Heat Death: Survival Train

In most survival games, your mission is to brave the dangers of a desolate area. However, what if there was a survival game where you were constantly on the move, forced to explore a wide and dangerous world? That's the plot of Heat Death: Survival Train, a game where you take a locomotive and travel across a frozen world.

I found the constant change of scenery refreshing, especially as someone who spends most of his time playing survival games close to the starting location. In games like Subnautica, I would rarely venture deep into the world, but in Heat Death: Survival Train, the game invites you to discover what it has to offer – and it never feels forced.

Get on Track

As the name implies, Heat Death: Survival Train is all about decking out your own armored train to survive the surface of a frozen world. I know, the "Heat Death" part of the name doesn't exactly scream "frozen cold," but bear with me for a second.

You might be wondering, "What's so terrifying about some snow?" Well, the deadly robots that lurk in it might have something to say about that. Much like Horizon: Zero Dawn, this world is inhabited by mechanical constructs looking to make your lifespan considerably shorter.

That's why keeping your train in tip-top shape is essential for survival: you don't want to be stranded in a single place for too long.

A Train To Protect

Your train is more than just a vehicle in Heat Death: Survival Train. During the night, the lower temperatures can prove fatal, even to the most seasoned adventurers. Fortunately, you can deck your train with extra padding to produce coveted heat. But what if you want some extra firepower in your arsenal?

Along with more walls and rooms, your train can also include perimetral defenses for when things get rough. From cannons to turrets, shields, and everything in between, your vehicle will eventually turn into a death machine. If you liked the vehicle customization component of Mad Max, but wished you had some more freedom with your designs, Heat Death: Survival Train has got you covered.

Deadly Enemies, Deadlier Weather

The enemy AI in Heat Death: Survival Train isn't what I'd call threatening. Most of the time, enemies had a hard time just keeping up with me, and that was without my train. There seem to be some pathing issues with the enemy AI – hopefully, something that will get fixed in due time.

However, the weather did get me a few times. I think it speaks volumes of the game's level design when it's the planet itself that's killing players. With its well-designed world, tons of secret areas to uncover, and its focus on customization, I can see myself investing a good dozen or two hours into this game. At least until I can get the train defenses just right.

Pros

• An incredibly detailed world that invites you to explore
• Solid building mechanics that are easy to grasp
• Entertaining gameplay loop keeps you hooked

Cons

• Dull enemy AI
• Needs more enemy variety

The plot of Heat Death: Survival Train is set in a post-apocalyptic future where the world is gripped by a catastrophic climate crisis known as “heat death”. Players control a train that moves continuously through devastated landscapes in search of safe haven. The train is the only means of survival, and its crew must face harsh weather conditions, resource scarcity, and moral dilemmas. Along the way they meet other survivors, fight bandits and unravel the mysteries of a past civilization.

Features:

• Combat system requires a strategic approach and skillful resource allocation
• Difficult choices that can affect the fate of the entire team
• Ability to explore different locations and adapt to constantly changing conditions