Synapse
- July 4, 2023
- nDreams
Synapse is a superb shooter that uses the PSVR2s capabilities to the fullest extent possible.
Get on PS Store"Synapse" is a VR action shooter where you dual-wield weapons and telekinetic abilities to infiltrate an enemy's twisted subconscious. Experience the stunning 4K HDR display and next-gen controllers of PS VR2, and evolve your own combat style as you become an unstoppable force. Enter a hostile mindscape and unleash your inner anti-hero in this next-gen VR action shooter.
Playstation 5
Virtual Reality
PlayStation
PlayStation VR2
Reviews
- Gunplay is tight and intuitive, with an addictive run-based gameplay loop.
- Stunning visuals and excellent use of PSVR2 features, including eye tracking and haptic feedback.
- Dual-wielding telekinesis and guns create an empowering and thrilling gameplay experience.
- Lacks variety in weapon and enemy types, leading to repetitive combat encounters.
- The narrative falls short with a lackluster story and forgettable characters.
- Some players may find the game too short and challenging, limiting its appeal.
- gameplay4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Synapse is highly praised for its innovative dual-wielding mechanics that combine telekinesis and firearms, creating an addictive run-based loop. The game effectively utilizes PS VR2 features, complemented by striking visuals and high-quality audio, resulting in an immersive experience that offers around 12 hours of engaging content for FPS enthusiasts.
“Synapse is a confident outing that offers some of the most compelling moment-to-moment gameplay available on PSVR2.”
“For an FPS player, the game should last around 12 hours, and that is 12 hours of a solid VR game; it is immersive, has interesting abilities, intriguing gameplay choices, and a great atmosphere.”
“Dual-wielding telekinesis and guns feels incredible; the run-based gameplay loop is addictive, with striking visuals that serve gameplay perfectly.”
“The gameplay feels clunky and unresponsive, making it frustrating to enjoy the experience.”
“There are too many bugs and glitches that disrupt the flow of the game, leading to a disappointing experience.”
“The mechanics are overly complicated, which detracts from the overall enjoyment and accessibility of the game.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning visuals and striking art style, which effectively enhance the gameplay experience. Reviewers highlight the excellent use of PlayStation VR2 features, such as eye tracking and haptic feedback, contributing to an immersive atmosphere. Overall, the combination of impressive graphics and engaging gameplay elements creates a visually captivating experience.
“Visually stunning graphics and art style, excellent use of PlayStation VR2 features, including eye tracking and haptic feedback, Tarantino-like abundance of references and inspiration from multiple media.”
“Striking visuals that serve gameplay perfectly, great use of PS VR2-specific features, sound effects, voice acting, and soundtrack are all top notch.”
“Stunning visuals, telekinetic powers, intriguing story.”
- story3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's story is often criticized for being lackluster and underdeveloped, with forgettable characters and limited enemy variety leading to repetitive gameplay. While some players find the narrative intriguing and enhanced by stunning visuals and unique mechanics, it ultimately fails to reach its full potential, appealing mainly to a niche audience.
“The story is incredibly engaging, with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.”
“I was captivated by the depth of the characters and the emotional weight of the narrative.”
“The world-building is exceptional, making the story feel rich and immersive.”
“The narrative falls short with a lackluster story and forgettable characters, leading to repetitive combat encounters. The game's challenging nature may limit its appeal to a niche audience of hardcore players.”
“The enemy variety can get a little repetitive, and the story doesn’t reach its full potential.”
“The story lacks depth and fails to engage, making it difficult to invest in the characters or their journeys.”
- music1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, with users highlighting the top-notch soundtrack that complements the immersive experience. Additionally, the sound effects and voice acting contribute significantly to the overall atmosphere, enhancing the gameplay.
“The sound effects, voice acting, and soundtrack are all top-notch.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its immersive qualities, enhanced by interesting abilities and intriguing gameplay choices, making for a compelling 12-hour VR experience.
“The game is immersive, featuring interesting abilities, intriguing gameplay choices, and a great atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere is captivating, drawing you into the world and making every moment feel significant.”
“The environment is beautifully crafted, enhancing the overall experience and making exploration a joy.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players report that grinding in the game requires significant time investment, often involving repetitive tasks to progress beyond the initial areas. This can lead to a sense of monotony as players engage in similar activities for extended periods.
“If you're like me, you'll find yourself spending several hours grinding, repeating the same tasks just to progress beyond the initial areas of the game.”
“The grinding in this game feels endless, with little reward for the time invested.”
“I spent countless hours grinding, only to realize that the gameplay loop is monotonous and uninspired.”
Critic Reviews
Synapse Review – Insane In The Membrane
Somewhat short, but oh-so-sweet, Synapse is an unflinching thrill ride of a shooter with an intoxicating one-more-go structure and unmatched badassery in its dual-wielding telekinetic shooter action. It's more than just a great showpiece for the PS VR2's capabilities – this is easily the coolest I've ever felt playing a video game.
85%Synapse Review - Eagle-Eyed Kinetic Chaos
Synapse is a confident outing that offers some of the most compelling moment-to-moment gameplay available on PSVR2. And while it may feel a little samey over its three-run duration, there’s little doubting that what’s here is worth the price of entry alone.
80%Synapse review - pushing VR boundaries with style and ambition
We recognize that Synapse tried hard but may have accomplished little but style. However, we must also acknowledge that Synapse may not be a game for everyone. It is brilliantly inspired and tries to combine successful mechanics that, in theory, would have resulted in a compelling game. If you are up for a tough challenge and are into Soulslike games, Synapse may be worth playing. For an FPS player, the game should last around 12 hours, and that is 12 hours of a solid VR game; it is immersive, has interesting abilities, intriguing gameplay choices and a great atmosphere. But that is the right amount of time before everything becomes mundane and repetitive. So suppose you are like me and must spend several hours grinding, doing and seeing more of the same to go past the first few areas of Synapse. In that case, I suggest you skip it altogether and find a more approachable and less repetitive game to play.
70%
