DYSMANTLE 12+

Blown away that this is on iPhone. Feels like a console game, but at the same time doesn’t feel like just a quick iPhone port. Really polished overall. I don’t have a lot of issues with performance (13 Pro Max), however it does make my phone warm and is very intensive on battery. Hopefully there is some additional optimization that can be done; in the meantime I just play with my Backbone controller plugged in to the charger.

As for the gameplay - I am typically very bad at video games and tend to play on “easy.” This game doesn’t have difficulty options. As someone who is bad at video games it still feels about right for me in terms of difficulty. If enemies are too hard in a particular area, I just go collect resources, upgrade weapons and come back later. A couple of enemies in particular are super annoying (explodey bomb throwers, for example) - but once you figure out the technique it’s not a huge deal.

If you are going anywhere fast I do not suggest this game for you. Not if you are going to REALLY appreciate it. This game is for the Grinders. It is for the people who do not want to be forced to choose a path of invention or skill but want to do it ALL. It is for those who want to explore a world freely, and what an exquisitely detailed and complete world it is. There are no forgotten corners. So many hidden, and subtle gems. Everything is in its place, and waiting to be destroyed. While I know there is an order to “win” the game, I prefer the scorched earth method: Where I do not leave an area until everything I can possibly demolish, is destroyed. Then as my tools level up, I may even return to an area to get those things which evaded me heretofore. It is EXTREMELY satisfying and cathartic. A bit mindless, and probably satisfying some minor OCD tendencies I didn’t know I have, but wonderful nonetheless.