Introduction
Video games have evolved to become more immersive over the years. From the days of Pong, to the current generation of entertainment systems, gamers have grown up with an increasing affinity towards RPGs and open-world games. One such game translates the basic concepts of survival and human instinct into a virtual world, where players are exposed to harsh deserts, unrelenting oceans and savage creatures. The premise may sound straightforward, but the question remains – Can you survive a virtual world filled with savage creatures?
The Virtual World
The virtual world in question is known as ‘ARK: Survival Evolved’. Developed by Studio Wildcard, ARK places players to a prehistoric land filled with deadly carnivores, bloodthirsty tribes and rare resources. The landmass is wrought with different biomes, some of which are sweltering hot, while others are damp and cold. The game has multiple modes, each giving the player a unique challenge. The most popular mode remains the ‘survival’ mode, where players are left to their devices to fend for themselves, build shelters and hunt for food.
Survival Instincts
As the name suggests, surviving in ARK is indeed a challenge. Players are stripped of all modern technology and tools, and are forced to make do with their basic instincts. Players start with nothing but the clothes they’re wearing, and a piece of metal rock, which they must use to gather resources. Gathering resources, however, is easier said than done. Players must brave the wilderness to find wood, fiber and thatch, which are essential for building shelters, fireplaces and torches. Once shelter is secured, players must focus on food and water. The game has an impressive array of edible creatures, from fish to mammoths. Players can hunt, fish or even farm for food. But that is easier said than done. The virtual world is filled with carnivores that can smell a fresh kill from miles away.
Taming The Beast
The deadliest aspect of ARK is not the harsh weather or the lack of resources, but the carnivores players have to face. The game has an extensive list of predators, ranging from Dilophosaurus to Tyrannosaurus Rex. The real twist though, is that players can tame these beasts too. It’s a risky endeavor, but the rewards are great. Players must first knock out the beast using a club or tranquilizer arrows, and then feed them constantly. Once tamed, players can use the animals to hunt, collect resources and even ride them. Taming is not guaranteed, and players must gauge the animal’s temperament and food preference before committing to taming it.
The Human Factor
ARK is a multiplayer game, and as such, players are not always friendly. Resources are scarce, and in a world where survival is the primary concern, players are not adverse to steal from each other. Tribes, or groups of players, are formed to maximize resources and offer protection. But even this can be a double-edged sword. Tribes often engage in ‘pvp’ or player versus player combat. The stakes are high, and players not only have to survive the elements and the carnivores, but also the human factor.
The Immersive Factor
One of ARK’s strongest suits is its immersive factor. The graphics are impressive, and the attention to detail is breathtaking. Each biome has its unique flora and fauna, and the game packs a punch with the different weather patterns. From scorching heat waves to snow blizzards, ARK has it all. One of the most impressive facets of the game is the day-night cycle. The world changes entirely once the sun sets, with nocturnal predators coming out to hunt. The game even has a breeding system, where players can breed dinosaurs and other creatures to create custom strains.
Conclusion
ARK: Survival Evolved is a game that tests human instinct in a virtual world. The concept of survival and prey animal instincts translate well into the game, and players are offered a unique perspective of the world. The game has an impressive array of predators and resources, and players must constantly evolve or risk being left behind. The multiplayer component adds an extra edge to the game, and tribes and pvp battles offer the players another layer of complexity. The game’s immersive factor is a testament to Studio Wildcard’s dedication to their product. ARK: Survival Evolved is a game that not only offers entertainment, but also gives the players a glimpse of how brutal the prehistoric world was. So, can you survive a virtual world filled with savage creatures? It depends on your instincts.
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