IfSunSets

Developer: POLYMORPH
Release: Nov 4th 2024
Platforms:
Adventure
Indie
RPG
Early Access
Addictive
Creative
Ambitious
Buggy
Unpolished
IfSunSets Poster

IfSunSets Review

IfSunSets is an ambitious early access survival RPG that combines elements of tower defense, crafting, and action combat in a pirate-themed open world. Players explore vibrant islands by day, gathering resources and building defenses, then face intense undead horde attacks by night. The gameplay blends influences from titles like The Forest, Dynasty Warriors, and Dying Light, offering a unique mix of strategic base building and fast-paced combat. The developers are highly engaged with the community, regularly releasing updates and expanding content, which currently offers around 20-40 hours of gameplay with potential for much more.

While the game shows great promise with deep crafting, skill trees, and a sandbox feel, it still needs polish. Players report issues such as combat jankiness, UI clunkiness, framerate drops during night battles, and some balance inconsistencies. However, the game’s solid foundation, active development, and rewarding gameplay loop make it a compelling choice for survival fans willing to support an evolving project.

Highlights

Players praise IfSunSets for its engaging blend of tower defense and action combat mechanics, creating thrilling nightly horde battles. The crafting and skill tree systems are noted for their depth and rewarding progression. The vibrant open world and pirate-themed setting provide a rich exploration experience. Many appreciate the developers’ transparency and frequent content updates, which sustain player interest. The game’s music and atmosphere also receive positive mentions, enhancing immersion. The ability to customize playstyle—whether focusing on combat, building, or exploration—is a strong point, appealing to varied player preferences.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the game’s rough combat mechanics, described as clunky and sometimes glitchy, with unclear controls for advanced moves. The UI is frequently called cumbersome, especially when managing inventory or repairing during raids. Performance issues such as framerate drops during intense night battles affect gameplay smoothness. Some players find progression and balance uneven, with difficulty spikes and skill disparities. Translation awkwardness and the mandatory Epic Online Services for multiplayer also detract from the experience. Several reviews suggest the tutorial and early game introduction need improvement to better prepare new players.

Pros

  • Engaging mix of tower defense and fast-paced action combat mechanics at night.
  • Deep crafting system with rewarding skill trees and character progression.
  • Vibrant pirate-themed open world rich in exploration opportunities.
  • Developers actively communicate and frequently release meaningful updates.
  • Flexible playstyle allowing combat, building, or exploration focus.
  • Music and atmosphere enhance immersion without becoming annoying.
  • Optional content engagement keeps gameplay sandboxy yet content-rich.

Cons

  • Combat mechanics feel clunky, glitchy, and lack clear advanced move instructions.
  • User interface is cumbersome, causing frustration during inventory and repairs.
  • Performance issues with framerate drops during intense night horde battles.
  • Progression and difficulty balancing can feel uneven and sometimes unfair.
  • Awkward translations reduce polish and immersion for some players.
  • Mandatory Epic Online Services for multiplayer frustrates some users.
  • Tutorial and early game introduction insufficiently prepare new players.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

「IfSunSets」 is a survival RPG adventure game. During the day, secure necessary supplies across the island, and survive the night against strong and terrifying monsters that track you down. You can utilize resources you've secured to build a base to fend off threatening monsters.

Release Date Nov 4th 2024
Publisher Smilegate
Developer POLYMORPH
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (510)
85% Positive 15% Negative