STRIDE: Fates

The gameplay of "Stride: Fates" has received mixed to negative feedback, with many players highlighting significant issues such as buggy mechanics, clunky design, and frustrating AI interactions. While the parkour mechanics are praised for their smoothness and potential, they often feel hindered by poor combat integration and repetitive gameplay. Overall, the game struggles with a lack of polish and coherence, leading to a disappointing experience for both newcomers and veterans of the VR genre.

The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players criticizing them for being comparable to mobile-tier visuals, particularly on PC where there are no options to enhance the graphics. Some users noted that the visuals appear washed out and lack detail, reminiscent of older games, while a few praised the graphics as decent or modern. Overall, the consensus suggests that the graphics are underwhelming, especially given the lack of customization options and the perceived downgrade from previous titles.

The game's stability is heavily criticized, with numerous reports of bugs and glitches affecting gameplay, particularly in mechanics like climbing and navigation. Many players experience game-breaking issues, such as getting stuck or soft-locked, while a few report no significant problems. Overall, the consensus is that the game feels janky and unpolished, detracting from the overall experience.

The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with many players finding the voice acting to be hilariously bad and reminiscent of amateur productions, contributing to the overall comedic experience. While some moments, such as quirky items and funny glitches, elicit genuine laughter, the game's janky mechanics and absurd dialogue often lead to unintentional humor. Overall, players suggest that the game's charm lies in its imperfections, making it a source of amusement despite its flaws.

Overall, the game's optimization is praised for delivering smooth performance across various hardware, with some players achieving high frame rates even on lower-end systems. However, issues such as stuttering, visible culling, and graphical glitches detract from the experience, indicating that while the optimization is decent, it is not without significant flaws. Additionally, the lack of customizable graphical settings limits the ability to enhance visual quality for players with more powerful rigs.

The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its quality and ability to enhance realism, while others find it underwhelming and repetitive compared to previous installments. Overall, it ranges from being described as "really good" to "just okay," with specific tracks noted as standout moments. However, some players express disappointment in the lack of excitement and speed in the music compared to earlier versions.

The monetization strategy of Joy Way has drawn significant criticism, with users labeling their games as quick cash grabs that are released and then abandoned without necessary updates or fixes. The introduction of cosmetic microtransactions and a lackluster multiplayer mode has further tarnished their reputation, leading players to feel that the studio is mismanaged and untrustworthy. Overall, the sentiment reflects disappointment in the studio's shift from potential to perceived greed.

The game's atmosphere is frequently compared to that of "Mirror's Edge," praised for its striking visual style and varied level design, which contribute to an engaging and immersive experience.

The emotional aspect of the game is marked by frustration, particularly related to gameplay mechanics that disrupt player momentum, leading to a sense of unpredictability. Additionally, there is a strong aversion expressed towards human interaction in certain contexts, highlighting a desire for a more sanitized or controlled experience.

The reviews highlight that character development is closely tied to both character and map design, suggesting that the visual and environmental elements significantly enhance the depth and relatability of the characters. Players appreciate how well-designed characters are integrated into their surroundings, contributing to a more immersive storytelling experience. Overall, the synergy between character and map design is seen as a key factor in effective character development.

The original Stride is praised for its high replayability, featuring varied and fast-paced level design, as well as well-executed pistol combat, making it a more engaging experience compared to its sequel.

Players enjoy the grinding mechanics, highlighting the thrill of performing tricks like grinding rails and launching off buildings, which adds an exhilarating element to gameplay.