Oxygen Not Included
" Deep space-colony simulation with complex systems and physics-based automation but steep learning curve "
Oxygen Not Included Review
Oxygen Not Included (ONI) is a uniquely complex and deeply engaging colony simulation game that challenges players to manage intricate systems such as oxygen diffusion, temperature, plumbing, and resource scarcity on a subterranean asteroid. The game combines charming 2D art with sophisticated mechanics including thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and automation, creating an engineering playground that appeals strongly to systems thinkers and problem solvers.
Players praise ONI for its unparalleled depth and replayability, with randomized maps and diverse strategies ensuring no two colonies are alike. The difficulty is high, with a steep learning curve that rewards experimentation, trial-and-error, and mastery of complex interactions. Despite its punishing early game and occasional performance issues in late stages, many find the satisfaction of building a thriving colony immensely rewarding.
However, the game’s minimal hand-holding and reliance on external guides can frustrate newcomers. Some players criticize the slow progression, arbitrary tech gating, and occasional bugs or exploits needed for optimal play. Still, ONI remains a standout title for fans of challenging, systems-driven management sims.
Highlights
Players consistently praise ONI's deep and intricate gameplay mechanics, especially its realistic simulation of gases, liquids, and temperature.
The charming and expressive 2D graphics and animations add personality and humor to the challenging gameplay.
The game’s randomized asteroids and diverse biomes provide endless replayability, encouraging creative problem-solving and experimentation.
Many appreciate the game’s balance of complexity and accessibility, with helpful in-game tooltips and a strong community and wiki support.
ONI is highly recommended for fans of colony sims, automation, and engineering puzzles.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include a steep and punishing learning curve that can overwhelm new players due to minimal in-game guidance.
Several players find early and mid-game progression slow and stressful, often requiring multiple restarts.
Performance issues arise in large, late-game colonies, with frame rate drops impacting gameplay.
Some mechanics and tech tree requirements feel arbitrary or poorly explained, forcing reliance on external guides and exploitative strategies.
Controls, especially on non-PC platforms, and lack of controller support have been noted as drawbacks.
Pros
- • Exceptionally deep and rewarding simulation of complex systems and processes.
- • Charming 2D art style with expressive animations and humor.
- • High replayability with randomized maps and diverse biomes.
- • Strong community support and comprehensive external resources.
- • Engaging problem-solving and engineering challenges.
- • Flexible pacing allowing players to learn at their own speed.
- • Unique blend of colony sim and physics-based automation.
Cons
- • Steep learning curve with minimal in-game tutorials or hand-holding.
- • Early game can feel punishing and slow, leading to frequent restarts.
- • Performance issues and lag in large, late-game colonies.
- • Some tech tree progressions feel arbitrary and unintuitive.
- • Heavy reliance on external guides and videos to optimize play.
- • Controls can be clunky, especially without proper controller support.
- • Occasional bugs and exploits necessary for efficient builds.
Rating Criteria
Oxygen Not Included is a space-colony simulation game. Deep inside an alien space rock your industrious crew will need to master science, overcome strange new lifeforms, and harness incredible space tech to survive, and possibly, thrive.
