Stormworks: Build and Rescue

Developer: Geometa
Release: Sep 17th 2020
Platforms:
Simulation
Creative
Addictive
Buggy
Laggy
Complex
Stormworks: Build and Rescue Poster

" Detailed simulation with extensive vehicle building and physics but steep learning curve and bugs "

Stormworks: Build and Rescue Review

Stormworks: Build and Rescue is a sandbox engineering game centered around creating and piloting vehicles to complete rescue missions. Players praise its deep building mechanics that allow for intricate designs involving physics, automation, and Lua programming. The extensive Steam Workshop content adds immense creative freedom, enabling players to build everything from simple boats to complex multi-vehicle systems. The game's longevity is supported by continuous updates and an active modding community.

However, many users find the game challenging to learn due to a steep learning curve and inadequate tutorial support. Performance and optimization issues, especially in multiplayer, frequently cause lag and glitches, diminishing the experience. Some criticize the developers for focusing on paid DLCs over core gameplay improvements. Despite these flaws, the game remains highly recommended for players who enjoy engineering, creativity, and sandbox exploration, particularly when played solo or with friends.

Highlights

Players highly praise the game's complex and rewarding building mechanics, allowing for realistic physics-based vehicles and creative engineering solutions. The varied vehicle types including boats, planes, and helicopters, combined with the ability to automate functions, create a compelling gameplay loop. The graphics and water physics receive positive remarks for immersion, alongside the rich mission variety and the vibrant Steam Workshop community that offers countless player-made creations.

The game's sandbox freedom and continuous updates keep it fresh and engaging for long play sessions.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the steep learning curve and lack of a comprehensive tutorial, which can frustrate newcomers. Performance issues such as lag, low framerates, and physics glitches especially in multiplayer, are frequently reported. Players also express disappointment with the developers' prioritization of paid DLC over fixing core bugs and improving optimization. Some find the missions repetitive and feel the game lacks a cohesive career mode or engaging story. Additionally, the sound design, particularly engine noises, is noted as detracting from immersion.

Pros

  • Extensive and detailed vehicle building mechanics with realistic physics simulation.
  • Large and active modding community with a vast Steam Workshop content library.
  • Continuous updates adding quality of life improvements and new features.
  • Supports creative freedom to build everything from simple to complex vehicles.
  • Engaging sandbox gameplay with diverse mission types and scenarios.
  • Good graphics and immersive water and weather effects.
  • Multiplayer mode allows cooperative play with friends.

Cons

  • Steep learning curve with insufficient tutorials for new players.
  • Performance issues including lag, low framerates, and physics glitches.
  • Multiplayer is often unstable and suffers from desync and lag.
  • Developers focus more on paid DLC than fixing core bugs and optimization.
  • Repetitive and shallow mission design with lack of engaging story.
  • Sound design is sometimes jarring and immersion-breaking.
  • Some players find the game overwhelming without prior engineering knowledge.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Join a world where you design, create and pilot your own air sea rescue service. Release your inner hero as you battle fierce storms out at sea to rescue those in need.

Release Date Sep 17th 2020
Publisher Geometa
Developer Geometa
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (36,488)
91% Positive 9% Negative