Project Castaway

Release Date: September 23, 2024 Early Access

Simulation, FPP, sandbox, survival, indie games, co-op, crafting, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet

69%

Steam

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A survival FPP game in which we end up on a deserted island on the Pacific Ocean. Project Castaway forces us to create useful tools and shelter, gather resources and hunt for animals. We also need to take care of our needs, monitor current health and avoid going insane.

Gameplay
Game modes

Project Castaway is a survival FPP action game with simulation elements. The game was produced by the Canadian studio Mardonpol Inc, which is known for the economic strategy game Tech Corp.

Gameplay

Project Castaway begins with us drifting in the water after our plane crashes in the Pacific Ocean. Saving ourselves, we reach the nearest island. We only have a backpack and a survival guide at hand. The backpack is our initial form of equipment used to store collected resources. The survival guide serves as an expanded crafting system.

The primary goal of the game is survival at all costs. We use resources found on the beach, from which we create items for our current needs and for further exploration, like a raft. Challenges prepared by the creators, such as "create a stone knife" or "build a palm bed", are especially helpful at the beginning of our adventure. They introduce the mechanics governing the world and make it easier to survive the first nights.

Existence on the island is not easy and dangers await us at every turn. We take care of our well-being by monitoring parameters such as energy, body temperature, hunger or hydration. We have the opportunity to hunt animals inhabiting the island, from fish swimming on the coast to birds flying over our heads. Through the mechanisms of cooking food, we can prepare the meat we've acquired, and we can also purify the water so it's suitable for drinking.

Furthermore, we need to monitor the weather, because we never know when a storm or other meteorological catastrophe might hit the island, which could complicate the game and potentially lead to illnesses. A long stay on the island leaves a mark on the character's psyche and may lead to madness, which we also have to take into account.

Game modes

In Project Castaway we can play alone or through online cooperation with up to 3 other players.

Videos and Screens

[1:04] Project Castaway Project Castaway - Trailer #1

69%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Mixed (992)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Graphics and Environment: Many users appreciate the game's beautiful graphics and immersive environments, noting that the visuals enhance the overall experience.
Potential for Depth: Several reviews mention the game's potential, particularly its crafting and survival mechanics, which could evolve into something significant with further development.
Exploration and Discovery: Players enjoy the exploration aspect, finding treasures and unique items scattered across the islands, which encourages engagement and curiosity.
Engaging Story Elements: Some users find the storyline and lore intriguing, suggesting that the narrative aspects could add depth to the survival experience.
Regular Updates: The developers appear to be active in addressing issues and releasing updates, which is encouraging for players hoping for improvements.

The main cons of the game

Bugs and Glitches: A significant number of reviews highlight the prevalence of bugs, including crashes, inventory issues, and game-breaking glitches that hinder gameplay.
Gameplay Mechanics: Users criticize various gameplay mechanics, such as clunky inventory management, poor hit detection, and frustrating crafting systems.
Performance Issues: Many players report poor performance, including low frame rates and long loading times, even on high-end systems.
Lack of Goals and Direction: Some players feel that the game lacks clear objectives, making it hard to stay engaged over time.
Unskippable Cutscenes: The inability to skip cutscenes, particularly after dying, has frustrated users, as it disrupts the flow of gameplay.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Improved Inventory and Storage Systems: Players express a desire for better inventory management options and a more organized storage system.
Multiplayer Mode: Many users suggest that a co-op multiplayer mode would enhance the game?s appeal and enjoyment.
More Content and Goals: There are requests for additional content, including more islands, unique resources, and clearer objectives to provide a sense of progression.
Better Crafting Mechanics: Users want a more intuitive and flexible crafting system that allows for easier construction and deconstruction of items.
Physics and AI Improvements: Suggestions include refining the physics for objects and improving AI behavior for animals and other entities in the game.

Summary

In summary, while Project Castaway shows promise with its graphics and potential gameplay depth, it currently faces significant challenges related to bugs, performance, and gameplay mechanics that need addressing to enhance the player experience. Users are hopeful for future updates and improvements.

Summary generated on: November 25, 2024