PGC NEWS

Endling – Extinction is Forever, an indie game developed by Herobeat Studios, offers a unique and heartbreaking perspective on environmental destruction and its impact on wildlife. Released alongside the highly anticipated Stray, Endling might have been initially overlooked, but it presents a powerful message worth exploring. This review delves into the game’s strengths and weaknesses, exploring its narrative, gameplay, and technical aspects.

A Mother’s Struggle

Endling – Review

Endling – Extinction is Forever tackles the pressing issue of environmental pollution and its devastating effects on the natural world. The game tells the poignant story of a mother fox and her cubs struggling to survive in a world ravaged by human activity. While devoid of dialogue, the narrative is emotionally resonant, conveying the desperation and resilience of a family fighting for survival. The game masterfully uses visual storytelling and environmental cues to communicate its message, highlighting the beauty of nature alongside the destructive consequences of human actions.

The game’s narrative unfolds through main and optional side stories. These side stories, easily missed if players don’t thoroughly explore the environment, add depth and complexity to the overall experience. Discovering these hidden narratives reveals a richer understanding of the game’s world and the struggles faced by its inhabitants.

A World in Decay

The game’s environments are diverse and well-utilized, evolving over time to reflect the ongoing environmental destruction. The impact of weather, such as rain, storms, and snow, further enhances the immersive experience and underscores the harsh realities of the world. These dynamic environments not only create a visually stunning backdrop but also contribute to the game’s sense of urgency and danger.

Endling – Review

Visually, Endling – Extinction is Forever adopts a minimalist art style reminiscent of games like ROKI and INSIDE. This approach emphasizes the beauty of simplicity, with carefully crafted environments and a striking color palette. The animation of the fox and her cubs is particularly noteworthy, capturing their vulnerability and endearing qualities. The developers have also paid close attention to the animation of other animals and NPCs, creating a believable and dynamic world.

The game’s sound design is equally impressive, enhancing the atmosphere and emotional impact. The ambient sounds and music create a sense of tension, especially during nighttime when predators lurk. The combination of visuals and sound design creates a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

The Fight for Survival

Endling – Review

As a survival game, Endling – Extinction is Forever focuses on scavenging for food, exploring the environment, and evading hunters and predators. The game world is relatively open, offering multiple paths and hidden areas that unlock as the story progresses. Players must use the fox’s sense of smell to find food for her cubs, with this ability gradually improving as they explore new areas.

Unlike many survival games with skill trees, Endling’s progression system is more organic. The cubs’ abilities are unlocked randomly or through player choices and exploration, adding an element of unpredictability to the gameplay. These skills primarily aid in finding food, crucial for survival, especially during the dangerous nighttime hours.

The game’s day-night cycle adds another layer of challenge. During the day, players can explore relatively safely. However, at night, hunters and predators emerge, making survival significantly more difficult. The time passes quickly, and food consumption increases during the night, adding pressure to the player’s decisions.

Endling – Review

As the game progresses, traps become more prevalent, and hunters employ increasingly sophisticated tactics, further intensifying the struggle for survival. Being caught results in restarting the day, forcing players to learn from their mistakes and adapt their strategies. Thankfully, the game provides shortcuts and hiding spots, allowing players to outsmart their pursuers and escape dangerous situations.

Technical Hiccups

Endling – Review

Despite its artistic merits, Endling – Extinction is Forever suffers from several technical issues that detract from the overall experience. Screen tearing is a recurring problem, even with V-sync enabled or lowered graphical settings. Furthermore, the game’s 2D side-scrolling movement within a 3D environment can lead to frustrating instances of getting stuck in corners or objects. These issues, while not constant, occur frequently enough to disrupt the flow of gameplay.

Endling – Review

The AI of the hunters also presents some inconsistencies. While they can pursue the player and navigate small slopes, they struggle with larger drops, often losing track of the fox if she jumps down a steep incline. This can diminish the sense of danger and challenge intended by the gameplay.

Conclusion

Endling – Extinction is Forever is a powerful and moving experience that sheds light on the devastating consequences of environmental destruction. While hampered by some technical shortcomings and AI inconsistencies, the game’s compelling narrative, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay make it a worthwhile experience. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of conservation and the fragility of life in a world increasingly impacted by human activity.