Wearing the influences of some of FROM Software's most popular titles, Bloodborne and Sekiro, on its sleeve, Thymesia serves as a good alternative for those desperately waiting for a sequel to either of those games. But because of those influences, because it exists specifically to be another avenue for the same style of gameplay, it makes it hard to recommend on its own merit. It barely has its own identity other than slight variations on aesthetics and a few minor new mechanics.

But none of those things can really change what the game is. This is still a fast-paced, aggressive, and punishing action game where healing is limited and difficult and death can cause you to lose all of your experience points. It's fun, and it executes these things well, but having just finished it mere minutes ago I can tell you I'm probably not going to think about this game ever again after today.

This isn't really some kind of warning against buying the game. I feel like if you've heard of this game and my description of its influences, you've probably already made up your mind. But just bear in mind that it only bears resemblance to Bloodborne and Sekiro in the superficial sense.

The style of storytelling and the overall flow of combat are executed faithfully. The problem is it's missing the same level of depth, nuance, and intrigue that keep you guessing and wanting to know more about this world. It's a testament to just how hard it is to truly replicate the FROM Software experience, and I don't begrudge this game for its failures to do so. But I'll probably go back to replaying Elden Ring before I ever think about touching this game again.