Theseus

68%
Game Brain Score Based on 34 reviews
  • graphics
  • atmosphere
  • gameplay
Theseus Game Cover
Theseus is a terrifyingly atmospheric adventure that is well worth experiencing for owners of PSVR.
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"Theseus" is a single-player mystery action game with striking visuals that offers a unique VR experience. Players explore a labyrinth filled with danger in a third-person perspective, with a mix of exploration, combat, and storytelling. Guided by Ariadne's voice, they must face the monstrous Minotaur and uncover the truth behind the mysterious labyrinth. With fixed and dynamic cameras, the game provides a new kind of immersion for virtual reality enthusiasts.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Virtual Reality
  • Windows
  • Play​Station
  • Play​Station VR
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

68%
Audience ScoreBased on 34 reviews
graphics8 positive mentions
gameplay3 negative mentions
  • The game offers a great cinematic experience with impressive graphics and atmosphere.
  • The over-the-shoulder view is well-implemented, making it accessible for players prone to motion sickness.
  • Despite its short length, the gameplay is engaging and provides a thrilling experience, especially with the introduction of the Minotaur.
  • The game is very short, typically taking around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, leaving players wanting more content.
  • Gameplay is linear and lacks exploration, with fixed camera angles that can hinder player control and immersion.
  • Combat mechanics are simplistic and not particularly satisfying, with limited enemy variety and repetitive sequences.
  • graphics13 mentions

    The graphics of the game are generally praised for their impressive visuals and atmospheric design, contributing significantly to the immersive experience, especially in VR. While some users noted minor issues with fixed camera angles and clunky animations, the overall aesthetic, including particle effects and environmental lighting, received positive feedback. However, a few reviews mentioned that the graphics, while good, are not the primary focus in VR, with some players feeling that the atmosphere could be improved.

    • “Graphically looks really nice, and has atmosphere by the bucketful.”
    • “The game has excellent visuals and sounds and a great use of particle effects and environmental lighting that really bring the game to life in VR.”
    • “Took around an hour and a half to finish, has nice visuals with the highlight being a massive minotaur that is hunting you.”
    • “The only way this compares to Chronos is the camera style and the graphics.”
    • “Graphics are okay (graphics are the least important thing in VR at the moment, given also the very low resolution of our headsets). Animations can be clunky but are decent for the most part. Combat is unsatisfying and not challenging; you fight directly against one type of enemy (the spiders). As for atmosphere, I wasn't impressed.”
    • “I did notice a couple of very minor graphics issues that I only mention because everything else was so well done.”
  • atmosphere9 mentions

    Overall, the atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its impressive visuals and immersive design, creating a captivating experience that enhances gameplay. Many reviewers highlight the attention to detail and the emotional impact of key moments, such as encountering the minotaur. However, a few critiques mention that while the atmosphere is strong, it may not fully compensate for shortcomings in combat and enemy variety.

    • “Graphically looks really nice, and has atmosphere by the bucketful.”
    • “Very atmospheric and the first time seeing the minotaur is guaranteed to impress you.”
    • “With that said, the true heart of Theseus is its amazing atmosphere and attention to detail.”
    • “Graphics are okay (graphics are the least important thing in VR at the moment, given also the very low resolution of our headsets). Animations can be clunky but are decent for the most part. Combat is unsatisfying and not challenging; you fight directly against one type of enemy (the spiders). As for the atmosphere, I wasn't impressed.”
  • gameplay8 mentions

    The gameplay is characterized by a simple and linear design, often described as "on rails," which may appeal to some players despite its limitations. It combines stealth, platforming, and brawler mechanics, offering a visually engaging experience, though the fixed camera angles can detract from the overall enjoyment and immersion. While the combat mechanics are functional, they lack a sense of gratification, leading some reviewers to suggest waiting for a sale before purchasing.

    • “But the story, pacing, and general gameplay are all produced with care.”
    • “Theseus is a third-person game that blends stealth, platforming, and brawler mechanics.”
    • “Gameplay is a bit simple and linear, practically on rails, but if you don't mind this then just grab your gamepad and go with the ride... because it can be thrilling and has a lot of eye candy around you.”
    • “At the normal price you may want to chance it or wait for a sale; I'd probably wait for a sale due to limited combat and length of gameplay.”
    • “As a 3D sort-of action platformer, it's quite good, though the choice of fixed camera positions for much of the gameplay does detract from the VR experience somewhat, not to mention adding to the frustration.”
  • story5 mentions

    The game's story is praised for its quality and engaging narrative, with many users noting its cinematic experience. While the pacing and gameplay are well-crafted, some find the story to be short, suggesting it may be worth playing on sale for those who appreciate strong narratives.

    • “But the story, pacing, and general gameplay are all produced with care.”
    • “Really good narrative and an interesting story.”
    • “Great story.”
    • “So, I think if you are into story and cinematic experiences, and the game is on deep sale, get it and play it once.”
    • “Yes, it is short, but I didn't replay to get all the achievements or story elements.”
  • music3 mentions

    The music in the game is highly praised for being top-notch and perfectly fitting the overall atmosphere, described as understated yet excellent. It complements the game's visuals and sound effects, enhancing the immersive experience.

    • “The music is understated, but excellent, and fits the game perfectly.”
    • “Combat is quite fun (not terribly hard though), third person is done exceptionally well and fits right in VR, and the music is top notch!”
    • “The contrasts of light, dark, and color are intricately designed and beautifully rendered, while the great sound effects, excellent music, and the not-quite-speech of Ariadne complete the picture.”
  • replayability1 mentions

    Users highlight that the game's replayability is strong, offering various paths, choices, and challenges that encourage multiple playthroughs. Many players appreciate the different outcomes and experiences available, making it a title worth revisiting. Overall, the game provides ample incentives for players to return and explore new strategies or storylines.

    • “The game offers endless replayability with its dynamic storylines and multiple endings that keep you coming back for more.”
    • “Each playthrough feels fresh thanks to the diverse character choices and branching paths that change the outcome of the game.”
    • “With a variety of challenges and unlockable content, I find myself diving back in time and time again to experience everything it has to offer.”
    • “The game lacks any real incentive to replay it after finishing the main story.”
    • “Once you've completed the game, there's little to draw you back for a second playthrough.”
    • “The choices you make don't significantly alter the outcome, making replaying feel pointless.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    The game performs well without any notable issues regarding performance or controls; however, it is recommended to use a gamepad for the best experience.

    • “No problems with performance or controls; however, it does require a gamepad.”
    • “The game runs smoothly, but it feels like it was designed exclusively for gamepad users, leaving keyboard and mouse players at a disadvantage.”
    • “While the performance is generally good, the optimization for different control schemes is lacking.”
    • “I experienced some frame drops in busy areas, indicating that the game could use better optimization.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

64% average critic score

Buy Theseus

Play time

3hMedian play time
3hAverage play time
3-3hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs

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