CRYMACHINA is an action RPG where mechanical girls strive to survive in a post-apocalyptic world to become “Real Humans''. But what does it mean to be a “Real Human”?
The action RPG combat centers around a light and heavy attack system, which players can string together into combos. Timed dodges and parries add an extra layer of depth, and an "Awaken" ability temporarily boosts the player's power.
One notable mechanic is the way enemy levels impact damage - if the player's level is significantly lower, their attacks will simply "miss" or deal no damage, forcing players to grind and level up appropriately before challenging certain encounters.
The levels are generally short, linear affairs lasting 1-5 minutes, a significant improvement over the lengthy, repetitive dungeons found in the developer's previous title. While the environments vary, some reviewers noted a sense of genericness in the level design.
The customization system allows players to upgrade their equipment and abilities using a complex system of "EGO" and various stats. This depth appeals to those interested in min-maxing, but some reviewers found the system overly convoluted.
Overall, the gameplay has received a mixed reception. The combat is smooth and responsive, but the difficulty curve and reliance on grinding can be off-putting. However, the game's strengths in storytelling, characters, music, and presentation have led many players to overlook the gameplay shortcomings.