This is Niche Spotlight. In this column, we regularly introduce new games to our fans, so please leave feedback and let us know if there’s a game you want us to cover!
Today’s Spotlight is Void Bastards, a new sci-fi FPS by Blue Manchu and Humble Bundle.
Void Bastards is inspired by System Shock 2 and BioShock, and even features a few devs that worked on those games. Lead your ragtag band of prisoners through the Sargasso Nebula. Explore derelict vessels to scavenge for supplies and crafting material, avoid massive space whales, and escape ruthless space pirates.
Death is permeant, however you will keep your crafting and supplies progress and will have the chance to recruit a new prisoner to continue with the story. You can check out the launch trailer above.
Void Bastards is available on Windows PC, Mac (both via Steam and the Humble Store), and Xbox One for $29.99.
Here’s a rundown of the game:
Forget everything you know about first-person shooters: Void Bastards asks you to take charge, not just point your gun and fire. Your task is to lead the rag-tag Void Bastards out of the Sargasso Nebula. You make the decisions: where to go, what to do and who to fight. And then you must carry out that strategy in the face of strange and terrible enemies.
On board derelict spaceships you’ll plan your mission, taking note of the ship layout, what hazards and enemies you might encounter and what terminals and other ship systems you can use to your advantage..
Move carefully through the dangerous ships, searching for supplies and manipulating control systems. React to what you find – will you detour to the generator to bring the power back online or will you fight your way into the security module to disable the ship’s defenses? Choose carefully when to fight, when to run and when just to be a bastard.
Use your hard won supplies to improvise tools and weapons, from the distracting robo-kitty to the horribly unstable clusterflak.
Navigate your tiny escape pod through the vast nebula. Flee from void whales and pirates, and politely avoid the hungry hermits. All the while you must keep scavenging for the food, fuel, and other resources that keep you alive.
Void Bastards features a 12-15 hour campaign that you can complete with an endless supply of prisoners, each with their own unique traits. When one dies, another steps forward to carry on the fight. Don’t worry though, as any crafting progress you’ve made is retained from one to another.
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