ASTRONEER is a spacefaring adventure which invites players to become interplanetary pioneers, venturing across alien worlds to gather resources, build outposts, and unravel the mysteries of a long-lost civilisation. The recent addition of the Glitchwalkers DLC introduces enigmatic new biomes, challenges, and lore, further deepening the already rich experience. Will ASTRONEER Glitchwalkers launch you into the stars or leave you stranded on a desolate moon? Read on to find out more!
A Universe of Possibilities
ASTRONEER presents players with a fascinating dichotomy: To prioritise meticulous base-building and resource management, or to succumb to the allure of boundless exploration and scientific discovery? In simple English, that means should you play the game as the developers intended or are you going to go off exploring aimlessly and endlessly? (It’s the second option, isn’t it?)
In fairness to those of us who opt for the second approach (myself included, of course), ASTRONEER looks both beautiful and alluring from the very moment it loads, and thus sparks one’s curiosity. As such, we go off to quite literally explore all of the shiny things we can see in the distance because they are so enticing.
However, the developers of ASTRONEER knew precisely how most of us would act, and have thus masterfully balanced these contrasting playstyles (proper vs. improper), allowing players to tailor their experience according to their preferences.
As such, this will lead to a truly fascinating gameplay experience which will almost certainly last way longer than you intended to initially spend playing. Not only that, but everything is procedurally generated in ASTRONEER, meaning that no two playthroughs will be the same, and every experience a totally new one!
Celestial Cartography and Cosmic Curiosities
Gameplay revolves around exploring diverse planetary landscapes, from lush, oxygen-rich worlds to harsh, volcanic terrains. Players utilise a versatile tool, the “Terrain Tool,” to literally (re)shape the environment, excavate resources, and construct intricate structures.
The addition of Glitchwalkers introduces the “Glitch World,” a dimension teeming with otherworldly flora, fauna, and anomalies. Navigating this dimension requires players to utilise new tools and solve unique puzzles, adding a layer of complexity and intrigue to the exploration experience.
The story, while subtle, unfolds through environmental storytelling and the discovery of ancient artifacts. Players encounter remnants of a bygone civilisation, piecing together their history and uncovering the mysteries of their demise. Fans of ASTRONEER lore will be delighted to learn that Glitchwalkers further expands upon the original narrative, introducing new lore elements related to the Glitch World and its inhabitants.
A Symphony of Mechanics
ASTRONEER boasts a robust set of mechanics that seamlessly integrate with the game’s core gameplay loop. As there are plenty of them to discuss, I have decided to list and describe them for simple reference:
- Resource Management: Players must effectively gather, store, and utilise resources like oxygen, fuel, and building materials.
- Vehicle Creation: Players can design and craft a variety of vehicles, from rovers and flying platforms to underwater submarines, enabling them to traverse diverse terrains with ease.
- Base Building: The game provides a comprehensive building system, allowing players to construct elaborate bases with customisable modules, power grids, and automated systems.
- Terrain Manipulation: The Terrain Tool is a cornerstone of the game, empowering players to sculpt the landscape, create tunnels, and even build bridges across chasms.
- Research and Development: Players can unlock new technologies and upgrades by conducting research on collected samples and completing in-game challenges.
In addition to the base mechanics, Glitchwalkers introduces new mechanics, such as:
- Glitch World Navigation: Players must learn to navigate the unstable and unpredictable nature of the Glitch World, utilising new tools and strategies to overcome its unique challenges.
- Anomaly Interactions: Players can interact with various anomalies within the Glitch World, uncovering hidden secrets and unlocking new abilities.
- Glitch World Resources: New resources are introduced, requiring players to adapt their resource gathering strategies and expand their base-building capabilities.
Overall, there is a plethora of mechanics at play in ASTRONEER which all work very well together indeed, and subsequently come together to make for a very enjoyable and memorable experience.
A Celestial Odyssey Shared
ASTRONEER offers a robust co-op multiplayer experience, allowing players to collaborate and explore together. It works really well, and players can join friends’ games, share resources, and work together to construct massive, interconnected bases.
Astronomical Beauty
ASTRONEER boasts a visually stunning and captivating art style. The vibrant colours, unique alien flora and fauna, and breathtaking planetary landscapes create a truly immersive experience. The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring a dynamic and atmospheric score that perfectly complements the game’s mood and enhances the sense of wonder.
A Universe to Rediscover
ASTRONEER offers exceptional replay value. The sheer diversity of procedurally generated planets, the depth of the building system, and the ongoing discovery of new technologies and lore encourage players to return to the game time and again. Glitchwalkers further enhances replayability still, by introducing new challenges, content, and mysteries to uncover.
Conclusion
ASTRONEER is a captivating and rewarding space adventure that seamlessly blends exploration, base-building, and scientific discovery. Despite the somewhat simple aesthetics, there is plenty to do. However, there is in fact so much to do, that it can actually hinder some players because it is difficult to know where to begin. Not only that, but ASTRONEER does very little in the way of handholding. It simply throws you in and only provides you with information if you go looking for it. Once players find their groove, however, then the fun and thrills will continue for several hours to come! The addition of Glitchwalkers adds a layer of depth and intrigue, introducing new challenges, biomes, and lore, and is a wonderful addition to an already incredible game.
Pros
- Stunning planetary landscapes and unique alien environments.
- Deep and versatile building system with near-limitless creative possibilities.
- Diverse planets to explore, filled with hidden secrets and valuable resources.
- Robust multiplayer.
Cons
- Steep learning curve.
- No handholding provided.