Soulmask: Shifting Sands

The main pros of the game

• Free DLC for Early Access Players: Many users praised the developers for providing the Shifting Sands DLC for free to early access players, viewing it as a generous move that fosters community goodwill.
• Innovative Gameplay Features: The addition of flying ships and the mask system (with unique abilities) was well-received, offering new dynamics to gameplay and enhancing exploration.
• Visual Appeal: The Egyptian theme and desert aesthetic were highlighted as visually stunning, contributing to an immersive experience.
• Improvements Over Base Game: Several players noted that the game had improved significantly since early access, with better mechanics, optimized controls, and a more engaging survival experience.

The main cons of the game

• Bugs and Performance Issues: A significant number of reviews pointed out numerous bugs, including issues with NPC pathfinding, combat mechanics, and ship controls, which detracted from the overall experience.
• Unbalanced Gameplay: Many players criticized the balance of the new content, especially the difficulty of boss fights and the general combat mechanics, which felt frustrating and unfair.
• Empty and Generic Environments: Some users felt that the new map lacked variety and depth, with many areas feeling repetitive and devoid of meaningful content or exploration opportunities.
• Incomplete Content: Several reviews mentioned that the DLC felt unfinished, with certain features and bosses not accessible at launch, leading to disappointment among players.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Improved AI and Dynamic Events: Players expressed a desire for more dynamic AI behavior and scripted events to make the world feel more alive and engaging.
• Better NPC Management: Users indicated that the NPC management system required further refinement, as many reported issues with tribesmen getting stuck or not performing tasks effectively.
• More Diverse Content: Reviewers called for a greater variety of biomes, enemies, and points of interest to enhance exploration and gameplay depth.
• Cross-Map Functionality: Some players were frustrated by the inability to freely move between the new Shifting Sands map and the base game map, suggesting a need for better integration between the two.

Summary

• Overall, while "Soulmask: Shifting Sands" has been praised for its ambitious features and visual design, it faces significant criticism regarding bugs, balance, and content depth, indicating that further development and refinement are needed.

Summary generated on: May 4, 2026