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The Cycle

Mostly flash with very little substance. The incredible graphics and overall design draw you in but there’s not much to keep you there.
The Cycle Game Cover
64%Game Brain Score
gameplay, story
stability, grinding
67% User Score Based on 25,153 reviews
Critic Score 57%Based on 3 reviews

Platforms

PCCloudWindows
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The Cycle Game Cover

About

The Cycle is a multiplayer survival shooter game with drama and science fiction themes. It was developed by YAGER and was released on June 8, 2022. It received neutral reviews from critics and mostly positive reviews from players.

"The Cycle: Frontier" is a competitive quest shooter game that takes place on a hostile alien planet. Players must compete against each other while also facing deadly creatures and environmental hazards. With various modes, weapons, and gear to unlock, players must balance exploration, resource gathering, and PvP combat to secure their escape with valuable loot. Cooperative alliances and betrayals add another layer of strategy to this intense, sci-fi experience.

Genres & Tags
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The Cycle screenshot
The Cycle screenshot
The Cycle screenshot
The Cycle screenshot
The Cycle screenshot
The Cycle screenshot
The Cycle screenshot
The Cycle screenshot
The Cycle screenshot
The Cycle screenshot
The Cycle screenshot
+11
Skip User Reviews

67%
Audience ScoreBased on 25,153 reviews
gameplay664 positive mentions
stability500 negative mentions
  • The game offers an engaging core gameplay loop of looting, combat, and extraction, reminiscent of 'Escape from Tarkov' but more accessible.
  • The graphics are stunning and visually appealing, contributing significantly to the immersive experience.
  • The humor and chaotic interactions during gameplay create memorable moments, especially when played with friends.
  • The game suffers from numerous bugs and glitches, including freezing and crashes, which severely impact gameplay stability.
  • The monetization model has been criticized as a 'cash grab,' with aggressive microtransactions that detract from the overall experience.
  • The quest system is repetitive and lacks depth, leading to a grindy experience that can feel tedious over time.
  • gameplay
    1,834 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "The Cycle: Frontier" has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its engaging core loop of looting, combat, and extraction, reminiscent of "Escape from Tarkov," but with a more accessible approach. However, criticisms often focus on issues such as unbalanced mechanics, bugs, and the presence of cheaters, which detract from the overall experience. While the game offers a visually appealing environment and a fun gameplay style, players express a desire for improved mechanics, better balance, and more innovative content to enhance long-term enjoyment.

    • “The gameplay was smooth and easy to learn.”
    • “While it's not without its flaws, the cycle offers a unique and engaging gameplay loop that will appeal to fans of high-stakes shooters with a dash of sci-fi exploration.”
    • “The core gameplay loop revolves around dropping onto Fortuna III, gathering valuable resources, and escaping before a deadly storm rolls in.”
    • “The gameplay itself had its flaws and scaling issues, but I felt that the developers were honestly making great strides in balancing the game. As it stood, the game was still very fun when it died; good games don't die early from natural causes, they die from developers' mistakes.”
    • “After the game mechanics became more dependent on gear than skill, the game lost most of its players.”
    • “The gameplay loop got stale after a while.”
  • story
    1,745 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story aspect of "The Cycle: Frontier" has received mixed feedback from players. While some appreciate the engaging quest system that encourages exploration and interaction with the environment, many criticize the repetitive nature of the missions, which often boil down to simple fetch or kill tasks. Additionally, the lack of a deep narrative or character development leaves players feeling disconnected, with some expressing frustration over the grindy progression tied to faction missions and the frequent loss of gear due to player-versus-player encounters. Overall, the game offers a basic framework for storytelling but lacks the depth and variety needed to keep players invested in its narrative.

    • “It made every run feel like a story worth telling.”
    • “The story is intriguing, an alien world that was colonized that begins to get plagued with strange storms causing an unbridled hostility in its flora, now used as a scavenger's lawless playground to retrieve resources for the floating space station used as a hub for prospectors.”
    • “The quests themselves are not necessarily the most exciting, since they mostly just consist of 'deliver x amount of xxx item', so you have to find those items, and successfully extract with it.”
    • “The quests are incredibly simplistic, 'go here, kill 3 enemies and collect their toenail' type of quests straight out of a shitty MMO.”
    • “The missions quickly become really difficult and if you're able to complete them you're likely to get killed by a hacker before evac'ing.”
    • “The quest system essentially eliminates any bonus from purchasing the packages for the game.”
  • graphics
    964 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game have received widespread praise for their stunning visuals and unique art style, often compared to a blend of Fortnite's cartoonish aesthetic and the gritty realism of Escape from Tarkov. Many players appreciate the vibrant environments and detailed textures, although some have noted performance issues and a lack of optimization for lower-end systems. Overall, the game's graphics are considered a strong point, contributing significantly to its immersive experience, despite some criticisms regarding character models and occasional graphical glitches.

    • “The graphics and theme were refreshing for an extraction shooter.”
    • “The graphics are beautiful for a free-to-play title, and everything is optimized and has its own unique aesthetic.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, beautifully stylized and generally gorgeous, my only complaint is my poor 1060 struggling to chug through them.”
    • “Shitty Tarkov knockoff with stolen comic graphics.”
    • “Years of development for the equivalent of Roblox graphics and Hogwarts physics.”
    • “The graphics are last-gen; the texture resolutions are abysmal; fog, rain, particles, and other effects are poor.”
  • stability
    519 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability is a significant concern, with numerous players reporting a wide range of bugs and glitches that severely impact gameplay. Common issues include freezing, crashes, and AI behavior problems, leading to frustrating experiences and loss of progress. While some players acknowledge the game's potential and improvements over time, the overall consensus is that it remains a buggy mess that requires substantial fixes before it can be fully enjoyed.

    • “Sure, there are some bugs in the game; however, the days of a completely bug-free product are long gone. There's been nothing game-breaking that I've come across as yet.”
    • “I myself have only encountered a few minor bugs, and otherwise, 98% of my experience has been bug-free.”
    • “For a free game, this is very playable, fun, and relatively bug-free.”
    • “The game is a buggy mess, filled with glitches and crashes that ruin the immersion and frustrate the player.”
    • “This game is so buggy that I can't even comprehend. It freezes every time I try to start it up.”
    • “The amount of server glitches, resync issues, and just game crashes is super annoying.”
  • grinding
    487 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting it as excessively tedious and time-consuming. While some enjoy the grind for gear and progression, often comparing it to games like Tarkov, others find it frustrating due to repetitive quests, high risks of losing hard-earned items, and the impact of cheaters. Overall, players suggest that the game requires a significant time investment, often leading to a sense of futility when progress is reset or lost.

    • “Game play is great and not too grindy.”
    • “The PvP isn't overly crazy, and it's not too grindy.”
    • “Progressive feels slow yet not grindy.”
    • “The game is grindy, buggy, and lacks several quality of life features. There's no reason for the inventory to be confusing and hard to use as it is, and there's no reason to not have a ping system in co-op, or for the quick chat to take that long to open.”
    • “But in the end, it's still all very grindy, especially for a casual player. The huge time investment is increased by the risk of other players just killing you half an hour into a match, or the materials you need to progress almost never spawning/dropping.”
    • “The game started off very fun, but simply gets more and more tedious as you progress through the main questline.”
  • optimization
    473 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players reporting severe performance issues such as stuttering, frame drops, and crashes, even on high-end hardware. While some users have experienced smooth gameplay, the majority highlight that the game is poorly optimized, leading to a frustrating experience that detracts from its potential enjoyment. Overall, significant improvements in optimization are needed to enhance stability and performance for a broader range of systems.

    • “I hope that the cycle makes a triumphant return, becoming even more enjoyable and optimized with improved anti-cheat measures.”
    • “The game is very optimized and plays very smoothly on many different systems, low to high, game runs awesome.”
    • “Great game, people say that the optimization is bad lol maybe try running it on a modern PC and don't expect the game to run properly on a rig that you can get 144 frames in Counter-Strike thinking that you can get the same performance in this game.”
    • “The game performance is also abysmal, with constant stuttering and low FPS, making it hard to play even on good hardware.”
    • “Game is very poorly optimized, lags, desync, bugs, low FPS, crazy usage spikes no one can explain.”
    • “Optimization is poor; from what I saw in the tutorial simulation.”
  • monetization
    207 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization model of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many players labeling it a "cash grab" due to aggressive microtransactions and high prices for cosmetic items. While some reviews note that the game is free-to-play and offers a fair balance between paid and free content, the overall sentiment leans towards dissatisfaction with the developers' focus on monetization over gameplay quality and community engagement. Many players express concerns about the predatory nature of the in-game purchases, suggesting that the monetization strategy detracts from the overall experience.

    • “I think it's great that the game is free, and because of that I had no problem supporting the game via in-game purchases, because I like having that opportunity to support a game that deserves it.”
    • “Microtransactions are cosmetic only, which is nice (especially in a game like this).”
    • “The monetization also seems fair and respectful without anything too scummy.”
    • “Killed the game after charging hundreds of dollars for microtransactions.”
    • “The devs never truly solved the cheating problem, as they sunsetted the game due to the microtransactions costing either $5 for a weapon skin or $50 for an outfit set.”
    • “It's just a cash grab at this point.”
  • atmosphere
    194 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and visually stunning design, combining sharp graphics, dynamic weather effects, and a captivating soundscape that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the unique alien environments and the tension created by both PvP and PvE elements, which contribute to a sense of curiosity and urgency. While some critiques mention inconsistencies in gameplay and bugs, the general consensus is that the atmosphere remains a standout feature, making the game engaging and memorable.

    • “The alien atmosphere makes you feel both curious and hopeless at times, adding to that chaotic feeling.”
    • “The atmosphere is great! The visuals, the audio, and the gunplay all make for an intense and enjoyable experience.”
    • “The atmosphere this game gives is really immersive, with a beautifully atmospheric world that immersed me more than any game has.”
    • “In the same (I personally did not play this version, but watched the streams) there is a rather depressing atmosphere, which makes it difficult to perceive this game well.”
    • “The gap from low to mid-tier armor and highest tier-armor/weapons has only increased since release... and it sadly no longer is a healthy atmosphere for casual gamers.”
    • “Now it is an abomination with horrible desync, monsters who can kill you without touching you, grimdark atmosphere and a feeling that you can lose everything you've got.”
  • humor
    132 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the hilarious interactions facilitated by voice chat and the chaotic nature of gameplay, leading to memorable moments of friendly fire and unexpected encounters. Many reviews note that the game's slapstick elements and absurd mechanics contribute to a lighthearted atmosphere, making it particularly enjoyable when played with friends. However, some players express frustration with the balance issues and toxic behavior, which can detract from the overall comedic experience.

    • “Every time the three of us got on that evac ship, we'd be laughing (and yelling) at each other for friendly fire.”
    • “It's a hilarious carnival of unbalanced gear and slapstick encounters.”
    • “Be ready for some funny voice chat moments and heart-pounding fights/situations.”
    • “DLC is so expensive it's not funny; at the time for one DLC that was $150+, you could buy Minecraft, COD, Battlefield, and another game just for the DLC. Hell, you could even buy half the Payday 2 DLCs for under that.”
    • “Later when you play solo in your land, giving duos or pro gamers a chance, it's just not funny.”
    • “Unfunny getting destroyed by exotic weapons on the first map while playing with your beginner friend.”
  • music
    60 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its well-composed and fitting soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere, particularly in faction areas and during gameplay. However, some users noted issues with low-quality or repetitive sound effects that detract from the overall experience. Overall, while the soundtrack is often highlighted as a strong point, the sound design has room for improvement.

    • “The sound design in The Cycle: Frontier is well-done, with satisfying weapon sounds, immersive ambient audio, and a fitting soundtrack that enhances the game's atmosphere.”
    • “The background music is the ideal complement to the gameplay, intensifying throughout the game's thrilling moments as well as providing a more tranquil setting during exploration.”
    • “Also, the music is absolutely fantastic and unique to the game.”
    • “❎ Poor: low-quality or repetitive sound/music, detracts from the experience.”
    • “ Just filling noises/no music.”
    • “The sound effects and music are very strange and again probably not completely developed.”
  • replayability
    45 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players praising its diverse gameplay experiences and fun mechanics, while others criticize its repetitive missions and lack of variety. Many agree that improvements have been made, particularly for solo players, but there is still a desire for more engaging content and incentives to enhance long-term replay value. Overall, while the game offers enjoyable replayability, it has room for growth to avoid becoming stale.

    • “Fun game, replayable with seasons; I'm really sad to see it go.”
    • “Super rewarding gameplay with random player encounters, especially using VoIP, is what helps this game have endless replayability and can easily sink in 200 hours plus.”
    • “Beautiful game with great pacing and much replayability.”
    • “There could be a better form of replayability; the missions are kind of lackluster in my opinion, just go kill this or go collect that or put this in this spot.”
    • “The game also lacks depth and long-term replayability as the quest line is very repetitive, easily completed, leaving you with subpar PvP as your primary reason to play.”
    • “Adding one new map or one new monster for a season is not making the game more replayable.”
  • emotional
    42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, with many feeling heartbroken over its impending shutdown and reflecting on the time and effort invested. While some appreciate the intense, thrilling experiences it offers, others highlight the emotional toll of frustration, loss, and the impact of cheating within the community. Overall, the game elicits a mix of nostalgia, pain, and attachment, making it a bittersweet experience for its players.

    • “One of my favorite games. As I found out it was going to shut down on September 27 this year, I am not ashamed to say I cried. It's been a day, and every time I remember it's going to shut down, I still feel a pain in my chest. I can't imagine what the people who spent 1000+ hours in this game feel. I wish I was one of them and got to see that much of this pretty game. One of the best games I have played ever, and I am going to miss it. :(”
    • “The day of reckoning is finally upon us. May the potential that rests with this game flourish somewhere else. This game gave me depression, anxiety, and truly haunted me emotionally, but the PTSD I uncovered after playing this game will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
    • “Lose 20 solid looting minutes in a flash, leaving you completely empty... backpack and emotionally.”
  • character development
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game has received mixed feedback; while some players appreciate the overall gameplay experience, others feel that the character designs are lacking and that there is minimal progression or depth in character development.

    • “Great graphics, fun gunplay, and character development.”
    • “Other than that, the only other thing I have to complain about is the character development, which I haven't seen any.”
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57%Critics’ scoreBased on 3 critic reviews
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31h Median play time
153h Average play time
8-100h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 210 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

The Cycle is a survival shooter game with drama and science fiction themes.

The Cycle is available on PC, Windows and Cloud.

On average players spend around 153 hours playing The Cycle.

The Cycle was released on June 8, 2022.

The Cycle was developed by YAGER.

The Cycle has received neutral reviews from players and neutral reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its stability.

The Cycle is a multiplayer game with local co-op support.

Similar games include Marauders, Starsiege: Deadzone, ARC Raiders, Level Zero: Extraction, Dungeonborne and others.