For those who like co-op games, they can count on many games that can be interesting. Today we are going to talk about Red Solstice 2: Survivors which just released on Steam a few days ago. I was won over by the demo that I had in my hands some time ago, but which did not show its full potential, because only two missions and a skirmish were available. Here is my test on PC...
Graphics & atmosphere
The game runs at home with a Stryx G17 laptop without any problems at maximum quality, except for a few annoying little slowdowns since the last patch. Graphically, the game is not doing too badly. Whether in terms of effects, creatures or even the map, it's quite pleasant and works well enough whether in cities or lost complexes in the swamps. Small extra point for the infestation which is gradually spreading with the increase in biomass on the map. However, the interactions with the bitumen exploding in the streets where it is possible is a bit "basic" and looks a bit strange in the table.
The soundtrack is really good and pulses enough to motivate the player during his outings in more than hostile territories, especially since it is accompanied by the sounds of weapons and the howls of creatures that come to attack you.
History
After wanting to destroy the infestation on Mars, at the cost of many lives and resources, with an orbital cannon, you set off again from afar to save the human species and the areas that survive against the STROL virus. This virus, presented in Red Solstice first of the name, manufactures mutants with all your might and spreads, you will have to fight it with all the weapons at your disposal and with the few allies who will present themselves.
My opinion: The scenario is quite understandable to understand and offers simple and powerful content. The different interactions between the characters that we meet and the choices that will be made reflect very well what would happen if we were really in this situation in our good old reality. But I have to say that some points are still covered, even if you shouldn't expect something very substantial either. Most of the information will be in the archives (quickly accessible at the top right) and will be sufficiently detailed to satisfy the most curious.
Gameplay
The game is divided into two equally important phases: the management phase and the deployment phase, which are interdependent.
Management
As you go, you will unlock many areas with more and more missions that will have impacts on the ongoing infestation. Doing all the missions is impossible and you will have to choose wisely what will bring you the most bonuses with the minimum loss. You will not have the luxury of counting too many defeats, otherwise you will have to use the cannon again which will reduce the infestation to a minimum by causing too heavy losses knowing that a large part of the missions will be limited in time.
To help you, you will have research unlocking tactical advantages and new equipment and classes for your main character. You will be able to unlock the 6 classes available in the game: assault, medic, heavy support, demolisher, recon and sniper. In addition to this, you will be able to unlock equipment with which you can equip your character before the mission, or simply on its customization screen. This will cost you supplies which are harvestable either by completing missions, both with outposts, or by doing area research. All of this will help you hone yourself so you don't die in the next phase: deployment.
Implementation
It's time to go to the planet, and for that, prepare your equipment, your team (3 AI-led henchmen) and the conditions of your mission. To do this, you can modulate the arrival of the horde, with certain improvements the artillery strikes lower the life of the enemies. This will increase or decrease the cost of deployment which will be renewed at regular intervals and will therefore allow you to manage the number of missions you can chain. You can also equip objects to help you, such as capture traps, or even additional chargers which will not be a luxury given the maddening number of enemies you will encounter.
Once on the planet, you will be able to achieve your main objective and will have the choice between rushing to limit the arrival of the horde, or meticulously searching each building in the hope of finding something to survive the challenges that await you. Because, in addition to the main objective, you will have secondary quests that can arise and will sometimes be terribly tense. Some may even complicate your task such as artillery fire that will pound your position until it is deactivated. Sometimes the infestation will be so intense that it will generate biomass that will boost the creatures and change the appearance of the terrain, while attacking you with tentacles coming out of the ground if you get a little too close.
Although many gadgets make it possible to limit this effect, it will be necessary either to plan to have some, or to eradicate these very resistant nodules before it spreads too much. In any case, once the main objective is reached, either you can reach the evacuation point, or you can go through one of the exits of the city which will be available until wave 15. You will have many interactions to help you on your way: using gas pipes to create walls of fire or blowing up a street, activating energy relays to open solid doors, or even stabilizers that temporarily grant you shields.
Characters, Talent Tree and Skirmish
Your character is customizable in its class, weapons, skills or accessories. You can be customized to truly reflect what you want to play in this brutal world. Personally, I did heavy support with gunnery drones, a passive zone that increases allies and weakens enemies, and ammo that is generated with energy, which is very useful in several situations that will require have increased firepower while supporting teammates.
A talent tree is available and will offer to place points to gain interesting abilities for you, or for your whole squad over the course of the game. Similarly, a "skirmish" game mode will be available to do quick missions and will offer you more of choice depending on what you have unlocked during the main campaign. As well as the talent tree which will also be present...
Summary
Red Solstice 2: Survivors is a game with great potential that can allow you to play with up to 7 friends. Far from being faultless, it nevertheless has undeniable qualities and requires constant reflection to get out of it. The story, especially developed through documents, is well served by an efficient and quick to learn gameplay, as well as a more than correct artistic direction. For fans of the genre, this game can be a good find that will undoubtedly delight them... but for others, you will have to be careful!
