Survival Machine

Survival Machine is a post-apocalyptic survival crafting game that combines vehicle building, zombie combat, and exploration in a desert setting. Players start with a ramshackle vehicle which they upgrade and customize to survive against bandits and zombies. The game features cooperative multiplayer and base-building mechanics, offering a chill and somewhat chaotic experience. While the game has a solid foundation and active developer support, it is still in Early Access and has some rough edges, including clunky physics and occasional AI issues.

Gameplay focuses on scavenging, crafting, and combat, but the combat is often described as boring and unchallenging due to slow enemy attacks and limited zombie AI aggression. The crafting system and base-building menus are functional but can feel repetitive. The lack of traditional survival elements like hunger and thirst bars detracts from the survival aspect, making the game feel easier than expected. Despite its flaws, many players find it fun and enjoyable, especially with friends, and look forward to future updates that could improve the experience.

Highlights

Players praise the unique vehicle-building mechanic, which adds a creative and entertaining layer to survival gameplay. The cooperative multiplayer mode is well-received, making exploration and combat more enjoyable with friends. The base-building system is appreciated for its usability and potential. The game's setting and atmosphere provide a fun post-apocalyptic vibe, and the developers' active engagement with the community is seen as a positive sign for ongoing improvements.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include boring and unchallenging combat, with zombies having poor AI and low aggression. The absence of hunger and thirst mechanics undermines the survival theme. Players find the crafting and loot repetitive, and physics glitches can cause frustration, such as falling off vehicles unexpectedly. The art style and graphics do not meet some players' expectations based on promotional materials. Several bugs and clunky controls also detract from the overall experience, suggesting the game needs significant updates to reach its potential.