Sailing the High-Tech Seas: A Raft Review
Drifting on a picturesque yet perilous voyage, Raft sets a new course for cooperative survival.
last updated Nov 20, 2023
Raft isn't just another drop in the ocean of survival games; it's a tidal wave of maritime bliss.
Navigating the Waves of Gameplay
When it comes to gameplay, Raft is like that one friend at a party who juggles, does magic, and somehow never spills his drink – versatile yet perfectly balanced. Building your floating abode is addictive; expanding from a humble plank of wood to a sprawling multi-story raft gives a sense of achievement that's hard to top. As for the hunger and thirst mechanics, they're relentless in pursuit, reminding you that Mother Nature has no ‘pause’ button. Crafting, meanwhile, feels like a DIY project on steroids – comprehensive yet user-friendly. And cooperative play is where Raft's social spices get added to the stew, turning a solo survival slog into a laughter-packed team effort. Trust me, bonding over who forgot to stash the beets before diving into shark-infested waters is the new ‘board game night’ bonding.
The Call of the Oceanic Opera
The soundscape of Raft is the unsung hero like a bass guitarist in a rock band – not always in the limelight, but boy when it hits, it hits. The gulls screeching overhead, the waves lapping against your floating home, and that terrifyingly iconic ‘Jaws’-esque music cue as Bruce – the shark with a vendetta – makes his grand entrance, all create this atmospheric blend of tension and tranquility. Audio design in Raft doesn't just flirt with immersion; it swipes right, takes it to dinner, and gets a second date. And let's not forget the music, which moves from 'island chill' tunes to something out of a suspense thriller, keeping your eardrums as engaged as your crafting fingers.
A High-Res H2O Haven
Graphically, calling Raft a visual buffet is doing it a disservice; it’s more like an all-you-can-eat cruise with no risk of food poisoning. The cartoony yet crisp art style elevates your seafaring experience to more than just surviving – it's living. Sunsets on the horizon could sell as postcards that say, 'Wish you were here (but glad you're not because this shark is mine).' Performance-wise, the game sails smoother than a greased dolphin, maintaining a comfortable framerate even when your raft starts resembling a small town. Couple that with beautifully rendered ocean life, and you might start Googling 'real-life rafting survival tips' just to feel the rush without risking the actual shark bites.
Not Just a Drop in The Ocean
It's not all sunshine and seagulls, though; the game tosses the occasional stormy weathers with bugs that make you scratch your head and wonder if it's sea madness. From phantom chests that decide to play 'Where's Waldo?' with your inventory, to AI having existential crises, leaving you praying to the saving grace that is the 'Reload Last Save' button. On the solo voyage, the experience can feel as lonely as a message in a bottle. Without a crew, the vast sea of Raft can make you feel like a castaway, especially during those quiet resource grinds that even the haunt of Bruce's shadow can't entirely alleviate.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Redbeet Interactive
Publisher
Axolot Games
Release Date
June 20, 2022
The Verdict
Raft isn't just another drop in the ocean of survival games; it's a tidal wave of maritime bliss. Perfect for those who dream of ocean spray and crafting the day away, especially with friends. Alone, however, you may find yourself adrift in need of a volleyball to keep company. Anchors aweigh!
