Thymesia

Thymesia is an action RPG set in a dark fantasy world plagued by a mysterious plague. Players take on the role of a warrior afflicted by the disease, wielding a variety of weapons and abilities to battle grotesque enemies and uncover the secrets of the land. The game features fast-paced combat, deep customization, and a haunting atmosphere, blending elements of horror and adventure.

Thymesia: Review

Introduction

Thymesia is a Soulslike action-RPG developed by OverBorder Studio and published by Team17. Released in 2022, it draws inspiration from Bloodborne and Sekiro while introducing unique mechanics like the plague weapon system and dual health bars. This review delves into its gameplay, story, and reception to determine its place in the genre.

Development History & Context

OverBorder Studio, a Taiwanese indie team, spent four years developing Thymesia. Using Unreal Engine 4, they aimed to create a fast-paced Soulslike with a plague doctor theme. Constraints included a small team size (around 7 members) and limited budget, which influenced the game’s scope and technical quality.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Set in the fallen Kingdom of Hermes, Thymesia follows Corvus as he recalls memories to uncover the truth behind the plague. The narrative is delivered through environmental storytelling and scattered notes. Key themes include alchemy’s consequences, memory loss, and the struggle between science and nature. While some critics appreciated the atmospheric storytelling, others found the plot lacking depth and originality.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Thymesia’s combat revolves around a dual health bar system: white (permanent health) and green (wounds). Players must use the claw to convert wounds into permanent damage. The plague weapon system allows stealing enemy attacks, adding strategic depth. Talents and upgrades offer customization. Challenges include precise hitbox detection, enemy variety, and balancing difficulty.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The game features a dark, gothic world with lush visuals and eerie green lighting. Sound effects enhance the combat’s intensity, and the soundtrack builds tension. However, level design is criticized for being linear and repetitive, with limited exploration.

Reception & Legacy

Thymesia received mixed reviews (Metascore 69). Praise focused on its combat and atmosphere, while criticisms targeted the story, level design, and technical issues. Despite not reaching the heights of FromSoftware’s titles, it’s hailed as a commendable effort from an indie studio, potentially paving the way for future improvements.

Conclusion

Thymesia stands as a solid entry in the Soulslike genre, offering engaging combat and atmospheric storytelling. While it may not revolutionize the genre, its unique mechanics and indie spirit make it a worthwhile experience for fans. Its legacy will depend on OverBorder Studio’s ability to build upon the lessons learned from this debut title.