When we think of survival games, those that feature zombies or whatever evil creature out there usually come to mind. However, today's #SteamSpotlight feature shows that sometimes, all you need is nature to create a very difficult survival scenario.
The game we're talking about is none other than The Long Dark. Let's get started with today's #SteamSpotlight feature!
#SteamSpotlight Feature: The Long Dark
Developed and published by Hinterland Studio Inc., The Long Dark was released on August 1, 2017. Its Steam page describes the game as "a thoughtful, exploration-survival experience that challenges solo players to think for themselves as they explore an expansive frozen wilderness in the aftermath of a geomagnetic disaster."
The Story Mode, known as WINTERMUTE, of the game features four episodes. There is a fifth episode and it comes with the price of the game. Once that episode is released, owners of The Long Dark will get it for free.
WINTERMUTE focuses on the player's character, Will Mackenzie, who is separated from another character, Dr. Astrid Greenwood, after their plane crashes in the Canadian wilderness. As you may have already guessed, you will have to survive and search for the doctor at the same time.
You can watch the launch trailer for the WINTERMUTE Story Mode below:
The Long Dark's Survival Mode
The Long Dark also has a Survival Mode and it's going to be the understatement of the year if we say that it is a tricky one. For starters, it is a survival sandbox that has no narrative and is pretty much free-form. If you die in Survival Mode, your save file is also deleted. No, we're not kidding.
What this pretty much highlights is that every decision you make in this game matters. You're going to monitor your hunger, thirst, and more. You will also have to search for food and gear, hunt, avoid hostile wildlife, and many other things.
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Experience and Challenge Modes
If you think that's all that The Long Dark has to offer, think again. The game also has what it calls as the Experience Modes, which "let you find a challenge level you are comfortable with," according to the game's Steam page.
There are a total of four Experience Modes, including a quiet Pilgrim Mode and the Interloper Mode, where you'll have to last for one whole week. If neither of these suit your tastes, you can actually customize a mode to your liking.
You will also encounter what is known as the Challenge Modes, which typically last from one to three hours long. Five Challenge Modes have been released when the game was launched. One of which is called Haunted, which challenges you to escape a bear intent to kill you.
Steam Reviews for The Long Dark
The Long Dark has more than 78,000 user reviews on Steam as of press time. These reviews are generally described as "Very Positive" by the platform.
A Steam user who goes by the username Rawder describes the game in a review as a "solid, well-made, and replayable survival game."
Another user who goes by the handle soulcatcher praises the atmosphere of the game in separate review, saying "It's honestly incredible, I can't say many games give off the kind of vibe or feeling The Long Dark does."
