Once Alive Review: A Rough Endevour

In a time when gaming often leans towards intense action and rapid gameplay, “Once Alive” stands out with its reflective approach. Created by Cem Boray Yıldırım and released by GameDev.ist, this story-focused adventure game invites players into a chilling journey through a post-apocalyptic landscape. Launched on November 18, 2024, for Steam (Windows), it aims to engage players with a deep narrative about endurance, human bonds, and the search for hope in a desolate world. The question remains, does it live up to its lofty aspirations?

On a Desolate Journey

“Once Alive” unfolds in a world devastated by a cataclysmic global virus outbreak. It chronicles the odyssey of two brothers, James and Jim, who presume they are Earth’s sole survivors. Their odyssey takes an unexpected twist upon detecting a signal that hints at a sanctuary named HaustVille. Navigating towards this beacon, they stumble upon a dark secret and encounter fresh perils to their existence.

The game bears resemblance to other walking simulators such as “Firewatch” and “What Remains of Edith Finch,” with its emphasis on exploration and story-centric gameplay. “Once Alive” distinguishes itself by offering a more enveloping and atmospheric journey. If you’re seeking a post-apocalyptic survival horror game where every element is a threat, this may not meet your expectations. While it ventures into a post-apocalyptic setting and explores survival in a hostile world, it aligns more closely with real-life events like pandemics and natural disasters.

Great World, Shallow Animations

“Once Alive” belongs to the narrative-driven adventure genre, commonly known as a walking simulator. This genre emphasizes storytelling and atmosphere rather than conventional gameplay mechanics, with a focus on exploration and emotional involvement. In “Once Alive,” players delve into the deserted town of HaustVille, unraveling the enigma of its vanished residents through environmental clues, echoes of speech, and remnants. The game includes cinematic sequences that enhance the story, evoking both apprehension and inquisitiveness.

While “Once Alive” has some excellent narrative moments and evocative environmental storytelling, it falters due to padding issues, low-quality facial animations, and disjointed writing. The game’s pacing can feel slow at times, and the lack of polish in facial animations detracts from the immersion. The narrative, while compelling in parts, suffers from a lack of coherence, which can make the story feel fragmented and less impactful.

Another UE5 Title with Issues

The game excels in creating an atmospheric and environmental narrative. Its intricately detailed, post-apocalyptic world is simultaneously eerie and captivating, beckoning players to delve into its mysteries. The background music perfectly underscores the tense and mysterious ambiance, enriching the gameplay. Moreover, the implementation of Unreal Engine 5 delivers breathtaking visuals and engrosses the player, with a raw and desolate aesthetic that aptly reflects the desolation of the environment.

Regrettably, “Once Alive” is not immune to the performance issues plaguing many UE5 titles, such as stuttering and low-resolution texture loading. These technical setbacks can disrupt the gaming experience, particularly at pivotal moments. It may be prudent for developers to reconsider the heavy reliance on UE5, as even slight visual enhancements seem to incur significant performance trade-offs.

Real Talk

“Once Alive” marks a promising debut for a solo developer, presenting a strong addition to the survival adventure genre. Its storytelling and atmospheric depth are notable strengths, but technical glitches and narrative limitations somewhat mar the experience. However, with further development, it could evolve into a more refined and captivating game. For enthusiasts of narrative-centric games who value a deliberate pace and immersive environmental narratives, “Once Alive” merits attention, despite its imperfections.

FINAL RATING: 75/100