Survival Machine

Survival Machine is an action game enriched with survival elements. The game was developed by the independent Polish studio Grapes Pickers, and its release was handled by the Games Operators company.

Gameplay

In Survival Machine we watch the action from a third-person perspective (TPP). The game allows us to explore a vast, open world that is partially procedurally generated. It is populated by hordes of zombies. During the game we take on the role of a character who traverses the local hills, snowy lands and sun-scorched deserts aboard the titular vehicle. The machine serves not only as a means of transport, but also as a base of operations, and at the same time a mobile fortress.

The overall gameplay is based on two pillars. During the day we explore the area in search of valuable resources and, when necessary, ways to unlock new paths for our machine. Exploring locations involves not only the necessity of running around vast areas, but also jumping on platforms or overcoming various terrain obstacles. We can also rely on zip lines or variations on hang gliders, allowing us to cover large distances in the air.

Aside from resources we can collect fuel for our machine, raw materials, and special plans that we can use in an advanced crafting system. The crafting mechanics allow us to produce various improvements for the machine and increasingly advanced equipment for the character (from useful items that facilitate exploration, to weapons), as well as to erect various fortifications within our mobile fortress and set traps for enemies.

Weapons and fortifications play a key role in our survival. Although the living dead retreat during the day, after dark they become much more aggressive and even try to attack our base in waves. Night battles with the monsters are the second pillar of the gameplay. We can fight using melee weapons (led by swords and shields) and ranged weapons (from slingshots, through bows, to firearms), as well as using stationary turrets (like powerful cannons and ballistas).

Game modes

Survival Machine can be played solo, but the game really shines in online co-op mode.

Graphics

The graphic design of Survival Machine was created using low poly technique (the whole presentation is based on a relatively small number of polygons).