Unrailed!

Developer: Indoor Astronaut
Release: Sep 23rd 2020
Platforms:
Action
Casual
Indie
Addictive
Cooperative
Chaotic
Stressful
One Save Limit
Unrailed! Poster

" Engaging cooperative action with charming pixel art and procedural chaos but stressful solo play "

Unrailed! Review

Unrailed! is a cooperative multiplayer game centered around building train tracks to keep a train moving through procedurally generated maps. Players must work together to lay tracks, gather resources, and avoid obstacles in a chaotic and fast-paced environment. The game shines in its multiplayer mode, where teamwork and communication are essential to success. The pixel art style is clean and charming, complementing the lighthearted but challenging gameplay.

However, the game is less enjoyable in single-player mode and can feel stressful due to its chaotic nature and time pressure. The save system, which only allows one save slot, frustrates some players, impacting the overall experience. Despite this, the developers are praised for their responsiveness to feedback and quick bug fixes, especially for the Steam Deck version. The soundtrack is well-liked, adding to the game's addictive quality. Overall, Unrailed! is a fun, social experience best enjoyed with friends.

Highlights

Players particularly praise the game's cooperative gameplay mechanics that require teamwork and communication.

The clean, pixel-art graphics are visually appealing and suit the game's chaotic yet fun atmosphere.

Procedurally generated maps and varied difficulty settings keep gameplay fresh and engaging.

The soundtrack is noted for being catchy and enhancing the game's addictive quality.

Developer responsiveness and quick updates have improved player confidence.

Criticisms

The single-player experience is considered less enjoyable and sometimes stressful compared to multiplayer.

The save system's limitation to one save slot is a common frustration among players.

Procedural generation can occasionally create unfair scenarios, such as lack of essential resources like water.

Some players find the game chaotic to the point of being overwhelming and stressful.

Comparisons to other games like Overcooked suggest some feel the concept lacks originality.

Pros

  • Engaging cooperative gameplay that fosters teamwork and communication among players.
  • Clean and charming pixel-art graphics that enhance the visual appeal.
  • Procedurally generated maps keep each playthrough fresh and unpredictable.
  • Varied difficulty settings accommodate casual and more challenging playstyles.
  • Addictive soundtrack that complements the fast-paced gameplay.
  • Developer team is responsive and actively improves the game post-launch.
  • Fun chaotic moments that create memorable multiplayer experiences.

Cons

  • Single-player mode lacks the engagement and fun of multiplayer.
  • One-save feature frustrates players and limits game flexibility.
  • Procedural generation sometimes creates unfair or unwinnable situations.
  • Game’s chaotic nature can be stressful rather than relaxing.
  • Some players feel the game is derivative of titles like Overcooked.
  • Requires friends or multiplayer to fully enjoy the game.
  • Bandits and obstacles can occasionally feel unfair or annoying.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Unrailed! is a co-op multiplayer game where you have to work together with your friends to build a train track across endless procedurally generated worlds. Master random encounters with its inhabitants, upgrade your train and keep it from derailing!

Release Date Sep 23rd 2020
Publisher Daedalic Entertainment
Developer Indoor Astronaut
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (4,415)
95% Positive 5% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
77