SYREN
- February 16, 2017
- Hammerhead VR
Get on Steam"Syren" is a VR game where players first evade the failures of a submerged lab as a lab worker and then, in Episode 2, switch to a CIA agent named Manning, fighting to annihilate a dangerous breed of Syrens and reach the mystical Anomaly. The action-packed sequel comes included with the game or as a free DLC for existing owners.
PC
Virtual Reality
Windows
Oculus Rift
Reviews
- The game features immersive VR gameplay that effectively creates a tense atmosphere, making encounters with the Syrens feel personal and nerve-wracking.
- The graphics, while initially criticized, have seen improvements and are praised for their detail and the overall aesthetic of the underwater environment.
- The developers have shown a commitment to fixing bugs and improving gameplay mechanics, leading to a more enjoyable experience over time.
- The control scheme is awkward and unintuitive, making interactions with objects and weapons frustrating for players.
- The AI behavior is often predictable and lacks depth, leading to a less engaging experience as players can easily exploit its scripted movements.
- The game is relatively short, with many players feeling that it lacks replay value and depth, resulting in a disappointing overall experience.
- graphics28 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some players praising the visuals as "awesome" and "amazing" when set to ultra settings, while others criticize them for being blurry and "smudged," particularly at high settings. Many users noted improvements over time, but issues with anti-aliasing and immersion remain a concern. Overall, while the graphics can create a tense atmosphere, they still require further optimization to meet player expectations.
“Awesome graphics and a tense atmosphere had me hooked.”
“Graphics looked good, the environment was underwater which reminded me of Bioshock; it looked like a horror game which I love.”
“Update as of 17/02/2017 - the graphics issue has been resolved - no more smudge on the lens - can really appreciate the finer details in the environment now.”
“Graphics even at ultra settings still look 'smudged' and are nowhere near the quality of the trailers.”
“Initial reaction was disappointment - as others have said on max graphics settings the game is really blurry - classic UE4 issue that I've seen in a few other titles.”
“At the highest graphics setting it's still blurry as hell.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Syren heavily relies on sound design, creating a suspenseful atmosphere reminiscent of Alien: Isolation, but it suffers from significant mechanical issues and pacing problems due to its short length. While the environments are well-crafted, the lack of solid mechanics and some humorous bugs detract from the overall experience, leading to mixed feelings among players.
“Syren’s gameplay depends a lot on its sound design as you have to guess when and where a syren might be around.”
“I was wowed by the detailed and well-modeled environments and the gameplay, which is reminiscent of Alien: Isolation, one of my favorite survival horror games of all time.”
“As soon as you get to the next level/area (only takes a couple of minutes once you've retried it a few times), you realize there's a lot more mechanics to play around with, and the game opens up more.”
“The problem lies in a few things, one of which is pretty much a core mechanic and will probably never be fixed.”
“The game mechanics are a complete joke; there is none.”
“The game mechanics need serious work before I would recommend this.”
- stability6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The stability of Syren is a significant concern, as players report numerous bugs and glitches that detract from the overall experience. While the game offers a potentially thrilling VR experience, its current state is marred by poor AI interactions and freezing issues, leading many to question its polish and value for money. Overall, the game feels unfinished and lacks the content necessary to justify its price.
“The price is right but it is very buggy in its current state and is quite lacking in content.”
“The mermaids are not scary, their AI is bad, the way they interact with you is awful (if you are being chased and they get within a certain range the game freezes you, regardless of whether or not you die, or if they are running into a wall for eternity).”
“I don't know if they just got lazy part way in or what, but I don't see how they could in good conscience call this game done and ask as much £££ as they have for the privilege of playing their buggy, unpolished game.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game features impressive graphics and a tense atmosphere, enhanced by a creepy soundtrack that effectively contributes to the overall experience. However, some minor bugs, such as an enemy's humorous vent interaction, can momentarily disrupt the immersion, though the gameplay expands significantly in later levels.
“Awesome graphics and a tense atmosphere had me hooked.”
“The soundtrack is creepy and lends to the atmosphere of the game really well.”
“As soon as you get to the next level/area, you realize there's a lot more mechanics to play around with and the game opens up more.”
“Also, the bug when an enemy scuttles into a vent is hilarious due to her going over the top of the vent and vanishing - slightly killing the atmosphere. But as soon as you get to the next level/area (only takes a couple of minutes once you've retried it a few times), you realize there's a lot more mechanics to play around with and the game opens up more.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users generally find the game's replayability lacking, with some feeling that the limited content does not justify its price. Additionally, gameplay mechanics, such as movement options, impact the overall experience, suggesting that improvements could enhance replay value.
“And given it has very little replay value, it's just not worth $20 for that length.”
“I found it a lot more playable with teleport movement than with locomotion movement, as it meant I didn't need to worry about trying to use a fire extinguisher in my left hand on the same button that would walk me forward. Again, an update patch is required.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its unintentional comedic moments, such as a bug where an enemy comically vanishes into a vent, and poorly executed animations that detract from immersion. While these elements may disrupt the atmosphere, they also contribute to a lighthearted experience that some players find amusing.
“The bug when an enemy scuttles into a vent is hilarious due to her going over the top of the vent and vanishing, slightly killing the atmosphere. But as soon as you get to the next level, you realize there's a lot more mechanics to play around with, and the game opens up more.”
“The animations are hilariously bad and make you lose all sense of immersion.”
- music1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is noted for its creepy quality, effectively enhancing the overall atmosphere and immersion.
“The soundtrack is creepy and enhances the atmosphere of the game remarkably well.”
