Temtem: Swarm

The music in the game has received generally positive feedback, with many players praising its relaxing and enjoyable qualities that complement the visuals and gameplay. While some find the soundtrack to be memorable and fitting, others feel it occasionally lacks variety or appropriateness for the game's genre. Overall, the music enhances the gaming experience, contributing to a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere.

The graphics of the game have received praise for their vibrant and appealing art style, with many users highlighting the beautiful artwork and smooth animations that enhance the overall experience. However, some players feel that while the visuals are impressive, they do not significantly differentiate the gameplay or environments, leading to a sense of repetitiveness. Overall, the graphics are considered a strong point, contributing to the game's charm and enjoyment.

The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and overly time-consuming, particularly due to slow leveling, repetitive skillsets, and the need for extensive meta progression. While some appreciate the replayability and enjoyment derived from grinding for better builds and skills, others criticize the lack of impactful abilities and the frustrating randomness of encounters. Overall, the grind is seen as a significant component of the gameplay, often detracting from the experience rather than enhancing it.

The game's stability is mixed, with some players reporting smooth performance on various systems, while others experience significant issues such as stuttering, crashes, and multiplayer bugs. Notably, problems like level-up failures and health regeneration for bosses have been highlighted, particularly affecting the cooperative experience. However, some users found the game to be relatively stable for an early access title, with only occasional glitches that did not detract from their overall enjoyment.

The game's story is minimal, primarily revolving around the player being on an island where other characters, referred to as "tems," are upset with them, though it's noted that it's just a simulation. Many players express disappointment in the lack of a substantial narrative or missions, feeling that the game lacks depth and rewards for gameplay. Overall, while the arcade mechanics are praised, the absence of a compelling story detracts from the experience for some players.

The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players find it enjoyable with significant replay value due to skill unlocks and community engagement, others feel it lacks depth and variety, leading to a sense of staleness in repeated runs. Many reviewers note that the game is still in early access and requires more content, such as characters and moves, to enhance replayability. Overall, the potential for replayability exists, but it is currently hindered by the game's incomplete state.

The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant issues such as stuttering, crashes, and visual glitches, particularly in online play. Conversely, others praise the performance as smooth and stable, especially for an early access title, indicating that while there are notable problems, there are also areas of strong optimization. Overall, the game appears to require further work to enhance its online experience and address specific performance issues.

Players find the humor in the game to be a significant highlight, describing it as "very funny" and emphasizing the enjoyment derived from over-the-top character abilities that create chaotic and entertaining moments. The comedic elements contribute to the overall fun, making the gameplay experience more enjoyable.

Character development in the game is polarizing; while some players appreciate the unique and vibrant designs of each character, others criticize the skills and overall character designs for being uninspired and lacking scalability. The standout feature remains the artistic charm, but opinions on gameplay mechanics vary significantly.

The atmosphere in Temtem is highly praised by users, who express a strong appreciation for its immersive and pervasive quality throughout the game.

The emotional aspect of the game is impacted by the frustration players feel due to certain skills in the skill tree being inaccessible, despite appearing ready for use. This limitation, while understandable in early access, can lead to disappointment as players are eager to explore all available options.

The monetization strategy of the game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, indicating that players feel the game prioritizes profit over player experience.