Once Human is a third-person survival game
Reviewed on PC
Once Human, released in early July on PC (available on Steam and Epic Games) and will soon launch on iOS and Android devices, is capturing the interest of fans and simply curious individuals captivated by its unique concept. After spending a few good hours playing Once Human, it’s clear developer and publisher Starry Studio have created a game with quite a bit of replayability. While the game has its flaws, it offers an engaging and universally enjoyable third-person survival experience that is easily accessible.
The Vast & Expanding World
You find yourself in this unusual post-apocalyptic setting as a Mayfly, someone who can connect with Deviants and is entrusted with the task of rescuing the entire world. The gameplay follows a straightforward and sequential path. Visit a designated outpost, eliminate all opponents in the vicinity, locate concealed chests, and repeat the process.
Once you’ve finished the initial phases, including the very brief tutorial, you’ll find yourself suddenly thrust into a random location on the map, marking the start of your personal journey. Your first task will be to set up a base camp. As it’s a cooperative multiplayer game, also note that a PvP will be introduced in the coming months, your priority is to secure unclaimed territory.
To ensure this, it’s advisable to join a Day 1 server where you’ll encounter fewer players who have already expanded their territories, making the construction process easier. Nonetheless, the map is expansive, and within minutes and a few strides, you’ll have the framework of your camp in place.
Crafting & Adventure
At this moment, Once Human truly sets itself apart with its remarkable quick play, unlike other similar games that demand meticulous resource management, Starry Studio’s made it quite a straightforward and user-friendly experience. While you’ll still need to gather materials like wood and metals, the process is generally uncomplicated, the resource requirements are reasonable, and the interface makes construction intuitive. Crafting is generous to the player, ensuring that items like ammunition are always readily available in large quantities, allowing you to amass equipment without unnecessary delays.
So be ready to spend a lot of time collecting, building, and creating. In addition, the structures and objects that you can obtain, level after level, however I am enjoying my time with Once Human, as the game is much more focused on real adventure and combat. and if you like that sort of game, I would highly recommend you give this game a try.
The enemies however are where I have a slight issue, first, let’s talk about the positive, the game boasts a sufficient variety. From humanoids, birds of various sizes, and absolutely gigantic monsters that are satisfying to take down. Regrettably, they are being operated by an AI that is significantly lacking. However, as we know, this game like many others receives patches and I have faith the devs will improve the AI slightly in the coming months.
PROS
- Great level design
- An expansive world filled with captivating places.
- Good combat system
- Non-complex crafting system
CONS
- Enemy AI is a little underwhelming (I like challenges)
Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG
Release: 9 July 2024
Publisher: Starry Studio | Developer: Starry Studio
Out On PC (Steam and Epic Games)
The Review
Once Human
In Once Human, I enjoy leaving my mark on the world, a similar feeling I get when I play Heldivers 2. It's satisfying to personalize my house with bookcases and create alliances and groups. The thought of losing all your progress will have you on the edge and ready to defend yourself to the very end.
