Sons of the Forest is celebrated for its improvements over its predecessor, offering a larger world, detailed graphics, and enriched gameplay mechanics, particularly in terms of combat and building. While praised for its immersive survival-horror experience and innovative features, the game faces criticism concerning optimization issues, confusing storytelling, and occasionally unforgiving survival challenges. The community appreciates the multiplayer aspect, and despite mixed feelings on certain gameplay elements, the game stands out as a worthy continuation of The Forest, solidifying its place in the survival genre.
Positive Points
Significant improvements over the first game, with larger map, more detailed graphics, and enhanced survival and combat mechanics.Building and crafting system is highly praised for its flexibility, allowing for extensive creativity and customization.The game features a diverse array of weaponry, from traditional melee weapons to modern firearms, providing varied combat experiences.Companions such as Kelvin and Virginia add unique gameplay elements and assist players with tasks and combat.The environment and atmosphere are immersive, providing a thrilling survival-horror experience with a balance of beautiful scenery and lurking dangers.Multiplayer mode enhances the fun, allowing players to collaborate or compete in the survival experience.Negative Points
Some players find the game demanding on their PC, requiring high specifications for optimal performance.The enemy AI and combat can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly when multiple enemies attack simultaneously.The story is reported to be confusing or lacking by some players, making it difficult to follow or feel invested in.Building, while extensive, sometimes feels unnecessary or unrewarding, as survival can be managed without significant construction.Some bug and optimization issues still present, with reports of clipping, crashing, and pathfinding glitches.Exploration can lead to frustration when important items or locations are difficult to find without guidance.Mixed Points
Free-form building is innovative but has a learning curve, with some players finding it challenging to achieve desired results.The survival mechanics are appreciated for their realism but can be brutal for newcomers or those not seeking an intense challenge.The addition of seasons and weather effects adds depth to the experience but also introduces additional survival challenges that some players find excessive.Common Themes
Comparison to The Forest, with Sons of the Forest generally receiving praise for enhancing and expanding upon the original game's features.Appreciation for the game's horror elements, particularly the design and behaviors of the cannibals and mutants.Discussions on the balance between realism in survival mechanics versus gameplay enjoyment, with varied opinions on the ideal difficulty level.Focus on the rich environmental design and the immersion it provides, encouraging exploration despite the dangers.Updated 7/8/2024, 5:55:01 PM UTC