Although 2019 seems like a distant memory, I still vividly recall my first experience with Void Bastards. The unique shooter captured my attention with its graphic novel art style and intriguing name. I purchased it on a hot July weekend and found myself immersed in its sci-fi setting, roguelite mechanics, and polished shooting gameplay.
Those memories flooded back as I demoed Wild Bastards at this year’s Game Developers Conference. While not a direct sequel to Void Bastards, it serves as a spiritual successor with a fresh Western twist, feuding teammates, and bean-trading mechanics.
Similar to Void Bastards, Wild Bastards features distinct phases. The objective is to traverse an interstellar map with a team of outlaws, collecting loot and engaging in arena-based shootouts. Each decision on the planetary map poses risks and rewards, shaping the experience in board game-like fashion.
The crew management aspect in Wild Bastards adds depth to the gameplay. Player choices impact relationships between outlaws, requiring strategic team compositions and conflict resolution through resource management, such as using beans to reconcile differences. This dynamic system discourages repetitive crew selections and encourages diverse playstyles.
Upon landing on a planet, players must navigate a board game-style setup, strategically moving crew members to gather loot and reach extraction points while engaging rival outlaws in combat encounters. The diverse loadouts and skills of each outlaw influence the approach to these arena battles, offering varied and dynamic gameplay experiences.
Anticipating the depth of Wild Bastards upon its full release, I look forward to exploring the potential modifiers and surprises in the roguelike runs, reminiscent of the excitement and tension found in Void Bastards back in 2019.
I eagerly await the opportunity for an immersive gaming experience when Wild Bastards launches on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch later this year.
