Customization Chaos: Exploring the Quirky Character Creation in Once Human

In the ever-evolving world of free-to-play survival games, Once Human has recently launched on Steam, promising a unique and immersive experience. However, as our reviewer delves into the game, the focus seems to have shifted from the core survival elements to an overwhelming character customization system that allows players to create truly bizarre and outlandish avatars. Join us as we unpack the good, the bad, and the downright peculiar aspects of this character creation feature and its impact on the overall gameplay experience.

Unleash Your Inner Creativity (or Madness) with Once Human's Character Customization

Embracing the Unexpected: Survival Meets Customization Chaos

The survival genre has long been associated with a sense of uncertainty and discovery, where players must navigate the challenges of a harsh environment and adapt to their surroundings. However, in the case of Once Human, the developer, NetEase, appears to have shifted the focus towards an extensive character creation system, leaving the core survival elements somewhat overshadowed. As our reviewer delves into the game, they are immediately struck by the sheer depth and granularity of the customization options, which seem to prioritize the ability to create truly bizarre and outlandish character designs over the traditional survival experience.From the ability to fine-tune the "mid lower-lip thickness" to the option to turn your character into a "brick with a tiny head," the customization tools in Once Human are nothing short of remarkable. The reviewer notes that the character presets themselves are decidedly "horny," further adding to the sense of incongruity between the game's tone and the level of customization on offer.

Embracing the Absurd: When Character Creation Becomes the Main Attraction

The reviewer's initial 10 minutes spent fiddling with the character creation tools proved to be the most enjoyable part of their experience so far. The ability to push the boundaries of character design, from exaggerated body proportions to unsettling facial features, seems to have captured their imagination more than the actual gameplay. The reviewer even suggests that players might feel compelled to create the most outrageous-looking characters, as if to say, "What kind of sicko sticks with a default hottie when given so many ways to mess them up?"This emphasis on character customization over core gameplay mechanics raises questions about the developer's priorities and the overall direction of the game. While the reviewer acknowledges that the character creation system is "unreasonably granular" and features "zero safeguards to prevent players from populating its servers with space demons," they can't help but be drawn in by the sheer absurdity of the options available.

Balancing Act: When Customization Overshadows Survival

The reviewer's initial disappointment with the actual gameplay of Once Human, following their character creation fiddling, highlights the potential pitfalls of prioritizing customization over the core survival experience. The survival genre has traditionally been about navigating the challenges of a harsh environment, foraging for resources, and facing the constant threat of danger. However, in Once Human, it seems that the developer has placed a greater emphasis on allowing players to create their own unique and often bizarre-looking characters, potentially at the expense of the game's survival mechanics.This raises the question of whether the developer has struck the right balance between customization and core gameplay. While the reviewer acknowledges that the character creation system is "fun" and that the game's ability to handle the influx of players at launch is commendable, they express concern that the survival elements may have been neglected in favor of the more visually striking character customization features.

A Double-Edged Sword: The Pros and Cons of Once Human's Customization Approach

The character creation system in Once Human is undoubtedly a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offers players an unprecedented level of control over the appearance of their in-game avatars, allowing for a high degree of personalization and self-expression. This can be a significant draw for players who enjoy the creative aspect of character design and the ability to make their mark on the game world.However, the reviewer's concerns about the customization system overshadowing the core survival gameplay are valid. By prioritizing the character creation tools over the fundamental survival mechanics, the developer runs the risk of creating an experience that feels more like a character customization sandbox than a true survival game. This could potentially alienate players who are drawn to the genre for its sense of challenge, exploration, and resource management.Ultimately, the success of Once Human may hinge on the developer's ability to strike a delicate balance between the character creation system and the survival elements. If they can seamlessly integrate the two aspects and ensure that the customization features enhance rather than detract from the core gameplay, the game may find a dedicated following among players who appreciate the unique blend of creativity and survival.