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MONSTER

Fort Solis

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Fort Solis
Item: Fort Solis
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Horror, Thriller, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player

AvailableAug 22, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperFallen Leaf

Overview

Fort Solis is a single player third person thriller set on the far side of Mars. Engineer Jack Leary responds to a routine alarm. Upon arriving at a dormant Fort Solis he becomes unnerved by the lack of any staff at the base. As the night grows longer events begin to unravel and spiral out of control. The mystery of what Fort Solis was created for starts to appear along with its crew. Can Jack escape with what he has discovered and more importantly, his life?

Elsewhere

7.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

34%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Fort Solis are quite varied. Some critics, such as GameSpot and GameSpew, praise the story for its absorbing and engaging nature, with GameSpot specifically highlighting the exploration of existential secrets and the pacing reminiscent of a mini-series. The interactions between the main characters are also commended by God is a Geek, who describes them as iconic and well-voiced. Additionally, Adventure Gamers notes that the voice acting in general is strong, adding to the overall experience. These positive aspects of the story contribute to the immersion and enjoyment of the game for many players. However, there are critics who express disappointment with the story of Fort Solis. Carole Quintaine, for example, mentions that while the story is well-told and gripping, it is also short and lacks depth. PC Gamer criticizes the story for lacking suspense, tension, and moral or philosophical quandaries, ultimately deeming it thin and uninteresting. TheGamer goes even further, describing the story as nonsensical with telegraphed twists and a disappointing ending. New Game Network also finds the story unclear and too vague for too long, leaving players confused and unsatisfied with the ending. These negative opinions highlight the weaknesses in the story, such as its lack of depth, predictability, and unsatisfying conclusion. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the story of Fort Solis is mixed. While some critics appreciate the engaging and absorbing nature of the story, others find it lacking in various aspects. The positive aspects of the story, such as its exploration of existential secrets and well-voiced interactions between characters, are acknowledged by critics like GameSpot and God is a Geek. However, the negative aspects, such as predictability, lack of depth, and disappointing endings, are highlighted by critics like PC Gamer and New Game Network. Ultimately, the story of Fort Solis seems to have both its strengths and weaknesses, leaving players with a varied experience and opinion.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Fort Solis. Some praise its engaging nature and well-voiced characters, while others criticize its lack of depth, predictability, and unsatisfying ending. Overall, the story's strengths and weaknesses result in a varied player experience and opinion.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

48%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Fort Solis are varied. Some critics, such as GameSpew and Game Rant, highlight the positive aspects of the gameplay. GameSpew mentions that the game encourages exploration and environmental storytelling, which can be engaging for players who enjoy uncovering hidden details and piecing together the narrative. Game Rant also acknowledges the light puzzle-solving and object interaction elements, which can provide some level of engagement for players. However, the majority of critics express negative opinions about the gameplay of Fort Solis. Many critics, including COGconnected, Gaming Age, and TheSixthAxis, criticize the slow movement speed and limited mobility of the protagonist. This aspect can make traversing long distances a frustrating experience, and it hampers the overall pacing of the game. Additionally, the lack of meaningful interaction and purposeful gameplay is a common criticism mentioned by critics like Gamereactor UK and Adventure Gamers. They argue that the primary gameplay loop of searching for clues and occasional quick-time events lacks depth and fails to provide a satisfying gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Fort Solis is lacking in various aspects. The limited interaction, slow movement, and occasional frustrating navigation contribute to a monotonous and tedious experience, as mentioned by critics such as Push Square and Vandal. The implementation of quick-time events is also criticized for being troublesome and lacking tension, as noted by critics like Noisy Pixel and Press Start Australia. The lack of choices in the plot or dialogue, as highlighted by GameSpot, further diminishes the player's involvement and immersion in the game. While some critics acknowledge certain positive aspects, the negative feedback regarding the gameplay outweighs the positives, resulting in an overall sentiment of disappointment and dissatisfaction.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Fort Solis gameplay. Some praise its exploration and storytelling elements, while others criticize slow movement and lack of meaningful interaction. Overall, most critics find the gameplay lacking depth and engaging elements, leading to a disappointing and tedious experience for players.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

28%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Fort Solis are generally positive. Many critics praise the game's visuals, with several mentioning the stunning and impressive graphics. COGconnected commends the excellent lighting and atmospheric environments, while GameSpot describes Fort Solis as "gorgeous" with a cinematic presentation and exceptional visuals. The use of Unreal Engine 5 is also highlighted by multiple critics, such as Malditos Nerds and Noisy Pixel, who mention the impressive visual design and the power showcased by the engine. The visuals are further lauded for their detailed art design and the ability to bring the facility and Mars to life, as mentioned by GamingBolt. The visuals and animations are described as stunning and exceptional, with exceptional lighting and detailed environments, according to God is a Geek. The facial animations are also praised by Game Rant, although they mention that they are not as strong as some other games. However, there are some criticisms and negative aspects mentioned by the critics. One common issue is occasional performance problems or technical difficulties, as mentioned by LevelUp and TheGamer. The lack of DualSense implementation and some performance issues are also pointed out by Push Square. Adventure Gamers mentions that while the developers aimed to create a cinematic experience, the game fails to fully immerse the player. They also note that the map interface is hard to read and lacks a fullscreen option. Some critics, such as Shacknews, mention that while the game has graphically impressive visuals and animations, certain gameplay elements take away from the immersion. TheSixthAxis mentions that while the game looks decent and has visually appealing depictions of Mars, the dark corridors fail to evoke a sense of dread. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Fort Solis has impressive graphics and visual design. The game is praised for its stunning visuals, detailed environments, and impressive lighting. The use of Unreal Engine 5 is often highlighted as a positive aspect, showcasing the power and capabilities of the engine. The facial animations are generally well-received, although not as strong as some other games. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned, such as occasional performance issues, technical difficulties, and a lack of immersion in certain areas. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is positive, with the majority of critics praising the game's visuals and design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Fort Solis' stunning visuals and impressive graphics, commending its detailed environments, exceptional lighting, and use of Unreal Engine 5. However, some mention occasional performance problems and a lack of immersion in certain areas. Overall, the consensus is positive, with most critics praising the game's visual design despite minor flaws.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

60%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Fort Solis are generally positive. Many critics praised the voice acting and performances, with mentions of talented voice actors such as Roger Clark, Troy Baker, and Julia Brown. COGconnected, Adventure Gamers, and Press Start Australia specifically highlight the strong voice acting and performance capture. Malditos Nerds and Noisy Pixel also commend the effective use of sound design and voice acting, contributing to an immersive atmosphere and top-notch cinematic experience. GameGrin and Game Rant mention the impressive sound effects and how they maintain the sense of unease crucial to the thriller genre. Additionally, Gamereactor UK and Worth Playing appreciate the minimal yet haunting soundtrack, which adds to the atmospheric and lonely surroundings of the game. However, there are a few critics who express some negative opinions about the Sound Design and Music of Fort Solis. TheGamer criticizes the voice acting, stating that it is wasted on a game with no substance. Carole Quintaine's opinion is not clear, as she only mentions "Le sound design" without providing any further details. These negative opinions, however, are outweighed by the positive feedback from the majority of the critics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Fort Solis are strong and contribute significantly to the overall experience of the game. The voice acting is widely praised, with talented actors delivering impressive performances. The sound design effectively creates an immersive atmosphere, adding to the tension and unease of the thriller genre. The music, although minimal, is haunting and helps build the atmosphere of the game. The positive opinions from critics such as Adventure Gamers, GameGrin, and Noisy Pixel, among others, support the overall positive consensus regarding the Sound Design and Music of Fort Solis.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Fort Solis' Sound Design and Music, praising the talented voice acting by actors like Roger Clark and Troy Baker. They commend the effective use of sound design, immersive atmosphere, and haunting soundtrack that contribute to the thriller genre's tension. While a few critics had negative opinions, the overwhelming consensus is positive, with critics like Adventure Gamers and GameGrin lauding the game's audio elements for enhancing the overall experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the voice acting in Fort Solis, it is evident that there is a general consensus among the critics that the voice acting performances are strong and well-delivered. Several critics specifically mention standout performances by Troy Baker, Roger Clark, and Julia Brown. COGconnected praises the voice acting as well done, with Troy Baker delivering a standout performance. Game Rant also commends the performances of Roger Clark, Troy Baker, and Julia Brown, describing them as exceptional, nuanced, and dynamic. TheGamer, on the other hand, feels that the voice acting is wasted on a game with no substance. However, this negative opinion seems to be in the minority. One of the criticisms mentioned by some critics, such as Gaming Age and MeuPlayStation, is the quality of the script. Gaming Age mentions that the voice actors try their best with the script they were given but criticizes it as terrible. MeuPlayStation states that while the voice acting is good, it is not enough to keep the player interested in the story. These criticisms suggest that the voice acting performances may be hindered by weak or uninteresting dialogue. Overall, the majority of critics praise the voice acting in Fort Solis. Critics such as GameSpot, God is a Geek, and Press Start Australia describe the voice acting as exceptional, superb, and top-notch respectively. The performances of Troy Baker, Roger Clark, and Julia Brown are consistently highlighted as strong and well-delivered. The positive reception of the voice acting outweighs the negative opinions regarding the script, indicating that the voice acting is a notable strength of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics overwhelmingly praise the strong and well-delivered voice acting in Fort Solis, with standout performances by Troy Baker, Roger Clark, and Julia Brown. While some criticize the weak script, the majority laud the exceptional and top-notch voice acting, making it a notable strength of the game.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

24%

Mixed (50-79)

59%

Negative (0-49)

18%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PS5, the majority of critics had positive opinions. COGconnected, Malditos Nerds, and Press Start Australia all praised the game's technical performance and stability. COGconnected mentioned that the game runs well with few hiccups, while Malditos Nerds simply stated that the game has good technical performance and stability. Press Start Australia also commended the game's overall technical performance, although they did mention some issues with shadow coverage and artifacts. Gamereactor UK and GamingBolt both had similar opinions, stating that Fort Solis had good technical performance and stability, with no glitches or bugs worth mentioning. However, LevelUp did note occasional performance issues on the PS5, including slowdowns and visual glitches. Noisy Pixel mentioned that the performance mode on the PS5 had frame rate dips below 60fps, but overall, the technical performance was still considered good. Push Square, on the other hand, pointed out performance issues with frame rate dips and visual glitches in quality mode. Moving on to the PC platform, the opinions were more mixed. DarkZero mentioned that the game struggled to maintain a consistent 4K 60fps even on high-end hardware, requiring specific frame generation and DLSS settings. PC Gamer experienced difficulties running the game on their PC, even on low settings, and encountered judder when new areas loaded in. TheSixthAxis also mentioned frame rate issues during transitions from interior to exterior. GameGrin mentioned heavy GPU requirements and potential crashes when launching the game, but once the game is running, the technical issues do not affect gameplay. Worth Playing highlighted issues with frame rate drops, animation stutter, and texture detail loading. New Game Network also mentioned that the Martian dust storm in the game can impact the frame rate, and there are visual issues with shimmering walls and trails caused by anti-aliasing. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Fort Solis generally has good technical performance and stability, with some minor issues on both the PS5 and PC platforms. Positive aspects include polished gameplay, stable performance, and no major glitches or bugs. However, there are occasional performance issues, such as frame rate dips, visual glitches, and texture loading problems. Critics like COGconnected, Malditos Nerds, and Gamereactor UK praised the technical performance, while PC Gamer and Worth Playing highlighted the negative aspects of the game's performance on the PC platform. It is important to note that while there are some criticisms, the overall sentiment leans towards positive technical performance for Fort Solis.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics generally praise Fort Solis for its solid technical performance on the PS5, with few hiccups noted. However, some issues like shadow coverage and artifacts were mentioned. On PC, opinions are more mixed, with struggles to maintain 4K 60fps and various frame rate issues reported. Despite some performance hiccups on both platforms, Fort Solis is commended for its polished gameplay and overall stable performance, with occasional minor glitches.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

56%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Fort Solis are mixed. Some critics, such as GameSpew and GamingBolt, find the game engaging and compelling enough to warrant replaying. They appreciate the game's story, atmosphere, and potential for further refinement and expansion. Additionally, PlayStation LifeStyle notes that the game's sense of place and freedom to piece together the story make it worth exploring, contributing to its modest replay value. These positive opinions highlight the game's ability to captivate players and encourage them to revisit the experience. However, several critics express negative opinions about the replay value of Fort Solis. COGconnected, MeuPlayStation, and Press Start Australia all mention the game's short length as a factor that limits its replayability. They argue that the lack of distinct chapters, interesting gameplay elements, and impactful choices diminishes the motivation to replay the game. IGN France also criticizes the lack of clear objectives and frustrating navigation, which further detracts from the appeal of replaying the game. These negative opinions emphasize the game's shortcomings in terms of providing varied and engaging content for multiple playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a limited replay value for Fort Solis. While some critics appreciate the game's story, atmosphere, and potential for refinement, others criticize its short length, lack of distinct chapters, and uninteresting gameplay elements. The absence of impactful choices, complex branching plots, and significant reveals also contribute to the perception that the game lacks replay value. Despite positive aspects such as the sense of place and freedom to piece together the story, the overall sentiment suggests that Fort Solis may not offer enough incentives for players to revisit the game after completing it once. Critics such as TheGamer, Vandal, and New Game Network express particularly negative opinions about the game's replayability, further reinforcing this consensus.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on the replay value of Fort Solis. Some praise its engaging story and atmosphere, while others criticize its short length and lack of impactful choices. Overall, the consensus leans towards limited replayability due to its shortcomings in providing varied content for multiple playthroughs.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

23%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

15%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Fort Solis, a narrative-driven sci-fi thriller, has received a mix of positive and negative reviews from critics. On the positive side, many reviewers praised the game's impressive visuals and atmospheric environments. Critics such as COGconnected and God is a Geek highlighted the high production values, impressive acting, and animations, which added to the immersive experience. The star-studded voice cast was also commended by Noisy Pixel and Adventure Gamers. Additionally, GameSpot appreciated the unique and satisfying plot that subverted tropes, making Fort Solis a worthwhile addition to the space station subgenre. The strong atmosphere and tension were also lauded by GameSpew, who described it as a "haunting journey that keeps you hooked." However, there were several criticisms raised by reviewers regarding Fort Solis. One common complaint was the lackluster gameplay and low interactivity. Gamereactor UK and DarkZero both felt that the game fell short in this aspect, with the former mentioning the lack of rewarding exploration. LevelUp even went as far as describing Fort Solis as a mediocre and forgettable production that fails to define itself as a video game or interactive experience. Some reviewers, such as Push Square and Worth Playing, expressed disappointment with the pacing issues and a fumbling story that ultimately led to a lackluster gameplay experience. Shacknews also noted technical issues and a convoluted story that fell flat in the end. Overall, the consensus among critics is divided. While some reviewers, like GameGrin and GameSpot, consider Fort Solis to be a strong game with compelling stories and impressive production values, others, such as Gaming Age and TheSixthAxis, were highly critical and found the game to be a waste of time and lacking in positives. The lack of engaging gameplay, vague story, and disappointing ending were recurring concerns raised by multiple critics, including New Game Network and PC Gamer. It is worth noting that Fort Solis seems to have potential, as acknowledged by critics like Malditos Nerds and PlayStation LifeStyle, but falls short of being a great walking simulator due to its slow pace, lack of interaction, and underdeveloped narrative. In conclusion, Fort Solis receives a mixed reception from critics. While the game's impressive visuals, strong voice acting, and atmospheric environments garnered praise from several reviewers, the lackluster gameplay, low interactivity, and disappointing story were major drawbacks. The overall consensus suggests that Fort Solis has potential but fails to fully deliver on its promises, making it a divisive experience among critics.

TL;DR

Fort Solis, a sci-fi thriller game, has received mixed reviews. Critics praised its visuals, voice acting, and immersive atmosphere, but criticized its lackluster gameplay and disappointing story. While some consider it a strong game with potential, others found it lacking in engagement and defining qualities. Overall, Fort Solis has divided opinions among critics, with its strengths and weaknesses making it a polarizing experience in the gaming world.

MONSTER

Reviews

92 reviews found

GameGrin

Aug 22, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Fort Solis is a great game with amazing production quality, fair pricing, and a captivating story. It has some small issues with optimization and pacing, but the overall quality compensates for them.

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GamingBolt

PlayStation 5

Aug 23, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Fort Solis is a worthwhile experience for fans of narrative-driven games and science fiction settings, with its compelling story, impressive production values, and strong atmosphere.

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GameSpew

PlayStation 5

Aug 22, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A tense and haunting journey that keeps you hooked

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Aug 22, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Fort Solis is a solid narrative experience with impressive acting, visuals, and animations. The slow movement speed and quick QTEs are minor drawbacks.

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Carole Quintaine

PlayStation 5

Aug 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Un très bon moment d’horreur !

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PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 5

Aug 22, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Fort Solis is a mostly successful voyage with engaging gameplay, impressive visuals, and a compelling story. It falters in its finale, but overall, it is a well-designed sci-fi thriller.

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GameSpot

PlayStation 5

Aug 22, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Fort Solis is a strong game overall, with a unique and satisfying plot that subverts tropes. Its writing and philosophical arguments make it a worthwhile addition to the space station subgenre.

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Malditos Nerds

PlayStation 5

Aug 23, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Fort Solis is a well-executed game with high production values and strong technical aspects. The story and its resolutions are open to interpretation and may not satisfy everyone. Fans of science fiction with nuanced elements may appreciate the game more.

Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 5

Aug 22, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Fort Solis is a slow-burn, suspenseful narrative thriller with impressive visuals and a star-studded voice cast. However, the slow walking speed and high price tag may limit its appeal.

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Game Rant

PlayStation 5

Aug 22, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Fort Solis is a hard game to recommend for a mass audience, but there is a specific subset of gamers who this game will really resonate with. The visuals, tone, and acting are strong enough to satisfy some people, despite the disappointing conclusion and lackluster gameplay.

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