Voidtrain: All Aboard the Hype Train to Alien Survival
Crafting, Combat, and Cosmic Confusion
Launch Day Larry
Welcome aboard the Voidtrain, where your ticket to survival includes crafting, combat, and a healthy dose of cosmic confusion. This train-based survival game takes you on a journey through an alien world, where the only thing more unpredictable than the terrain is the gameplay itself. So, grab your conductor’s hat and let’s dive into the nuts and bolts of this interdimensional adventure.
Gameplay: Crafting, Combat, and Controller Calamities
Voidtrain’s gameplay is a delightful concoction of crafting, exploration, and combat, all set against the backdrop of an alien world. The crafting system is robust, offering a buffet of resources like wood, metal, and the intriguingly named Void matter. It’s a bit like Subnautica and Grounded had a train-themed baby, with strategic elements that keep you on your toes. The crafting and survival mechanics are a highlight, providing a satisfying loop of resource management and base-building.
Combat, however, is where the train starts to derail. The gunplay feels like trying to shoot a fly with a water pistol—unresponsive and sluggish, even with upgraded weapons. The enemy AI seems to have graduated from the school of hard knocks, making combat more challenging than it should be given the clunky mechanics. Meanwhile, controller users might feel like they’re wrestling with a particularly stubborn octopus, thanks to issues with dead zones and stick drift.
The train mechanics add a unique twist, allowing for customization and cosmetics that are as charming as they are glitchy. Object collision and physics problems on the moving train can make you feel like you’re in a slapstick comedy rather than a survival game. Plus, the gameplay loop can become repetitive, with islands and enemies lacking variety, leading to a sense of déjà vu during longer play sessions.
Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Glitches
If there’s one thing Voidtrain nails, it’s the graphics. Described as “amazing” and “gorgeous,” the game’s aesthetic appeal is undeniable. The art style is cohesive and well-crafted, with intricate animations and details that bring the alien world to life. The Rofleemos, small creatures within the game, are particularly well-animated, adding a touch of whimsy to the experience.
However, not all that glitters is gold. Some users have reported performance issues, such as lag and frame rate drops, even on high-spec systems. Lighting glitches can make you feel like you’re at a rave, and the inability to turn off certain settings like antialiasing can be frustrating. The animations, while visually appealing, are sometimes too long and unskippable, which can hinder gameplay fluidity.
Story: A Linear Journey with Twists and Turns
Voidtrain’s story is a mixed bag, much like a train ride with unexpected stops. The narrative is linear, aligning with the game’s train theme, but this “railroaded” approach can feel restrictive for players who crave agency. The introduction is as clear as mud, with unclear motivations and a perplexing interdimensional portal element that leaves players scratching their heads.
Despite these hiccups, the narrator’s voice work is a standout, providing context and enhancing the story experience. However, the story’s delivery is fragmented, leaving some players feeling like they’re piecing together a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces. The absence of a final chapter has left the story incomplete, causing frustration among players who desire closure.
Final Verdict
Voidtrain is a game with potential, offering a unique blend of crafting, exploration, and survival mechanics. Its graphics are a visual feast, and the atmosphere is charming and immersive. However, the game is marred by technical issues, clunky combat, and a story that feels more like a rough draft than a finished product. With significant updates and improvements, Voidtrain could become a must-play title. For now, it’s a promising journey that needs a few more stops before reaching its destination.
Score: 6.9/10