Once Human

Review

The apocalypse may have redefined the world as we know it, but in Once Human, it also brought a fresh twist to the survival game genre. This multiplayer open-world survival game plunges you into a chaotic future where an alien creature known as Stardust has infested all life forms. Here's a comprehensive review of the game, detailing its strengths and weaknesses.

Gameplay Mechanics: Survival at Its Core

In Once Human, you're thrust into the wilderness with little more than your wits. The game brilliantly captures the essence of survival through its intricate mechanics. From managing hunger and crafting weapons to fighting formidable enemies, the game keeps you on your toes.

The Sanity system adds another layer of depth. Ingesting polluted food and water can decrease your max HP, adding realism and strategic decision-making to your experience. Fighting monstrous enemies who were once human and challenging bosses from other dimensions deliver a sense of urgency and excitement.

A Customizable Arsenal: Make Your Own Path

Weapons customization in Once Human is truly remarkable. With around 100 gun blueprints and numerous categories, every battle grants you the chance to enhance your fighting capabilities. Accessories and gun perks play a significant role, allowing you to tailor your firearm to your specific needs.

This level of customization moves beyond mere aesthetics; it impacts gameplay, thus offering a unique experience each time you engage in combat. The diversity in weaponry ensures that no two players have the same arsenal, encouraging a varied range of combat styles.

Territory Building: Beyond Basic Shelter

Building your own territory is another engaging aspect of the game. Whether you opt for a practical small room or a grand townhouse with multiple amenities, the Territory Core allows you to unleash your creativity.

The feature to relocate your territory adds a dynamic aspect to the game, providing flexibility and new strategic layers. Furnishing and upgrading your house not only serves the practical need but also fosters a sense of ownership and personalization in the game world.

Graphics and Visuals: A Visually Stunning Experience

Graphically, Once Human truly excels. The post-apocalyptic environment is carefully crafted to evoke a sense of desolation and chaos. The visual representation of the stardust effect on flora and fauna is both fascinating and haunting, making the game world feel alive and unpredictably dangerous.

From dense wilderness to eerie, abandoned cities, the varied landscapes are rich in details, enhancing the overall immersive experience. The dynamic weather and day-night cycle further add to the atmosphere, making the game visually compelling from start to finish.

Exploring the Story: Unearthing Hidden Truths

The narrative setup of Once Human serves as more than just a backdrop for survival. The journey to uncover the origin and intent of Stardust is filled with intrigue and mystery. Exploring human settlements and interacting with various factions adds a role-playing aspect to the game, enriching its lore.

These interactions are varied; some factions are hostile, while others could be your allies. The freedom to choose your path and the decisions you make regarding these factions create a personalized narrative, ensuring that your story is unique.

Multiplayer Fun: Unite and Conquer

One of the biggest strengths of Once Human is its multiplayer aspect. Uniting with friends to tackle the game's challenges makes for a rewarding experience. The sense of camaraderie and teamwork required to face formidable enemies and graze scarce resources adds layers of excitement.

However, playing solo isn’t without its merit. The game’s world is just as engaging, allowing you to carve your path independently. Whether you choose to venture forth alone or with companions, Once Human offers a flexible playstyle suited to any preference.

Pros and Cons: The Balance of Experiences

Pros: The game excels in offering a diverse and immersive post-apocalyptic world, coupled with engaging survival mechanics. Weapon customization is top-notch, and the narrative is compelling enough to keep players hooked. Additionally, the ability to build and relocate territories adds a unique strategic layer.

Cons: Managing sanity levels can, at times, feel overly punishing, especially for new players. Some may find the survival elements too intricate, overwhelming casual gamers. Also, while the game offers a rich arsenal, acquiring and mastering these weapons can be time-consuming.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Once Human is a refreshing take on the survival game genre, bolstered by its engaging gameplay, intricate survival mechanics, and compelling narrative.