Oh, Chromatic Ramasseur,
You can eat my ass, sir.
You OP F***stick,
You think you're so slick
But the rest of us think you're a bastard.

But I refused to bend,
To this absolute right bellend.
I countered my way,
Through encounters for days,
Till finally I reached the end.

So yeah, 10/10 would recommend.

Rhyming scheme aside, this game's great, but Chromatic Ramasseur can suck a fat one. Prick.

I appreciate the light story. For a management game, a story that's too intrusive can get messy and, if done wrong, it can distract from the game itself. In this case, the story does affect your gameplay. You can get new employees and other gameplay benefits from the choices you make. At the same time, gameplay can also affect choices. What you create in your tavern can attract story events. Overall, it feels very natural and cooperative between the story and management.

The management sim is surprisingly deep and multi-dimensional. Staff have different strengths and weaknesses that you can see upon hiring. You can set their schedules, their jobs, and even bar them from rooms if you want really fine control. Then there's how you actual design the layout of your bar. How well you function can be completely killed if you put your kitchen far away from the bar or the storage far away from the kitchen. Making sure employees can get places quickly is crucial to efficiency. So all told, you can really min-max your management.

Finally, the customization system is VAST. You can create decorative and functional pieces from a HUGE amount of props and basic parts. Go nuts. Then you can save those defaults and use those in your tavern during gameplay.

There are some other great things to mention - including a certain book that is really helpful during gameplay - but I don't wanna spoil too much.

Go play it, it'll be worth your time.

To me, this is the most mid game I've ever played. Most elements of gameplay feel anywhere from poor to mediocre. Gunplay feels mediocre, movement feels poor, and combat in general feels mediocre. The general game design feels rather unfocused as well, like they weren't sure what they wanted this game to be. The AI (Arc machines) feel really odd. I really wish I had a better way to describe them than that.

It also suffers from the classic issue with extraction shooters: extraction campers. It doesn't do much to counter that and, in fact, it seems to tacitly encourage it with some of the design choices.

Then there are the truly incredible amount of microtransactions that this already PAID game pushes at you. That just feels bad.

A PvE mode would be highly appreciated as well, particularly for more casual players like me. I can already see this becoming so sweaty that it sucks all the fun out of playing the game. I also wish Embark would get their messaging together, as they don't seem to know whether they want this to be PvE or PvP focused. Either is fine, but what they're saying publicly and in the game, and their design decisions argue with each other. Pick a lane.

I wish I could say there was anything here that was really exciting. The setting is kinda neat but even then, it feels kinda generic. It's just an incredibly "meh" game. Might return it, might not. Maybe I'll play it for a while longer to see if it improves but it has just NOT grabbed me thus far...

I could see this game being for some people, but I don't know if it's for me, and I suspect a large amount of others will feel similarly after buying this out of FOMO. As I said above: Run over by the hype train.

I will likely play for some more time to see if it improves but I honestly don't know if it will get better for me. Check back later to see if this review changes. But for now...



ETA: I did play the server slam.

Edit 2: Yep, saw that hostility coming. For the record, I'm glad so many of you like it. For me though, it just doesn't do it.

The micro-scale game loop doesn't feel good and I really don't want to wait until "level 50" for the game to start feeling passable. To me, that's way too long. I have no doubts it feels better after 20-40 hours, most games do! However, if it doesn't hook me with the moment-to-moment gameplay from early on, I won't play it very long; I'd hazard to guess plenty people agree with me on that. I'd argue that games that don't respect your time aren't worth playing, but maybe that's just me.

Either way, I hope Embark treats you all well and that you have fun playing.

Really really excellent. The writing and the VAs are top notch. The management sim is actually pretty deep as well and the hacking minigame is pretty engaging too. This is the first game of this nature that has actually delivered on its initial promise, in my opinion. It really feels like I'm playing a TV show.

I'm only writing this after the first two episodes came out and I can't wait to see what's next.

Update 9/26: Nothing in my review has changed.

TLDR: Although it's definitely fun at times, do not buy it now. This game needs a lot of help before it's in a reasonable state. Also, if you don't intend to play with friends, maybe avoid this game in general.

• The concept of a manual soccer game that isn't Rocket League is pretty neat.
  
• Great game to play with friends.
  
• The mechanical depth is incredible.
  
• Less restrictive than actual soccer.
  
• Simple concept that pays off well.

• The netcode, in a fully-online game, is so incredibly bad I'm amazed they released it. Not kidding, the wind back system that worked in Rocket League (which only wound back about half a second in seriously bad ping) DOES NOT work here, where it winds back, sometimes, multiple seconds. You could have completed an action already and then the server rolls back to three actions before the one you just completed. Completely unacceptable in an entirely online, PvP game.
  
• The controls are pretty janky. The directional passing, at least, is pretty terrible right now on both controller and KBM - although KBM is in a far worse state. Other controls, primarily involving direction on either stick, are finicky and inconsistent. Contextual controls are fine - where the same button does multiple things depending on the context of the game state - but sometimes those contexts change so rapidly that it's nearly impossible to get the timing.
  
• This game has hidden controls and mechanics. The game does not tell you some things about how the mechanics and controls work. These are fine normally but there are so many that are critical, they really should give you some amount of training on it. Learning the header, which is not included in the standard controls and is context-dependent, is critical and not told to you. Sometimes how possession works is tricky too. Please include tutorials on the header and explain how the control changes based on the context. Others too like multipliers.
  
• Bugs like CRAZY. On release, this game had bugs that even effected the gameplay itself, like the kickoff bug. But, there are still bugs that allow for some really game-breaking exploits (header flying, for example).

In general, I can see the appeal but I cannot in good conscience recommend this game to anyone yet. It will need a lot of help to be in a state I would call good.

My review of the first game really made people mad so I'll say this: I do recommend Splitgate 2. Many of the issues from the first (map design, weapon functionality, minimap functionality, cosmetics, etc) have been addressed in Splitgate 2.

• Map design has been greatly improved, way less wide open space
  
• Weapon functionality is way better
  
• Movement has been improved
  
• The new modes are great
  
• Most issues from Splitgate 1 have been fixed

Firstly, the desync I've noticed is abysmal at times. It is not an ever-present issue but it's incredibly frustrating when you die behind a wall (when you were shooting each other directly, not through a portal). This needs fixed ASAP. It's one of the main reasons why xDefiant died, don't let it happen here too.

Second, the weapon balancing feels kinda off. The assault rifle can outperform a DMR or burst rifle at most ranges, only being beaten at very long range. Those long range sightlines aren't as common as in the first game so that balancing should probably be changed.

Third, I will continue to say that some maps should not be able to have some modes. For example, on Stadium - Domination, A point and C point might as well be right next to each other. You can literally see the back portal walls from each one so they essentially remain connected for the whole game. It makes games flow weirdly.

Finally, the sheer volume of available microtransactions feels wrong. The messaging around this game has been very confusing. I'm not sure if they wanna be video games returning to the golden era of Halo 3 or trying to make a Battle Royale and have an $80 "micro"transaction. Pick a lane.

Also, this is just me but I really don't think the BR format works here. Just, not really any part of it works for me. I don't know, that might just be me though.

Edit: Formatting.

This game has everything it needs to be incredibly popular. It's easy to learn but hard to master as ALL of the movements of character and board are controlled manually. Highly addictive game. The sense of speed is incredible and it's surprising how well the procedurally generated levels work. But, the highlights are obviously from the non-procedural levels and those are put together well too.

Fantastic game, added to my wishlist.

Overall, this game is extremely addicting especially if you like mil sims. The realism is (for the most part) unmatched, even sometimes surpassing Tarkov. However, the optimization brings is down pretty bad. Once you get the game running on a good clip, it's so insanely fun.

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, you will need to lower your graphics settings. I'm on moderate specs and can run high-ultra settings on most games but on here, I struggle at times even with medium. Turn everything down to low and then turn certain settings up as you play. Please, devs, focus on optimization first.

• Weapon customization is unmatched. It very closely follows weapon modification in real like, requiring the right attachments.
  
• Combat is excellent. The AI feel a bit bullet spongey but that's because you have to hit critical organs in order to kill them. Kills in this game are due to critical organ damage (heart, lungs, brain, etc) or blood loss. That counts for you AND the AI as well.
  
• AI is pretty intelligent for the most part. They will fire at your last known location rather than just if they can see you. You can't just run behind a bush and expect to be safe, they know you're there (as would be the case IRL). They also try to flank you, forcing you to make intelligent decisions.
  
• Inventory management is pretty great.
  
• No deployment timer feels REALLY NICE. Other extraction shooters only let you stay out in the field for a limited period. Here, you can stay out as long as you want. If you die, it's your fault. Return to an LZ and request exfil when you're ready to go back to base.
  
• The early access story is actually pretty good. Missions require you to actually read the description and take in the story in order to complete them. Don't use a community map for your first playthrough. It is very rewarding to do it all the right way.
  [*}Community is actually pretty non-toxic. Now that I've said that, I've completely jinxed it and it will be forever bad from this point on.
  

• The performance optimization needs A LOT of help. The game gets some leeway here because it IS early access but it's pretty bad, even for EA.
  
• The limited helicopters for infil/exfil is a problem. The devs have said they didn't expect so many solo players to be using the helicopters. That is a MASSIVE oversight and I hope they make fixes soon. I actually like the system. As a veteran, waiting for infil/exfil is part of the whole experience. However, adding more choppers OR allowing parties to queue for choppers would be fantastic.
  
• The AI is very intelligent... sometimes too much so. I have had instances where they track me through objects. Not shooting at the last place they saw me but actually tracking me through solid cover. Please fix this.
  
• Make it harder for AI to see players through foliage. Like, make it a dice roll based on what percentage of you the AI can see.

Fantastic game and I will even be upgrading to the supporter edition; not for the bonus stuff, but because the devs have been great and it's a great game. Once you get the settings tweaked to get a consistent frame rate, it's one of my favorite games.

I've been tracking this game since the demo at the next fest in 2022. This game hooked me even then so I was waiting in anticipation of the release. I can confirm now, this game is excellent. The core of the game is very addictive and rock solid.

If you like city builders, colony sims, or even RTS's you will like this game. It has a few interesting takes on the format like with the burgage plots and family system as well as the extremely in-depth ways weather, distance, and livestock levels affect production. It has a deep focus on realism with respect to central-Europe during the middle ages. It stays tightly focused on this for the whole game and it is better for it.

Like I said, it is an early access game though and there are quite a few rough edges. See below...

• The baron is really aggressive in the mid-game, like REALLY aggressive. I think he has an impossible level of troops at this point. I'm not sure how to beat him. Like, you get to the point where you've gotten on your feet and are ready to start producing an army and he has like 8 fully leveled squads (that's a lot in this game).
  
• Trade is pretty unbalanced right now. You can basically play the game on easy mode by investing in trade early.
  
• Pathfinding of villagers is pretty odd right now? They seem to do everything in as inefficient a way as possible.
  
• Market stalls feel odd... I think that system might need an overhaul. Right now, they require quite a bit of micromanaging to make sure everyone has access to everything they need.

But, don't let those distract you, this game is excellent. I recommend playing it for a while right now to see what is has then drop it for a while only to come back and see what's new in 2-3 months.

Congrats to Slavic Magic for a real feat of solo development!

We can't allow this to happen again. Mine will remain negative no matter what as the rest of my review is still my opinion.


After my latest session, I went to go find some videos and streams of the game. After watching them, I can confidently say I've seen literally everything in just an hour and a half. I don't feel like grinding to watch number go up. I grind games when they have new gameplay for investing time, not just different flavors of gunpowder or different memey skins. A game's longevity should come from its emergent gameplay or just because the mechanics and story are so fun that you want to keep interacting with them. If this is you, I'm happy for you. Keep on playing! For me though, this game has none of the above. It really sucks too because there are tons of ways this game could innovate on their well-polished mechanics but they just don't. And, no, well-polished does not equal spectacular.

Also, why do you need a KERNEL-LEVEL anticheat in a co-op game? I don't mind anticheats at all. I don't even mind kernel-level anticheats for competitive games (Valorant being a notable example). But, when you're requesting kernel access for a co-op game, I have to ask "Why do you need this?" Having an anticheat is fine in a co-op game, cheats can still ruin the experience. Not to this level. No way.

I don't plan on refunding it in case it updates into a good state. Gonna go reinstall Windows now...

ETA: Some positives though... I do quite like the humor overall. It lampoons the "MURICA LIBERTY FREEDUM" motif quite well. The environment design is quite nice though the individual environments don't do enough to distinguish themselves. I really love having an active gamemaster who manages the live environment, that is a GREAT idea!