ScrewUp
" Engaging action-adventure RPG with rich visuals and crafting, but buggy multiplayer and harsh difficulty "
ScrewUp Review
ScrewUp is a low-cost survival crafting game that has undergone significant changes since its initial release. Early versions featured a pirate theme with survival and building mechanics reminiscent of games like Sea of Thieves and Valheim. However, a major overhaul transformed the game into a more RPG-style survival experience with new creatures like fairies replacing pirates. This drastic shift confused many players and led to mixed reactions.
The game currently lacks a robust tutorial, has balance issues with monster difficulty, and suffers from multiplayer instability and various bugs. Despite these issues, the developers have been praised for their responsiveness and frequent updates. Players enjoy the art style, crafting system, and variety of monsters. However, many express frustration over the game's unfinished state, missing features, and perceived abandonment as the devs focus on other projects. Overall, ScrewUp offers some fun moments for a low price but remains a work in progress with uncertain future direction.
Highlights
Players appreciate the game's art style and animations, describing the terrain as sumptuous and the crafting as enjoyable without unnecessary complexity.
The variety of monsters and combat options, including axes, hammers, bows, and firearms, add depth to gameplay.
The character progression system allows players to customize their strengths, enhancing survival and combat.
Some reviewers note the game’s potential and addictive qualities, especially given its low price point.
Developer responsiveness to feedback and quick hotfixes are also highlighted positively.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the lack of tutorial, guidance, and story, leaving new players confused about objectives.
The difficulty balance is poor, with early enemies (like fairies) being disproportionately strong and frustrating.
Multiplayer is reported as unstable or unplayable, with issues like inability to rejoin sessions, freezing, and no party system.
Several players feel the game was abandoned or development halted, especially after a major overhaul that removed popular features.
Other issues include bugs causing loss of progress, clunky controls, missing features (e.g., no gender choice), and confusing crafting/resource mechanics.
Pros
- • The art style features rich and attractive terrain visuals.
- • Crafting system is fun and streamlined without unnecessary complexity.
- • Varied combat options include melee and ranged weapons.
- • Character progression allows customization to suit playstyle.
- • Developers respond quickly to player feedback and fix issues.
- • The game provides a decent amount of content for its low price.
- • Monsters are diverse and colorful, adding interest to encounters.
Cons
- • Major overhaul changed core gameplay and alienated early fans.
- • No tutorial or guidance makes initial gameplay confusing.
- • Difficulty balance is poor; early enemies can be overpowering.
- • Multiplayer is buggy, unstable, and often unplayable.
- • Progress loss on death due to inability to loot bodies.
- • Frequent bugs and glitches reduce playability and enjoyment.
- • Lack of story or meaningful quest progression.
Rating Criteria
Screwup 1.0 The update includes new features such as a new combat system, official server system, exploring new islands by ship, NPC trading, and rare item trading. There are also new hunting and pet systems, as well as many other features that will be added in future updates.