Remember that feeling of stumbling upon a game that completely captivates you? For many, that game was Crashlands, a 2D open-world RPG that exploded onto the Steam scene in 2016. Even years later, its unique blend of crafting, combat, and comedy holds a special place in the hearts of players. And right now, it's available for an absolute pittance.
The premise sets the stage for a brilliantly chaotic adventure. You play as Flux Dabes, a galactic trucker whose latest delivery goes horribly wrong. After crash-landing on a strange, alien planet, your primary goal is simple: survive, and maybe pick up your scattered packages. But as you delve deeper into the vibrant, dangerous world, you uncover a sinister plot that threatens the entire planet, and it’s up to you, a simple space trucker, to stop it.
An Adventure Packed with Features
Whether you brave the wilderness solo or team up in its seamless co-op mode, your mission is anything but easy. Crashlands succeeds by layering its systems in a way that feels intuitive and endlessly engaging.
- A Universe in Your Pocket: Say goodbye to inventory management tedium. The game features an infinite inventory, freeing you to gather, craft, and collect to your heart's content from over 500 different items. This is a game about creation and progression, not organizing virtual backpacks.
- A World That Lives and Breathes: You won't be alone on your journey. Quirky characters dot the landscape, offering quests, stories, and the tools you need to become more powerful. Building relationships with the locals is just as important as building a better weapon.
- Thrilling Combat and Taming: New areas and tougher bosses await, each requiring you to learn attack patterns and adapt your strategy. A deep skill tree offers plenty of ways to customize your playstyle. Perhaps the most beloved feature is the ability to befriend and raise local creatures, who will then fight loyally by your side in battle.
You can experience this wildly inventive world for yourself by heading to the official Crashlands Steam page.
Praise and Minor Pitfalls: A Balanced Legacy
No game is perfect, and Crashlands was no exception. While it was overwhelmingly praised for its hilarious writing, engaging story, and feature-rich gameplay, some critics noted that the core loop of gathering and crafting could become repetitive for some. Others reported occasional bugs, particularly in the cooperative mode at launch.
However, these flaws were largely overshadowed by its monumental achievements. Time Magazine named Crashlands one of the best games of 2016, and it holds a solid 78 rating on Metacritic, a testament to its quality and broad appeal.
If you missed it the first time around or are looking for a fantastic game to play with a friend, now is the moment to act. The game is currently on a massive sale on Steam, available for the unbelievable price of just $1.49.
This is an offer too good to pass up for one of the most creative and content-packed indie RPGs of the last decade. But be quick—this stellar deal ends on November 18.