Aloft - Review

While many survival games are set on solid ground, Aloft, created by Funcom, offers something different. This sandbox adventure takes to the skies, offering a fresh take on survival mechanics with its blend of exploration, crafting, and a stunning open world in the clouds. Whether you have a love for aviation, enjoy survival games, or appreciate expansive, player-driven worlds, Aloft has the potential to be a standout addition to your gaming collection

The World

Aloft is situated in an expansive, hovering archipelago of islands high above the planet's surface, beckoning players to discover a colorful realm of vibrant scenery, towering stone structures, and dilapidated remnants of past societies. The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic era where society has crumbled, and humanity has turned to the skies for survival. This backdrop infuses the game with a distinctive and captivating vibe, blending elements of fantasy and science fiction in a compelling manner.

In this game, players will embody the role of a "Skyfarer," someone who must use their crafting, building, and navigation skills to soar through the sky and survive in this unique world. Along the way, they will discover the secrets that have shaped this floating world into its current state. With plenty of resources, obstacles, and ancient legends scattered throughout the floating islands, players will find themselves immersed in an intriguing environment.

Gameplay Mechanics

The main objective of Aloft is to gather resources, craft essential items, and explore the floating islands. Players start by scavenging for materials, which they can use to create tools, shelters, and other necessities to survive. The crafting system offers a surprisingly complex range of options, providing a fulfilling sense of customization and progression.

One of the most exciting aspects of Aloft is the opportunity to create and fly your own airship. The game offers detailed airship mechanics that allow players to build and upgrade their vessels, which are crucial for traveling between the floating islands. Navigating through the endless expanse of sky can be exhilarating yet challenging, adding to the overall intensity of surviving on these isolated islands. The customization options for airship design are extensive, giving players the chance to add a personal touch and make their ship truly unique. Additionally, players can equip their ships with various items and tools to improve their chances of survival and exploration in this daring world.

Along with mastering airship navigation, players must also navigate through dynamic weather systems that can strike at any moment, as well as face dangerous creatures and environmental hazards in Aloft. From colossal flying beasts to sudden thunderstorms, the game constantly challenges players to stay alert and adapt as they journey through this awe-inspiring but perilous world.

Visuals

Aloft impresses with gorgeous visuals that showcase the breathtaking landscapes of its aerial world. The art direction is bursting with vibrant colors, featuring mesmerizing sky designs that feel almost surreal. From floating islands to grand waterfalls pouring over cliffs, and stunning sunrises above endless clouds, all elements contribute to an immersive and serene ambiance that juxtaposes nicely with the game's survival aspects.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the game is its dynamic lighting effects, which reflect the time of day and create a constantly changing landscape that adds to the sense of awe. The islands themselves are meticulously crafted with intricate details and diverse biomes, inviting players to explore their unique features. The airship mechanics also contribute to the visual appeal, with each ship boasting its own distinctive design against the expansive backdrop of the sky. This contrast between natural beauty and technological progress creates a captivating visual blend that enhances the overall atmosphere of the game.

Multiplayer

Aloft presents a multiplayer feature that fosters teamwork and collaboration, allowing players to team up and venture out together to explore, build, and survive. This aspect becomes particularly thrilling when navigating between different islands or conquering the game's more daunting obstacles. While Aloft primarily caters to solo players, the added dimension of multiplayer adds an extra level of complexity and makes the game even more engaging for repeated playthroughs.

The community aspect of the game is strengthened by its sandbox nature, giving players the ability to share their own creations with others. This includes custom airships and bases, fostering a growing player base that actively shares tips, tricks, and in-game experiences. As a result, there is a supportive and imaginative environment within the fan community.

Challenges

Although Aloft has many strengths, it also presents challenges for players. Like most survival games, the beginning stages of gameplay can feel sluggish as resources are collected and mechanics are learned. This may become tedious for those who are eager to explore the skies and upgrade their ships.

While the game provides a wealth of content, the structure of quests and storytelling could use some polishing. The lore of the game world is deep and intricate, but the plot and character development may not always captivate players as much as they could. This can leave some players wanting more depth and engagement from the narrative aspect of the game.

Finally, as the game continues to develop, there may be some technical difficulties that arise, such as occasional drops in performance, especially when traversing expansive, open landscapes. Although these problems are not significant enough to ruin the overall gaming experience, they can certainly take away from the otherwise seamless gameplay

Verdict

Aloft is an ambitious and beautifully crafted survival game that transports players into a floating world full of possibility. Its blend of exploration, crafting, and airship mechanics make it a unique entry in the survival genre, offering something different from the typical grounded experiences we often see. The game’s aesthetic appeal, coupled with its dynamic weather, customizable airships, and multiplayer features, make it a standout title for fans of open-world exploration.

However, the game's slow start and occasional technical issues prevent it from achieving perfection. Still, Funcom has built a world worth exploring, and with ongoing updates and refinements, Aloft has the potential to become a beloved title among survival and sandbox game enthusiasts.