"Soulworker is a post-apocalyptic, cel-shaded, massively multiplayer online role-playing game with both single-player and cooperative play options. Experience intense combat with rapid combos and six unique characters, each with their own backstory and weapon, ranging from a sword to a guitar. Engage in PvE battles against demons in quick dungeons or test your skills in PvP mode against other players."
The story of Soulworker is generally well-received, with many players appreciating its engaging narrative and character backstories, which vary between the different playable characters. However, some critiques highlight issues with pacing, repetitive quests, and a reliance on grinding, which can detract from the overall experience. While the dialogue and translation quality have been noted as inconsistent, the emotional depth and anime-inspired themes resonate with fans of the genre, making it a compelling choice for those who enjoy story-driven gameplay.
“Overall, Soulworker is a highly enjoyable MMORPG that offers a satisfying mix of action, storytelling, and social gameplay.”
“The story is interesting enough, at least what little I got to experience.”
“The characters have their own backstory descriptions as opposed to actually explaining literally anything about their gameplay when choosing one.”
“The story doesn't have much to offer; you can customize your character, but it doesn't translate into cutscenes.”
“The amount of dialog boxes you have to click through to get your next mission is absolutely stultifying, and the general mechanics - costuming, equipment crafting, and upgrading - are presented in such a jumbled manner that it's tough to figure out what you're supposed to do with any of it.”
“The plot of Soulworker is random anime nonsense, and the characters are all shallow, dull, annoying, or insulting.”
gameplay
478 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
52%
6%
The gameplay of Soulworker is generally praised for its fluid combat mechanics, engaging action, and unique character abilities, making it enjoyable for fans of hack-and-slash MMORPGs. However, many players express frustration with the game's energy system, which limits playtime, and the repetitive nature of missions, leading to a mixed reception overall. While the graphics and character design are well-received, technical issues and a lack of updates have dampened the experience for some players, resulting in a bittersweet sentiment towards its potential.
“In terms of gameplay, the action and combat mechanics are really satisfying.”
“The gameplay feels fun, very much action packed.”
“The combat feels fluid, and it forces you to actually move around the map and use your dodge mechanic unlike other games that allow you to just stand in front of the enemies and just whack 'em.”
“I would have loved to play the game but it has a lot of technical issues since it got shut down and moved to another dev team. I'm constantly getting 'no server available' for like 4 hours straight without any changes. I even looked it up and seen I'm not the only one, but nothing has been fixed. Quite a huge disappointment; it was a waste of time sadly. The game looks good and has a great combat system despite having a stamina system which is stupid because early game will limit new players' gameplay, and most players knowing this uninstall the game because they want to play a game with no limitations.”
“The gameplay is no longer fun; it is just repetitive.”
“The amount of dialog boxes you have to click through to get your next mission is absolutely stultifying, and the general mechanics - costuming, equipment crafting, and upgrading - are presented in such a jumbled manner that it's tough to figure out what you're supposed to do with any of it.”
graphics
472 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
56%
42%
2%
The graphics of Soulworker are widely praised for their vibrant anime art style, detailed character designs, and smooth animations, making it visually appealing to fans of the genre. Many players appreciate the game's ability to run well even on lower-end hardware, while the flashy combat effects enhance the overall experience. However, some reviews mention that the graphics can feel dated or lack depth in certain areas, but overall, they contribute positively to the game's aesthetic and enjoyment.
“Soulworker is a stylish anime-inspired MMORPG with fast-paced, action-packed combat and striking visuals.”
“The game's graphics are highly detailed and feature a vivid anime art style that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre.”
“The graphics are amazing; the game story is awesome too!”
“Don't get fooled by the positive reviews, I hit level 60 and even customized my character, this game has no good graphics to offer, no good story, no voice acting, not even full HD; sometimes it looks very pixelated even at max settings, the graphics are poor, this could easily be a mobile game at this point because it's really bad.”
“The graphics are okay, could be much worse though.”
“It's as if the developers prioritized style over substance, relying solely on flashy visuals and anime aesthetics to mask the game's fundamental flaws.”
grinding
303 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
99%
Grinding in this game is a prominent feature, often described as tedious and repetitive, especially in the later levels where players must repeatedly farm dungeons for experience and gear. While some players find enjoyment in the grind, appreciating the combat and character progression, many express frustration over the excessive time investment required and the game's reliance on microtransactions to ease the grinding experience. Overall, the game caters to those who enjoy grind-heavy gameplay, but it may deter casual players seeking a more balanced experience.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Its unique character classes and story-driven missions are engaging, but repetitive grinding and a limited endgame may dampen long-term enjoyment.”
“The story is lackluster and frankly nonsense, the zones are incredibly grindy, the crafting is basically meaningless since the game just throws good gear at you, and the only way to reset skills is to acquire skill resets that only work on one skill at a time.”
“The grinding, in my opinion, is very fun! However, it's the typical grindy MMO type and isn't for everyone.”
music
105 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
59%
38%
3%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its emotional and engaging soundtrack, which enhances the overall experience and complements the gameplay. Players appreciate the variety of tracks, from hub and boss themes to character-specific tunes, noting that the music often lingers in their minds long after playing. While some minor issues with looping tracks were mentioned, the overall consensus is that the music is a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's appeal.
“The game's soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring an epic and emotional score that complements the game's action and drama.”
“The soundtrack is goddam beautiful.”
“I am in love with the music in this game.”
“It's a fun dungeon crawler game; however, I find it a bit annoying that I have to listen to the same dry loading music every time I finish a dungeon.”
“Not only that, I also find that the music does not match the gameplay; it feels like I'm playing a budget visual novel game.”
“Do yourself a favor and figure out a playlist to go through that suits the areas you hit up, because even in the places where the music is acceptable, you're going to find it really tiring on the tenth run.”
monetization
64 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
39%
55%
The monetization in Soulworker has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with many players expressing frustration over the heavy reliance on microtransactions for progression and customization. While some aspects of the monetization system are seen as unobtrusive, the overall sentiment is that it detracts significantly from the gaming experience, with inflated prices and a pay-to-win feel. Players recommend caution, suggesting that the game may be better enjoyed on Japanese servers or through private servers that offer a more balanced experience.
“The monetization seemed mostly unobtrusive and provided some interesting mechanics like the Akasha system.”
“Microtransactions are generally just cosmetics.”
“The 'store' used for in-game purchases isn't very noticeable, which is a good thing when compared to a game like ESO that tells you every time you log in what new stuff is available for people to buy.”
“Soulworker is a great game; however, publisher Gameforge ruins everything it touches with greedy microtransactions.”
“Don't play this game; it's a cash grab and lacks basic quality of life features that every single MMO has. Everything costs real cash to unlock.”
“Gameforge is a greedy joke of a company. They have gutted this game so badly and turned it into a cash grab. Don't waste your time or money.”
stability
52 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
98%
The game's stability is frequently criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and performance issues such as freezes and crashes. Many players experience significant optimization problems, including random FPS drops and server-related lag, which detracts from the overall gaming experience. While some acknowledge the game's potential and enjoy its mechanics, the persistent instability and lack of timely fixes remain major concerns for the community.
“The game runs great on Windows 10 with very little hiccups.”
“I haven't experienced any crashes or major bugs, which makes for a smooth gaming experience.”
“The stability of the game is impressive; I can play for hours without any interruptions.”
“Every once in a while, I would encounter freezes or optimization issues, which would slightly spoil my gaming experience.”
“Game buggy and has a lot of crashes - if you play this game for a whole day, you're guaranteed to get a lot of crashes, for example, for me I was having 10-15 times a day, 10 hour play.”
“There are many UI glitches that will either lock your movement up, cause stuff to flip out or downright crash you out of a boss fight and you aren't allowed back into it.”
optimization
47 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
42%
26%
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews from players. While some commend its ability to run smoothly on lower-end machines and appreciate the overall performance, many others report significant issues such as freezes, crashes, and poor frame rates during gameplay. Overall, the game's optimization appears to be inconsistent, with some players experiencing a well-optimized experience while others face frustrating performance problems.
“Another thing this game does well is how well optimized it is for lesser machines, so grab your weapons and come play this game!”
“The graphics are fantastic, the community is ideal, optimization is pretty good – I’m just happy that I’ve found this game!”
“Game is well optimized, servers don't lag and are pretty populated.”
“Poorly optimized; I cannot believe this game is even allowed to still be on Steam with how bad this is just to launch it.”
“Worst optimization I have ever seen in years.”
“Poorly optimized; I have well over the recommended specs and any time an enemy spawns, the FPS tanks.”
humor
37 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players noting its funny characters, amusing interactions, and entertaining storylines that often evoke laughter. Many reviews highlight the game's comedic elements, particularly in multiplayer settings, where playing with friends enhances the fun. However, some players mention that the humor can wear off after extended play, and certain bugs and design choices add to the game's quirky charm.
“Amazing hack and slash with a funny and interesting story.”
“The characters are also interesting and funny (loved both the Stella and Lilly interactions).”
“Marketplace is funny since some trash items I put get bought at ridiculous prices which helps me get better gear.”
character development
29 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
38%
10%
The game's character development is highlighted by impressive graphics and diverse character designs, each with unique personalities and backstories that enhance the storytelling experience. While many players appreciate the aesthetic appeal and individuality of the characters, some critique the lack of customization options and the reliance on typical anime tropes. Overall, the character designs are well-received, contributing to an engaging gameplay experience, though opinions vary on the depth of character development.
“Besides character designing, the characters always have their own personality.”
“The game has great graphics, awesome character design, and each character has their own backstory and individual storyline.”
“The character designs are awesome and the storyline is pretty interesting.”
“Most of its character designs are typical anime tripe.”
“He's a character designed for a role that just doesn't exist in this game, and as I enjoy tanking for allies, that means I have significantly less fun.”
“Also lies the focus not on 'creating yourself with individual character design', it is more like playing an existing character.”
emotional
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
81%
19%
Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, reminiscing about their experiences and the heartbreak of its impending shutdown. The soundtrack and storytelling evoke strong feelings, with many recalling memorable moments that brought them joy and nostalgia. However, some critiques highlight a lack of depth in gameplay and story, suggesting that while the emotional aspects resonate with many, the overall experience may not be universally engaging.
“I stopped playing years ago, but hearing the news of its shutdown is heartbreaking to me.”
“This game was the most satisfying experience of my life. I have never played anything better than this. I have a lot of great memories, and I'm just going to miss it so much. I love this game and I can't imagine not being able to play it anymore. I am so emotional towards it that I can't stand the fact that it will be gone. Soulworker will always stay in my heart <3”
“The story was interesting; it made me cry too.”
“Very linear, rather unexciting gameplay, flat out generic and boring story.”
“Boring story and repetitive gameplay.”
“Shit customization and another kind of boring story, but if you are looking to grab a few friends and fight tons of enemies in some beautiful action-style combat, this may be a game worth trying.”
replayability
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
30%
30%
The game offers a high degree of replayability through its diverse dungeons, bosses, and character options, making it enjoyable for players seeking different experiences. However, some users find the replay value can become tiresome over time, particularly when focused on grinding rather than story progression. Overall, while many appreciate the replayability, opinions vary on its long-term appeal.
“The game features a variety of dungeons, bosses, and other challenges that provide a high degree of replayability.”
“I really enjoy this game; it's replayable to see how the story changes.”
“It adds a nice replayability factor when using different characters.”
“It makes the replay value equivalent to suffering; it just becomes tiresome.”
“Graphics, character design, small cutscenes, replayability to a point, early in launch, grinding.”
“Everything in the game was either great or good, had hardly any cons other than player economy. It also has multiple replayability, and it's well worth the story as well.”
atmosphere
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
12%
25%
The atmosphere of the game is generally praised for its engaging level design and aesthetic, contributing to a fun and immersive experience. However, some players feel that the atmosphere is undermined by issues such as a pay-to-win model and a lack of gameplay depth, which detracts from the overall enjoyment. While the storytelling and character design are appreciated, they are not enough to compensate for the negative aspects affecting the game's atmosphere.
“The battles and the quests are awesome as well as the whole atmosphere of this game.”
“The level design, even though it is linear, is great in execution and matches the atmosphere and aesthetic, making the skills you get really valuable.”
“Great atmosphere.”
“The bright sides of this game are probably the storytelling and the cute character design, which I enjoyed quite a bit, but even that cannot make up for the ruined atmosphere, lack of good gameplay, and lack of customization options; as such, I cannot recommend it.”
“Edit: and now with this ridiculous cash shop tilting the game entirely into a pay-to-win atmosphere (not even just pay-to-win, you basically have to pay incredible amounts of money if you want to be competitive whatsoever) $35 cosmetics, etc.”