Endzone: A World Apart review - A Love-Hate Letter to Post-Apocalyptic Survival
Ah, "Endzone: A World Apart," a game that tricks you into thinking it's just another city-builder but then slaps you with the reality of surviving the apocalypse. Let's dive into the twisted, beautifully rendered world that'll have you crying for mercy but coming back for more.
Welcome to the Wasteland
Imagine stepping into a world that's just as breathtaking as it is deadly. "Endzone" nails the aesthetic of a post-nuclear fallout environment with environments that'll have you stopping to admire the view... before a radiation storm rolls in and wipes out half your population. The level of detail here is absurd, from the way water glistens to how sandstorms rage. You'll swear it's almost too pretty for a world that's out to kill you at every turn.
Tutorial: A Blessing or a Curse?
So, you think you're ready to jump right in? Think again. The tutorial is like that one overly helpful friend who won't stop explaining things even when you're clearly nodding off. Sure, it's packed with useful info, but by the gods, it's a marathon. Skip it at your peril, though. Without it, you're as good as dead in the water (or lack thereof, thanks to those droughts).
Survival of the Fittest
"Endzone" doesn't hold your hand. It throws you into the deep end and watches with a sadistic smile as you struggle. The initial challenge is brutal, smacking you with the harsh realities of post-apocalyptic survival. Running out of gas masks? Check. Water shortages? Double-check. But overcoming these challenges gives you a sense of achievement that's hard to find elsewhere. That is until you realize that once your settlement hits a certain point, the game's pacing hits a wall. The thrill of survival gives way to the monotony of maintenance, leaving you yearning for more.
The Late-Game Lull
Here lies the crux of the issue. The game peaks mid-way, leaving you in a late-game limbo where expansion feels more like a chore than a challenge. The lack of a clear end-game goal or objective means you're essentially building for the sake of building, leading to a hollow feeling of accomplishment.
A Visual and Auditory Feast
Where "Endzone" shines, without a doubt, is in its graphics and sound design. The game is an audio-visual masterpiece that immerses you completely in its world. Every sound, from the crackling of a bonfire to the howling of the wind, adds layers to the atmosphere. And visually? It's like stepping into a post-apocalyptic painting.
To Play or Not to Play?
"Endzone: A World Apart" is a paradox. It's a game that offers a rich, immersive experience but stumbles with pacing and end-game content. It's like a rollercoaster that's exhilarating at first but ends with a whimper. Is it worth it? For the thrill of the challenge and the beauty of its world, yes. But keep your expectations in check, especially when it comes to longevity and late-game excitement.
Final Score: 7/10
A game of stark contrasts, "Endzone" is both a testament to the beauty of survival and a warning about the pitfalls of monotony. It's a love-hate relationship that I can't quite quit.
We at NLM received a key for this game for free, this however didn’t impact our review in any way.