Liquid Swords has been transparent regarding the challenges faced during the development of its latest title, Samson, an open-world crime game that introduces a roguelike twist to the familiar gameplay loop of Grand Theft Auto. Under the leadership of Christofer Sundberg, known for his work on Just Cause, the studio underwent significant changes last year, resulting in the layoff of half its team. This restructuring necessitated a shift in Samson’s design from a grander vision to a more streamlined, run-based experience.
Despite these adjustments aiding in the game’s completion, the outcome has not been without its flaws. Currently, Samson holds a 53% Mixed rating on Steam, with a considerable number of negative reviews highlighting persistent bugs and technical difficulties. One player, Finxl, expressed their dismay, stating, “In my <2hrs of play, I already have a laundry list of issues that I am astonished survived any amount of QA.” Such sentiments echo throughout the reviews, indicating that, at this juncture, players are encountering a rather tumultuous gaming experience.
Developer Response and Future Updates
In response to the feedback, Liquid Swords acknowledged the mixed early impressions, with many players reporting game-breaking bugs and performance issues. The studio emphasized its commitment to addressing these concerns, stating, “That’s unacceptable and we are listening to everyone’s feedback.”
Shortly after the launch, the first patch was released, which included a hotfix aimed at improving performance and addressing crashes. Additionally, several systemic adjustments were made, including the introduction of fall damage for NPCs, although the rationale behind this change remains somewhat ambiguous. On Friday, Liquid Swords also published a performance guide to assist players in optimizing their experience with the game, alongside a roadmap detailing upcoming updates.
This week, a second patch is set to roll out, focusing on enhancing stability, gameplay, and polish, all while incorporating ongoing player feedback. Another update, yet to be specified, is scheduled for April 22. Despite the myriad of issues, Samson appears to have achieved a moderately successful launch, as indicated by the volume of reviews it has garnered. The allure of an open-city experience, largely absent since the release of Grand Theft Auto V, seems to resonate with players, and the game’s reduced price may have further contributed to its initial traction.
While the long-term viability of Samson remains uncertain, Sundberg remains optimistic, asserting, “Samson is here to stay and we are not going anywhere.”