Review for The persistence. Game for PlayStation 4, the video game was released on 25/07/2018
The Persistence has finally arrived even without VR, bringing with it fear, terror and a good dose of anguish. Developed by the independent firm Firesprite, the game allows you to play the role of a character named Zimri Eder, security manager cloned to try to regain control of the Persistence spacecraft. If you are one of those who have played it in the past on VR platforms, it means that you have already had the opportunity to experience what it feels like to wander the corridors of a colonial spacecraft completely invaded by creatures that have the sole purpose of taking you out.
The Persistence is in fact a survival horror in sci-fi sauce, obviously in first person to make you fully enjoy the aberrations that chase you along the corridors of the spacecraft. Since the game still has a narrative plot, in this review there will be no excessive mention of details and parts of the story to avoid spoilers and annoying previews. The game will be available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch, currently only in digital version due to the Covid-19 problem. In a few months, The Persistence in physical copy will be distributed by Perp Games.
Aberration to whom?
Let's not turn around: out there in those corridors there are bad people, in the true sense of the word. If you think you are underestimating the matter thinking you are dealing with the usual zombie-inspired monsters, banal and even a little stupid, you better close the game immediately and dedicate yourself to something else because to survive out there, especially in the beginning, life is going to be pretty tough. Persistence is a Dante's circle and the enemies have what it takes to kill you at your slightest mistake. Starting with your head down is the best way to be slaughtered, recloned and having to restart the game. The exploration part may seem in vain, given that the main feature of Persistence is to change the layout of corridors and elements of the setting at each reboot, however with a bit of acumen and experience recognizing the various patterns will become automatic. The shortage of items and ammunition suggests caution, mastering some stealth skill is key to avoid getting frustrated at first and throwing the game on the shelf.
When you understand how to move well inside the corridors and you have started to take measurements of the various types of monsters that will be thrown at you, it will be natural to start being more incisive: as soon as you have the chance, fire and get out of the way. unwanted guests then, but pay attention to don't waste ammo. The weapons are of different types, all quite powerful, but unfortunately you are not in Duke Nukem so… Keep your finger on the trigger at bay and wait for the right moment. In addition to weapons, thanks to the genetic enhancement you can improve various parameters of your character by increasing, for example, the resistance, health or defense: try to increase these values as soon as possible, because it will greatly simplify your life.
Another aspect of The Persistence that demonstrates the need to have a mentality and vision of the game is given by possibility to work on the DNA of the crew members to be able to clone bodies in which to be able to awaken: during the game, in fact, you will meet those who, following the malfunction of the spacecraft and the generation of crazy clones, have been attacked and belong to the Olympus of the were. Whenever you find them, extract their DNA: unlocking their unique abilities is essential.
Calm and cool
From the first moment you set foot on the Persistence, a growing feeling of anguish will dominate: the sense of disorientation generated by the change of the setting from time to time, combined with the high initial difficulty, risk keeping yours very high. pulsation. Maintaining clarity and making the right choice at the right time is essential to complete the work inside the spacecraft. You are lost in space, you are all dead, ammunition is low and ... You are alone. Could it just get better right? Perfect, don't panic and go for it. Giving in to nervousness or maybe getting frustrated, will make you make mistakes that will send you straight to recloning without weapons and objects. There are no check points, if you are killed before completing a level you will have to start from the beginning losing everything you have laboriously conquered during the level in question.
Audio and Graphics
The graphics of the game are well taken care of: the setting may have already been seen, however the various categories of monsters are well done. Overall The Persistence is pleasant, but the audio sector is certainly the master: every minimum noise such as that of footsteps or dragging is well made and playing with a pair of headphones at the height gives real gasps worthy of the best horror movies. The play of light and the graphics of the setting are also slightly improved compared to the previous version.
Multiplayer
The Persistence comes with a asymmetric multiplayer mode: you can ask four friends to collaborate during your games, also by connecting from Android or Apple devices. Thanks to their contribution, you will be able to know in advance where the enemies are and you can ask them to open or close some doors to facilitate your work. Due to a lack of players, this mode was not tested in the review phase.
The Persistence in this new re-edition without VR loses a bit of the “atmosphere” effect: thanks to the viewer, the identification was total and the novelty element helped the player to immerse himself perfectly in the corridors full of monsters ready to tear him to pieces. In this new role, while fun and pleasant, in our opinion something is lost. The writer has played the VR version at the time and, definitely, the lack of the revised version is felt and how. The use of the viewer allowed the game to emerge in the chaos of survival horror, showing the potential of a technology intended for large spaces of use. Having made this necessary premise, obviously it is not all to be thrown away. The playability is there, the audio remains the strong point of the entire production and the asymmetrical multiplayer is a real gem. If you haven't played the VR version, don't miss it, because it definitely deserves a chance.
► The Persistence is an Adventure-type game for PlayStation 4, the video game was released on 25/07/2018
