Thymesia Score: A Plague-Themed Soulslike Worth Your Time

Introduction

The Soulslike genre has expanded rapidly in recent years, with titles like Elden Ring, Lies of P, and Nioh pushing the boundaries of challenging combat and intricate world-building. Among these, Thymesia stands out as a unique entry, blending plague-themed horror with fast-paced, punishing gameplay. Developed by OverBorder Studio and published by Team17, Thymesia offers a fresh take on the genre with its grim aesthetic, deep combat mechanics, and haunting narrative.

But how does Thymesia score as a Soulslike experience? Does it hold its own against giants like Dark Souls and Bloodborne, or does it falter under the weight of its ambitions? This in-depth review explores the game’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact on the genre.

Gameplay: A Fast-Paced, Precision-Based Combat System

At its core, Thymesia is a Soulslike with a heavy emphasis on speed and aggression. Unlike the deliberate, methodical combat of Dark Souls, Thymesia leans closer to Bloodborne or Sekiro, rewarding players for relentless offense while punishing mistakes harshly.

Key Combat Mechanics

1. Dual-Layered Health System – Enemies have both a white health bar (temporary damage) and a green health bar (permanent damage). Players must use light attacks to chip away at white health before finishing with heavy attacks to secure permanent damage.
2. Plague Weapons – These are special abilities stolen from enemies, functioning similarly to Bloodborne’s Trick Weapons or Sekiro’s Prosthetic Tools. They add variety to combat, allowing for ranged attacks, area-of-effect strikes, or defensive maneuvers.
3. Dodging and Parrying – Dodging is essential, but parrying (executed with precise timing) is even more rewarding, opening enemies up for devastating counters.

The combat is fluid and responsive, though some players may find the learning curve steep. Boss fights are particularly intense, requiring mastery of the game’s mechanics to overcome.

Skill Progression & Customization

Thymesia features a skill tree that allows players to tailor their playstyle. Whether focusing on agility, raw power, or plague weapon efficiency, the system provides meaningful choices without overwhelming complexity.

World & Atmosphere: A Plague-Ridden Nightmare

The game’s setting, the kingdom of Hermes, is a decaying land ravaged by a mysterious plague. The art direction is striking, blending gothic architecture with grotesque, mutated creatures. The atmosphere is oppressive, with fog-laden streets, crumbling castles, and eerie ambient sounds enhancing the sense of dread.

Level Design

While not as labyrinthine as Dark Souls, Thymesia’s levels are well-crafted, offering multiple paths, hidden secrets, and shortcuts. The plague-infested environments are visually distinct, though some areas suffer from repetitive textures.

Storytelling & Lore

Like many Soulslikes, Thymesia opts for environmental storytelling. Notes, item descriptions, and cryptic dialogue hint at the kingdom’s downfall. The protagonist, Corvus, is a masked amnesiac seeking to uncover his past—a familiar trope, but one that works well within the plague-themed narrative.

Difficulty & Pacing: A Fair but Punishing Experience

Thymesia is undeniably difficult, but not unfairly so. The game expects players to learn enemy patterns, master dodging/parrying, and utilize plague weapons effectively. Some bosses may feel unbalanced at first, but persistence pays off.

Checkpoints & Progression

The game uses a checkpoint system similar to Dark Souls’ bonfires, allowing players to recover health and reset enemies. However, unlike Elden Ring, there’s no open-world exploration—levels are linear but densely packed with challenges.

Technical Performance & Visuals

Thymesia runs smoothly on modern platforms, with minimal frame drops even in hectic battles. The art style, while not hyper-realistic, is visually cohesive, with detailed character models and atmospheric lighting.

Sound Design & Music

The soundtrack is haunting, with orchestral pieces that heighten tension during boss fights. Sound effects—such as the squelching of plague-infected enemies—are appropriately grotesque, adding to the immersion.

Final Verdict: Is Thymesia Worth Playing?

Pros:

✔ Fast, satisfying combat with deep mechanics
✔ Unique plague-themed setting and atmosphere
✔ Well-designed boss fights
✔ Solid skill progression system

Cons:

❌ Some enemy attacks feel unfairly telegraphed
❌ Occasional level repetition
❌ Story may feel too cryptic for some

Score: 8/10

Thymesia is an excellent Soulslike that carves its own identity with its plague-ridden world and aggressive combat. While it doesn’t surpass genre titans like Bloodborne or Sekiro, it stands as a compelling experience for fans of challenging action RPGs. If you’re looking for a dark, fast-paced adventure with a unique twist, Thymesia is well worth your time.

Conclusion

In a genre crowded with imitators, Thymesia manages to distinguish itself through its plague aesthetic, refined combat, and oppressive atmosphere. It may not be perfect, but its strengths far outweigh its flaws. For Soulslike enthusiasts craving something fresh yet familiar, Thymesia delivers a gripping, adrenaline-fueled journey through a world on the brink of collapse.

Final Recommendation: Play it if you love challenging, fast-paced combat and atmospheric horror. Skip it if you prefer open-world exploration or more straightforward storytelling.

Would you dare step into the plague-ridden kingdom of Hermes? The choice—and the challenge—awaits.