Pacific Drive

When we thought survival games were getting old, tried, and tested, another concept that reinvigorated player interest in the genre came along. Pacific Drive, though sounding like an early 90s arcade game, is a survival title based around your car - your only lifetime to ensure you come out the other end in one piece. So what's it all about?

The Pacific Northwest is facing all kinds of supernatural dangers, and the only way you'll survive is by driving like your life depended on it - because it does! Of course, you'll scavenge everything possible to make your journey successful and build a life based on your resources. More to the point, will a vehicular perspective of survival games keep the genre fresh?

Up For the Drive

Pacific Drive introduces players to a thrilling survival experience set in the mysterious Olympic Exclusion Zone, rendered uninhabitable by a secretive organization. The concept revolves around navigating this supernatural and dangerous landscape, where survival is not just a challenge but an all-encompassing struggle against bizarre weather, harrowing survival events, and the ever-present threat of terrifying creatures.

Players must rely on their wits and resourcefulness in Pacific Drive to stay alive. The game introduces a unique twist by making the station wagon a crucial element of survival. Acting as both transportation and a makeshift base, players constantly make repairs and upgrades to their trusty vehicles. The need to gather scrap and other resources adds a layer of urgency to the survival experience as players strive to ensure the wagon's functionality in the face of relentless challenges.

While the gameplay mechanics of Pacific Drive adhere to standard survival norms, the immersive narrative and the focus on the car as a central element make it a standout addition to the genre. Utilizing a vehicle as a lifeline enhances the overall experience, giving players a fresh perspective on survival gameplay. Combining routine survival mechanics with a narrative-driven concept centered around the car elevates the game, making it more engaging and exciting for players.

Pacific Drive is a welcome and engaging choice for those seeking something different in their survival games. The game's unique approach, emphasizing vehicular survival and intertwining narrative elements, adds a layer of freshness to the genre. However, it's crucial to note that while Pacific Drive excels in its concept, it doesn't revolutionize survival gameplay. It caters to a specific audience looking for a unique blend of narrative-driven challenges within a survival framework.

Something More Pacific

Pacific Drive manages to carve its niche in the survival genre, presenting a surprisingly captivating fusion reminiscent of Mad Max and Sons of the Forest. The game blends the intensity of vehicular survival with the eerie atmosphere of supernatural challenges, creating a unique and compelling gameplay experience. This amalgamation distinguishes Pacific Drive from conventional survival titles, offering players a distinct and memorable adventure within the unforgiving Olympic Exclusion Zone.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• A different yet familiar survival game
• The car-based survival mechanics stay interesting throughout
• One of the more immersive genre titles

Cons:

• It doesn't do anything remarkably different from standard survival mechanics
• Sometimes, objectives feel lackluster