Survival games have become one of the most popular genres in the gaming industry. From the simple mechanics of scavenging resources to the complex systems of crafting and building, these games offer a unique experience that challenges our survival instincts. One platform that has seen a surge in the number of survival games is iOS. As a graphic designer and avid gamer, I have spent countless hours exploring different survival games on my iPhone. In this review, I will share my thoughts and insights on some of the best survival games available on iOS.
Before we dive into the different games, let's talk about what makes a great survival game. In my opinion, a great survival game should have a balance of challenge and reward. It should be challenging enough to keep the player engaged, but not so difficult that it becomes frustrating. It should also offer a sense of progression and reward for the player's efforts. A great survival game should also have a compelling story or setting that immerses the player in the game world. With these criteria in mind, let's take a look at some of the best survival games on iOS.
1. The Importance of Crafting in Survival Games
Crafting is one of the most important aspects of survival games. It allows players to create tools and equipment that can help them survive in the game world. One game that excels in this aspect is Terraria. This game is a 2D sandbox game that combines elements of survival, exploration, and crafting. In Terraria, players must gather resources and materials to craft weapons, armor, and tools. The crafting system in Terraria is intuitive and easy to use, and it allows players to create a wide variety of items. This makes the game more engaging and rewarding, as players can see the fruits of their labor and progress through the game.
An aspect of crafting that is often overlooked in survival games is the importance of aesthetics. As a graphic designer, I appreciate games that allow players to customize their equipment and surroundings. One game that does this well is Don't Starve: Pocket Edition. In this game, players must survive in a strange and dangerous world filled with supernatural creatures. The game's crafting system allows players to create a variety of items, including clothing, weapons, and structures. What sets Don't Starve apart is the game's art style and design. The game has a quirky and whimsical aesthetic that is both charming and unsettling. The ability to customize the player character's appearance and surroundings adds a layer of personalization to the game, making it more immersive and enjoyable.
2. The Importance of Resource Management in Survival Games
One of the core mechanics of survival games is resource management. Players must gather resources such as food, water, and materials to survive in the game world. In order to make this mechanic engaging, survival games must strike a balance between scarcity and abundance. Too much abundance can make the game too easy, while too much scarcity can make the game frustrating. One game that does this well is The Long Dark. This game is set in the Canadian wilderness and challenges players to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment. The game's resource management system is realistic and challenging, requiring players to make tough decisions about how they use their resources. The game's setting and atmosphere also add to the sense of immersion, making the player feel like they are really surviving in the wilderness.
Another aspect of resource management that is often overlooked is the importance of renewable resources. In many survival games, resources such as food and water are finite and must be constantly scavenged or gathered. One game that challenges this convention is Minecraft. In Minecraft, players must gather resources to survive, but they can also create sustainable farms and systems to produce renewable resources. This adds a layer of complexity and depth to the game, as players must balance their resource consumption with their resource production. Minecraft's open-ended gameplay and expansive world also make it a great game for players who enjoy exploration and creativity.
3. The Importance of Storytelling in Survival Games
While survival games are often focused on mechanics and gameplay, a great survival game should also have a compelling story or setting. This can add depth and meaning to the player's actions, making the game more engaging and immersive. One game that does this well is This War of Mine. This game is set in a war-torn city and challenges players to survive as civilians in a conflict zone. The game's narrative is emotional and thought-provoking, forcing players to confront difficult ethical choices and the harsh realities of war. The game's mechanics are also well-designed, with a focus on scavenging and crafting. This War of Mine is a great example of how storytelling and gameplay can work together to create a memorable and impactful game.
4. The Importance of Exploration in Survival Games
Exploration is another important aspect of survival games. It allows players to discover new resources, locations, and challenges. One game that excels in this aspect is Subnautica. This game is set in an alien ocean world and challenges players to survive in a hostile environment filled with dangerous creatures and limited resources. The game's exploration mechanics are well-designed, with a focus on discovering new areas and resources. The game's setting and atmosphere are also immersive, with beautiful underwater environments and a sense of wonder and mystery. Subnautica is a great example of how exploration can add depth and excitement to a survival game.
5. The Importance of Multiplayer in Survival Games
Finally, multiplayer is an important aspect of survival games. It allows players to work together to survive in the game world, or to compete against each other for resources and dominance. One game that does this well is Rust. This game is set in a post-apocalyptic world and challenges players to survive against hunger, thirst, and other players. The game's multiplayer mechanics are well-designed, with a focus on cooperation and competition. Players can form alliances and work together to build bases and gather resources, or they can fight against each other in a battle for survival. Rust's open-world gameplay and PvP mechanics make it a great game for players who enjoy both cooperation and competition.
Conclusion
Survival games are a unique and engaging genre that challenges our survival instincts and creativity. In this review, we have explored different aspects of survival games, including crafting, resource management, storytelling, exploration, and multiplayer. We have seen how different games approach these aspects in different ways, and how they can work together to create a memorable and impactful game. Whether you are a seasoned survival game player or a newcomer to the genre, there is a survival game on iOS that will challenge and reward you. So go ahead, explore the wilderness, and see how long you can survive.
| Aspect | Game |
|---|---|
| Crafting | Terraria |
| Crafting/Aesthetics | Don't Starve: Pocket Edition |
| Resource Management | The Long Dark |
| Resource Management/Renewable Resources | Minecraft |
| Storytelling | This War of Mine |
| Exploration | Subnautica |
| Multiplayer | Rust |