Voidtrain
Review
Getting lost in the void has its appeal...
by Dan Lenois
reviewed on PC
Building a better outcome...
Similar to the earliest versions of Minecraft, Voidtrain is, at its core, a crafting-oriented survival game. The player starts out with nothing more than a single platform upon which to stand, along with the ability to start and stop their train. Over time though, by gathering resources of increasing scarcity, you'll slowly turn your platform into a fully-functioning train, with multiple compartments each containing buildings and devices that will make it increasingly easier for you to carve out something resembling a life out there in the void.
Voidtrain features rich progression systems, wherein you can quickly develop new technological advancements by grinding for certain easily-accessible resources. However, while unlocking new technologies may be fairly straightforward, constructing the actual buildings required may take more time. One thing that may turn away some players is the heavy emphasis on grinding the same half-dozen or so resources for 50+ hours, either to use them directly, or alternatively to forge them into upgraded variants utilized in more advanced construction.
Through the void and beyond...
Voidtrain contains a decent variety of explorable biomes, each with their own richly-detailed set pieces and backdrops. While the majority of the gameplay consists of you traveling in a straight line along the train tracks, there are just enough opportunities for you to stop and run off the garden path should you choose to do so. For those fearing that this game was as strictly on-rails as say Pokémon Snap, thankfully that's not entirely the case.
Whether you prefer upgrading your train, scavenging for resources, fighting the very rare group of hostile enemies, or advancing the loose plot stringing the game together, you will regularly be given a reprieve from just mindlessly scavenging resources.
Shoot first, ask questions later...
Combat is the only component of the game that doesn't feel entirely satisfying. Thankfully, it doesn't pop up often enough to detract meaningfully from the core gameplay loop.
Hitbox registration is a consistent issue, no matter which weapon, out of the handful available, you choose to wield. You can aim down sights directly at an enemy standing still a single meter away, and still find your shot inexplicably missing in spite of all visual feedback. Luckily, meleeing an enemy is always a viable option, should the game decide that this isn't a gunfight you're allowed to win.
Travelling alone or in company...
One of the touted features in Voidtrain is the ability to find Rofleemos, a race of friendly companion creatures. Each Rofleemo, once added to your train, brings with it certain passive buffs that can help improve the efficiency of certain buildings or devices on your train. However, you can add only a limited number of these creatures to your train at any time, so you will have to think carefully about what benefits you really need. Each creature has their own distinct personality and can help alleviate the solitude. Also it is rather funny to see a bobblehead-sized animal gunning down threats using the mounted gatling gun at the front of your train.
Overall:
Voidtrain offers an incredibly satisfying gameplay loop, rich progression systems, a compelling art style, and a story that, while far from sophisticated is intriguing enough to keep you invested from beginning to end. In many ways, Voidtrain is the quintessential AA game, and players interested in a more casual approach to survival gaming should definitely take the time to step into the void.
9.0
fun score
Pros
Rich exploration, extensive crafting and upgrades systems, decent customization options
Cons
Some mechanics are poorly explained, Combat can feel clunky at times.
