DUSTNET: Dust II with Tumbleweeds

Subjective: An experimental cross platform game from SCRNPRNT.

Objective: A blend of PC, VR, and AR players all enjoying one of the most iconic maps, in one of the most timeless game series of all time, all on the same server. Single player.

Assessment: In theory it is an ambitious and incredibly intriguing idea. In reality however, it falls short. The game itself has a ton of unrecognized potential in my opinion. The mechanics aren’t the issue. Bunny hopping around the map is satisfying and entertaining. The construction aspect offers opportunity for creativity. But it’s just really hard to see the full potential of a multiplayer FPS sandbox game all by yourself.

I really struggled to assess this game with the low population in lobby, but eventually had to come to the conclusion that if this is the reality of the game’s community, the ambitions of the developers may have plateaued.

The game is minimalist from an artistry perspective, but it works really well in my opinion. I will note that I did not have the opportunity to try the VR and AR side of DUSTNET, so I can’t speak for that experience, but I really think it’s a cool idea to mix and match players that can interact but have very different roles within the game itself.

Plan: There’s a lot of potential, but as it stands now, DUSTNET is more like a post-gold rush ghost town than Dust II. I hope that the community grows and that this game can realize its full potential, but right now I think a 6/10 is a fair assessment for a good skeleton in need of some love.