.”
“Uninspired tedious mechanics in an already tedious game.”
“You will find yourself left grinding the same 2 tasks over and over: kill 25 scav in 5 raids, kill 15 scav in 3 raids, etc.”
“The game is too tedious for VR.”
- optimization112 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 39 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues such as stuttering, crashes, and poor graphics quality, particularly on various VR headsets. While some users have noted improvements and smoother performance on high-end PCs, others have expressed frustration with the game's lack of optimization for lower-end systems and specific VR setups. Overall, the consensus is that the game requires substantial optimization work to enhance the player experience and address the numerous bugs and performance inconsistencies.
“Good game, very funny especially with friends, good optimization and performance on Quest 2 via Virtual Desktop with 3060 Ti.”
“The game itself feels really polished in some aspects, guns look visually appealing, the looting system feels rewarding, and not too punishing, and the maps are creative and surprisingly big in size, considering how smooth the games run; it's optimized quite impressively.”
“It has received constant updates and patches since launch and is increasing in performance, realism, features, and graphical fidelity with every update; I honestly cannot recommend this game enough.”
“There's 4 maps and they are quite large, they still look awful because I think the game is optimized for Meta Quest standalone, or just the average Russian PC setup. The LOD is sometimes so bad that you can see people in the distance walking on thin air because the terrain hasn't loaded in.”
“The game is full of massive bugs, unoptimized garbage, constant crashes, useless settings that rob FPS, and devs that don't seem to know what the hell they are doing. If you're looking for a replacement for Tarkov, this might be the game, but it seems like they are following the same business tactic: drop trash and hope people buy it, while simultaneously ignoring their player base.”
“I was quite excited for this game but it did nothing but make me mad. For reference, I have a Vive Cosmos. When starting the game, there is no optimization for this headset, so I couldn't even get past the EULA license agreement at the beginning because it wouldn't register a trigger click. I found some community workshop keybindings that allowed the game to actually begin, but I got into the intro/tutorial and the frame rate and game capability didn't exist. I couldn't hear it, I couldn't see it, and I couldn't even open the settings to fix it.”
- humor74 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the hilarious interactions that arise from both gameplay mechanics and voice chat. Many reviews mention the comedic value of mishaps, such as bugs and unexpected player encounters, which often lead to memorable moments, especially when playing with friends. Overall, the game's blend of intense action and lighthearted fun creates a uniquely entertaining experience that resonates well with players.
“Especially when you miss a crucial shot because you’re too busy laughing at your friend smacking a wall with his rifle.”
“The game has a lot of good VOIP conversations which tend to leave you laughing hysterically by the end of it and can be a lot of fun regardless of your skill level or your gear.”
“I've had some genuine funny experiences with people in this game thanks to the VOIP which works beautifully.”
- monetization31 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing frustration over the presence of ads and the perception that the game is increasingly becoming a cash grab. While some appreciate the lack of extensive microtransactions, others criticize the limited DLC offerings and the feeling that additional purchases are necessary to enhance gameplay, leading to a "pay-to-win" sentiment. Overall, players feel that the monetization strategy detracts from the game's potential, with many calling for improvements and fixes rather than more paid content.
“The lack of microtransactions is great; however, you only need to buy one DLC, as there is no benefit to purchasing more than that.”
“The microtransactions provide additional weapons, an ammo crafting station, and a higher rank that allows you to buy better weapons in the shop after every wipe, making this game feel pay-to-win.”
“Now it's becoming more and more of a cash grab the more revenue it brings in.”
“Mega cash grab will milk you for your money because level 2 traders are insanely hard to grind, especially if you're new to the game and have no idea what you're doing.”
“As of right now, there are two DLCs in the game that feel like cash grabs that don't add much to the game and feel pointless.”
- emotional24 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional experience of the game is a mixed bag, oscillating between moments of joy and frustration, as players navigate the highs of teamwork and loot discovery alongside the lows of technical glitches and gameplay frustrations. While some find the intense realism and chaotic gameplay to be exhilarating, others express deep regret and disappointment, feeling overwhelmed by the game's mechanics and the emotional toll of repeated failures. Overall, the game elicits strong feelings, but many players recommend caution before diving in due to its potential to evoke both elation and rage.
“It's an emotional rollercoaster where you go from absolute elation to furiously rage quitting... only to think to yourself, 'Okay, one more raid.'”
“I've played VR games and a crazy amount of driving games, but none have made me feel like this game has.”
“If you want to cry in a corner with your MP40 while Bubba with his big boy level 3 armor and kitted AKM screams flamboyant jokes at you, you should buy this game.”
- replayability16 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is praised for its high replayability, with many players enjoying the thrill of grinding for loot and the excitement of starting fresh after periodic wipes. While some users note technical issues and bugs, the core gameplay experience offers a compelling reason to return, likening it to popular looter shooters like Escape from Tarkov. Many players express enthusiasm for the game's potential and community, indicating a strong desire to continue playing despite any shortcomings.
“This is what most games (VR or not) lack: replayability. I got smoked by two dudes with max-tier armor, bags, and guns, with good loot, and still ran it back.”
“The thrill of discovering rare loot, upgrading your arsenal, and optimizing your loadout adds a layer of depth and replayability that keeps you coming back for more.”
“I've had VR a long time, but this is the first game that feels endlessly replayable and made me run out the battery on my headset.”
“No replay value.”
“If the devs do something to make the game even a little bit more playable, I'll delete this review.”
“Edit 2: Well, after a few patches the game is way more playable; however, it still has a large number of crashes and game-breaking bugs.”
- atmosphere11 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is praised for its immersive realism and detailed environments, creating a captivating and otherworldly experience, especially in multiplayer settings. However, some players find certain areas lacking in atmosphere, with criticisms aimed at clunky gameplay mechanics and environmental issues that detract from the overall experience. Overall, while the atmosphere is a highlight for many, it is inconsistent and can be overshadowed by gameplay flaws.
“From the moment you step into the virtual world, the atmospheric design and attention to detail draw you in, creating an environment that feels both tangible and otherworldly.”
“I love the atmosphere this game has whether on a raid, in the bunker, or at the market.”
“My first day in and I gotta say I love it, it has its fair share of jank such as guns getting jammed in walls if you take a corner too tight and sometimes speed reloading is a pain because you have to find the sweet spot; however, the atmosphere is incredible.”
“The environments/maps just feel dead with no atmosphere, clunky gunplay, and really poor tutorials (you miss even a second of the video and you have to start the whole segment video again).”
“That said, when it is finished, it better be damn good, or I am just going to play more into the radius, because that game blows this one out of the water, not just in terms of quality but also atmosphere and just general concept.”
“-lost a considerable amount of items due to them falling out of the world, despawning, flying into the atmosphere, and not being able to interact with them.”
- music4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it overly quiet and lacking in ambient sounds, while others feel that the orchestral score is intrusive during gameplay, particularly during looting and inventory management. Overall, the music seems to detract from the immersive experience rather than enhance it.
“Half of my time is spent listening to music and sorting my hideout, to be honest.”
“Even the irritating AI music.”
“It's so quiet too, like no ambient sounds, no footsteps, no music, only gun-related noises.”
“In a game where looting is one of the primary objectives, the simple act of picking things up and putting them in a bag is a two-minute ordeal with orchestral music.”