{"id":1804,"date":"2020-05-20T15:01:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-20T13:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-the-persistence\/"},"modified":"2025-06-16T19:18:36","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T17:18:36","slug":"review-the-persistence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-the-persistence\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: The Persistence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You awaken alone on your spaceship; the ship’s computer is your only companion. Shortly after, you encounter your own deceased body. As a clone, you represent the ship’s last hope for repair and a return to Earth. However, you are not alone; the vessel is populated by deranged clones who pose a deadly threat. Welcome to The Persistence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The initial trailer evoked a sense of playing within a dangerous, sci-fi setting reminiscent of the film Event Horizon<\/a>. Consequently, the arrival of the review copy generated considerable anticipation. However, that initial enthusiasm was somewhat tempered\u2014but let’s first address the positive aspects of The Persistence<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Leveraging the cloning premise, the game incorporates a mechanic that logically explains repeated deaths and resurrections. Death doesn’t simply equate to a replay; time progresses, and the character’s mounting frustration mirrors the player’s. Another compelling element is the ship’s proximity to a black hole, inducing a state of constant flux that dynamically alters the ship’s layout upon each death. This offers a creative twist on the roguelike genre with procedurally generated levels, demanding continuous map awareness. Standard genre conventions are present, including resource collection for equipment upgrades and utilizing a replicator to fabricate helpful gadgets. Further progression allows cloning and playing as other characters, each possessing unique skills beneficial to the mission. These aspects are promising, but…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The graphical fidelity presents a notable issue. Reviewing the six-year-old Alien: Isolation<\/a> upon its Switch release revealed surprisingly well-preserved graphics. Therefore, it was unexpected that the visuals in the contemporary The Persistence<\/em> appear comparatively dated. The graphics exhibit a stripped-down and simplistic aesthetic, lacking the expected level of detail. Textures appear blocky, and the enemy AI is arguably less sophisticated than that of Borderlands<\/a>. Furthermore, shield impacts trigger the same animation sequence repetitively, with enemies consistently backing away and exposing their necks for Stem Cell weapon attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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While upgrades are a welcome feature, the initial experience is hampered by the limitations of the starting weapon \u2013 a stem cell collector primarily functioning as a weapon of last resort. Acquiring a pistol with a mere six-bullet capacity is a significant step up. However, death results in its loss, necessitating the unlocking of a replacement, which requires first locating the corresponding blueprints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dynamically shifting ship layout is a compelling concept, but it arguably necessitates a less punishing initial equipment acquisition system (prior to unlocking persistent upgrades). The current implementation results in considerable early-game frustration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In conclusion, The Persistence<\/em> presents an intriguing premise that is undermined by a mediocre execution. Consequently, the game receives a passing grade, but falls short of a stronger recommendation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Footnote: The Persistence features VR support on PS4 and PC, potentially enhancing the overall gaming experience.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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