Vapor World: Over The Mind Review Summary

Its unique art style, fun gameplay, and satisfying parries shine, but poor UI and movement polish, clunky controls, and awkward AI cutscenes hold it back.

Unique and appealing art style: The game's painterly, dark, and distinct visual style is frequently highlighted as a major strength, setting a great tone and being visually magnificent.

Solid and fun gameplay: Many players find the game solid, fun, and playable, with good mechanics and dynamic gameplay.

Satisfying parry mechanics: Players consistently praise the parry system, noting that perfect parries feel rewarding and the timing is forgiving, making combat enjoyable.

Game has potential: Several players see potential in the game, particularly in its combat framework and overall design, though some aspects are still rough.

Combat feels smooth and natural: Animations and combat movements are described as smooth and natural, enhancing the overall combat experience.

Poor UI and movement polish: Reviewers mention that movement, animation, and UI need more polish, with rough edges in overall quality of life.

Clunky and imprecise controls: Multiple reviewers report that the controls feel stiff, janky, and not smooth, making precise input difficult.

Bad AI cutscenes: AI-generated cutscenes are described as horrible, off-putting, and detrimental to the story experience.

Sluggish combat feel: Combat is described as sluggish and lacking satisfying feedback, with disappointing aspects.

Speed-animation mismatch: Walk and run speeds feel slow and misaligned with the animations, creating a disconnect.

Parry-focused combat core: Multiple clusters emphasize that combat is built around parrying, with sustained parries breaking enemies and enabling powerful counters. The system is compared to Sekiro and features counterattacks and a break gauge.

Side-scrolling soulslike framework: The game is consistently described as a 2D side-scrolling soulslike action game that borrows Dark Souls systems like beacons, talent trees, and consumables. It is a linear, narrative-driven experience with platforming and exploration.

Boss fights and phases: Boss encounters are a major feature, often involving multiple phases, fog gates, and varied attack patterns that players must learn. Some bosses are called wounds or seeds and have multiple lives.

Movement and platforming controls: Movement includes jumping, sprinting, and platform-grabbing, with running activated by holding a button. Some areas restrict running, requiring creative use of jumps for speed.

Stealth and assassination mechanics: Stealth systems allow players to crouch behind obstacles and perform fatal back attacks to avoid or eliminate enemies. This adds a tactical layer to combat.

Lack of settings menu: There is no graphics or sound settings menu, limiting players' ability to customize their experience. This is a significant usability issue.

Performance needs improvement: Overall performance needs improvement, as indicated by a general comment. This is a common concern that can affect many players.

Loud audio in story: Audio volume is extremely loud during story sequences and voice lines, even at low settings. This affects the overall experience and may require volume adjustments.

Blurry graphics: Graphics appear blurry, which can detract from visual quality. This is a common complaint among players.

Sluggish movement: Movement feels slow, unstable, and sluggish according to one player. This can impact gameplay responsiveness and enjoyment.

Wait for full release: Multiple reviewers recommend waiting until the game leaves Early Access and receives more updates and patches before purchasing. They suggest it is not yet worth playing in its current state.

Not worth current price: Reviewers feel the game is overpriced for its current content, and some demand refunds or advise against buying until the roadmap is complete. The general sentiment is that the asking price does not match the unfinished product.

Great for Soulslike fans: Fans of Bloodborne and 2D Soulslike games recommend the game, praising its parry-focused combat and challenging gameplay. It is seen as a worthy entry for genre enthusiasts.

Promising but needs polish: Some players see potential for a classic if developers keep improving and listening to feedback, but currently do not recommend it due to lack of polish. They advise waiting for more updates.

Fun but flawed: A few reviewers find the game entertaining despite its issues, recommending it for variety or as a positive experience. However, others find it not fun even at a low price.

Session length: 2.0h.

Soulslike Combat Purist: Plays aggressively around parry timing and boss patterns while comparing combat feel to genre benchmarks. Motivation: Mastering responsive parry combat, executions, and demanding boss fights. Stance: no buy.

Early Access Waiter: Waits for patches and full release, checking value and readiness before committing. Motivation: Getting a polished, complete game instead of an unfinished early-access build. Stance: no buy.

Cautious Genre Newcomer: Uses lenient stealth and assassination while experimenting with combat styles and tolerating rough difficulty. Motivation: Finding an approachable stealth-action experience with an interesting world and room to experiment. Stance: sale.

Frequent Sekiro and Lies of P comparisons: Many reviewers compare the game to Sekiro, Lies of P, and Bloodborne, especially regarding its parry-focused combat and overall style. It is often described as a 2D take on these soulslike games.

Early access with limited content: The game is currently in Early Access and players report a short run of content, with little added since the demo. Many feel there isn't enough content to fully enjoy the game yet.

AI cutscenes largely removed: Multiple reviewers note that AI-generated cutscenes have been removed from the game, with some replaced by hand-drawn art. However, one mentions AI-generated voices are still present.

Art style compared to Salt and Sanctuary: Several reviewers note that the art style is reminiscent of Salt and Sanctuary, particularly its misty aesthetic. The game's visual direction is frequently likened to that title.

AI use disclosed, community backlash: The game discloses its use of AI generation, which has sparked community discussion and negative reviews. Some reviewers defend the AI use, while others criticize it.