videogamescritic
← all games
Thymesia

Thymesia

OverBorder Studio · released Aug 18, 2022

Action

Thymesia is a gruelling action-RPG with fast-paced combat and an intricate plague weapon system. In a kingdom where death spreads, play as a mysterious character known by the code name "Corvus". Prey upon your enemies, wield the power of disease and find the truth in your own memories.

75
VGC Score
Stablehigh confidence
79%
At launch
82%
Steam all-time
69%
Press
59%
Player sentiment
78%
Recent sentiment

Screenshots & trailers

Review sentiment over time

Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.

How this score was computed

The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.

ComponentPositiveQuality (0-100)Weight (pseudo-reviews)
Press reviews (OpenCritic)6998
Creator reviews (1 tracked)701
All-time Steam reviews82%761000
Metacritic user ratings0
Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted)78%7256
Calibration prior (typical game)7250

Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 161 reviews sampled · 140 total reviews in window · weighted 86.1 up / 24.9 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →

Press & Creators reviews (97)

Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.

  • 60
    trust 78Sep 3, 2022

    Thymesia is just another Bloodborne + Sekiro wannabe with small budget and big ambitions. On the other hand, it has something special inside it that keeps you playing on and on. And that's a great result for the small team.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    trust 76Aug 16, 2022

    Thymesia is an intriguing Souls-like RPG that stands out primarily for its plague weapon system and how it’s used. The game’s visual setting in a gloomy, Gothic medieval kingdom has its own charm, and the experience is all the more immersive because you play as a character dressed as a plague doctor. Combat is dynamic, and each enemy requires a different approach. The game offers a diverse array of plague weapons and a wide selection of talents, skills, and abilities to create your own build. If you enjoy Souls-like games, Thymesia will definitely keep you entertained.

    read full review ↗
  • 30
    trust 76Aug 16, 2022

    Thymesia has all the ingredients necessary to make for a solid indie Soulslike, but falls short of greatness due to messy implementation of mechanics, bland level design, weak lore, and issues with difficulty balancing.

    read full review ↗
  • 60
    trust 75Aug 16, 2022

    Thymesia is for people who cut their teeth on the soulslike genre, have a dozen free hours, and really want to see what it’s all about.

    read full review ↗
  • 75
    trust 74Aug 16, 2022

    Besides the amazing Sekiro, there is not a more fun combat experience in a Souls game than what is experienced in Thymesia.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    trust 73Oct 8, 2025

    Thymesia delivers a dark, intense, and challenging experience that lingers long after the credits roll. OverBorder Studio has crafted a coherent and unsettling world, telling its story through environments and creatures rather than dialogue or exposition. The combat system is particularly noteworthy, blending speed, strategy, and resource management in a fresh and compelling way. The corruption mechanic, which forces players to carefully balance offensive and defensive abilities, adds tactical depth and ensures that every encounter feels meaningful. Boss fights, especially, deliver moments of intense tension and immense satisfaction when overcome, offering a sense of triumph that few games can match. Aesthetically and sonically, Thymesia excels in creating a fully immersive atmosphere. Decaying environments, shadowed lighting, twisted creatures, and meticulous environmental storytelling contribute to a living, threatening world, while the sound design and soundtrack continually amplify the tension and sense of danger. The game evokes strong emotions and a persistent sense of urgency that permeates every stage of the adventure. Some technical limitations are worth noting: distant textures can appear less defined, animations may feel stiff, storytelling occasionally feels fragmented, and level design sometimes leans toward the linear. Additionally, the high difficulty and corruption system may frustrate players unfamiliar with the soulslike genre. Yet these drawbacks are offset by the game’s coherent universe and the depth of its combat mechanics, which preserve the integrity of the experience. On a personal level, Thymesia delivers engagement, tension, and genuine satisfaction. Exploring a hostile world, learning from mistakes, and overcoming challenging obstacles fosters an emotional bond with the game, making every victory meaningful. It is an experience that demands patience, focus, and dedication, but rewards players with memorable moments and a level of immersion rarely found in more conventional titles. In conclusion, while not without imperfections, Thymesia is a remarkable dark-fantasy experience. Its exceptional worldbuilding, innovative combat mechanics, and immersive sound design create a strong and coherent identity, making it especially recommended for players who enjoy challenging gameplay and atmospheric storytelling.

    read full review ↗
  • 60
    trust 70Oct 24, 2022

    Thymesia is a nice diversion - something that can keep you occupied until the next great soulsborne game gets released. That is its curse. It's a good game, with fast and enjoyable action, but lacks the immersive story and atmosphere, as well as the quality of level design and combat finesse that is expected from such titles.

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    trust 70Aug 16, 2022

    Whether you’re a Soulsborne veteran, desperately waiting for a Bloodborne PS5 remaster, or a newcomer wanting to dip your toe into the challenging genre, Thymesia is a game that should be on your wish list.

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    trust 69Sep 7, 2022

    Despite its uninspired level design, maze-like maps, and a lacklustre story, Thymesia manages to deliver on its gameplay which is fast, frantic, and fun. It does not stand shoulder to shoulder with its big league counterparts whose ideas it largely borrows, but it does implement them in a fine way. Considering its lack of regional pricing you should pick this up while it is on sale.

    read full review ↗
  • 55
    trust 69Aug 17, 2022

    Thymesia has some refreshing ideas to set it apart among a packed field of Souls-like games. Sadly, many of these mechanics don't mesh well with the action or are completely useless. Exploration also feels generally unrewarding.

    read full review ↗
  • 30
    trust 69Aug 16, 2022

    The end result is a small-scale game with lofty aspirations that miss the mark. Stealing specials is great, but everything surrounding that is unimpressive.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    trust 69Aug 17, 2022

    A game with a lot of ambition and underwhelming execution. A bit rough around the edges yet incredibly engaging if you can get past the initial setbacks.

    read full review ↗

…and 85 more tracked reviews.

Patch history

  1. Patch Two - Gameplay Tweaks, Balancing Changes & Bug Fixes
    Oct 25, 2022significant · resets scoring window
  2. Patch One - Tweaks, Talents and Bug Fixing
    Aug 30, 2022significant · resets scoring window