Survival games are constantly being expanded in new directions through the introduction of new mechanics, factors, and scale. As the standard survival trends becomes more familiar to players, the locations also have the opportunity to become more experimental and alien, such as with the upcoming Blind Descent. Developed by Pukuch and published by META Publishing, Blind Descent is a survival game set on a fantastical interpretation of Mars, taking players deep beneath the surface into a hostile world. Today, the game’s early access release date was revealed alongside a new trailer and coop playtest going live.
The trailer opens with an animated exploration of the Martian depths, uncovering and resting alongside the remains of a large beetle-like creature. The game’s Steam page reveals that players will be a part of a reconnaissance mission sent to explore the hostile world. To accomplish this, the player will have access to large bases used by the old Martians that they can improve over time. The trailer also finding new resources and alien species during exploration that can be used to create new tools when at the base.
The second half of the trailer focuses more on the darker side of Mars, with fast creatures quickly chasing down and attacking the player character who is helpless to stop them. As they venture deeper, they encounter deep red plants that takes them into a nest of red tendrils and opens a menu to begin adapting physically to the new environment. From there, players have the chance to choose between using human-made tools to conquer the dangers of the planet or abandon their humanity by using the special adaptations.
Survival games usually follow a similar style when set in a place most are familiar with, causing the experience to be completely subverted when set in a place unfamiliar to humans. Blind Descent will enter early access on December 2nd.