Oxygen Not Included! A Hilarious Look at Colonizing an Alien Asteroid

blog 2025-01-06 0Browse 0
Oxygen Not Included! A Hilarious Look at Colonizing an Alien Asteroid

Survival games are all the rage these days, and with good reason! They offer a unique blend of challenge, creativity, and satisfaction that few other genres can match. You start with nothing, sometimes literally, and through careful planning, resource management, and a touch of luck, build something truly remarkable. But today, we’re diving deep into the quirky and compelling world of “Oxygen Not Included,” a game that will have you laughing one minute and desperately troubleshooting oxygen shortages the next.

Imagine this: You’ve been tasked with leading a team of Duplicants (adorable little spacefaring clones) to colonize an asteroid teeming with bizarre lifeforms, volatile resources, and enough challenges to make even the most seasoned explorer sweat. That’s “Oxygen Not Included” in a nutshell. It’s a complex simulation where every detail matters, from the temperature of your base to the delicate balance of gasses needed to keep your Duplicants breathing (hence the name!).

But before we delve into the nitty-gritty, let’s address the elephant in the room: this game is hard! It’s not for the faint of heart or those who prefer a more hand-holdy experience. “Oxygen Not Included” throws you headfirst into its intricate systems and expects you to figure things out.

The Duplicants: Quirky Personalities with Unique Skills

One of the things that makes “Oxygen Not Included” so charming is the cast of Duplicants themselves. Each one boasts a unique personality, quirks, and even skills that can affect their performance. Some are natural builders, while others excel at research or farming. Getting to know your Duplicants and assigning them roles based on their strengths adds another layer of depth to the gameplay.

Want to send your strongest Duplicant on a dangerous mining expedition? Go for it! Need someone with high dexterity to handle delicate machinery? You’ve got the perfect Duplicant for that too.

The interplay between their personalities can lead to hilarious situations, especially when they get stressed or unhappy (and trust me, they will get stressed and unhappy!). Managing their morale is crucial, as a depressed Duplicant is less likely to be productive (they might even start a temper tantrum!).

Building Your Underground Paradise: Challenges Galore!

“Oxygen Not Included” takes place almost entirely underground, which means you’ll be carving out your base within the asteroid itself. This involves digging tunnels, constructing rooms, and setting up complex systems for everything from power generation to waste management.

Here’s where the real fun begins. The game doesn’t hold your hand, so you need to figure out how to efficiently manage resources, maintain a breathable atmosphere, and keep your Duplicants fed, watered, and entertained (yes, they need entertainment too!).

Let’s break down some of the key systems you’ll need to master:

  • Oxygen and Gas Management: This is probably the most critical aspect of the game. Oxygen is finite, and you need to find ways to generate it while managing other gasses like carbon dioxide and methane that can be toxic in large quantities. You’ll be building oxygen diffusers, electrolyzers, and even elaborate algae farms to keep your Duplicants breathing easy.
  • Power Generation: You’ll need a constant supply of power to run everything from lights to machinery. Early game options include coal generators and natural gas geysers, but as you progress, you can unlock more advanced technologies like solar panels and steam turbines.
  • Water and Food Production: Keeping your Duplicants hydrated and well-fed is crucial for their survival and productivity. You’ll need to build water pumps and purifiers, set up farms (don’t underestimate the power of a good ol’ mushroom farm!), and potentially even raise livestock.

Research and Exploration: Unveiling the Mysteries of the Asteroid

“Oxygen Not Included” isn’t just about surviving; it’s also about exploring and discovering new technologies that will allow you to thrive.

Through your research lab, you can unlock blueprints for new buildings, tools, and even advanced life support systems.

The asteroid itself is a fascinating place to explore, filled with bizarre biomes, alien creatures, and hidden resources. You’ll need to send out exploration teams equipped with mapping tools and scanning devices to uncover the secrets of your surroundings.

Modding Community: Breathing New Life into the Game

One of the best things about “Oxygen Not Included” is its vibrant modding community. Players have created thousands of mods that add new content, features, challenges, and even entirely new gameplay experiences.

Whether you’re looking for a more difficult challenge, unique building blocks, or just want to spice things up with a new cosmetic overhaul, there’s likely a mod out there for you.

Why You Should Play “Oxygen Not Included”

  • Challenging and Rewarding: “Oxygen Not Included” will test your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to adapt to unexpected situations.
  • Deep and Engaging Gameplay Loop: The constant need to balance resources, manage Duplicant needs, and explore new technologies makes for a truly captivating gameplay experience.
  • Unique Visual Style and Humor:

The game’s charming art style and quirky humor make it both enjoyable and accessible, even amidst its complexity.

  • Active Modding Community: With a massive library of user-created mods, “Oxygen Not Included” offers endless replayability and opportunities for customization.

If you’re looking for a survival game that’s truly unlike anything else out there, look no further than “Oxygen Not Included.” It’s a complex, challenging, and ultimately rewarding experience that will leave you hooked from the moment your first Duplicant steps onto the asteroid. Get ready to build, explore, discover, and maybe even shed a tear (of joy?) when you finally achieve self-sufficiency in this quirky and charming world.

TAGS