In the vast universe of video games, the genre of “team up to complete some big unwieldy task with multiple moving parts” has gained significant popularity. One game that falls into this category is Void Crew, developed by Hutlihut Games and published by Focus Home. Unlike its predecessors, such as Overcooked and Barotrauma, Void Crew offers a fresh and intriguing blend of jolly party game and macabre theocracy work simulator. With its visually stunning spaceships and immersive gameplay, Void Crew has the potential to captivate players for hours on end.
Void Crew transports players into a world where they assume the roles of genetically engineered and vat-spawned disciples of a religious human civilization. Their mission is to defend against the alien invaders known as the Hollow. Equipped with glossy frigates or destroyers, teams of 2-4 players venture out to complete various objectives, such as reactivating a radio outpost or aiding marooned freighters. However, these tasks are far from straightforward, as players must also fend off relentless waves of enemy fighters and terrifying Hollow ships armed with sniper beams and ice rays that freeze anything in their path.
The ideal execution of a mission in Void Crew involves a scientifically organized division of labor among the players. One takes the helm as the captain, providing navigation instructions, while another operates the flanking turrets. A third player handles essential ship maintenance, ensuring a steady supply of resources, managing the warp core, and regulating engine power. Finally, the fourth player embarks on daring spacewalks to investigate structures, gather loot, and perform vital repairs outside the ship.
Unfortunately, the reality within Void Crew rarely lives up to this idealized vision. The chaos begins even before the mission starts, as players struggle to agree on who should be the captain. Often, this decision is made abruptly when a player seizes control and jumps to hyperspace, leaving the rest of the team unprepared and vulnerable to the deadly forces of inertia.
Furthermore, disagreements persist during gameplay, particularly regarding turret duty. In some instances, two players may both assume the role of gunner, which strains the ship’s power supply and triggers circuit breakers. Instead of rectifying the issue, the fourth player may foolishly decide to explore the outer hull of the ship, inadvertently leaving the airlock door wide open. This reckless move inevitably leads to their demise, leaving them stranded and pleading for rescue.
And all of this chaos occurs before even encountering any enemy vessels. While Void Crew certainly possesses the potential for unbridled excitement, it still requires that extra something to reach the pinnacle of space gaming excellence.
The developers of Void Crew have set out a promising roadmap for the game’s Early Access phase. In the future, players can expect the introduction of thrilling boss battles, which will undoubtedly provide exhilarating challenges and rewards. Additionally, it would be exciting to see the inclusion of player-versus-player (PvP) or even player-versus-player-versus-environment (PvPvE) modes, allowing for clever strategic maneuvers across the game’s beautifully crafted maps.
With hopes of recreating the pulse-pounding moments experienced in games like Sea of Thieves, Void Crew has the opportunity to offer players an exhilarating journey through space. Imagine luring enemy crews into treacherous asteroid fields or employing cunning tactics amidst the chaos of a supernova explosion. If Void Crew can deliver these thrills, it undoubtedly has the potential to consume countless hours of players’ time.
If the notion of Void Crew’s cooperative gameplay entices you but you lack willing friends to venture into the void with, there is an alternative worth considering: Voidtrain. Described by Rachel as “a totally wild twist on crafting survival games,” Voidtrain offers a unique and captivating experience for solo players. Embark on a journey through a mystical train traversing enchanting lands and uncover the secrets hidden within its ever-changing compartments.
Void Crew presents a distinctive and engrossing space game that combines elements of cooperative play, strategic decision-making, and survival. While the game currently faces its fair share of chaotic moments and challenges, the potential for improvement is evident. With the introduction of boss battles and the possibility of PvP/PvE modes, Void Crew has the opportunity to ascend to the ranks of the best space games. Whether you choose to embark on this chaotic adventure with friends or explore the mysterious realms of Voidtrain solo, the vastness of space awaits your exploration.
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