Project Winter

The name Project Winter seems in line with the genre it conveys - deceptive. This social deception game has a title that signals a studio's upcoming release. But alas, this is the awarded name to this cold, survival-esque multiplayer experience. Starting in Early Access, this indie offering has slowly been rising through the ranks of popularity.

Certain games test friendships - it's safe to say that Project Winter is one of them. Every one of the 8 players in the game is vying for survival against the harsh winter. Even if it means throwing your pal under the bus. These games have become increasingly popular for unknown reasons. Perhaps it's the revenge of the introvert? Let's find out.

There's a Traitor in Our Midst

Project Winter capitalizes on the idea that these social deception games can be really engaging if time and effort are put into visuals and mechanics. Most of the games that follow these ideas tend to be pretty minimalistic. Many developers have been exploiting the popularity of the survival/deception genre and churning out a quick game that really only delivers a couple hours of entertainment.

The well-designed environments and character models of Project Winter put the notion of minimalism to rest. This is a fully-fledged multiplayer experience challenging each player to come out on top. You'll be completing gathering and crafting objectives - as well as turning on your mates when the time is right.

Players in Project Winter move pretty fluidly and accomplish their tasks in the harsh winter spread. There's a lot of variation between staving off aggressive animals by combat and keeping yourself alive through warmth. The versatile approach to the game allows players to compete in any way they choose - a thriving leader or a total backstabber.

While the game is one of the better survival/deception games out there, it's not to say it doesn't come without flaws. The controls feel stiff executing many of the actions. Balance in the game seems to be an issue, as well. Project Winter encourages people to be jerks more than winning by the spirit of fair competition. I won't go into detail - but being a traitor seems to be more rewarded than not.

I'm a Survivor

The concept of Project Winter is intriguing - and the level of detail makes it feel like a complete video game. It's not one of those offerings that you can jump right into like Among Us - but tailors more to the hardcore gamer. The player base will be encouraged to be as deceptive as humanly possible while flexing their survivor's muscles.

Pros:

• Detailed survival/deception game that does not wear out its welcome
• Well-designed winter environments that set the urgency
• Objectives don't feel repetitive

Cons:

• The game feels unbalanced in victory approaches
• Ranged combat and tasks are stiff
• Might ruin friendships