Ark Survival Evolved

Before it was released Ark Survival Evolved was a game, I was very excited about. A survival game with a lot of dinosaurs and other cool Skull Island type creatures was always something that would make the 9-year-old in me very excited to play.

Survival Is The Fight!

The whole point of the game is to survive. When you start playing the game you are dumped on an island and you have nothing and I mean nothing! Well, you have your fists and your smarts, but that will not allow you to survive for very long. The whole game is all about surviving. If you just meek out a survival or rise up to be a badass warrior, that is all on you.

The game has you getting supplies and food. You need supplies so that you can build a shelter, weapons, ammo and so on and you need food so that you do not die. In some ways when I think about it the premise is kind of similar to what Minecraft offers. What I liked about Ark Survival Evolved was that I always wanted to strive for more.

Playing On Your Own!

For me, the biggest surprise that this game offered was the campaign. Full disclosure here, I was not interested in the campaign at all, but a friend highly recommended playing through it. I do not want to spoil it as the whole deal about what these “Arks” are is pretty mind-blowing. However, I will tell you that the campaign is a great deal of fun and will certainly keep you entertained.

Stop Stealing My Stuff

Playing with other players is a bit of a mixed bag. The number of times I found my supplies looted was crazy and it was more frustrating than anything else. The reason for this is the grind in Ark Survival Evolved is pretty damn high. It can take forever to get enough supplies to get some ammo for some of the more powerful weapons and having to start from scratch because of other players is no fun. Well for me it is not, I am sure for others they love this kind of thing, but I think the PvP aspect of the game is way too brutal. If you plan on doing this, I strongly suggest you play with other people so you have a bit of protection and folks who can watch your stuff.

Dino-Mite!

The coolest aspect of the game for me is the dinosaurs. There are tons of them in this game and being able to have your own T-Rex that you can ride on is badass in every regard. Fighting dinosaurs can be fun, even if the AI can be a bit dumb sometimes. The presentation on the dinosaurs is something that I think is really cool and as a huge lover of dinosaurs, I must admit this is probably what has kept me interested in the game more than anything else.

Overall, Ark Survival Evolved is not a perfect game. It still has some bugs here and there and the grind can still be annoying. However, it is a game that is still a lot of fun and if you like dinosaurs then I think you may be a bit more willing to put up with some of the games more annoying aspects.

Final Score: 7/10

Pros:

• The game has dinosaurs and dinosaurs are cool!
• The campaign is actually pretty cool
• You have lots of weapons to make
• The worlds feel massive
• Playing with friends can be fun

Cons:

• The PvP aspect of the game is really ruthless
• The grind to make some stuff is brutal

Ark: Survival Evolved is a thrilling open-world survival game that plunges players into a mysterious island teeming with prehistoric creatures and daunting challenges. From the moment I found myself stranded and vulnerable, I was captivated by the immersive gameplay and vast possibilities this game offers.

As I braved the elements and battled against hunger, thirst, and the unforgiving environment, I couldn't help but appreciate the intricacies of Ark's survival mechanics. The need to hunt, gather resources, and build shelters added a realistic touch to the game. Additionally, for fans of collectathon games, the sheer variety of over 100 creatures that can be tamed and utilized is nothing short of impressive.

Captivating Wildlife Encounters

The process of capturing and taming wildlife creatures is challenging but immensely rewarding. Weakening a feral creature, nursing it back to health, and forming a bond with it creates a sense of connection and companionship that few games can replicate.

The ability to ride and control these magnificent beasts adds another layer of excitement to the gameplay. Flying over snow-capped mountains on a Pterodactyl, racing through the jungle with a pack of Raptors, or charging into battle on the back of a T-Rex are just a few examples of the exhilarating experiences Ark offers.

The dynamic ecosystem, with its predator-prey hierarchies, creates a living and breathing world where survival depends on your ability to adapt and overcome the challenges thrown your way.

Surviving in a Harsh World

Survival is at the core of Ark: Survival Evolved, and it presents players with a wide range of challenges. The need to eat and drink to survive adds a constant sense of urgency, while the day/night cycle and randomized weather patterns keep you on your toes.

The game's emphasis on realism is evident in features like the dynamic indoor/outdoor insulation system, where building a shelter becomes crucial for protection against the elements. Gathering resources, crafting items, and building structures are essential for establishing a safe haven in this hostile environment.

Even venturing into the game's many dungeons becomes a matter of life or death – not because of the creatures, mind you, but because of the elements. This thrilling sense of survival gives Ark an edge over some of its competitors, like Minecraft or Rust.

Crafting and Customization

The crafting system in Ark: Survival Evolved is extensive and allows for intricate customization. From simple tools to massive multi-leveled structures, players have the freedom to construct their ideal home. The snap-link system makes building intuitive and flexible, and the ability to paint structures and customize the look of your character adds a personal touch to the gameplay.

Additionally, the inclusion of farming and cooking mechanics provides a satisfying sense of self-sufficiency as you grow crops and prepare meals to sustain yourself.

Pros:

• Immersive world filled with diverse creatures and stunning environments.
• Deep and rewarding creature taming and breeding mechanics.
• Extensive crafting and customization options.

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for newcomers.
• Occasional performance issues and optimization concerns.
• The multiplayer experience can be marred by griefing and server stability problems.