DUCKSIDE: The Survival Game That's a Little Off the Beaten Path
A feathered twist on survival with guns, crafting, and plenty of raiding.
Early Access Review
last updated Oct 01, 2024
DUCKSIDE presents a refreshingly ludicrous take on the survival genre, bringing humor and charm to a space that often delves into darker themes.
Gameplay: Survive or Fly
Navigating this open world can be a double-edged sword. While there's an inherent fun factor—flying through the air, dodging bullets, and wielding your trusty shotgun—the game does stumble with balancing, leading to some annoyances. Players often find themselves outgunned and outmatched, especially if they wander alone into the jaws of larger, coordinated groups. Crafting mechanisms can feel overly reliant on scavenging rare blueprints, a design choice that frustrates many who prefer the more structured tech tree system of similar games. Yet, paradoxically, the unpredictable chaos of DUCKSIDE's world and its eccentric aesthetic have charm—if you're willing to embrace the pandemonium.
Audio: Quacking Good Sound
If you thought quacking would dominate the soundscape, you'd be partially right. DUCKSIDE excels in its audio design, offering a whimsical and immersive sound environment. From the pleasant chatter of the ducky denizens to the cracking fire of weaponry, the audio effects manage to balance fun with tense moments. Music, though not a predominant force, complements gameplay, enhancing action-packed sequences without becoming overwhelming. However, expect a fair share of quirks—like the peculiar clash of sound effects that might leave you scratching your head mid-fight. Overall, it’s a satisfying auditory experience that fits snugly in its quirky world.
Graphics: Quack-tastic Performance
Visually, DUCKSIDE nails that low-poly aesthetic beautifully, creating a whimsical presentation that both holds up and invites players to enter its weird world. With vibrant environments and absurd character designs, it strikes the perfect balance between stylization and playability. However, seasoned PC veterans might find themselves facing performance hiccups—even on capable systems. Reports of less-than-stellar optimization mean that while the shimmer of feathers might catch your eye, aspects of the game can sometimes drag down your frame rate. Thankfully, players have pointed out that reaching optimal settings can vastly improve the experience; just make sure to tweak that resolution right away to avoid looking at a blurry mess.
Community and Content: Duck or Be Ducked
Herein lies a tipping point for DUCKSIDE. Communities can make or break survival games, and with its current player base leaning toward toxicity, new players may find themselves swimming against a current of hostility. Many lament the challenge of playing solo, which, combined with rogue raiders and unbalanced combat, diminishes the enjoyment factor for those flying solo. However, the dedicated communities, server options, and enthusiasm for future updates hint at potential growth and evolution. Perhaps as this fledgling title evolves, it will attract a more diverse and welcoming crowd, making for a richer gaming experience in the long run.
EARLY ACCESS RATING
Developer
tinyBuild Riga
Publisher
tinyBuild
Early Accesss Release Date
September 25, 2024
A Delightfully Absurd Yet Flawed Experience
DUCKSIDE presents a refreshingly ludicrous take on the survival genre, bringing humor and charm to a space that often delves into darker themes. With its rapid-paced chaotic gameplay, unique flying mechanics, and a bevy of crafting options, it caters to those willing to embrace its whimsical, albeit flawed, nature. However, it's not without its drawbacks—characters encounter balance issues, performance inconsistencies, and a community that can often feel more hostile than hospitable. Still, if you can tolerate these bumps in the road, feeding your inner duck can lead to hours of hilariously unpredictable fun.