Soulmask
- May 30, 2024
- CampFire Studio
- 65h median play time
Get on Steam"Soulmask is a sandbox Role Playing Game with survival elements, offering both single-player and massively multiplayer experiences, including Co-op and PvP modes. The game features a unique 'Soulmask' system, allowing you to merge with NPCs, possess their bodies, and acquire their skills. With a good plot, beautiful game mechanics, wonderful graphics, excellent music, and a fantastic atmosphere, Soulmask invites you to join their Discord and wishlist the game to stay updated."
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Unique mechanics with the mask and tribesmen system that adds depth to gameplay.
- Beautiful graphics and a large, immersive world to explore.
- Active developers who listen to community feedback and provide regular updates.
- Combat can feel clunky and unbalanced, especially with enemy health scaling.
- The game can be excessively grindy, particularly in the late game.
- AI pathing issues with tribesmen can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.
- gameplay818 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Soulmask" is a complex blend of survival mechanics reminiscent of titles like "Conan Exiles" and "ARK: Survival Evolved," featuring a unique tribe management system that allows players to control various NPCs through a mask mechanic. While many players appreciate the depth and variety of gameplay options, including crafting, building, and combat, others find the mechanics overwhelming and convoluted, leading to a steep learning curve. Overall, the game offers a rich experience with engaging visuals and innovative systems, but it requires patience to navigate its intricate mechanics effectively.
“The gameplay loop consists of gathering resources, crafting gear, eliminating the same 3-5 mobs from a point of interest, repeat.”
“The game's unique premise of controlling a tribe member's mask rather than a main character adds a refreshing and intriguing twist to the gameplay, ensuring that every moment spent in the game feels engaging and distinctive.”
“The mechanics are interesting and the combat is fun; I've gotten my money's worth already.”
“The gameplay loop is similar to other titles in the genre like Conan Exiles and Ark: Survival Evolved, with a thrall or tribe member system similar to Conan Exiles.”
“Game mechanics are too complicated; even after 15 hours of gameplay, I'm still confused.”
“The core gameplay loop is not fun; the tech tree is bloated and useless, and your friendly AI and enemy AI are embarrassing to say the least.”
- grinding398 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 2 % neutral mentions
- 97 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback from players. While many appreciate the depth and complexity of the grinding mechanics, particularly with the tribe system that allows for some automation, others find it excessively tedious and time-consuming, especially in the late game. Players suggest that adjusting server settings can alleviate some of the grind, but the overall consensus is that the game can feel overwhelmingly grindy, particularly for solo players.
“The building isn't tedious and actually made me build so many structures just for the sake of aesthetics.”
“It has a good progression and it's not too grindy once you figure things out.”
“Keep in mind like most PvP games, if you are not grinding 24/7, a clan of 5 is going to come raid you in the first 5 minutes of the raid timer with full metal gear on your straw hut while you try and grind the levels required to get above wood and thatch, which takes a very long time.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The game is incredibly grindy, more grindy than any survival game I have played. It almost feels like it's over the top grindy; some of it is completely unnecessary. It's never simple to craft anything; you have to use multiple different benches to craft things that you need for one item. It's a bit ridiculous.”
“The grinding is insane, and when you get to a point where you have the 'minions' (aka tribe members, if you're lucky enough to have a bonfire) and have them grind for you, then the logistics of where they pull things from and where they put things becomes insane.”
- graphics300 mentions
- 59 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread praise for their stunning visuals and immersive environments, with many players highlighting the unique tribal aesthetic and vibrant settings. While some users noted minor performance issues and graphical hiccups, the overall consensus is that the game boasts impressive graphics that enhance the gameplay experience, making it visually appealing and engaging. However, a few critiques mention that the graphics may not be groundbreaking compared to other titles, and some players experienced optimization challenges on lower-end systems.
“The graphics are breathtaking, offering stunning scenery and immersive visuals that enhance the overall gaming experience.”
“Soulmask is a standout survival game that shines in early access with its polished experience, stunning visuals, and unique blend of mechanics.”
“The graphics are stunning, the character interactions are well done, and I absolutely love the hunting and gathering.”
“These new graphics 'standards' that infest the new generations of games is truly saddening.”
“The graphics are poor, with everything looking wet all the time.”
“For now, it's hard to recommend the game to anyone who values cutting-edge graphics and performance features.”
- story158 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game's story is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the mysterious and immersive narrative that unfolds through exploration and environmental storytelling, while others criticize it for being vague, disjointed, or lacking depth. Many reviews highlight the absence of a clear main plot or meaningful quests, leading to a sense of aimlessness, although some find the lore and character development engaging. Overall, while the game offers intriguing concepts and potential for storytelling, it currently requires further refinement and depth to fully captivate players.
“The storyline is captivating, with well-developed characters and intricate world-building that keep you engaged from start to finish.”
“The story unfolds through a mix of cutscenes, in-game dialogue, and environmental storytelling, offering a rich lore that encourages exploration.”
“Soulmask, for me, is not just another addition to the survival genre; it is an innovative masterpiece that uses the survival genre as the vehicle to present a fascinating story that compels engagement and rewards the player with something we have never had available to us before.”
“The game lacks a meaningful story, mostly consisting of running around to collect items for upgrading armor and weapons.”
“What masquerades as a storyline in Soulmask is an incoherent jumble of vague, disconnected events.”
“There is no story, or plot.”
- optimization123 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its solid performance and smooth gameplay, especially for an early access title, while others report significant stuttering, crashes, and ongoing optimization issues. Developers are actively working on updates to address these concerns, but many users still experience performance dips, particularly in multiplayer scenarios. Overall, while some players find the game well-optimized, others feel it requires substantial improvements to reach its full potential.
“Great graphics and had no performance issues or game-breaking bugs.”
“The game is well optimized for us at least.”
“This game is a rare example of good gameplay and optimization on day 1 of early access.”
“Can't recommend in its current, stuttering state.”
“But the game is so poorly optimized that it crashes all the time.”
“Despite numerous updates hoping to resolve these performance issues, the game still fails to run smoothly on my system, leading to a disappointing experience.”
- stability81 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 1 % neutral mentions
- 78 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many players reporting various bugs and glitches typical of early access titles, including issues with NPC behavior, combat mechanics, and UI functionality. While some users have experienced minimal problems and praise the game's performance on various hardware, others highlight significant frustrations, such as crashes and unresponsive features. Overall, the consensus suggests that while the game shows promise, it requires further refinement to address its stability issues.
“It's a largely bug-free and fun game with a long and varied gameplay loop that ticks all the needed boxes.”
“Best early access game ever - 'bug free 450 hours'.”
“Great graphics and little to no glitches for an early release.”
“Would let this game cook in the oven for a while - pretty typical early access buggy mediocre survival crafting game that companies keep pooping out.”
“For all the promises of depth, immersion, and adventure, it delivers only shallow mechanics, constant glitches, and endless frustration.”
“It is rough, buggy, and very clearly has a long way to go before it deserves to have the title of 'full release,' but it surely isn't claiming otherwise.”
- music29 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its haunting and atmospheric qualities that enhance gameplay, while others criticize it for being repetitive and unremarkable, leading them to mute it or turn it down. Several users noted the lack of variety in the soundtrack and sound effects, with some expressing a desire for more engaging music to accompany their experience. Overall, while the music can be relaxing and fits the game's ambiance, it often fails to leave a lasting impression.
“One of the standout features of Soulmask is its music.”
“The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack perfectly complements the game's atmosphere, enhancing every moment of exploration and combat.”
“The orchestral soundtrack is haunting and memorable, with themes that adapt to the on-screen action, heightening the emotional impact of key moments.”
“It's an endless loop of the same two songs and I've muted it in the first 10 minutes.”
“There's not really any music to speak of and sound effects are sorely missing.”
“Music is the same the entire time... area is the same as well... same forest, lake, trees, animals.”
- humor26 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with players finding amusement in the quirky animations, hilarious tribesmen commentary, and unexpected glitches that lead to funny moments. While combat can be frustrating, it often becomes entertaining due to its chaotic nature and the absurdity of certain situations, such as lag-induced antics. Overall, the game is described as very funny, particularly in multiplayer settings, with a lighthearted tone that keeps players engaged despite its flaws.
“Tribesmen commentary is hilarious; combat's pretty brutal hard at times.”
“Some weird glitches here and there but honestly have led to some really funny moments (getting launched into orbit by an anaconda and surviving).”
“Very funny game, awesome multiplayer experience.”
- atmosphere26 mentions
- 69 % positive mentions
- 19 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is consistently praised for its dark, immersive environments, ranging from crumbling castles to twisted forests, which evoke a sense of ancient dread and mystery. Players appreciate the attention to detail in graphics and sound design, which enhance the feeling of danger and engagement throughout their exploration. Overall, the combination of eerie settings, haunting soundtracks, and intricate design elements creates a captivating and unforgettable experience for players.
“With dark, atmospheric environments that range from crumbling castles to twisted forests and shadowy dungeons, the game creates a rich, immersive world that feels both ancient and oppressive.”
“The attention to detail is impressive, and the game’s oppressive atmosphere is enhanced by its use of shadows and lighting to create a sense of constant dread.”
“The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack perfectly complements the game's atmosphere, enhancing every moment of exploration and combat.”
“While the plot may not be fully spelled out, the atmosphere of hopelessness and the constant feeling that something sinister lurks around every corner keeps players engaged as they uncover the secrets of the world.”
“At first, the tropical rainforest atmosphere frustrated me.”
“The graphics, atmosphere, and sounds are all fitting and immersive.”
- monetization10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- -10 % neutral mentions
- 80 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many users labeling it a "stealthy cash grab" that heavily relies on microtransactions and paid DLC, even while the game is still in alpha. Players feel misled by the advertising, which does not clearly communicate the game's reliance on in-game purchases and the lack of solo play viability. Overall, the monetization approach is perceived as exploitative and detracts from the game's potential.
“Microtransactions are well-balanced and don't feel intrusive.”
“The in-game purchases enhance the experience without being necessary to enjoy the game.”
“I appreciate that the monetization model allows for free play while offering optional purchases.”
“Devs are advertising paid DLC while the game is still in alpha - buyer beware.”
“Stealthy cash grab, Ark style.”
“Feels like a cash grab.”
- replayability10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is viewed as a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the multiple difficulty levels and New Game+ mode that enhance replay value, others find it lacking and repetitive. The potential for improvement hinges on future updates, particularly the introduction of random or procedurally generated maps, which could significantly boost replayability. Currently, opinions range from a solid 8/10 to concerns about frustration and redundancy.
“And I think the PvP makes it even better and actually replayable.”
“Soulmask offers substantial replay value through its multiple difficulty levels, new game+ mode, and numerous secrets scattered throughout the game world.”
“Replayability to be determined; if random/procedurally generated maps make it into the game, I will give it a 10.”
“Replayability is poor and redundant.”
“Update: recent update seems to have made the game a bit more playable for some I've talked to, but it is still very frustrating and often asinine.”
“Maybe another year or two this game will be at a more playable state.”
- character development8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
Character development in Soulmask is marked by impressive attention to detail in character and environmental design, enhancing the immersive experience. However, players have noted a lack of variety in character customization options, with limited choices for hairstyles and tribal designs. Additionally, the leveling system has faced criticism for being restrictive, with skills soft-locked at level 50, leading to mixed feelings about the overall character progression.
“The attention to detail in both the environment and character design truly sets Soulmask apart from other games in the genre.”
“The attention to detail is evident in the character designs and atmospheric effects, which enhance the immersive experience.”
“It's a good looking game both in terms of character design and stylistic choices.”
“Too few options for character design, hairstyle, hair colors, and individual tribe hairstyles.”
“However, what I found so far has been a massive disappointment; the leveling and character development is, as of this post, soft locked at 50 for all skills.”
“The first thing that struck me was the rather minimalist character design options, with very limited choices available.”
- emotional5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a strong emotional engagement with the game, particularly through the investment in units and the haunting orchestral soundtrack that enhances key moments. However, some users question the emotional attachment to certain elements, suggesting a disconnect in the game's design. Overall, the emotional experience is marked by both depth and some inconsistencies.
“The orchestral soundtrack is haunting and memorable, with themes that adapt to the on-screen action, heightening the emotional impact of key moments.”
