Scum

Sometimes the most significant impacts come from the elementary words. In this case, the gameplay is broadly defined by the single word title we all love to use - Scum. This open-world survival game is an ambitious project that adopts a prison theme. 100 players will leverage resources and actions in an attempt to escape this contained island.

Scum didn't exactly start out on a good foot. While being developed against the growing popularity of survival games - its lack of content and direction left it in early access purgatory. As we come up to release, Scum suddenly is turning some heads. Massive refinements in mechanics and detail have changed the face of the once issue-plagued game. Now it's being heralded as a competitor for even the most popular open-world survivals.

This Is My Prison Apocalypse

Some would argue that Scum dropped into the public as the most barebones survival concept one could get. It's safe to say that the game didn't have fantastic beginnings. Now, Scum is chock-full of lore, craft, and intriguing survival mechanics that make each playthrough entertaining.

The narrative bases around the player as a prisoner attempting to escape a Croatian correctional facility. You and the 99 others will do whatever it takes to depart the hellish island - make weapons, gather resources, and all that stereotypical survival jazz. However, what makes Scum stand out in the genre is its dedication to the hardcore player.

The level of detail is meticulous, boiling down as far as managing nutrients in the body. Even though the mechanics are rife in intricate player management, Scum is surprisingly accessible. Healing your injuries, tackling enemies, and base-building presents a sense of urgency that makes each survival element more entertaining than tedious. The difficulty curve will get you started right away, with options to dive into the more challenging aspects of gameplay.

However, Scum does still need work. Like many of these games, it will take a while for it to feel complete. The visuals could use improvement, as well as some of the AI. But all things considered, the blemishes are trivial compared to the big picture of what the game offers. Scum has come a long way, and it's already feeling like a game that could propel to the peak of survival popularity.

It's a Riot

It may be harder to convince a player to get on board yet another open-world survival game. But if you were to recommend any in the present day, Scum certainly offers more than enough to be entertained for hours. The detail, gameplay, and overall fun factor are arguably more stringent than the release of popular Dayz.

Pros:

• Detailed yet accessible open-world survival mechanics
• A fascinating narrative based around prisoners
• Fine-tuned difficulty curve that allows players to approach the game in their style

Cons:

• AI enemies could use some work
• Visuals feel dated