Peripeteia
" Immersive cyberpunk RPG with vast exploration and player freedom but clunky AI and bugs "
Peripeteia Review
Peripeteia is a unique and ambitious immersive sim set in a dystopian post-Soviet Poland, blending influences from classic titles like Deus Ex, S.T.A.L.K.E.R., and E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy. Players control Marie, an android navigating vast interconnected maps with freedom of approach, using parkour, stealth, hacking, and an unconventional weapon system. The game offers a rich atmosphere, deep lore, and an intriguing storyline with multiple endings, supported by a distinctive art style and an evocative breakcore soundtrack.
However, the game is in Early Access and exhibits significant jankiness, including clunky AI, bugs, confusing level design, and a lack of hand-holding or clear guidance. Inventory management and some mechanics require adjustment, and some missions, especially "Belgrade," have been criticized for artificial difficulty. Despite these flaws, many players appreciate the game's charm, emergent gameplay, and potential, seeing it as a cult classic in the making for fans of hardcore immersive sims.
Highlights
Players praise Peripeteia's vast, interconnected maps that encourage exploration and multiple approaches to objectives. The movement system with parkour and mantling is fluid and engaging, adding depth to gameplay. The art direction and atmosphere receive high marks for their gritty, dystopian aesthetic and evocative lighting. The story and lore are compelling, with well-written characters and political intrigue enriching the experience. Additionally, the soundtrack, featuring breakcore and electronic music, perfectly complements the game's tone and immersion.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the game's jankiness and bugs, including poor AI behavior and occasional softlocks. The lack of clear objectives and guidance frustrates some players, making navigation and mission progression difficult. Several note the overly large maps with sparse content, leading to tedious exploration at times. The inventory system can be cumbersome, and weapon handling requires adjustment. Some missions, notably "Belgrade," are seen as artificially difficult and detract from enjoyment. Audio issues, such as excessively loud sounds, also diminish the experience for some.
Pros
- • Vast, interconnected maps encourage deep exploration and multiple mission approaches.
- • Fluid and engaging parkour and mantling mechanics enhance movement and traversal.
- • Distinctive art style and atmospheric lighting create a gritty, immersive world.
- • Compelling story with rich lore and political intrigue keeps players invested.
- • Breakcore and electronic soundtrack perfectly match the game's tone and vibe.
- • Freedom of player choice supports stealth, combat, and hacking playstyles.
- • Inventory and weapon systems add strategic depth and resource management.
Cons
- • Clunky AI and frequent bugs disrupt immersion and gameplay flow.
- • Lack of clear objectives and hand-holding leads to player confusion.
- • Large maps sometimes feel empty, causing tedious and frustrating exploration.
- • Inventory management can be awkward and time-consuming to organize.
- • Artificial difficulty spikes in missions like Belgrade frustrate players.
- • Audio issues include excessively loud sounds causing discomfort.
- • Weapon handling and mechanics have a steep learning curve.
Rating Criteria
Peripeteia is a first-and-third-person role-playing stealth game taking place in alt-history cyberpunk Poland. Inspired by immersive sims from Ion Storm and Looking Glass Studios, Peripeteia expands on the formula with new ideas and an original setting.