Aloft is a paid open-world adventure survival game set in a vibrant, colorful landscape reminiscent of titles like Subnautica and No Man’s Sky. Developed by Astrolabe Interactive Inc., the game drops players onto a small floating island with the goal of surviving in a world ravaged by a perpetual hurricane. 

Aloft immediately distinguishes itself from other survival titles with its relaxed atmosphere similar to ASTRONEER. While resource management and crafting are core mechanics, the constant threat of death often found in similar games feels less pronounced here, because it emphasizes exploration and discovery than combat for the most part.

Enter the world of Aloft

Aloft's gameplay revolves around building bases on floating islands, gathering resources, and crafting tools. You can collect water from clouds and grow crops for survival. Uniquely, islands can be transformed into sky ships with sails, allowing navigation of the open world. You will also be given a glider that enhances exploration, enabling quick travel between islands. This core loop of base-building, resource management, and exploration defines the overall gaming experience.

Its map includes "Corrupted" islands, overrun by a fungal growth, which can be healed by you, unlocking new flora and fauna. It also features a subtle narrative, delivered through frescoes found throughout the world, hinting at a lost civilization and the mysteries behind the hurricane. You can choose between solo and co-op modes. The latter lets players work together to build elaborate sky bases and explore the world as a team. 

While the core gameplay loop of resource gathering, crafting, and exploration is engaging, the demanding system requirements are the price to pay. Because of its sheer size and graphics hungry-engine, expect that you’ll be needing a higher spec hardware to play this title to its full potential. Nonetheless, the game’s foundation is solid, and the core mechanics are well-executed, while the soundtrack, story, and overall aesthetic deserves praise and recognition.

A great new approach to open-world

Aloft offers a refreshing and captivating take on the open-world survival genre. Its vibrant world, coupled with a relaxed atmosphere and emphasis on exploration, sets it apart from the often brutal nature of its peers. While the demanding system requirements might present a barrier to entry for some, the solid foundation, and well-executed mechanics make it a worthwhile experience for those seeking adventure and discovery with fresh new style and gameplay.