DAMex : DArk Matter Exodus

The era of AI slop in indie gaming has arrived. --- Note: Game was received (free) through curator connect (which requests curators to review) I would like to think I can be forgiving when it comes to indie developers. If they put in effort and are honest about the results, I've given some passing grades to functional games even if they aren't masterpieces as long as the results are somewhat fun and the price isn't obnoxious. I've seen other comments that the game is a "work in progress" but there's a problem with that statement: This isn't an Early Access title. As I review this, it's marked as a fully released game and will be judged as such. If you want a game judged as still in development: then the store page should be marked clearly as Early Access, still in development. So with those notes written, I'll simply judge the game on its merits or lack there of. The positives: The framework for a functional game is sort of there. Unfortunately anyone with a weekend to learn and access to YouTube could build something sort of functional using Unreal Editor and off the shelf asset store packs. So it's not exactly high praise to cobble together something sort of functional. In fa…

Runs ok on the Steam Deck on low settings. The game needs a lot of work though. Using the drone pet/companion as your gun doesn't feel good at all. Having to choose between melee or drone shooting shouldn't be a thing. To fix these issues I would suggest making the drone an autoffire low attack helper while you fight with melee and skills. I wish they had a sideways thumb for Meh! Currently I can't recommend it but a shell of something with potential is here still it just needs some time to cook. https://youtu.be/6YqLdZSZJzI?is=BnmpX13XNAAF6k01

Going to recommend this, even though just a short time played so far. It's definitely a work in progress, but it does have promise. It has an "Arc Raiders" vibe to it with a couple of the mob types like the Spider Bot at the timer countdown, or the "rocketeer" type mobs. To call it a "shooter" seems a bit deceptive in a way. You do use your drone to shoot, but you use melee for those up close and personal times. You upgrade your drones guns and you upgrade your blades. It seems to work well. The game also tends to remind me of "The Talos Principle" where you're a robot trying to find ways our of various mazes by interacting with doors/puzzles. While there aren't any puzzles, you do get to look around for the door unlocks. Leads to some exploration opportunities. Speaking of exploration opportunities, the map sizes I've encountered so far have been large enough for the time allowed before you have some very unfriendly company arrive, but it feels almost too small and "linear" in the level designs. Though again, it works with how the game plays, so it's just something I'll get used to. It's better than having a huge map for solo play that you can barely explore before a time…