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The dangers and obstacles to surviving at sea come to life in this addictive game

The dangers and obstacles to surviving at sea come to life in this addictive game

Vote: (98 votes)

Program license: Paid

Developer: Axolot Games

Version: 1.09

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(98 votes)

Paid

Developer

Version

Axolot Games

1.09

Works under:

Windows

Pros

  • A more laid back survival game that centers around the player
  • Steady stream of updates from the developers

Cons

  • Still lacking in things to do outside the core survival loop
  • Limited interactions with other players

Raft builds off the common sensibilities of the crafting and survival genre to create a game that's familiar while also being rather distinct. The premise is simple. You start trapped on a few planks of wood floating out on the open seas, and it's your job to survive. More accurately, it's your job to thrive, as skilled survivalists will quickly transition from a few unstable planks to something resembling a floating pleasure yacht. There's no lack of supplies out in the waters, a notion that strains credibility but certainly helps your odds of survival. From wood to metal to food, there's plenty to be snatched up as you float lazily down the ocean, but the developers have found a nice balance for the time being. The progression curve isn't nearly as steep as it is with other survival games. In large part, this is due to a distinct lack of player vs. player combat. Whereas a huge number of survival games descend into a Lord of the Flies scenario, or a psychological study of what depravities humanity will sink to when let to their own devices, Raft's more simplified multiplayer system encourages cooperation instead. While Raft can be played alone, it also allows you to work together with friends. This lack of adversarial content creates something very different and more predictable than the style of gameplay you'd find in something like Rust, but it also manage to carve out its own identity.

That identity is one of steady but sure progress. With shark attacks the only major direct source of dangerous, you have the opportunity to build your expanding ship out at your own pace. The fundamentals are pretty simple here. You use your hook to scoop up surrounding debris which you then combine to craft various equipment and supplies. You'll need to filter saltwater to make it drinkable, craft weapons you can use to defend against wayward sharks, and create shelter to hide under. Pretty rapidly, you'll have all the fundamentals you need for food storage and basic survival, and you can move on towards expanding your raft. The options are vast and expanding with each new update, and the closed nature of the game's design means that crafting together your raft is a simple affair, and one that isn't at the whims of the roving bands of players surrounding you. There's even the option to go deep sea diving for even more lucrative supplies.

As is the case with many modern smaller games, Raft is an early access title, and it's hard to get an understanding for what it might become in the years or months to come. But the core values in place are solid, and the developers have done a good job of responding to player feedback and making sure a solid drip feed of new content and features are available.

Pros

  • A more laid back survival game that centers around the player
  • Steady stream of updates from the developers

Cons

  • Still lacking in things to do outside the core survival loop
  • Limited interactions with other players