PGC NEWS

Industria, a first-person shooter developed by Bleakmill, a German studio backed by Epic Games’ Megagrants program, promises a Half-Life 2-esque experience. With the power of Unreal Engine 4 behind it, the game boasts impressive visuals and a captivating setting. But does it live up to the hype?

A Journey into the Unknown

The game opens in Berlin, on the brink of the German reunification. You play as Nora, a scientist whose colleague, Walter, frantically calls her, fearing repercussions for his actions. Moments later, an earthquake shakes the ground, and a police car races towards their research facility. Thus begins your journey into the mysterious world of Industria.

This opening sets the tone for a narrative steeped in mystery. You’re transported to an alternate reality, a deserted city reminiscent of 19th-century Europe. Grand avenues, ornate houses, and narrow alleyways paint a picture of a once-thriving metropolis.

A deserted street in Industria

However, this beauty is tinged with an eerie silence and decay. Overgrown vegetation and strange, colossal machines dot the landscape, like tumors on a dying body. The Unreal Engine 4 shines here, with detailed environments and modern ray tracing technology creating a truly immersive and atmospheric experience.

Industria's environment

This visual splendor enhances Nora’s story, which unfolds gradually throughout the game. Initially shrouded in secrecy, the narrative eventually delves into themes of love and human values amidst the tumultuous backdrop of a changing world. It’s a compelling narrative that will keep players engaged.

A screenshot from Industria

Where Industria Falls Short

While the story and graphics are impressive, Industria’s gameplay suffers from several significant flaws. The primary issue lies in its uncertain identity. The game seems torn between being a survival horror experience and a fast-paced action shooter in the vein of Half-Life 2.

Early on, there are genuinely tense moments. Enemies lurk in the shadows, their creaking sounds echoing through the silent city. This creates a palpable sense of dread.

Industria's enemies

However, this atmosphere dissipates quickly. Within an hour, Nora is armed to the teeth, carrying up to four weapons simultaneously. Abundant ammunition and pinpoint accuracy render the once-frightening enemies trivial. Their slow movement and poor AI, often leading them to get stuck in the environment, further diminish the challenge.

Nora with weapons

The weapon design also feels inconsistent. The initial pistol is slow and cumbersome, hinting at a survival horror focus. Yet, shortly after, you acquire a powerful shotgun that transforms Nora into a killing machine. Its low recoil, fast reload, and high damage output feel out of place with the earlier survival horror elements. This trend continues with subsequent weapons, further undermining the game’s intended tone.

Nora with a shotgun

These gameplay issues, coupled with technical problems like frame rate drops and visual glitches, detract significantly from the overall experience.

Conclusion

Industria offers a captivating world and a compelling narrative, brought to life by stunning visuals powered by Unreal Engine 4. Unfortunately, its inconsistent gameplay and technical shortcomings prevent it from reaching its full potential. While the initial atmosphere and intriguing story draw you in, the unbalanced combat and technical issues ultimately hold the experience back.