Samson Hands-On Impressions Show Why Budget GTA Clones Struggle
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Polygon hands-on impressions of Liquid Swords' Samson reveal a clunky, bug-ridden GTA clone that suffers from severe resource limitations and outdated game design.
Imitating the biggest blockbuster in entertainment history is always a massive gamble, especially when your team is a fraction of the size. Writing for Polygon, Ford James recently shared hands-on impressions of Liquid Swords and their upcoming open-world crime game, Samson. While Rockstar commands thousands of developers to build the world of Grand Theft Auto, the team behind Samson reportedly numbers around 20 people. That stark resource gap defines the experience, leading to a project that struggles under the weight of its own ambitions and ultimately commits the cardinal sin of being genuinely boring.
Players step into the shoes of Samson McCray, an ex-con returning to his home suburb of Tyndalston with a massive debt hanging over his head. The narrative setup tasks players with grinding out daily collection and muscle work to survive, which could theoretically anchor an interesting story about desperation. Instead, the game relies on tired, cliché tropes and a protagonist lacking any real charm. Worse yet, the gameplay itself falls apart due to severe mechanical limitations. Developer cuts forced guns out of the player arsenal while leaving them in enemy hands, leaving the core combat to rely on a clunky, unresponsive melee system plagued by input lag and frustrating encounters.
Technical issues compound the design flaws, with the early build exhibiting plenty of bugs during basic mission loops. While vehicular combat offers a functional distraction, it cannot carry an experience that feels outdated by decades. Smaller indie and mid-tier studios often shine brightest when they lean into focused, innovative mechanics rather than attempting sprawling open-world genre staples with limited budgets. Samson stands as a clear reminder that players and developers alike benefit more from tight, creative concepts than hollow imitations of multi-billion-dollar juggernauts. You can read the full hands-on report over at Polygon.
Tags: Samson, Liquid Swords, Polygon, Open World, PC Gaming
Original article: Polygon