Taora: Beginning - Crafting a Route Through the Apocalypse
An indie survival game that demonstrates ample potential and a penchant for ingenuity, despite some room for improvement.
last updated Dec 29, 2023
Assuming, of course, the development team continues to expand on the game's foundation without turning it into the digital equivalent of a prefab cabinetry set.
Navigating the Zombie Playground
Imagine wandering into a zombie-infested land where crafting your way out is more than just a hobby; it's your ticket to survival. That's the tour de force of 'Taora: Beginning', a game that succinctly marries resource gathering with base-building. The controls are straightforward, thankfully not requiring a Ph.D. in zombie sociology to master. And let's talk about the base - it's nice having your own zombie-proof manor, but for those of us with wild architectural ambitions, we're funneled into a pre-built base that's screaming for a dose of creative freedom. Despite its streamlined approach to survival, there's undeniable joy in upgrading your equipment and turning the tables on the undead.
Ears Ringing with the Sounds of Survival
While the zombie screams aren't necessarily the next chart-topper, the audio landscape of 'Taora: Beginning' sets a tone that's both eerie and pragmatic. Guns blast with satisfying thuds, while the ambient tracks are the kind you'd hear at a spa - if the spa were nestled in a dystopian wasteland. It's this odd medley of calm and chaos that creates a memorable experience, even if shooting a zed's head off isn't exactly defined as relaxing. Unfortunately, the experience can sometimes be disrupted by the less than stellar notifications that could do with some fine-tuning, lest they rip you straight out of the immersion.
A Palette of Pixels and Performance
Graphically, 'Taora: Beginning' trails a path of charmingly rugged landscapes and housing districts that have seen better days. It's the kind of game that doesn't beg for a supercomputer to run adequately, which frankly is a breath of fresh zombie-free air. However, there's a flip side to every coin, and in this case, it's the nighttime darkness crawling deeper than a black hole's abyss. Even armed with a flashlight might not save you from stubbing your virtual toe on a pixelated rock. And let's not disregard those moments where character models scale like they've been sipping on Wonderland's 'Drink Me' potions. Performance-wise, we're not at a standstill, but optimizations could turn the game from 'good enough' to 'smooth zombie-slaying butter'.
Base-Building: Where's My Hammer?
While setting up camp offers a sense of security, the base-building mechanics feel akin to giving a carpenter a single hammer and telling him to build a mansion. There's a yearning for more intricate systems, a longing to slam down a stonewall wherever you please. Also, a little birdie told me that the NPCs tend to treat your safezone like a holiday retreat, wandering aimlessly instead of being the resource-gathering allies of your dreams. And can we talk about the lack of guidance? Like, how does one use this peculiar copper material? It would seem as though we're playing a game of 'Guess the Crafting Recipe' which, let's be honest, isn't exactly the prime-time Friday night show we're all queuing up to watch.
The Good, the Bad, and the Undead
When it comes to diversity, 'Taora: Beginning' doesn't skimp on zombie types. The game tosses in a mix of undead stereotypes from spitters to brutes that keep you on your pew-pew toes. However, when it comes to the disappearing zombie corpses, it feels like we're left hanging with more questions than answers (and loot). As for the wildlife - those deer could sure use a speed boost because who knew apocalyptic deer were so... tame? It's not exactly the thrill of the hunt when you can overtake your prey on foot, sporting the latest in survivor chic.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Tulpar Games
Publisher
Tulpar Games, TheGamesFortress
Release Date
December 08, 2023
The Verdict
Despite being a mere glimpse of what's to come, 'Taora: Beginning' is a promising indie endeavor that's well on its way to carving out its own niche in the survival genre. The streamlined mechanics, combined with the game's free-to-play tag, ensure that the barrier to entry is as absent as the living in its world. With a community of players actively noting its potential and room for growth, the full release could be the dawn of a new favorite. Assuming, of course, the development team continues to expand on the game's foundation without turning it into the digital equivalent of a prefab cabinetry set. In its current state, it's a fun, albeit safe, venture into the survival realm that leaves you curious for more - and possibly impatient for a flashlight upgrade.
