Raft

Developer: Redbeet Interactive
Release: Jun 20th 2022
Platforms:
Adventure
Indie
Simulation
Addictive
Creative
Relaxing
Grindy
Punishing
Raft Poster

" Engaging adventure simulation with cooperative raft-building but grindy resource management "

Raft Review

Raft is a survival crafting game set in an endless ocean where players start with minimal resources and gradually build an expansive floating base. The gameplay loop involves collecting debris, managing hunger and thirst, upgrading the raft, and exploring uniquely themed islands with puzzles and storyline elements. Many players find the cooperative multiplayer mode to significantly enhance the experience, making resource gathering and survival more engaging. The game features a charming, stylized art style with functional graphics and a relaxing ambiance, though some animations and sound design aspects feel basic or janky. Despite its strengths, Raft struggles with grindy resource management, repetitive island designs, and a harsh death penalty that frustrates solo players. Bugs and occasional glitches, especially in multiplayer, are reported but generally not game-breaking. Overall, Raft offers a creative and rewarding survival experience, particularly for those who enjoy cooperative play and base building, but it may feel tedious or unpolished for solo players or those seeking deeper combat or storytelling.

Highlights

Players praise Raft's engaging cooperative gameplay and creative raft-building mechanics, which allow for personalization and strategic upgrades. The game's stylized graphics and dynamic water effects contribute to a relaxing yet immersive atmosphere. Exploration of themed islands with puzzles adds variety and narrative depth, providing goals beyond survival. The progression system, including automation and raft enhancements, is well-received for adding meaningful advancement. Many appreciate the game's accessibility for beginners and the relaxing vibe it offers, making it a standout survival title for casual and social play.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game's grind-heavy resource management and repetitive gameplay loop, which can become tedious, especially in solo play. The harsh death penalty, causing significant inventory loss, is seen as punishing and discouraging. Some players find the combat and enemy AI simplistic and unengaging. Building mechanics are limited by fixed placements and occasional bugs, while the story and lore are considered shallow or fragmented. Technical issues such as glitches, soft locks, and multiplayer connectivity problems also detract from the experience. Overall, the game feels unpolished in areas like animations, sound design, and UI interactions.

Pros

  • Cooperative multiplayer greatly enhances gameplay and enjoyment.
  • Creative raft-building system allows for personalized bases.
  • Exploration of uniquely themed islands with puzzles adds variety.
  • Stylized graphics and dynamic water effects create a relaxing atmosphere.
  • Progression and automation systems provide meaningful advancement.
  • Accessible for beginners and casual survival fans.
  • Engaging resource gathering and crafting mechanics.

Cons

  • Resource management can become grindy and repetitive over time.
  • Harsh death penalty discourages solo play and exploration.
  • Combat and enemy AI are simplistic and sometimes frustrating.
  • Building system limited by fixed placements and occasional bugs.
  • Story and lore feel shallow and fragmented.
  • Technical issues include glitches, soft locks, and multiplayer bugs.
  • Animations and sound design are basic and sometimes janky.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Raft™ throws you and your friends into an epic oceanic adventure! Alone or together, players battle to survive a perilous voyage across a vast sea! Gather debris, scavenge reefs and build your own floating home, but be wary of the man-eating sharks!

Release Date Jun 20th 2022
Publisher Axolot Games
Developer Redbeet Interactive
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (121,128)
94% Positive 6% Negative