Residual is an interesting game that is out now on PC and Switch. Similar to Terraria, the game is set in a procedurally generated world, and to survive players must how quickly obtain resources and food while solving physics and terrain-based puzzles. While this seems like a slow-paced game idea, Residual also offers a considerable amount of fast-paced exploration and survival elements.
The game starts out with a crash landing on an alien planet, where players must soon repair the ship and look for supplies, which sounds easy but there is more to it. Players should not bother trying to base a playthrough on someone else’s because each game uses a different seed and the game will be different each time, like in Chasm. Each game will have the same basic concept of resources, but the world’s appearance and locations and access to resources will vary.
Each game will see a different type of world, and often will play entirely different, and Keeping with the survival nature of the game, there will constantly be a trade-off with each world that gives it an advantage and a disadvantage. This will include as hot planets depleting stamina quickly and resulting in shorter days while worlds with a lot of night will let players explore longer at the trade-off of being able to grow less food. But once the trade-offs are known, players can make their plans for how they want to succeed.
Different materials will be found throughout the world, but just finding them is not as easy as players might think. Residual requires puzzle-solving and discovering new items and locations to access the resources. Once that is done, however, players can use these resources to build new devices at the ship’s computer and then use these devices to access new areas, gain resources more quickly, or survive longer.
The puzzles in residual may not seem like much at first but actually prove to be a draw for the game. Think of them less like survival game puzzles and more like adventure game puzzles, and the concept suddenly makes more sense. The puzzles may not feel super immersive like in some games, but they do feel fun and manages to feel like a great intro to the genre for new players.
Residual is not a perfect game and lacks much of the polish seen in other games in the genre. The menus and crafting are basic in comparison, but for new players, it works better. And that is how Residual should be viewed, as an intro to the survival crafting genre for those who have never played it before.
Yes, there is no way to craft buildings and there is a lack of visibility in some of the underground sections, but the former has a genuine story reason, and the latter is due to the texture style of the game. These can be issues to some, but the game still is a good survival experience for goal-oriented exploration. Residual may not be Terraria, but it does not need to be, it has carved out its own niche.
In conclusion, Residual is great for newcomers to survival games or those who just want to try a different take on it. If players do not go into it expecting another Minecraft, and instead take it for what it is, more enjoyment will be found. It is a recommended game.
Images were taken from Nintendo.co.uk
Disclaimer: A review key was provided