Volcanoids - A Subterranean Survival Adventure Against Robotic Enemies!

Deep within a volcanic archipelago, where the earth groans and churns with molten fury, lies a hidden world of survival and ingenuity. Welcome to Volcanoids, a unique blend of base-building, exploration, and intense combat set against a backdrop of relentless robotic enemies.

Volcanoids thrusts players into a steampunk future marred by a cataclysmic event known as “The Awakening.” This event triggered the rise of sentient automatons – relentless, calculating machines determined to eradicate all human life. Scattered survivors have found refuge in underground bunkers, seeking sanctuary from the robotic onslaught while desperately clinging to the remnants of civilization.

As a player, you are tasked with guiding one such group of survivors. You start with nothing but a crumbling base hidden beneath an active volcano. Your mission: rebuild and fortify your shelter, explore the treacherous landscape above, and uncover the secrets behind “The Awakening” while simultaneously fending off wave after wave of robotic attackers.

Core Gameplay Mechanics:

Volcanoids marries several captivating gameplay mechanics to create a truly immersive experience. Let’s delve into some key aspects:

• Base Building and Customization: Your underground bunker is your lifeline, a sanctuary against the dangers of the surface world. Volcanoids offers a robust base-building system that allows you to construct living quarters, workshops, research labs, and defensive structures.

You can customize your base layout, prioritize resource allocation, and upgrade facilities to enhance production efficiency and unlock advanced technologies.

• Resource Gathering and Crafting: The volcanic archipelago is abundant in raw materials – from iron ore and coal to exotic volcanic ores with unique properties. You’ll need to venture out into the dangerous landscape above to mine these resources, battling hostile robots along the way.

Collected materials are then used in your workshops to craft tools, weapons, armor, building components, and even intricate mechanical contraptions.

• Vehicle Construction and Modification: Volcanoids features a unique vehicle crafting system centered around “drill rigs,” heavily armored platforms that allow you to explore the volcanic terrain and mine deeper into its crust. These vehicles can be extensively customized with powerful weaponry, defensive shields, and specialized mining tools.

Building and upgrading your drill rig is crucial for survival as it becomes your primary means of transportation, exploration, and combat against robotic enemies.

• Combat and Weaponry: Facing off against robotic adversaries is a core element of Volcanoids. The game features a diverse arsenal of weaponry, ranging from handguns and rifles to powerful energy cannons and explosive devices.

Each weapon type has its strengths and weaknesses, encouraging players to experiment with different loadouts and tactics depending on the enemy types they encounter.

Themes and Atmosphere:

Volcanoids masterfully weaves together themes of survival, technological advancement, and the consequences of unchecked artificial intelligence. The game’s atmosphere is one of constant tension and uncertainty – a world where the line between human and machine has blurred, leaving players questioning who the true enemy might be.

• The Struggle for Survival: Volcanoids emphasizes the struggle for basic necessities in a hostile environment. Managing resources, constructing defenses, and scavenging for supplies are paramount to your colony’s survival.

Each decision you make has consequences – prioritize defense over exploration? Or invest in researching new technologies at the risk of neglecting your base’s security?

• Technological Hubris: The game explores the potential dangers of unchecked technological advancement. The robotic uprising serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the unforeseen consequences that can arise from pursuing artificial intelligence without ethical considerations.

Players are left to contemplate the nature of sentience and the responsibility humans bear for their creations.

Production Features and Reception:

Volcanoids was developed by German studio Solid Clouds and released in Early Access on Steam in 2019. The game garnered praise for its unique setting, engaging gameplay mechanics, and atmospheric soundtrack.

Solid Clouds actively engaged with the community during Early Access, incorporating feedback and suggestions to refine and polish the game. Volcanoids fully launched on September 14, 2023, offering players a complete and immersive survival experience.

Table: Comparing Volcanoids to Other Survival Games:

In Conclusion

Volcanoids offers a fresh and exhilarating take on the survival genre. Its blend of base-building, exploration, intense combat, and compelling themes makes for an unforgettable gaming experience. Whether you’re a seasoned survivalist or a newcomer seeking a captivating adventure, Volcanoids will challenge your skills, ignite your imagination, and leave you wanting more.