Once Human

Once Human Review (7/10)

Overview:
"Once Human" is a survival crafting game that blends elements from various genres to create a unique experience. Set in a world corrupted by a mysterious force called Stardust, players join the Mayflies to combat supernatural threats and restore peace. The game features a mix of survival tactics, crafting, and looter shooter mechanics, creating a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Graphics and Sound:
The game boasts an immersive and atmospheric world with a variety of environments, from flooded neighborhoods to red mesas and collapsed skyscrapers. The creature designs are particularly noteworthy, featuring some of the weirdest and most creative monsters seen in recent games. The sound design complements the eerie setting, enhancing the overall sense of immersion​

Gameplay:
"Once Human" combines third-person shooter mechanics with survival and crafting elements. Players must manage their health, hunger, and sanity while exploring the corrupted world. Combat features a mix of ranged and melee options, with responsive controls and satisfying feedback. However, the combat can feel repetitive and lacks the intensity expected from such encounters. The crafting system is expansive, offering over 100 different blueprints for weapons and gear, though it can feel a bit tacked on and formulaic​

Story and Quests:
The narrative follows the Mayflies' efforts to uncover the mystery behind Stardust and its effects on the world. While the main story and some quests are engaging, particularly those involving smaller, more personal stories of survivors, many side missions are less compelling. Players often find themselves following waypoints and clicking on objects to complete tasks, which can become monotonous​

Multiplayer and Community:
One of the strengths of "Once Human" is its cooperative multiplayer aspect. Players can form alliances with NPC factions and other players to tackle challenging content and world events. This fosters a sense of community and teamwork, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. However, some players have reported issues with the co-op experience, which can affect enjoyment​

Overall:
"Once Human" offers a unique blend of survival, crafting, and combat with a rich and atmospheric world to explore. While it excels in creature design and world-building, its repetitive combat and quest mechanics can detract from the overall experience. Nonetheless, the game's depth and variety, especially for a free-to-play title, make it worth exploring for fans of the genre. With further refinement and updates, "Once Human" has the potential to become a standout title in the survival crafting genre.

Rating: 7/10