Steam denied my request for a refund because i had passed the 2hr threshold. Being that they denied me request i played the game further.
After further review, the long dark is worth the sales price @ less than 10 dollar. One could argue its full 30 sumin price tag is still good value considering the amount of time one could spend playing dis game.
Once the new game smell wears off and you learn the mechanics/concepts the game can get stale. Living on certain maps and playing on different difficulty levels can change the game for sure.
For example, starting on the default mystery lake map became easy after upgrading my clothing with a few furs, but moving over to the pleasant valley map leaves me exposed to the elements once again.
I think there are 8 maps that are connected to on another..... all the maps are cold but pleasant valley is brutal. -30c most days with a lot of blizzards.. but it does has a lot of resources. This has required me to seek out bears to make a bear fur coat. I had been avoiding bears due to limited ammo, but finally killed me first bear today. It took nearly 2 days to gut up and cook the entire bear (also includes hiking time between killzone and my camp). The curing process of the hide will take 12 in game days and i still need another fur to make said coat.
The main weapons are limited to basically a bow and a rifle. Both weapons will degrade over time. The rifle can get extended life via cleaning kits, but the bow cannot be repaired. Finding the correct wood to make a bow seems pretty rare, so you really need to conserve its life.
The arrows are reusable, which is nice, but it will also break over time. They can be harvested to return the arrowhead and feathers, but you will need to replace that specific wood type too.. which is also rare.. To even make arrow heads, one needs to find a forge - there isnt building forges in this game.. rifle ammo is pretty scarce too (there is no ammo crafting available)..
Small game is limited to rabbits... one can waste time trying to use snares or one could learn how to throw stones.. i wish there were more small game and fur types to craft more things..
Speaking of crafting.. its fairly limited to a few tools and clothing.. no making bases
Other food sources would be deer, fish, cattail stalks and pre packaged foods you can find... all foods do degrade over time. i found that storing meat outside on the ground lasts long than it does inside in cabinets and the such.. the fish supply seems endless, but its balanced by low calories for the most part. there will be a few fish from time to time with big cal numbers.. they also provide a lil oil for laterns once cooked.
One needs to really plan ahead or you can easily die in this game due to starvation, hypothermia or even being mauled by wolves, moose or bear... if you are carrying raw/cooked meat.. be very mindful of wolves.. they can smell ya from a good distance.
ive killed plenty of wolves with the rifle, but now i let them attack me if they are alone and im not doing something else with my time. i avoid packs. a solo wolf will jump on you but you can attack it back in a mash button cut scene. the wolf will run off but you can track it down for its meat, fur and guts following its blood drops.. you will have to fix yourself up in the process and repair your clothing as well if using this strategy.
better rest up or your strength will tank and slow you to a standstill and death.
like i said before the goal is to survive.. once you die the game is over.. theres no going back to get your gear.. no reloading a save - its gone.
wish there were more animal types.. mountain lions.. different bears.. idk
before this goes on and on..
the game is solid for what it is.. could have been great... but its a small indie team.. its still worth a play if you like survival games..
