Uncrewed

Developer : Quite Different Mechanics
Released:
Platforms :
Action
Simulation
Strategy
Uncrewed Poster

" Innovative RTS with physics-based unit design and diverse combat, but clunky interface and AI flaws "

Uncrewed Review

Uncrewed is a unique RTS game that allows players to fully design and customize their own units using a modular building system governed by physics. The gameplay combines classic RTS elements with an innovative unit construction mechanic, offering a challenging and creative experience. Players appreciate the depth of customization, including building land, air, sea, and undersea units, and the ability to experiment with various weapon and propulsion systems.

Despite its potential and engaging core mechanics, the game suffers from several issues. The graphics are considered outdated and simplistic, and the UI and building process can be clunky and slow, though recent updates have improved these aspects. The AI is often criticized for being overpowered and unfair, and the campaign and multiplayer modes feel limited and sometimes unbalanced. Additionally, the game has been abandoned by the developers with infrequent updates, leading to a dwindling player base and a lack of community support.

Overall, Uncrewed is praised for its innovative unit design and physics-based gameplay but hampered by technical shortcomings, balance issues, and a lack of ongoing developer support.

Highlights

Players praise the innovative unit design system that lets them build fully customized vehicles with physics-based behavior.

The game offers diverse unit types including land, air, sea, and undersea bots, enhancing strategic variety.

Its stable performance and smooth framerate even with complex custom units is appreciated.

The campaign provides a decent single-player experience with motivating tech unlocks, and the workshop integration allows sharing creative designs.

Many highlight the game's strategic depth and replayability stemming from the open-ended building and tactical combat.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the clunky and slow unit building interface, which can be tedious and unintuitive despite recent improvements.

The AI is often described as overpowered and unfair, with cheating resource advantages and poor pathfinding leading to frustrating gameplay.

Players also note the lack of multiplayer activity due to a small player base and no matchmaking systems.

The graphics are seen as outdated and simplistic, and the sound design is considered dull.

Resource scarcity and repair costs can stall gameplay, and the campaign is viewed as short with limited story depth.

Finally, the game's abandonment by developers and infrequent updates diminish its long-term appeal.

Pros

  • Innovative physics-based unit design system offers deep customization options.
  • Supports land, air, sea, and undersea units for diverse combat strategies.
  • Stable performance with smooth framerate even during complex battles.
  • Campaign mode provides engaging challenges and tech unlock progression.
  • Workshop integration enables sharing and downloading custom units and maps.
  • Unit building improvements in recent updates streamline the design process.
  • Sandbox mode allows thorough testing and experimentation with creations.

Cons

  • Unit building interface remains clunky and slow despite improvements.
  • AI cheats with infinite resources and has poor pathfinding behavior.
  • Multiplayer suffers from a very small player base and no matchmaking.
  • Graphics are outdated and simplistic, lacking visual polish.
  • Sound design is dull and repetitive, detracting from immersion.
  • Resource management can stall gameplay due to repair and resupply costs.
  • Campaign is short, with limited story and abrupt difficulty spikes.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price

Uncrewed is a real-time strategy game with the ability to design units from scratch. Unlike in more traditional RTS, units obey the laws of physics, making design choices especially important.

Release Date Mar 26th 2020
Publisher Quite Different Mechanics
Developer Quite Different Mechanics
Required Age 0+
Platforms
Innovative
Customizable
Physics-based
Clunky
Abandoned

User Reviews

Mixed (112)
70% Positive 30% Negative