Something a bit new and different for my site, there are a lot of early-access games out there and I figured maybe I could do a quick look at some of them. Like my impressions of how it stacks up when I purchase it, what I'd like to see it improve or add in the future and problems I ran into with it. It's not quite a full review, something a bit more bite-sized without going too in-depth.
I figured it'd break up the avalanche of 'top 5' lists style posts I've been doing at least this game is a good one even in its early state. Feels like a good opportunity to see if this format works too. Something faster than a full review that might get your eyes on some indie gems. So, with that in mind, I will always say this about early access titles: Buy them only if they are worth the money at the time of purchase. There have been a lot of promising early-access games that got abandoned or over-promised and under-delivered.
With that out of the way, let's take an early look at Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor.
What Is It?
To put it simply this is a game like Vampire Survivors set within the Deep Rock Galactic universe. It puts its spin on things by making mining and exploring the procedurally generated maps a key part of the experience rather than simply mowing down the hordes of bugs. As someone who loves Deep Rock Galactic anyway, I just had to see if this was as good as it seemed.
I wasn't entirely sure what I was expecting going in but I quickly found myself hooked on the gameplay which is always a good sign. The variety of weapons, the amount of unlocks and ways to make your builds give it some variety despite the very early stage it's at. Given it was only released into early access on the 14th of February 2024.
What is its current state?
As mentioned above it's very early days but despite that, it feels very polished, I haven't run into any major bugs (aside from the ones you can shoot at.) There are three current biomes, four classes, about forty weapons and a fairly extensive array of items and mods to make use of. Add in the usual meta-progression systems using resources you find to buy permanent bonuses and a between-levels shop and they have a good base to build upon.
If you want to do everything you'll easily get your £8.99 worth (or regional Steam equivalent) and it is a fun game to play. Even now I'd rate it as one of the better 'Survivor' type games out there though it does have a few issues.
Current Issues?
I think the two biggest issues I've run into so far in my 8-ish hours of play are a lack of objective variety and some slight balance issues. Though I know the latter could just be my lack of meta progression so take that with a pinch of salt. Besides, it is early access and I imagine balancing is an ongoing monster to wrestle with for devs.
The lack of variety in mission objectives and side objectives is easier to see and something which can grate during extended play. You kill enough enemies to cause the final boss to spawn which is one of three elites I believe. The end boss on the fifth and final mission is always the same too.
Something I know for sure they can fix given the sheer variety of objectives and mission types in DRG itself. While I doubt all of them will work in this I imagine a lot of them definitely could add some much-needed variety.
What I'd Like To See?
The roadmap they have is already pretty extensive (see below) so I am fairly optimistic about where the game is heading. This could very easily become my favourite Survivors-type game once they add in everything they are already planning. If they also throw in some more things from fan feedback, so much the better for everyone.
Adding in the rockpox and rivals from DRG itself. More enemy variety is always a good thing in games like this.
More mission types, I know egg-hunt has already been hinted at but a lot of others from DRG could work, point extraction, elimination and on-site refining to name a few.
Cosmetics or even a gear system from it for some extra stats? Can't have a game about dwarves without getting epic beard bonuses, come on.
Co-op, this one is more tentative as I don't think it needs it but if they could pull it off... I wouldn't complain.
Is it Worth It?
Given its fairly low price point and how much you can get out of it I'd say if you are a fan of Deep Rock Galactic it's a no-brainer. The game is fun, feels fairly polished for early access and has a clear roadmap of promising features.
Having said that, waiting until it gets a couple of content patches under its belt would be understandable given the lack of variety in objectives at present. It can make long play sessions a bit unwise.
So, thank you for reading, any thoughts, feedback or questions just ask away either here or on Twitter. Any support or donations via Ko-Fi or Patreon are massively welcome too!
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