Developer and Publisher Cotton Game has been putting in work this year. Not only did they release adventure game Deep in the Woods in March, but Sunset Hills, a puzzle adventure, is set for Q3 AND a demo for their sci-fi survival game Before Fate dropped this week.

Cotton Game is known for their artistically rich approach and yet again are delivering a unique experience with Before Fate. Time and destiny intertwine as you are immersed into a time-space odyssey.

Gameplay

You play as Ian Stewart, a young researcher tasked to look for a team of scientists who have disappeared. These scientists,  Aude team as they're called, set out to investigate an apocalyptic disaster and went missing in the process. Help Ian as he averts impending catastrophes and unveils the mysteries of the universe by traveling through time and space.

In a world where humans and robots coexist, Vito, your robot assistant, is here to help you navigate the basics of Before Fate. Like most survival games you need to forage and craft to progress. Before you're able to set out on your journey, you must craft items such as flashlights, medicine, weapons and armor. Once you have all your items, you're ready to explore time and space. 

Now, I am not a survival or shooting game girly. I have the aim of a potato. It is very much the reason I stick with cozy puzzle games. But, Before Fate does give you the option when playing with a controller to use auto aim, which I am very thankful for. It put less pressure on combat, and let the narrative shine. 

Pros & Cons

I believe the art direction in Before Fate is one of its strongest assets. Blending 70s and 80s style comics, layered with a rich color palette that compliments the gameplay. Each hand-drawn realm you're transported to is meticulously crafted to reflect the emotional narrative. 

The soundtrack in this game really creates an atmospheric experience. Paired with the art design, it really does well in teetering the line between comic book hero and haunting sci-fi.

The one qualm I did have, was I was constantly dying of hunger. My hunger dropped quickly, as did my food supply,  and there was no hunting or foraging to replace what I used. I know this is  common in survival games, but I did feel the speed went too quickly especially without any ability to replenish. The game is still in active development though, with Cotton Game very open in their Discord to feedback on the demo. 

If you're a fan of sci-fi and hero-esque comic books and survival games,  Before Fate is the one to watch. Although no release date has been mentioned, you can try the demo now on Steam.