It’s safe to say that everything ending is a core idea that a LOT of games have been built around; from alien invasions to endless war…we have seen the idea played out time and time again. Barcelona-based Herobeat Studios have also by the looks of it too, having decided to shake things up a bit with a really interesting spin on the age old story for their latest game Endling – Extinction is Forever.
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Where the world is indeed ending, but you are seeing everything unfold through the eyes of a fox that has to survive a world ravaged by mankind, all the time trying to keep her skulk of kits alive.
An Allegory
As you fight day to day for food, you quickly discover how destructive the human race are as their goals are simple – corruption, pollution, and exploitation of what’s left in terms of valuable resources in the natural environment.
But this is just the background, as the core tale of the game is all about family and how far you are willing to go and what you will sacrifice for them. As early into the game a trapper steals one of your kits, which sees you having to hunt to find it again.
Endling – Extinction is Forever is a compelling tale. A real surprise given that there isn’t a spoken word, throughout its running time. Though beware, happy endings are far from guaranteed by the time credits roll.
Substance in Style
Gameplay is all about exploring a 2.5D side-scrolling world, where you move on one plane with the option to change paths every so often.
And though the game is a survival title, the only core mechanics you have to manage is finding food and getting sleep.
Oh, and keeping your kits in one piece, because wherever you go they will follow. Even if that is head long into danger – which brings in a real gut punch mechanic, as you can and often will lose one of your youngsters, as the world deteriorates around you and resources become ever more scarce.
These are extremely emotional moments that really do leave a mark on you and will even bring a tear to the most hardcore gamer.
But keep the group together and as they grow they learn new skills that will help you find more food or reach new areas in the small, but detailed open area you are exploring.
Style with Substance
Visually, the game is striking and stunning in equal measures and uses its camera system extremely well, to tell a tale much grander than a mother searching for her kid.
With there being no voice audio, it’s up to the soundtrack to do a lot of heavy lifting in terms of mood and tone and across its brief tale, it does an outstanding job at doing that.
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Endling – Extinction is Forever is a short, but truly lasting title. That has real impact while giving a new perspective on an age old tale, which will ultimately make you smile and cry in equal measures.