While the video game industry has seen various dinosaur-themed titles ranging from the chaotic success of Ark: Survival Evolved to the management focus of Jurassic World Evolution 3, a new entry aims to fill the gap for pure survival horror. Wilderdark, developed by indie studio Team Junkfish, is set to launch on Steam on Tuesday, November 10, offering a terrifying take on the classic concept of being stranded on an island with dinosaurs.
Unlike traditional depictions of prehistoric creatures, the inhabitants of this unnatural island are infected with a mysterious ectoparasitic organism. According to the game's Steam page, this infection manifests as glowing, grotesque growths on the skin of the creatures and has also spread to much of the island's flora. The narrative diverges from the typical theme park disaster scenario; instead, players assume the role of a protagonist sent to the island in search of immortality. The story reveals that many have attempted to uncover the island's secrets before, including the player's own parents, all of whom have vanished without a trace.
As a survival game, Wilderdark emphasizes crafting and resource management. Players must set up camps, gather materials, and collect samples from the various creatures and plant life found on the island. Stealth is described as being of utmost importance, requiring players to use a camera to take photos and scan every living organism they encounter rather than engaging in direct combat immediately.
For those interested in testing the game before purchase, a free demo is currently available through the latest Steam Next Fest. Reviews for the demo are currently mixed, though this feedback is largely attributed to technical issues stemming from an older build of the software. The full version will be available for players to experience on November 10.
Sources: Polygon.