Crashlands is a pretty interesting isometric survival game. Players run around on a strange planet filled with odd creatures and plants. The main character is named Flux Dabes, and she is a postal worker. Flux has packages to deliver, but after a run-in with a freaky floating head called Hewgodooko, she finds herself up a creek without a paddle.
Flux isn’t alone on this journey is her favorite friend and ally, JuiceBox. JuiceBox is her assistant, dolly, computer, and friend of sorts rolled into one. JuiceBox might have something sarcastic to say, but it is always there to assist Flux. Flux will need all the help she can get to escape from this strange world. The world isn’t going to play nice, and she can’t afford to play nice either. This planet is not one that holds anything back, and the cast of characters is helpless. Flux will have so many opportunities for quests it’s insane. These characters need so much, and Flux will have to do everything in her power to help them. They might all be weird and helpless, but they are all mostly good, so help them all.
Flux will need to craft many things to stay alive. Flux; not only has to create a ship to escape the planet but needs to keep living while on the planet’s surface. The surface of this strange planet is vast and undocumented. No one knows what lies in wait on its surface, but with perseverance, anything is possible. Flux will start with nothing except her magical crafting machine. After JuiceBox analyzes materials, Flux will be able to create more and more different things. She will first craft a blade to cut down plants; so she can construct a base. This tool becomes part of her, as do many others throughout the game. Flux is from the distant future, so anything is possible, and it’s part of the fun.
Crafting is the way to win the game; players will need to scavenge. Everything has a few uses, so they should never feel like she’s carrying too much. Players can craft so many things, and she’ll likely end up with numerous bases by the end of the game. Players don’t need to have base camps everywhere, but it doesn’t hurt. This game also has a decent combat system, where players will fight many different monsters, learning their patterns. These monsters will often charge at random, so players need to be at the ready. They might start as simple cow-like creatures, but dark beings await on the surface of this planet. If the player isn’t careful, they might lose in an instant, so be prepared.
There are numerous weapons to build, and some can pack a punch. Craft some armor to protect Flux and make sure she’s ready to take on all challengers. Every moment could be her last, and even though she respawns, fewer deaths on the death counter are always better. Plus, with a visible death counter, the game loves to show off how many times Flux has died. Players can also raise creatures to fight alongside Flux. Pick up an incubator and an egg and give Flux a friend. Not only will she have a wild companion she’ll have a little more muscle. She can certainly handle herself, but a little help wouldn’t hurt, especially since JuiceBox can’t fight.
There is a two-player mode where players can play with a friend. JuiceBox is the player two character and can do quite a bit to help Flux. He can shoot enemies, heal Flux, and even shield her. The only caveat to this added firepower is that the enemies become more resilient. But anytime there is a couch co-op, who are we to disagree?
The animation in this game is quite fun too. It’s clean and crisp but highlights the weirdness of the planet’s inhabitants. The creatures always look distressed, and Flux is ready to help them all at a moment’s notice. She may not be dying to do so, but she will help them all if she can, and the cutscenes show this. There are two other modes besides the story. Challenge mode is a little harder than story mode, but not unwinnable, and still has respawns. Hardcore mode might add weapons and grit, but players will need to start over from the top if they died. If story mode was fun, these modes will test the player more and are still worth playing.
There are cloud saves and achievements too. With this game now out multiple systems, players can bounce between them by logging into the cloud. The achievements are robust, and even on the switch, are worth collecting. They might be challenging at times, but clearing achievement lists can be a lot of fun.