REVIEW: Dixotomia (2025 Video Game) Released in Early Access on MetaQuest

Review by Jon Donnis

VR is littered with ambitious shooters, but Dixotomia stands out because of its odd mix of gritty sci-fi and supernatural menace. You're dropped into a crumbling colony, stuck between androids, mercenaries, and a cult of vampires who are all too happy to tear you apart. On paper it sounds a little wild, but in practice it works surprisingly well.

When Dixotomia hits its stride, it's a blast. The shooting feels weighty, the vampiric powers give you a fun edge in battle, and the freedom of movement across large industrial sites, Martian quarries, and neon towers makes it feel bigger than many VR games manage. It's easy to pick up and play, with straightforward controls that don't overwhelm you, and the visuals, when they're polished, look strong for a standalone headset. The sound design deserves credit too, with plenty of bite and atmosphere that sells the dystopian mood.

The flipside is the state of the game as it stands. Early Access is always a mixed bag, and Dixotomia is no exception. You'll run into bugs, rough edges in the visuals, and a general lack of polish that reminds you it isn't finished yet. Weekly patches are rolling out, which is encouraging, but that doesn't stop the frustration when a promising mission collapses under technical hiccups. There's also the fact that some boss fights and environments feel more like sketches of ideas than fully fleshed-out moments, which can be jarring in a VR game that leans on immersion.

Still, the potential here is undeniable. The combination of brutal sci-fi gunplay and bloodthirsty vampiric abilities is a clever hook, and the upgrade trees suggest the developers are serious about depth as well as spectacle. If Deep Matrix can tighten the rough spots, squash the bugs, and add a layer of polish, this could end up being one of the more interesting VR shooters out there.

Right now Dixotomia is a work in progress, and you have to treat it as such. There's fun to be had, but it's also frustrating in equal measure. The big question is whether the team can follow through and realise the potential that's clearly baked into the design. For now, it's one to watch.

Score: 6.5 out of 10, not quite there yet, but with time it could be something special.

Check it out on MetaQuest

https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/dixotomia/8341732499261883/

REVIEW: Altheia: The Wrath of Aferi (2025 Video Game) on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

Altheia: The Wrath of Aferi is a 2025 fantasy adventure from MarsLit Games, inspired by the works of Studio Ghibli and Studio Chizu. The game tells the story of Lili, who has no wish to follow her late mother's path as a Guardian, and Sadi, a Monk-in-training who believes their traditional partnership is the only way to stop the spreading corruption of the Void. Their reluctant alliance takes them across Atarassia, a world filled with corrupted shrines, dangerous monsters, and spirits waiting to be freed.

The narrative builds on themes of loss and reluctant duty, with Lili's grief and hesitation clashing against Sadi's belief in tradition. Their journey is framed through dungeons that combine puzzles, combat, and exploration. Players are encouraged to use both Guardian melee abilities and Monk magic to progress, with enemies and challenges often requiring both to overcome. The partnership is central to the design, and when it works, it gives a satisfying sense of cooperation and growth between the characters.

The visual style is one of the strongest aspects of Altheia. Its hand-painted look and expressive character designs capture the charm of the animation studios it draws from, giving Atarassia a rich and memorable atmosphere. The story has appeal too, offering emotional weight while still leaving room for moments of lightness and hope. Unfortunately, the technical side holds it back. Bugs are common, sometimes leaving players stuck without clear direction, and the control system often feels unintuitive. These issues are frustrating in a game so focused on dungeons and puzzles, where precision and flow are essential.

Sound design also needs more refinement. While the music supports the mood well enough, sound effects are inconsistent, with some environmental noises far too loud and others barely noticeable. These imbalances, combined with control and stability problems, make the experience feel rougher than it should be so close to release.

There is clear potential in Altheia: The Wrath of Aferi. The idea of pairing a Guardian and Monk to fight against the Void is strong, and the world itself is beautifully presented. Right now though, the game feels unfinished. Unless the upcoming update addresses the bugs, improves the controls, and balances the audio, it risks disappointing players who are drawn in by its promise. It is a fantasy adventure with a lot of heart and a striking style, but one that urgently needs polish to reach its full potential.

Fingers crossed for a nice big day one update.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1638160/Altheia_The_Wrath_of_Aferi/