Soulmask Early Access Review

Soulmask just hit early access, and while it has some cool concepts, it’s definitely not for everyone. Let’s break it down.

It’s got a lot going for it: a cool Mesoamerican vibe, creepy jungles with giant snakes, and even mind-bending questions about consciousness. But hold on, let’s talk about the good, the bad, and the downright grindy.

The Grind is Real

First off, forget about maxing out your main character’s skills. It’s a trap! The real power comes from capturing and controlling other tribesmen with better abilities. It’s a neat idea, but feels like a slap in the face for all the effort you put into your starter dude. Plus, everything in this game takes forever. Unlocking new crafting recipes is like climbing Mount Everest – you need tech points, AND a separate “awareness” level that crawls up at a snail’s pace.

Crafting

Crafting is a massive part of Soulmask, but it’s also a pain. There are tons of crafting stations, each needing specific materials and upgrades. It feels like you’re constantly running errands between benches and storage, juggling a million ingredients just to make one thing. And forget about convenience – there’s no auto-crafting from storage, forcing you to be your own pack mule.

So Many Options, So Little Time

Despite the grind, Soulmask does offer a lot of freedom. You can explore a vast world with different biomes, from steaming jungles to frozen tundras. There are dungeons to delve into, world bosses to conquer, and ten unique Soulmasks each with their own cool abilities. Combat seems interesting too, with different weapon types and skills to choose from.

If you love survival crafting games with a heavy focus on base building and complex systems, then Soulmask might be right down your alley. But if you prefer faster-paced action or a more smooth crafting experience, this might not be it. Be prepared to invest a lot of time and patience into the grind.