Review of Once Human

Overview

• Free-to-play live service game
• Open world, sci-fi survival third-person shooter
• Mixes elements of horror and survival
• Early access, published by NetEase

Initial Impressions

• Feels like a mix between The Division and Death Stranding
• Has Early Access issues: glitches, server problems, content wiped frequently
• Live service elements: Battle Pass, multiple currencies, store pages for skins and emotes
• Complicated reward systems aimed at microtransactions
• Game moments are overshadowed by the overall convoluted system

Gameplay Basics

• Setting: Post-apocalyptic world ravaged by Stardust and interdimensional monsters
• Character Creation: Robust and allows for creativity
• Tutorial: Introduces basic mechanics and story
• Objectives: Close rifts, find special spires, save the world
• Progression: Main missions, side quests, random events
• Survival Elements: Cut down trees, build houses, craft items like pants, guns, and tools
• Crafting and Building: Smooth and allows for creativity in building houses

Combat and Mechanics

• Skill Tree: In-depth, allows specialization and perk slotting
• Weapons: Handguns, SMGs, shotguns, rifles, melee weapons with customization options
• Combat: Over-the-shoulder aiming, responsive controls, special abilities
• Companions: Small creatures aiding in combat and offering buffs
• Systems: Crafting, base building, leveling up, weapon mods, vehicles, camping, hunting, monster collecting

Criticisms

• Identity Crisis: Mixture of too many gameplay elements
• Soullessness: Game often feels like a lifeless cash grab
• Environments: Bland, lifeless, and sparse with player-built structures everywhere
• Complexity: Overly complicated systems for basic gameplay mechanics

Highlights

• Creative Potential: Flashes of what the game could be with atmospheric elements
• Special Moments: Spooky abandoned houses, boss battles with interdimensional creatures

Overall Thoughts

• Needs more polish, less filler
• Potential for improvement if developers focus on quality rather than quantity
• Free-to-play nature makes it accessible but adds complexity issues
• Early access means there's room for balancing and additional content
• Recommended to try if curious; no monetary loss if unsatisfied

Conclusion

• The game has a foundation but is currently too cluttered to stand out
• Waiting for updates and player feedback to see future developments