Well, buckle up, folks, because the survival-crafting-MMORPG extravaganza that is Once Human is finally making its way to consoles. I got to dive back into this quirky world during the Early Access period, and let me tell you, it’s still a wild ride. Two years have passed since I first reviewed the game, and while some things have changed, the core experience remains the same – and that’s a good thing. The landscape is still familiar, the monsters are still terrifying, and the distance between objectives is still a chore to traverse (although, thankfully, I was able to scrounge up a bicycle to make things slightly more bearable).
As I settled back into the world of Once Human, I was pleased to find that many of the updates and improvements have enhanced the overall experience. The game still offers a unique blend of survival, crafting, building, and exploration, with a healthy dose of body horror and grotesquery thrown in for good measure. And, of course, who can forget the joy of shooting cosmic monstrosities to pieces? The alien substance known as Stardust has taken over the planet, turning bits of the population and landscape into the aforementioned cosmic monstrosities, and it’s up to you to navigate this treacherous world, crafting weapons, building a home, and cooking meals to keep yourself alive.
One of the most significant concerns I had about the console release was the potential loss of progress from the PC version. Thankfully, the developers have implemented day-one cross-play across all platforms, including PS5, XBOX, PC, and mobile, as well as account syncing. This means you can pick up where you left off, regardless of which platform you’re playing on. Additionally, the console release will feature the ability to switch between first- and third-person perspectives at any time, which is a nice touch. While I enjoyed the first-person mode, I found myself preferring third-person, as it allowed me to get a better sense of my surroundings and avoid those pesky monsters lurking just out of sight.
A Console Release Worth Waiting For
The console release of Once Human has been optimized to take advantage of the latest hardware, with three different graphics modes to choose from: Performance Mode, Balance Mode, and Quality Mode. As someone who values visual fidelity, I opted for Quality Mode, which maintains a high resolution and limits the frame rate to 60 fps. The result is a game that looks stunning, with detailed environments and creatures that will leave you questioning the sanity of the developers who came up with them.
Gameplay and Graphics
In terms of gameplay, Once Human remains largely the same as its PC counterpart. You’ll still need to manage your hydration and hunger levels, craft weapons and tools, and build a home to call your own. The addition of a PS5 controller does introduce some new challenges, particularly when it comes to building, but once you get the hang of it, it’s still a enjoyable experience. The game’s unique blend of survival, crafting, and exploration makes for a compelling experience that’s hard to put down.
A Free-to-Play Experience
The best part? Once Human is entirely free-to-play, with no upfront cost or subscription required. Of course, there are paid cosmetic options and other paid content available, but you don’t need to spend a dime to enjoy the game. With its release on August 25th for PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X|S, there’s never been a better time to jump into the world of Once Human.
As I conclude my time with Once Human on consoles, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with the game in the first place. It’s a true original, a game that defies genre conventions and offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of shooting, looting, farming, or building, Once Human has got you covered. So, what are you waiting for? Join me in this bizarre and fascinating world, and let’s see if we can survive the horrors that lurk within.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte, widely regarded as the “Shakespeare of Sh*tposts,” is a video game expert with a unique knack for turning pixels into punchlines.
Born in the small town of Respawn, Pennsylvania, Pixel grew up mashing buttons on an ancient NES controller, firmly believing that “blowing into the cartridge” was a sacred ritual passed down through generations.
Pixel P. Snarkbyte: proving that life, much like a buggy open-world game, is better with a little lag-induced chaos.
