Mixture PSVR 2 Review

Mixture PSVR 2 Review – A marriage of third and first person

The Moss games are stand out VR adventures, blending first-person and third-person perspectives with engaging puzzle-solving and combat elements, resulting in a pair of unforgettable storybook adventures. Let’s not overlook the endearing mouse protagonist, Quill. It’s clear I hold a strong affection for these games, so when something reminiscent comes along, it certainly catches my attention.

Mixture, a dark fantasy adventure, bears a certain resemblance to the Moss series. It features the same mixture (no pun intended) of first-person and third-person gameplay, along with puzzles and combat. However, setting comparisons aside, Mixture stands out based on its own merits and is in no way a simple clone, which is definitely a positive aspect.

In Mixture, the plot revolves around the unlikely pairing of pint-sized moth knight Sola and the giant alchemist Sephairos. Though they often clash, they must unite to restore peace in their world. With a dark tone and minimal humour, you’ll encounter various small characters on your journey, including other animal-based knights who may not necessarily support the alliance of Sola and Sephairos.

In the game, you experience the world through Sephairos’s perspective, but you also control Sola, with Sephariros automatically trailing her path, essentially serving as the game’s camera. Cooperation between the two is essential, as Sola excels in platforming and combat, while Sephairos can assist in combat situations and puzzle solving.

“Notably, Mixture’s giant bosses stand out, requiring strategic potion use in tandem with Sola’s combat prowess to overcome.”

Combat in Mixture is intuitive: Sola utilizes melee attacks with her scythe and has a defensive dash move, while Sephairos enhances combat by crafting and throwing alchemical potions at enemies. These potions are crafted from materials found in the environments and can be thrown manually or with an auto-aim feature, although the absence of eye tracking is noticeable. The addition of alchemy deepens combat encounters, with potions such as the glue potion temporarily immobilizing enemies or another potion weakening them. Moreover, defeating enemies under the effects of alchemy can replenish Sola’s health. Notably, the game’s giant bosses stand out, requiring strategic potion use in tandem with Sola’s combat prowess to overcome.

In addition to combat, Mixture offers extensive platforming gameplay, where Sola navigates between platforms using climbing, dashing, and gliding mechanics. The game also features light puzzle-solving elements, though not as intricately crafted as those found in the Moss series, they still present well-designed challenges that often demand quick reflexes. Collaboration between the characters is essential for many puzzles, with Sephairos utilizing potions to manipulate environmental elements, enabling Sola to exploit resulting opportunities. Furthermore, players can engage in optional exploration, occasionally discovering seeds that can be used to unlock various upgrades for Sola.

Certain aspects of Mixture feel somewhat unrefined. Occasionally, I encountered situations where returning to a level left me disoriented, struggling to find my way back to the main game hub, forcing me to go from one end of the area to the other. A more convenient option would surely have been a quick return option to the central hub area.

Furthermore, there were instances where the camera positioning obscured Sola from view, requiring some readjustments. This inconsistency in camera placement detracts from the game somewhat, although it fortunately doesn’t happen often enough to be a major flaw.

Visually, Mixture is also a bit of a let-down, and doesn’t fully utilize the potential of PlayStation VR 2. While the graphics may seem somewhat basic in certain aspects, the game makes up for it with its diverse range of locations and delightful character designs, especially those of Sola and her comrades.

Mixture PSVR 2 Review Summary:

Mixture shines as an impressive VR title despite some minor imperfections. Its meticulously crafted level designs and enjoyable puzzles provide a good time over its 7+ hours of gameplay. The combat mechanics, while simple, are enhanced by the strategic use of potions, adding depth to battles, including against the memorable bosses. Although occasional navigation issues and camera misplacements may occur, they do little to diminish the game’s overall appeal.