Forever Skies: A Post-Apocalyptic Playground with a Few Potholes
Surviving the End of the World Has Never Been This Fun… or Frustrating
Launch Day Larry
In the vast, swirling dust of the post-apocalyptic landscape, “Forever Skies” emerges as a beacon of both promise and peril. This game, still in its early access phase, offers a tantalizing glimpse into a world where survival is as much about strategy as it is about sheer willpower. But does it soar high above the clouds, or does it crash land into the dust? Let’s dive in.
Gameplay: A Rollercoaster of Thrills and Spills
“Forever Skies” delivers a dynamic gameplay experience that keeps players on their toes. The multiplayer mode is a standout feature, offering a delightful mix of collaboration and the occasional friendly sabotage. It’s like a family game night, but with more airships and fewer board games. The Unreal Engine powers the game, providing a visually appealing backdrop to your survival antics. However, some players have noted that the game occasionally stutters like a nervous teenager at prom, especially during resource extraction.
The physics and combat mechanics are robust, making every encounter feel impactful. Yet, the player controller can feel a bit like trying to steer a shopping cart with a wonky wheel—jumping requires momentum, and in a world full of fall risks, that’s a recipe for some unintended skydiving lessons. The survival elements, while present, are about as challenging as a Sunday crossword puzzle, with resources like food and water being too easy to come by.
The game shines in its environmental interaction, allowing players to physically open lockers and drawers to collect loot. It’s a refreshing break from the traditional inventory systems that often feel like a game of Tetris. Base building is another highlight, with the ability to place and move structures without disassembly—a feature that many other games could learn from. However, the automation systems feel about as useful as a chocolate teapot, automating tasks that are already trivial.
Graphics: A Feast for the Eyes, a Workout for Your PC
Visually, “Forever Skies” is a stunner. The game boasts eye-catching neon colors and a gritty post-apocalyptic design that draws comparisons to titles like “Subnautica” and “Raft.” The world is rich with detail, from the swirling dust to the vibrant hues that paint the horizon. It’s a visual treat that makes you want to explore every nook and cranny.
However, these visual delights come at a cost. The game struggles with performance issues, turning your high-end PC into a slideshow during certain actions. Frame rate drops, input latency, and stuttering are common complaints, especially in areas with heavy particle effects. It’s like trying to watch a blockbuster movie on a dial-up connection. The lack of optimization for higher resolutions beyond 1920 x 1080 further limits the ability to fully enjoy the game’s graphical potential.
Story: A Tale of Survival with Room to Grow
The storyline of “Forever Skies” is engaging, weaving a narrative that keeps players invested in their quest for survival. The theme resonates well, offering unexpected twists and a sense of progression that complements the gameplay. It’s an environmentalist’s dream, with a narrative that some find overly direct but others appreciate for its richness.
However, the story feels a bit like a novel missing its final chapters. It’s intriguing but short, leaving many elements unexplored and players eager for more content. The open-world design allows for creativity and exploration, but technical issues, such as performance problems and game crashes, can hinder the storytelling experience. It’s like trying to read a gripping novel while someone keeps flicking the lights on and off.
Final Verdict
“Forever Skies” is a game with immense potential, offering a captivating blend of survival, exploration, and base-building mechanics. Its multiplayer mode is a highlight, providing endless fun with friends. However, the game is held back by performance issues and a storyline that feels incomplete. As it stands, “Forever Skies” is a diamond in the rough, with the promise of future updates to polish its many facets.
Score: 6.5/10