Voidtrain Review: Crafting and Survival on Rails
An ambitious indie title offering a unique twist to the survival genre.
Early Access Review
last updated Nov 30, 2023
It embodies the spirit of an indie development, punching above its weight with big ideas that sometimes struggle under the load of execution.
Riding the Rails of Gameplay
Straddling the line between crafting genius and grinding madness, Voidtrain offers a gameplay experience that is as intriguing as it is flawed. The joy of crafting a customized train is undeniable, with a satisfying sense of progression as you expand your iron steed from a humble cart to a formidable convoy of void-conquering power. Yet, for every moment of creative bliss, there's a tedious stretch of resource gathering that can wear down even the most patient of players. The interdimensional landscape provides a monotonous background to an often repetitive resource grind, and while some may find serenity in the simplicity, others will be looking for the next station to disembark.
The Sounds of the Void
The auditory journey in Voidtrain chugs along competently, with sound effects that provide a satisfying clank and thunder to each railroad spike. The music, however, is where the game really shines. Ranging from the serenely atmospheric to action-packed interludes, it envelops players in an auditory quilt that complements the interdimensional travels quite nicely. Yet, the echo of the void sometimes swallows the potential of an even richer soundscape, leaving one to wonder what musical marvels might lurk just beyond the horizon if given a chance to shine.
A Visual Voyage Through the Void
Visually, Voidtrain is a mixed bag of delightful surprises and missed opportunities. The environmental and weapon art are reminiscent of classic favorites like Bioshock, and when the game's graphics are allowed to spread their wings, the results can be stunningly beautiful. Yet, performance hiccups are like unwanted travel companions, jarring you from immersion with the subtlety of a train derailment. On lower to medium settings, players with minimum spec rigs can expect a few lags, especially during the thick of combat, while higher settings may offer smoother sailing. Despite this, the game's artistic direction provides a visual treat, even if the technical execution sometimes runs out of steam.
Connectivity and Quirks
One cannot overlook the bugs on the tracks that plague Voidtrain. From falling through maps to desync issues in co-op, the game's multiplayer ambitions are often derailed by technical issues that can leave passengers stranded. The requirement for an Epic Games account, regardless of the platform purchased on, is another frustration point for players, adding an unnecessary carriage to the train of installation woes. And while the dev team seems engaged with the community, the presence of unresolved bugs that lead to game crashes is like smoke in the eyes of promise.
EARLY ACCESS RATING
Developer & Publisher
HypeTrain Digital
Early Accesss Release Date
May 09, 2023
The Final Stop: Verdict and Summary
Voidtrain presents a paradoxical journey that teeters between the excitement of an otherworldly conductor and the mundanity of a ticket collector. It embodies the spirit of an indie development, punching above its weight with big ideas that sometimes struggle under the load of execution. If your gaming gear is fueled by the thought of a strange world to explore with friends and a penchant for a grind, then Voidtrain might just be your next ticket to ride. However, for those seeking a polished and bug-free experience, it may be wise to wait for a few more stations, or updates, before punching that ticket.
