RimWorld - Odyssey: A Spacefaring Saga with a Side of Softlocks

When colony management meets cosmic wanderlust

Launch Day Larry

In the vast universe of RimWorld - Odyssey, players are invited to embark on a journey that blends the familiar with the fantastical. This latest DLC offers a rich tapestry of gameplay, graphics, and storytelling that promises to keep both seasoned colonists and starry-eyed explorers engaged. But does it deliver on all fronts, or does it leave some players lost in space?

Gameplay: A Cosmic Juggling Act

RimWorld - Odyssey introduces a gameplay loop that feels like a delightful dance between traditional colony management and innovative space mechanics. The new hybrid playstyle, which combines ground colony management with gravship mechanics, offers a unique nomadic experience. Players can explore orbital points of interest, engage in new scenarios, and enjoy the thrill of ship mechanics that provide different progression milestones. It’s like a space opera where you get to be both the director and the star.

The introduction of trainable and upgradeable creatures adds a layer of depth to combat, reminiscent of popular mods like Alpha Animals. Meanwhile, quality of life improvements such as Replace Stuff and Blueprints streamline the experience, making it more accessible and enjoyable. However, the gameplay isn’t without its hiccups. Bugs like softlocks and issues with gravship landings can be as frustrating as trying to find a parking spot in a crowded spaceport.

While the new quests and ruins add variety, the “hive mind ending” feels like a rerun of the classic “kill or control the AI” trope. And while the worldmap enhancements and new biomes are a welcome addition, the lack of a space ship combat system leaves some players yearning for the thrill of interstellar dogfights. Despite these shortcomings, the gameplay remains engaging, offering a long playtime with options for both main story completion and extensive exploration.

Graphics: A Visual Feast Among the Stars

The graphics in RimWorld - Odyssey have received a significant upgrade, making the game a visual delight. The recent update and DLC have introduced smoother visuals, particularly in natural environments like rivers and underground areas. This “Terrain Overhaul” contributes to a more immersive experience, allowing players to lose themselves in the beauty of the cosmos.

The user interface has also been refined, with features like “Mood Bar Mods” and “Map Designer” enhancing the visual appeal and user-friendliness. The addition of new biomes offers a fresh aesthetic, allowing players to explore diverse world tiles and enhancing the visual diversity of the game. Performance improvements, including multithreading, have allowed for smoother gameplay at higher resolutions and frame rates, even with numerous mods.

While some players prioritize gameplay over graphics, the visual enhancements in this DLC are so substantial that it feels like a major upgrade, akin to a sequel. The graphics play a crucial role in making this one of the best releases for the game, providing a stunning backdrop for the adventures that unfold.

Story: An Epic Odyssey of Choices and Consequences

Set in the universe of “Odyssey,” the story of RimWorld - Odyssey is a rich tapestry of exploration, survival, and emotional depth. Players take on the role of Captain Ryel and his crew aboard the Nomad Star, navigating the rimworld Lazari-9. The narrative is driven by the crew’s discovery of remnants from a past civilization and the critical decision of whether to settle on the planet Iota or continue their search for other survivors.

The story is lauded for its compelling narrative, which is deeply intertwined with the game’s atmospheric setting. The ruins of an ancient civilization, the howling winds, and the static lullaby of the environment contribute to a sense of isolation and uncertainty. These elements are further enriched by environmental storytelling, such as the discovery of a mysterious console revealing a cityship’s launch.

However, the narrative isn’t without its flaws. Some players might find the story’s pacing slow, especially with the philosophical musings. The open-ended nature might lead to a lack of structured narrative for those who prefer linear stories. Despite these issues, the game’s ability to create a sense of adventure and unpredictability, along with its focus on gameplay over graphics, has been highly praised.

Final Verdict

RimWorld - Odyssey is a captivating addition to the RimWorld universe, offering a blend of engaging gameplay, stunning graphics, and a rich narrative. While it may not be groundbreaking in every aspect, it provides a satisfying experience for both newcomers and veterans. The DLC’s high price-to-quality ratio suggests it’s worth the full price, making it a must-have for enthusiasts and experts alike.

Score: 8.0/10