Stranded
If the idea of a science fiction take on classic survival games like Don't Starve and The Flame in the Flood appeals to you, then this clever and inventive little game is going to be of great interest to you. It's a simple enough concept but it's well executed and very compelling so if you want to know what it's like to be stranded on an alien planet, then this is a great way to find out. The setup is a familiar one, with the player crash landing on an alien world where just about everything is out to get you. Of course, you've only got limited food, supplies, and ammunition, while the local wildlife, the natives, and even the night are far from friendly. You're going to have to explore, forage, and craft items if you want to live while also paying attention to things like the weather which can affect your chances of survival. In a neat twist, you've also got four different races to choose from, each of which has different stats and which allows for some much appreciated replay value as you try each one out. Notrium really does get just about every aspect of its gameplay spot on. It's all simple enough stuff but the way everything blends together is what makes it such a compelling experience. There are action elements in the combat, puzzles, time management and more but perhaps the most exciting aspect is the exploration which is genuinely thrilling as you venture out into the unknown and although it's dangerous out there, you can't help but keep going. The visuals do a great job of bringing the alien world to life and the interface is nicely intuitive, making this an all-round good game.
