Samson faces harsh reality: launch disasters and a desperate patch
The initial fanfare surrounding Samson has evaporated, replaced by a chorus of complaints echoing across Steam. Just days after its release, the game is languishing as the third-worst-rated title of 2026, a stark contrast to its ambitious promises and the pedigree of its creative director.
A performance nightmare and a broken experience
Early reviews are brutally honest, painting a picture of a game riddled with technical issues. Players are reporting catastrophic performance drops, persistent input delays, and a bizarre litany of animation glitches. One user succinctly put it: ‘The combat is 9/10, but the optimization is a 4/10.’ It’s a damning assessment of a title brimming with potential, currently drowning in a sea of bugs and instability.
From avalanche to ashes?
The game’s creator, Christofer Sundberg – previously known for his work on the wildly successful Just Cause series – appears to be taking the criticism to heart. In a lengthy Steam post, he acknowledged the ‘mixed’ reception and the prevalence of game-breaking problems. Sundberg, who founded Liquid Swords, admitted the launch was ‘a ton of work’ and expressed pride in the team's efforts, but recognized the need for substantial improvements. He’s promising a patch tomorrow, April 10th, addressing performance issues, crashes, and ‘mission and progression related problems.’
The patch notes detail the damage
The update’s patch notes are a lengthy read, detailing a staggering array of fixes, including PSO-related stuttering, RayTracing issues, crash fixes for audio and animation, and even addressing some bizarre mission progression quirks. The list reads like a desperate attempt to salvage a sinking ship – a necessary, but ultimately telling, sign of the game's troubled launch. It’s a blatant admission that the initial vision didn’t translate effectively into a playable product.
A plea for patience – or a warning?
Sundberg’s statement ends with a plea for continued support, urging players to “stick with us.” However, the sheer volume of negative feedback suggests a more urgent message: wait for the patch. At its current state, Samson isn’t just disappointing; it’s actively frustrating. It’s a painful reminder that a talented team and a compelling concept are no match for fundamental technical flaws. Don’t invest your time or money until Liquid Swords can deliver a truly stable and polished experience. Frankly, a five-dollar price tag feels generous considering the current state of affairs – it’s a significant evasion of your wallet.