Oxygen Not Included: A Challenging yet Rewarding Base-Builder Game

As I delved into Oxygen Not Included (ONI), I was immediately struck by its unique blend of humor and complexity. Developed by Klei Entertainment, the same team behind Don't Starve, ONI is a 2D base-builder that tasks players with managing a group of duplicants on an alien world. In this review, we'll explore what makes ONI such a compelling game and whether it's worth your time.

The first thing that caught my attention was the duplicants themselves. These little creatures have their own stats and traits, similar to colonists in RimWorld, which adds a layer of depth to the gameplay. As you assign jobs to them, they go about working as they see fit, making for an entertaining experience. You'll also receive new duplicants every three days or so, giving you opportunities to experiment with different combinations.

One of the most challenging aspects of ONI is managing resources. The game takes place on a hostile alien planet where oxygen, water, and vacuum pockets are scattered throughout. You'll need to build machines that can extract these resources from the environment, all while avoiding deadly gas pockets. This requires careful planning and strategic thinking, as one wrong move could spell disaster for your duplicants.

The game's tech tree is also worth mentioning. At first, you'll have limited options, but as you progress, you'll unlock new buildings, machines, and research opportunities. The research bench is a crucial component of the game, allowing you to improve your duplicants' skills and create new technologies.

Visually, ONI has a charming aesthetic that's reminiscent of Don't Starve. The 2D graphics are colorful and engaging, making it easy to get lost in the world. The sound effects and music also add to the game's charm, creating an immersive experience.

While ONI is still an incomplete game, it shows tremendous promise. The complexity of the gameplay is already impressive, and I'm excited to see how the developers will continue to refine the experience. With a strong focus on base-building and resource management, ONI has the potential to become one of my favorite games in this genre.

Overall, Oxygen Not Included is a challenging yet rewarding game that's perfect for fans of base-builders like Craft the World. If you're looking for a new gaming challenge, ONI is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for some frustrating moments as you navigate the dangers of an alien planet!

Oxygen not included review