Summary
Icarus is a great survival video game, and it is certainly good on consoles. It delivers a breathtaking view of the world and a challenging survival experience. However, the UI design on consoles is still terrific and confusing initially. Moreover, the progression in Icarus is a bit grindy. If you are a Solo player, then you might not crave it. Icarus is more fun with your friends, so I strongly recommend that you play with your friends to have fun and progress simultaneously.
Developer – GRIP Studios
Publisher – GRIP Studios
Platforms – Xbox Series S|X, PS5 (Reviewed)
Review copy given by publisher
Icarus is one of the most engaging, gorgeous, and challenging survival games out there. It offers something for every type of player who likes survival games. The game lets you choose from different game modes to help you understand the core mechanics and familiarize yourself with the threats. Every survival game has unique core mechanics that are essential to learn for a better gameplay experience.
I personally enjoyed Icarus when it first launched on Steam back in 2021, and now, I got to play Icarus Console Edition on PS5 for a review to see how much the game has improved and what it offers to console players.
Story
The game takes place on a fictional planet of Icarus, which was intended to be Earth’s next frontier. As Scientists began to terraform the planet, the exotic material present on the planet made the atmosphere toxic. However, in some way, the failing experiment turned the planet into a home to a thriving ecosystem of mutated flora and fauna.
This is where the players come in, as the explorers to explore the planet, retrieve scientific samples, and gather exotic materials to sell back on Earth.
Although the story of the game is very minimal, you will get to hear more of the story throughout the briefings of the missions. Icarus does not have a traditional narrative, but there is enough to keep you understanding the atmosphere and alien wildlife on the planet.
Gameplay
Icarus is a session-based survival video game, where you have to explore planet Icarus to gather resources, craft, and survive against hostile wildlife and extreme weather. It plays out very much like any other survival game, where you can gather anything you see, build yourself a safe place, and explore new areas. You will start with simple stone tools and basic shelters. As you explore more and level up your character, you will get to invest in complex tech trees and skills to advance your gear.
It is essential to learn new skills in crafting, survival, and combat. Moreover, learning new blueprints will unlock recipes for better tools and the ability to craft better shelters. The weather and wildlife are serious problems on Icarus. You must build certain structures to withstand the storms, creatures, and environmental hazards.
Game Modes in Icarus
Now, Icarus offers three different types of game modes, including missions (prospects), Open World, and Outposts. Pursuing the missions is the core progression route for unlocking permanent items and various crucial rewards. The session-based gameplay design is exclusive to the Prospects, as each mission will give you a certain amount of time to complete it on Icarus.
You must complete the objectives and return to orbit before the time runs out. As you complete the missions, you will unlock new talents and blueprints, essential for survival in difficult scenarios. There are over 90 missions in Icarus, including the DLC ones.
The Open World mode gives more of a traditional survival video game vibe. There is no timer for this mode, allowing you to roam freely, build, craft, explore, and survive indefinitely. This mode is best for immersing yourself in atmospheric survival and base-building without the stress of any deadline. Moreover, you can also accept contracts. These are like missions, but without timers. Complete these contracts to unlock rewards to help you with survival.
Lastly, the Outposts mode is for those who just want to relaxingly build without any fear of death. There are no storms or a threat of hostile wildlife in the Outposts mode. You can creatively build and test out your designs in this mode as long as you like.
Sound and Visuals
Icarus features a gorgeous world with several biomes and a dynamic weather system. Honestly, the visuals of the game are stunning on the Console. The lighting, shadows, and atmosphere all build up the environment perfectly. As there is much beauty to discover on Icarus, it also keeps up the tension throughout your journey. The design of storms, wildlife, and dwindling oxygen keeps you constantly under pressure for survival.
The sound design in Icarus is very well-crafted, blending the environmental audio, wildlife cues, and weather effects to increase the immersion while keeping the survival tension. All biomes in Icarus are layered with subtle ambient sounds. Wind and rustling foliage all create a sense of scale and danger.
Verdict – Score 8/10
Icarus is a great survival video game, and it is certainly good on consoles. It delivers a breathtaking view of the world and a challenging survival experience. However, the UI design on consoles is still terrific and confusing initially. Moreover, the progression in Icarus is a bit grindy. If you are a Solo player, then you might not crave it. Icarus is more fun with your friends, so I strongly recommend that you play with your friends to have fun and progress simultaneously.
Icarus Console Edition is now available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
