As every month, MeinMMO editor Maik Schneider is eagerly looking forward to the new games from PS Plus Essential. One title has already been revealed earlier this time, and it’s even coming right on release. But “add to library” is really all he can do there.
On the first Tuesday of each month, the new games from PS Plus Essential arrive. Typically, the new games are unveiled the Wednesday before:
- 29.03.23 / 17:30: PS Plus – Game Presentation
- 04.04.23 / 12:00: PS Plus – Games Available
While leaks in the past months have usually let us know about games earlier, Sony has ensured this time that at least one title is already known: Meet Your Maker.
Ever since the first presentation of the game, I thought, “This won’t be good”.
I was at a roundtable interview with the developers, who are also responsible for the asymmetrical horror hit Dead by Daylight. I then presented a new dating sim by the DbD developers and not Meet Your Maker – that probably says it all.
Why the title makes me so skeptical, I explain below. Here is the PlayStation trailer for the Day-1 release:
Meet Your Maker – Hardly More Niche
The game is basically a mix of Mario Maker in gameplay and Doom in setting.
On one hand, you as a “Builder” create levels for other players that they should not survive. For this, you have many objects available to create environments, as well as traps and monsters to which you can assign specific movement paths.
On the other hand, there are the “Raiders”, who are not deterred by a few difficulties and try to complete the creative murder constructions of the builders. Raiders can assemble loadouts and choose different weapons and perks.
Certain progress is supposed to motivate both sides – Raiders unlock new equipment, Builders receive building resources and new toys for their “Outposts”.
All of this takes place in an apocalyptic setting that doesn’t take itself too seriously – as the trailer already wants to show, with its humorous approach. Additionally, a season system is planned, which is supposed to bring more content to the game.
I am a big fan of Mario Maker. A platform with the potential to create endless Mario levels – a dream for all jump’n’run grinders who like to spend dozens of attempts on a difficult level.
But Mario is legendary, brings nostalgia with it and reminds of childhood. With Meet Your Maker, I am already deterred by the setting and the visuals. Additionally, the game mechanics are too complicated, and especially when building, you don’t really get that “gameplay kick” that provides satisfaction.
In my assessment, there are hardly any players who, at first glance, say: “Wow, this game will keep me busy all April.” This is, however, an important requirement if one wants to achieve long-term success with a service game.
The first weeks are crucial for building a player base, which is why the decision for PS Plus at launch is fundamentally good. However, it can also be a signal that the developers have already seen in their analyses that the target audience for Meet Your Maker is rather sparse.
I will stay away from the game unless someone from my multiplayer crew comes up to me and asks me to try their Outpost. Colleague Phillip Elsner from GameStar sees this differently, by the way, if you want to read a counter-statement (via GameStar).
The developers Behaviour Interactive have landed a massive surprise hit with Dead by Daylight, which still brings many players together and provides a strong financial foundation for the studio.
The self-confidence from this success apparently led to Meet Your Maker, in which they want to repeat this feat – leading a niche game to great success.
What I like about Meet Your Maker is the involvement of players in the game world. You create parts of the gameplay yourself, feel a certain connection to the game. To this day, I am proud of my only built level in Mario Maker.
However, Meet Your Maker is already visually not aimed at a wide audience and remains very niche in gameplay as well. For me, once again, a game from PS Plus Essential that they can happily keep.
However, I am also interested in your opinion about the game. Discuss with me in the comments about the new Meet Your Maker.
If you prefer to read more about new games, then check this out: A super cute game like Stardew Valley is now new on Steam, has coop for 8 players
