Endling

Within the world of gaming, a post apocalyptic setting is hardly something new and exciting. In fact, the amount of game that make use of this setting are innumerable at this stage. So with that in mind, it takes a really special title to stand out from the pack and forge an identity for itself. Yet despite the insurmountable difficulty, developers are still trying to make things work and Endling is the latest title aiming to put a new spin on the end of the world.

We believe that this game will play like other indie titles such as Spirit of the North, Never Alone, Ori and the Will of the Wisps and Okami. Endlings aims to tell a powerful story about survival, family and the power of animal instincts. However, does this game truly have what it takes to stand out? We find out in our preview of Endling.

Cunning Like a Fox

Endling tells the story of a mother fox that has survived the apocalypse and is safeguarding their young in the hope of keeping the species alive in the new world. However, adversity strikes when one of her young is captured and the overarching goal of the game becomes finding and rescuing this young fox. This game promises to tell a story that is touching on a base level but ultimately showcases an eco-conscious message. This is an interactive way of showing what can happen if we are not careful with our planet.

Then as for the gameplay, this game aims to marry a conventional 2.5D side scroller with a survival game. Amalgamating the two to provide an experience where you will have to explore, solve puzzles and fight, but all the while protecting your defenceless little cubs and keeping them alive as you journey across this harsh and unforgiving terrain. The art style of this game is one of the more striking features that we have access to at the moment. The vibrant colour palette, side-scrolling 3D perspective and the rich tapestry of stunning vistas, environments and enemies all culminate to offer an indie experience that shows a level of maturity that is surprising considering that this is Herobeat Studio’s first release as a company.

The Verdict

At the moment, we have to give this title a tentative score of seven until we get the full picture. At the moment, it shows promise of being one of the indie games to watch out for this calendar year. However, there is also the fear that this may be a disposable indie title that doesn’t gain any traction in a saturated field.

Pros

• Art style and 3D perspective is striking
• Survival mechanics are a neat touch
• The eco-friendly message is an important one

Cons

• This game could easily be a throwaway platformer
• The storyline is rather bare bones narrative-wise