Beyond Contact stands as a formidable addition to the sci-fi survival genre, developed by Australian studio Playcorp Studios and published by Deep Silver. Released for PC on September 21, 2021, this title immerses players in a high-stakes mission where survival is just the beginning. You play as Quinn Hicks, an elite operative of the Space Corps, the expeditionary arm of the United Worlds Congress. Your assignment: respond to a growing crisis on the alien world of Ketern, a planet breaking apart under the weight of an unknown internal energy source threatening a native civilization.

Beyond Contact: Story and Setting

Set in the year 2766, the narrative follows Quinn Hicks as she arrives to assist in the evacuation of the Brachylon, the planet's native inhabitants. Disaster strikes early when the ship is damaged by an asteroid field, forcing a crash landing. Waking beside the escape pod, Quinn must locate her crew, uncover the mysteries of the dying world, and stop the planet's destruction. The story explores the moral dilemmas of contemporary science fiction, challenging players to save the inhabitants of Ketern while navigating a hostile environment that offers unforgiving gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Modes

Beyond Contact utilizes a top-down perspective to deliver a robust survival experience. Players can choose between two primary modes to suit their preferred playstyle:

  • Story Mode: Offers a linear campaign with narrative-driven objectives, guiding Quinn through the plot to stabilize the planet and save its civilization.
  • Conquest Mode: Shifts focus to open-ended gameplay, introducing territory capture, base defense, and a world corruption system that players must combat to prevent total planetary collapse.

Survival relies on gathering materials, researching technologies, and crafting essential tools, weapons, and structures. A unique scanning mechanic requires players to identify new materials to unlock their potential uses. Research is fueled by three types of data: bio, mineral, and crystal. As you explore, a level system provides passive bonuses and character-specific skills, enhancing your capabilities over time.

Base building is central to survival. The Habitat system allows for the construction of protective shelters, farms for genetically modified crops, power grids, and defensive turrets. The procedurally generated world of Ketern features dynamic biomes, extreme weather events, and environmental hazards that can threaten even the most prepared survivors.

Notable Features of Beyond Contact

  • Visual Style: The game is heavily inspired by pulp science-fiction comics, blending 2D comic book aesthetics for cutscenes with 3D models for gameplay. This creates a vibrant, nostalgic look that sets it apart in the genre.
  • Cooperative Play: Beyond Contact supports multiplayer co-op for up to four players. Teamwork is essential for tackling the harsh environments and fending off the fearsome Corrupted hordes that roam the planet.
  • Community-Driven Development: The developers have established public channels for feature suggestions and bug reporting, enabling the community to help identify issues and influence future updates.

Who It Appeals To

Beyond Contact appeals to players who enjoy deep survival mechanics, resource management, and base building. Fans of sci-fi narratives, particularly those with a fondness for pulp comic aesthetics, will find the setting engaging. The inclusion of co-op multiplayer makes it ideal for groups looking to tackle a challenging, procedurally generated world together, while the distinction between Story and Conquest modes caters to both narrative seekers and sandbox players.