Summary
With so many survival games on the market, the recently releasedSoulmaskmay be the follow-up toPalworldplayers were looking for.Palworldwas massively successful for developer Pockpair both monetarily and with audiences. This is because the game kept things simple and gave gameplay that players wanted. The game has relaxed to a more moderate player count in recent months but has promised large future updates and has the foundation to provide.
Soulmask,made by CampFire Studio, recently launched into early access. Based on developer responses, early access looks to last around a year but may change based on how it goes. After the official launch, CampFire Studio plans to release a series of free updates to add new content to the game. However, the content discussed so far seems like minor additions or cosmetic only. In this regard, any major update confirmation must wait and could likely be based on how the game performs.
Palworld Reveals Two Powerful New Pals Ahead Of Next Update
Two new Pals have been teased by the Palworld devs, possibly hinting towards more variants on the way alongside some exciting updates to be announced.
What Is Soulmask, & What Is It Like?
Combining The Best Of Two Games
Soulmasklooks and feels likePalworldand theArkfranchise were combined into one game with a different setting. Players start with a character who escapes from a sacrifice to find a mythical mask.This mask allows them to take control of any NPC they find and acquire their skillsalong with them. At this point, the role of the main character seems to shift to the mask, as changing to the proper NPC for any assignment is the key.
The game plays similarly toArkwith the survival systems, encounters, and general feel. There are a handful of large/boss animals that require proper preparation to kill. Some creatures can also betamed similarly toArk: Survival Ascendedand used in battle to drastically raise the combat ability of a tribe. The upgrade and building systems are akin toArk, but also have some features that link it closer toPalworld.
LikePalworld, the NPCs have different skills that show what they are good at. In this regard, it is best to find those who are good at specific base tasks and keep them there. The same can be said for combat, though it should be noted thatplayers can only control one tribesman at a time, so the others will act on their own while accepting some orders. Overall,Soulmasktakes arguablyPalworld’s best-updated feature, the worker system, and mixes it with some RNG luck to create a fun new experience.
Why Soulmask Has A Chance To Be Great
Versatility & Replayability
The ultimate thingSoulmaskbrings to the table is versatility. Each NPC will be different from the next and offer new ways for the tribe to change. Groups can be formed that excel in farming, mining, or combat, and the player can switch between what they feel needs to be focused on. This not onlyadds massive amounts of replayabilitybut puts a bigger focus on giving players control over how the game develops.
The combat system is another appealing feature ofSoulmask.The game includes eight different weapons to choose from, with 75 combat abilities to utilize. The combat is more fast-paced thanArk or Palworld, looking similar toeasy soulslike gameswith being more forgiving. The variety of weapons and enemies makesSoulmaskan intriguing option for combat fans who don’t want as many high-pressure situations.
Lastly, the building system inSoulmaskis, while simple, a great example of ingenuity in an ancient time. Much likePalworld,many of the processes can be automated and self-filled through pipelines. These systems not only create new opportunities for players but lessen the amount of time they need to spend on the more tedious base activities.
Overall, though theSoulmaskearly access is limited in content, what it does show off provides an excellent foundation. As expected of an early access game, it still has a lot of polish to be desired and content to be added. However, the generally well-received launch is a good start that must now be followed by consistent development. If all of this can be done,Soulmaskhas a great chance of being the next big survival hit.
