Arctico is a tranquil survival game. The game was formerly known as Eternal Winter but has then since changed and been fully released. Set in a chilling biome with icy tundra and treacherous temperatures, the story follows the player setting off to discover Dr. Garcia’s works and projects to retrieve them and build on her work. Experience periods of exploration, solitude, and adventure in this open world survival game. Claudio Norori and Antonio Vargas have created a game that will appeal to anyone searching for something to relax and focus on. Join us here at VIBE as we review and discover this interesting game.
Doggos!!
To start the game off, Arctico asks the player to name the four sled dogs that will accompany them on their journey. Arctico presents four husky sled dogs who can be fed, played with, and loved. Like most dogs in games, the player will grow to love them and would kill everyone in the game if something happened to them.
The downside to the dog sledding in Arctico lies with the lack of difficulty in maintaining the sledding dogs. Players may expect a bit more than catching fish, feeding the dogs, and then jumping on a sled and traversing the landscape. As a result of this, it creates a more laid-back vibe as opposed to a difficult survival game.
The Ghost of Dr Garcia
The game begins by focusing on the players previous mentor Dr. Garcia. Dr. Garcia has since passed and has notes and blueprints scattered around the arctic for the player to collect and piece together. The story objective has no real time limit. There are no real threats and, therefore, the story can be experienced as a calming journey.
Food, Base + Fuel = Happy Camper
Arctico presents a very simplistic survival element of gameplay. Players must manage food, build a base, carry out research, look after sledding dogs, and make the arctic their home. Firstly, the game presents several resources to collect and expects the player to do so quickly. As a result, the player gets in the habit of embarking on resource trips. Sledding is not the only way to traverse the landscape. Kayaking and parachuting combine to enhance the gameplay. Being able to mix it up from the sledding allows for versatility.
The tutorial ends with the player being tasked with hunting fish. This becomes part of the players routine, and it can become tedious. Despite this, there are several things to explore in the landscape and players should focus on exploring every nook and cranny the game offers. The frozen secrets that are offered can have players piecing together mysteries and secrets.
Bases in Arctico become vast and filled with exciting appliances that help enrich the gameplay for players. Tools for gaining resources, tools for discovering secrets, and tools for cooking are just some that players can develop. Arctico presents the base building in a simplistic way but also, in a way that allows for endless opportunities for development.
Developing and creating scientific breakthroughs in the game are important. Players must identify drill spots and carry out harvesting. Creating projects and carrying out field expeditions gives us a true sense of “I am an arctic explorer”.
Breathtaking Views and Calming Music
Arctico does not present itself as a hugely graphical project. This is exemplified in its character design for the player and for the sledding dogs. However, the world around the player is artistically and cleverly designed. The sunset over the icy landscape creates literal chills. Chills not just created from the temperature. The visual design is accompanied by an auditory pleasing ensemble of appropriate soundtracks.
Falling Short with the Survival Genre
Arctico is labeled as an open world survival game. However, at times the player will feel like the game focuses solely on exploring. Less dire consequences and repercussions are given to the player when things like the hunger meter begin to decrease. There is a lack of danger for the game and, although this helps with it being a chill game, having some elements of danger would be intriguing. For example, the arctic could have several hazardous animals such as polar bears that pose a real threat to the players base or perhaps storms that cause outages and illness due to the temperature.
Co- Op
Arctico features cooperative play. This slightly increases the enjoyment factor as most games are fun with a second player. The second player joins the campaign and can join in all aspects of it. As a result of this, it allows players to experience a campaign together. Ultimately the story is a bit lackluster so exploring with a friend can make or break the experience with Arctico.
Vibes Score
6.5/10
Thank you
Overall, it is a charming, tranquil, and relaxing game about exploring the Artic. If it didn’t fall short by not meeting survival game expectations and having more options to do outside of exploring, then it would have scored higher. This game is still recommended to those who would like to relax, explore, and be surrounded by sled dogs. Arctico can be purchased on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/325210/Arctico/ and check out the trailer below.
26, Indie Game connoisseur. Also a hamster mum, fiancée & working in the addiction field. Gaming and writing are my escape and comfort for when the world gets too much!
