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Once Human is a survival horror game that has captured the attention of gamers looking for a fresh experience in a crowded genre. Developed by Starry Studio and published by NetEase Games, this title has been making waves with its intriguing blend of open-world exploration, survival mechanics, and eerie, otherworldly aesthetics. But does Once Human live up to its hype, or is it just another addition to the pile of post-apocalyptic survival games? Let’s dive into the gritty details. Setting and Atmosphere The first thing that strikes you about Once Human is its bleak and haunting world. Set in a dystopian future where the boundaries between reality and nightmare have blurred, the game thrusts players into an environment teeming with grotesque creatures, mutated wildlife, and abandoned cities overrun by nature. The atmosphere is thick with tension, capturing a sense of isolation and dread that is crucial for any survival horror game. The visuals are impressive, with detailed environments that make you feel both awed and anxious as you explore. Gameplay Mechanics Survival is at the heart of Once Human, and the game does a commendable job of balancing the core mechanics. You’ll need to scavenge for resources, craft weapons, and build shelters to protect yourself from the horrors that lurk in the shadows. The crafting system is robust, allowing for a wide range of customization and upgrades, which is essential for surviving in the increasingly hostile world. Combat in Once Human is intense and unforgiving. The creatures you encounter are not only terrifying in design but also challenging to defeat. The game forces you to think strategically about when to fight and when to flee, as ammo and resources are often scarce. This constant pressure adds a layer of realism to the survival experience, making every encounter feel meaningful. Storyline and Narrative The narrative of Once Human is intriguing but can feel somewhat fragmented at times. You play as a "Beyonder," a human who has undergone mysterious mutations, granting you unique abilities but also making you a target for both monsters and other humans. The story unfolds through environmental storytelling, scattered notes, and character interactions. While the lore is rich and deep, it can sometimes be challenging to piece together the full narrative, especially if you're not a fan of digging through every scrap of paper you find. That said, the game does a great job of immersing you in its world, and the fragmented storytelling adds to the sense of mystery and discovery. Each new area you explore feels like a piece of a larger puzzle, and uncovering the truth behind the world’s downfall is a compelling drive to keep playing. Multiplayer and Co-op Experience One of the standout features of Once Human is its multiplayer component. The game allows you to team up with friends or strangers, adding a new layer of strategy to the survival experience. Cooperation is often necessary to tackle the game’s more challenging areas and enemies, but trust is a scarce resource in this world. The tension between cooperation and competition adds a unique dynamic, especially when resources are limited and players must decide whether to share or betray. Visuals and Sound Design Visually, Once Human is stunning. The use of lighting and shadows creates a foreboding atmosphere that is both beautiful and terrifying. The creature designs are particularly noteworthy, with each monster looking like something pulled straight from a nightmare. The sound design further enhances the experience, with eerie ambient noises and disturbing creature sounds that keep you on edge. Challenges and Drawbacks While Once Human offers a lot to love, it’s not without its flaws. The game’s difficulty can be punishing, especially for newcomers to the genre. The lack of a clear narrative direction might also frustrate some players, as the story can feel disjointed at times. Additionally, the game’s reliance on resource management can become tedious, particularly during extended play sessions. There have also been reports of technical issues, such as frame rate drops and occasional bugs, which can detract from the overall experience. However, the developers have been active in releasing patches and updates, which suggests that these issues will be addressed over time. Conclusion Once Human is a bold and ambitious entry into the survival horror genre. Its atmospheric world, intense gameplay, and intriguing story make it a must-play for fans of the genre. However, its difficulty and narrative structure might not appeal to everyone. If you’re looking for a game that challenges you to survive in a nightmarish world while uncovering its dark secrets, Once Human is worth your time. Final Verdict: 8/10 While not without its flaws, Once Human stands out as a unique and gripping experience that horror and survival fans should not miss. The game’s blend of survival mechanics, rich atmosphere, and multiplayer dynamics make it a thrilling, if at times frustrating, journey into the unknown.