The story teaser for Blind Descent seemed genuinely intriguing. It is presented as a log from a scientist on Mars whose communications are being blocked by alien technology, revealing a lost world hidden beneath the planet's surface. However, my excitement dipped once I realized this is yet another multiplayer survival-crafting game.
A Mysterious Martian Atmosphere
The setting features a fascinating premise involving red vines that block progress after being infected by a mutation-causing plant. If you are the type of player who hates seeing scientists touch alien artifacts, this might not be for you. Otherwise, it serves as an incredibly atmospheric intro to a mysterious sci-fi world.
The Fatigue of the Multiplayer Survival-Crafting Game Genre
Upon checking the store page, I discovered the core loop involves crafting menus where players combine stone and wood to create items like arrows and stone daggers. To be honest, the amount of fatigue this caused is absurd. While there is a massive audience for this genre, I feel my fill was reached with Don't Starve, and every title since has felt less essential than the last.
The Difficulty of Finding Co-op Partners
The game is also another four-player co-op experience, which presents its own set of challenges. It has been weeks since I could even get my friends together for our Daggerheart campaign, so the odds of convincing three adults to commit to another multiplayer survival-crafting game are slim to none.
While the store page claims you can play solo or with friends, I have my doubts about the solo experience. I played Abiotic Factor on my own recently and had a much worse time than my friends who played together. While it is likely possible to go it alone in Blind Descent, I don't think I would enjoy it.
What Makes Blind Descent Unique?
If you are one of the many people with a bottomless appetite for this genre, there is one standout feature to watch. The game promises a unique symbiosis system through which the alien ecosystem reacts to your interactions.
You can check out Blind Descent on Steam when it launches into early access later this year.
Key features to look for:
- A deep, reactive alien ecosystem.
- Atmospheric sci-fi mystery setting on Mars.
- Co-op survival and crafting mechanics.
- Available in early access this year.
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