The survival genre is rife with innovation, as developers constantly seek new ways to challenge players’ resilience and creativity. Voidtrain takes this ambition to a surreal extreme, placing players on floating railways in an interdimensional void, their survival tethered to a customisable train. This unique premise immediately prompts a crucial question: does Voidtrain successfully blend survival mechanics with its bizarre setting and train-centric gameplay, or does it ultimately derail? Read on to find out!

Embarking on the Interdimensional Express

Voidtrain is a first-person crafting survival adventure which invites players to become conductors of a unique locomotive, traversing a network of interconnected realities. As you can probably tell from the get-go, this isn’t your typical train ride. Each station offers a distinct environment, from the eerie tranquillity of a lunar base to the vibrant chaos of a cyberpunk metropolis. Is Voidtrain worth your time, or is it a one-way ticket to boredom?

Voidtrain plunges players into a bizarre dimension where railways float amidst the void, and their primary mode of transportation is a constantly evolving train.

The core gameplay loop revolves around scavenging resources, crafting upgrades for the train, and exploring the strange environments encountered along the tracks.

Choo-Chooing Through the Void

Players begin with a handcar, a small, manually propelled vehicle, which serves as the foundation for their future locomotive. As they progress, they gather resources scattered throughout the void, which are used to expand and upgrade their train.

The narrative is revealed through environmental storytelling, encounters with quirky characters, and discoverable notes and logs. The story is interesting, and revolves around the player’s journey through this unusual dimension, uncovering its secrets and the history of its inhabitants as they progress. Players will encounter various factions and characters, some friendly and some hostile, further enriching the lore of the void.

The Allure of Interdimensional Travel

Voidtrain seamlessly blends elements of train management, resource gathering, and base-building. Players must carefully manage their train’s resources, repair critical systems, and defend against hostile entities encountered across dimensions.

The concept of upgrading a train to make it stronger against the forces of both elements and enemies alike does not sound particularly strange in a general sense, but when you place said train in a literal void of nothingness, it becomes very weird indeed! Some might think that such a decision would make Voidtrain silly, removing all aspects of serious gameplay, but that is far from the truth. If anything, hoisting the train up in the upper echelons of nothingness makes for a fascinating and unpredictable journey, one that is constantly evolving and throwing new scenarios at you.

The Engine of Innovation

Voidtrain’s mechanics revolve around a dynamic system of dimensional shifts. Each shift alters the train’s environment, presenting new challenges and opportunities. Players must adapt their strategies to these changes, whether it’s scavenging for resources in a desolate wasteland or fending off aggressive wildlife in a lush jungle.

There is also a heavy focus on resource management, crafting, and train customisation. Players must scavenge for materials like metal, wood, and various otherworldly resources to upgrade their train, which includes adding new wagons, crafting workbenches, and installing defensive turrets.

Combat is also a key element, as players will encounter hostile creatures and factions that must be fought off using ranged and melee weapons alike. Voidtrain also incorporates light puzzle elements, often involving manipulating the environment or using specific items to progress.

All Aboard the Multiplayer Express

Voidtrain features online cooperative multiplayer, allowing up to four players to team up and explore the void together. Players can specialise in different roles, such as engineering, combat, or resource management, creating a dynamic and rewarding shared experience.

Players can share resources, divide tasks, and tackle more challenging encounters as a team. The cooperative aspect enhances the survival experience, as players can support each other in gathering resources, defending the train, and progressing through the story. Not only that, but it’s always good to experience weird, new surroundings with others!

A Symphony of Dimensions

Voidtrain’s visual style is a beautiful and captivating blend of surrealism and industrial aesthetics. Each dimension is rendered with unique artistic flair, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience. Despite not actually having a reference point for each void that you enter, each one looks precisely how you would imagine such a place to look.

The environments are varied, ranging from desolate landscapes to lush, floating islands and the train itself is intricately detailed, with numerous customisable parts that fit together brilliantly.

There is also a wonderful soundtrack to accompany the impressive visuals, which complements the atmosphere perfectly, ranging from ambient soundscapes to dynamic and suspenseful tracks.

Endless Tracks of Exploration

Voidtrain‘s procedurally generated dimensions and ever-changing challenges ensure high replay value. Players are constantly presented with new situations and encouraged to experiment with different strategies. The intricate systems and rewarding gameplay loop provide a compelling and engaging experience for players seeking a unique blend of simulation and adventure.

The crafting and customisation systems provide ample opportunities for experimentation, and the multiplayer mode encourages repeated playthroughs with friends. The presence of side quests and hidden areas further adds to Voidtrain’s replayability.

Conclusion

Voidtrain delivers a unique and engaging experience by blending survival, crafting, and exploration within a captivating interdimensional setting. Its challenging gameplay, immersive atmosphere, and replay value make it a standout title for players seeking a truly unique adventure. The focus on train customisation and cooperative gameplay makes it a standout title in the survival genre. While some players might find the resource gathering repetitive at times, the overall experience is a worthwhile journey through the void thanks mainly to the ever-evolving scenarios players find themselves in.

Grade: 8/10