Abiotic Factor: Surviving Science with a Side of Slapstick

Crafting chaos in a cosmic comedy of errors

Launch Day Larry

Welcome to the world of Abiotic Factor, where science meets survival in a sprawling underground lab that feels like Half-Life and Project Zomboid had a love child. This game is a delightful concoction of exploration, crafting, and combat, all wrapped up in a narrative that’s as quirky as it is engaging. So, grab your lab coat and laser cannon, and let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this sci-fi survival crafting adventure.

Gameplay: A Scientific Symphony of Survival

Abiotic Factor is a game that knows how to keep you on your toes. With its highly customizable gameplay options, you can tailor your experience to be as challenging or as laid-back as you like. Whether you’re a lone wolf or prefer the company of friends, the game offers a rich tapestry of exploration, crafting, and combat that’s sure to keep you entertained for over 60 hours.

The crafting system is a standout feature, with its innovative “idea” system that requires players to engage in logical deduction and environmental exploration. It’s like a science fair project on steroids, where you can create armor from everyday items, adding a humorous touch to the tense atmosphere. The combat, while not the main focus, offers a variety of weapons from melee tools to laser cannons, ensuring that every encounter is as thrilling as it is strategic.

However, not everything is smooth sailing in this scientific odyssey. The roll mechanic can be as clunky as a robot on roller skates, and some performance issues in specific areas can detract from the overall experience. But these are minor hiccups in an otherwise engaging gameplay loop that combines slapstick comedy with cosmic horror.

Graphics: A Nostalgic Nod with Modern Hiccups

Abiotic Factor’s graphics are a love letter to the past, with a PSX-style, low-poly aesthetic that evokes nostalgia for classic games like Half-Life. The game’s use of Unreal Engine 5 brings advanced lighting effects like ray tracing and global illumination, adding a modern touch to its retro charm. However, this visual feast comes at a cost, with performance issues that can make even high-end systems break a sweat.

While some players appreciate the nostalgic aesthetic, others find the graphics reminiscent of a game from 2003, with textures that can be as hard to distinguish as a chameleon in a paint store. The game’s optimization issues, frequent frame drops, and placeholder animations further detract from the visual experience. But fear not, the developers are actively working on patches, showing a commitment to enhancing the game’s graphical performance.

Story: A Quirky Quest for Survival

The narrative of Abiotic Factor unfolds in a mysterious research facility, where players piece together the story through pre-recorded messages, emails, and environmental storytelling. It’s a clever blend of survival elements with a structured narrative, reminiscent of SCP and sandbox survival games. The characters are fun and quirky, with engaging voice lines that add depth and humor to the experience.

However, the story isn’t without its flaws. The late game can feel repetitive, and the map can be as confusing as a maze designed by M.C. Escher. The multiplayer experience can also impact the narrative, as playing with others who rush through the game can ruin the story’s pacing. But for those who take the time to explore and engage with the world, the story offers a unique and special adventure that’s both witty and intriguing.

Final Verdict

Abiotic Factor is a modern masterpiece in the survival crafting genre, offering a unique blend of exploration, crafting, and narrative that’s sure to captivate players. While it has its share of performance issues and graphical hiccups, the game’s engaging gameplay loop, quirky story, and nostalgic aesthetic make it a must-play for fans of thoughtful and immersive survival games.

Score: 8.0/10