Void Bastards Review

Void Bastards makes an instant impression with its cel-shaded graphics that replicate the look of a comic book. Yet, it is not just the visual style that helps this first-person shooter stand out. Void Bastards also ditches many of the established conventions for the genre to come up with innovative gameplay mechanics.

But what makes Void Bastards stand out even more is that it appeared out of nowhere. Until its launch in May 2019, the title had little coverage, seemingly popping into existence. But how does developer Blue Manchu’s second game stand up after the first impression?

Story

In Void Bastards you play as a convict. This sets up the strange morality required to make progress in the game. After being freeze-dried and sent into space, you are brought back to life to stop your prison from falling into disrepair. The Void Ark is trapped in the Sargasso Nebula and you have to find the parts to keep it functioning.

Unlike most other shooters, Void Bastards is procedurally generated. This means that there isn’t any set layout for the Void Ark or characters to become attached to. That’s because each new game sees you randomly assigned a prisoner from the vast confines of the Void Ark. All you know is that Space Pirates are operating in the area and the former crew to deal with. These have been hideously transformed and now pose a threat to you and your home.

Unfortunately, that is about as far as the narrative goes. So if you are expecting a strong story you will be disappointed. However, it does a good enough job of giving an interesting setting and providing a platform for the gameplay.