Possibly the longest and dullest “adventure” I've seen to the end in many years. The map for this game is absurd: it's way too large and you're going to have to explore 98% of it if you hope to see the credits. First game I've ever seen where you NEED to have a podcast playing in the background so your brain is occupied with at least something while you mindlessly cut down streetlights, crops, cars, buildings, whatever. Get used to doing that.
Also, first game I've ever seen ask me if it's okay for it to use emojis. The answer is “Yes”, of course, as they're the most exciting part of the mostly unspoken text and world.
Want to know how exciting this game is? An in-game token you eventually find is just a speedhack: everything operates 30% faster. This item will feel like a small gift from God.

Probably the loneliest game I've played in some time, too, prepare for “Cast Away” vibes. You won't meet a single other person and you'll only hear a couple voices (one being text-to-speech) throughout the entire 50+ hours you're on the island. Your only company is the small variety of enemies you'll kill thousands of, and they're not particularly chatty. The combat is extremely shallow and boring, making cutting down enemies barely any different from cutting down trees.

The story gets interesting towards the end, I guess, but it'll require a lot of drive and self-hatred to get you there. There's no doubt in my mind it's not worth the wait.

It all works, at least. I experienced no big bugs. I was also able to catch up on a comedy podcast I've been putting off for a while, so that was nice.
The most tepid gaming experience you can ask for and way too much of it. I don't recommend Dysmantle.

Reviewed on Sep 04, 2023


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