In the toxic wilderness of Icarus, humanity’s failed terraforming experiment, survive as a prospector seeking fortunes in a harsh, unforgiving environment. Confront savage wildlife, destructive storms, and treacherous terrain, while scavenging resources and crafting tools to outlast the planet’s deadly conditions. Join up to eight friends in cooperative play or venture solo into the unforgiving landscape, where every decision can be the difference between life and death.
Should I play ICARUS in 2024?
The good
ICARUS, released in December 2021, brings an intriguing twist to the open world survival genre, offering three game modes: Missions, Open World, and Outpost. The visuals are stunning and the game’s environments are detailed, which many players appreciate. The Open World mode, a later addition, has received particular praise for providing a more laid-back alternative compared to the original mission-based gameplay. For those who enjoy hardcore, grindy survival games, ICARUS delivers with its in-depth mechanics and the satisfaction derived from overcoming its challenges. The developer’s attempt to cater to both casual and hardcore players is noted and appreciated by many in the community.
The bad
Despite the mostly positive sentiment, there are drawbacks. Some players find the game repetitive and the grind overwhelming. The storm mechanics and building system can be frustrating, often causing players to rebuild shelters multiple times. Resource management issues, particularly with oxite in the Open World mode, and the high cost of tech upgrades can be off-putting. The game’s optimization also leaves something to be desired, with reports of screen freezes and poor pathfinding for AI. Moreover, the onboarding for new players is criticized as being insufficient, leading to confusion and reliance on external guides.
Verdict
Should you still buy or play ICARUS in 2024? If you relish a challenging survival game with beautiful graphics and deep mechanics, ICARUS might be worth your time. 🎮 However, be prepared for a grind-heavy experience and potential frustration with storm damage and resource management. For those who prefer a smoother and less repetitive gameplay loop, it might be wise to consider other options or wait for further updates that address these issues. 🛠️ If you decide to jump in, perhaps avoid splurging on all the DLC right away. 🌲🔥
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In-game Screenshot
Top image is not real in-game screenshots. Fan-art made by Gamer.se. Some game metadata is coming from RAWG
