74
MONSTER
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
67
Critics have mixed opinions on the Story of Synapse's narrative. Some praise its original premise and voice acting, while others find it lacking in depth and originality. Positive feedback highlights engaging elements, but negative reviews criticize the story for being overshadowed by gameplay and lacking character development. Overall, the narrative receives a lukewarm response, with suggestions that it could have been more captivating with deeper exploration.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
67
Positive (80-100)
14%
Mixed (50-79)
86%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics have mixed opinions on the Story of Synapse's narrative. Some praise its original premise and voice acting, while others find it lacking in depth and originality. Positive feedback highlights engaging elements, but negative reviews criticize the story for being overshadowed by gameplay and lacking character development. Overall, the narrative receives a lukewarm response, with suggestions that it could have been more captivating with deeper exploration.
Gameplay Mechanics
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84
Critics laud Synapse for its engaging gameplay, praising the seamless integration of shooting mechanics and telekinetic powers. The game's rogue-lite elements offer character progression and immersive interactions, utilizing PS VR2 capabilities effectively. While some critics critique the overpowering nature of telekinetic abilities and lack of variety in combat encounters, the majority applaud the enjoyable experience and empowering gameplay. Overall, Synapse's gameplay is considered a standout feature, with critics highlighting its unique mechanics and satisfying progression system.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
84
Positive (80-100)
89%
Mixed (50-79)
11%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Critics laud Synapse for its engaging gameplay, praising the seamless integration of shooting mechanics and telekinetic powers. The game's rogue-lite elements offer character progression and immersive interactions, utilizing PS VR2 capabilities effectively. While some critics critique the overpowering nature of telekinetic abilities and lack of variety in combat encounters, the majority applaud the enjoyable experience and empowering gameplay. Overall, Synapse's gameplay is considered a standout feature, with critics highlighting its unique mechanics and satisfying progression system.
Graphics and Visual Design
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76
Critics generally praise Synapse for its stunning visuals and unique art style, with a Frank Miller-esque aesthetic and monochromatic environments highlighted by bursts of color for enemies and interactive elements. While some critics find the lack of color and limited variety in level design to be drawbacks, the majority appreciate the game's visual appeal and effective use of visuals for gameplay. Overall, Synapse impresses with its striking graphics and visual design, despite some mixed opinions on certain aspects.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
76
Positive (80-100)
56%
Mixed (50-79)
41%
Negative (0-49)
4%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics generally praise Synapse for its stunning visuals and unique art style, with a Frank Miller-esque aesthetic and monochromatic environments highlighted by bursts of color for enemies and interactive elements. While some critics find the lack of color and limited variety in level design to be drawbacks, the majority appreciate the game's visual appeal and effective use of visuals for gameplay. Overall, Synapse impresses with its striking graphics and visual design, despite some mixed opinions on certain aspects.
Music and Sound Design
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75
Critics have mixed opinions on the sound design and music of Synapse. Positive highlights include renowned voice actors like David Hayter and Jennifer Hale, successful sound design, and effective use of 3D audio. However, criticisms focus on excessive enemy dialogue and a lack of uniqueness in the electronic soundtrack. Despite some flaws, the game's audio elements generally enhance the gaming experience, but there is room for improvement to make it more outstanding.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
75
Positive (80-100)
50%
Mixed (50-79)
50%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics have mixed opinions on the sound design and music of Synapse. Positive highlights include renowned voice actors like David Hayter and Jennifer Hale, successful sound design, and effective use of 3D audio. However, criticisms focus on excessive enemy dialogue and a lack of uniqueness in the electronic soundtrack. Despite some flaws, the game's audio elements generally enhance the gaming experience, but there is room for improvement to make it more outstanding.
Voice Acting
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79
Critics love the voice acting in Synapse, especially performances by stars like David Hayter and Jennifer Hale. They praise it as top-notch, stellar, and adding a special touch to the game. While some mention a lack of captivating story impacting the voice acting, overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
79
Positive (80-100)
55%
Mixed (50-79)
45%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Critics love the voice acting in Synapse, especially performances by stars like David Hayter and Jennifer Hale. They praise it as top-notch, stellar, and adding a special touch to the game. While some mention a lack of captivating story impacting the voice acting, overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive.
Technical Performance
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68
Critics mostly praised PS5 technical performance for Synapse, highlighting smooth gameplay, attention to detail, and optimization for PSVR 2 hardware. Some noted glitches and bugs, but overall, they didn't significantly impact gameplay enjoyment. Minor issues like accuracy problems with guns were seen as potential design choices. In general, the PS5 version of Synapse received positive feedback for its technical performance.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
68
Positive (80-100)
50%
Mixed (50-79)
38%
Negative (0-49)
13%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Critics mostly praised PS5 technical performance for Synapse, highlighting smooth gameplay, attention to detail, and optimization for PSVR 2 hardware. Some noted glitches and bugs, but overall, they didn't significantly impact gameplay enjoyment. Minor issues like accuracy problems with guns were seen as potential design choices. In general, the PS5 version of Synapse received positive feedback for its technical performance.
Replay Value
Expand for full analysis
67
Critics are divided on the replay value of Synapse. Some praise its addictive gameplay loop, upgrades, and combat styles that keep players engaged for multiple playthroughs. Others criticize the limited content variety and repetitiveness, questioning the game's long-term appeal. Overall, while many appreciate its replayability through different difficulty levels and story elements, there are concerns that improvements could enhance the overall experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
67
Positive (80-100)
38%
Mixed (50-79)
38%
Negative (0-49)
23%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Critics are divided on the replay value of Synapse. Some praise its addictive gameplay loop, upgrades, and combat styles that keep players engaged for multiple playthroughs. Others criticize the limited content variety and repetitiveness, questioning the game's long-term appeal. Overall, while many appreciate its replayability through different difficulty levels and story elements, there are concerns that improvements could enhance the overall experience.
Overall Verdict
74
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
74
Positive (80-100)
61%
Mixed (50-79)
39%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Synapse has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Positive aspects include immersive gameplay, tight controls, and engaging shooter experience praised by Digital Trends and Eurogamer. On the downside, critics mention lack of depth and repetitive gameplay. Overall, Synapse is seen as a promising addition to PSVR 2 library with thrilling gameplay and striking visuals, despite some criticisms about its depth and variety.
74
MONSTER
Reviews
45 reviews found100
Gaming Age
Aug 11, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Synapse is a freaking blast and another must-have title on the PS VR2.
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90
IGN France
Jul 4, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review concludes that Synapse is a must-have VR game for action-oriented players, praising its gameplay, immersion, and mastery of VR technology.
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90
DualShockers
Jul 17, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The reviewer considers Synapse to be an immensely fun power trip and a great addition to any PSVR 2 library, despite its lack of depth.
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85
Press Start Australia
Jun 29, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The reviewer describes Synapse as a thrilling shooter with addictive gameplay, striking visuals, great use of PS VR2 features, and top-notch audio production. They consider it a great showpiece for the PS VR2 and the coolest they've ever felt playing a video game.
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85
WellPlayed
Jul 17, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A VR shooter that any self-respecting PSVR2 owner needs to have in their library.
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85
Multiplayer.it
Jul 20, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review highlights the intuitive and fluid telekinesis mechanic, enjoyable weapons, and satisfying bonuses and upgrades. It also mentions the initial slow progression and lack of variety in weapons, enemies, and scenarios as drawbacks.
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82
COGconnected
Jul 5, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Synapse is an essential PSVR 2 title and a promising glimpse at what the future of the medium holds.
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80
Eurogamer
Jun 29, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Synapse is a must-buy game that delivers a magical VR experience.
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80
TheSixthAxis
Jun 29, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Synapse isn’t the longest game either, though each run can take upwards of 45 minutes. Fortunately, you can save mid-way through a run on your journey to the Colonel’s subconscious, and I find that overall VR benefits from shorter experiences. And what an experience it is. I love the setting and the frantic telekinetic gameplay, and alongside Horizon this is going to be a game that I’ll use to show off my PSVR 2 to the uninitiated.
80
GameSpew
Jul 9, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is praised as a fun and action-packed PSVR 2 experience that offers an intoxicating gameplay experience. It is recommended for players looking for a supernatural power-based game.
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