Near Death

72%
Game Brain Score Based on 627 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • atmosphere
Near Death Game Cover
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Near Death is a survival adventure game set in the brutal Antarctic wilderness. Players must navigate the harsh environment, gather resources, and make tough decisions to stay alive. With a focus on atmosphere and story, Near Death challenges players to confront their limits and morality in the face of survival.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Linux
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

72%
Audience ScoreBased on 627 reviews
story60 positive mentions
replayability8 negative mentions
  • Immersive atmosphere that effectively conveys the tension of surviving in extreme cold.
  • Engaging gameplay mechanics focused on resource management and navigation without traditional enemies.
  • Compelling story that keeps players invested in the protagonist's survival journey.
  • Very short gameplay experience, typically completed in 2-4 hours.
  • Limited replayability due to linear objectives and lack of randomization.
  • Some technical issues, such as clipping and navigation difficulties in blizzard conditions.
  • story210 mentions

    The story in "Near Death" is generally described as simple yet effective, focusing on the survival of a pilot after a plane crash in Antarctica. While some players appreciate the atmospheric tension and the straightforward narrative delivered through teletype machines, others find it lacking depth and replayability due to its linear structure and short length. Overall, the game successfully immerses players in a compelling survival experience, though it may not satisfy those seeking a more intricate plot.

    • “The loneliness is palpable, the story, delivered in fragments, is full of character and style, the graphics suit the setting perfectly, the sound design is excellent and overall it's a brilliant survival and exploration game with a truly urgent hook.”
    • “This game is a wonderfully well-executed, straightforward story of a pilot's survival after crashing near a decommissioned Antarctic base.”
    • “The story is simple, yet powerful.”
    • “This isn't a survival title in that it's an open world crafting game, but rather, it's a linear puzzle-solving story where freezing to death is a constant threat.”
    • “The story itself isn't much to sniff at, nothing really 'wow'ed me in that aspect, but what it did, it did adequately.”
    • “The story line is simplistic, there is no grand backstory or character arc here, but it works well with the mechanics of the game: accumulate enough resources to explore/survive a decommissioned Antarctic research base while plotting your escape.”
  • gameplay166 mentions

    The gameplay in "Near Death" is characterized by its straightforward mechanics focused on survival in a harsh, cold environment, primarily involving resource collection, crafting, and temperature management. While some players found the gameplay repetitive and the overall experience short (around 2-4 hours), many appreciated the immersive atmosphere and tension created by the survival elements, which kept them engaged throughout. The game effectively balances simplicity with challenge, making it accessible for newcomers to the survival genre while still providing a rewarding experience.

    • “Yes, it's rather short, but the gameplay is interesting and the atmosphere is awesomely done.”
    • “The gameplay is really quite simple: you explore the facility, loot items, fix some stuff, craft equipment, and try not to freeze to death.”
    • “It's you against mother nature, stranded at a desolate Antarctic facility; you must survive the harsh and frigid surroundings. The gameplay is great and keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
    • “The gameplay consists largely of collecting resources and learning your environment to survive.”
    • “Ultimately, I have to say I wouldn't recommend this because $17 CAD for no more than 3 hours of repetitive gameplay with basically no replayability is just too expensive.”
    • “The mechanics themselves were fairly repetitive - besides a little bit of inventory management and crafting ~5 item recipes and ~5 upgrades, there was only fetch quests running across the map trying not to get lost.”
  • atmosphere157 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and engaging qualities, effectively conveying feelings of isolation, tension, and urgency, particularly in its arctic setting. Despite its lower budget and simple graphics, the combination of sound design, music, and environmental effects creates a chilling and compelling experience that captivates players. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke a sense of dread and survival, making it a standout in the atmospheric survival genre.

    • “Fun little indie game that really nails the atmosphere of being isolated in the Arctic against the elements.”
    • “The game builds a strong atmosphere that gave me some sweaty palms even though it's a relatively chill game.”
    • “Nature is your worst enemy in this game as you try to survive alone in the dark and cold research station in Antarctica. It has been a long time since a game captivated me this much with atmosphere alone.”
    • “It helps build a really unsafe atmosphere; it honestly felt really oppressive whenever you wound up going outside, not to mention dangerous.”
    • “Just you, a small gas heater and an abandoned research station in the Antarctic and no apparent way out - and that's really all that is needed to keep the atmosphere eerie, lonely and generally desolate.”
    • “Winds howl like the last cries of the dead, eerie teletype keys echo the halls and the overall atmosphere is somewhere between the 1950s version of 'The Thing', Carpenter's version, Cryostasis and even The Long Dark.”
  • music63 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to enhance the atmosphere, effectively transitioning between intense and soothing tones that complement the gameplay. While some users experienced technical issues with the soundtrack, many highlighted its immersive qualities, noting how it contributes to feelings of isolation and tension in the game's environment. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a significant strength, adding depth and emotional weight to the player's experience.

    • “The music is perfectly suited, transitioning from dark and menacing while fighting the elements outdoors to soothing and beautiful as you find shelter and warmth.”
    • “Incredible atmosphere with an understated but effective soundtrack.”
    • “The proper music kicks in at the proper times and it sounds perfect for the mood and ambience that should be set.”
    • “The score soundtrack downloaded as one zip file, so the music didn't work in-game, and it didn't show up in Steam soundtracks.”
    • “The only complaint I have is that certain soundtracks have a really heavy and annoying amount of bass, but nothing the volume adjustment couldn't fix.”
    • “Audio clues, the protagonist's voice, even certain sections of the soundtrack were ripped directly from The Long Dark.”
  • graphics61 mentions

    The graphics of the game are generally described as decent but somewhat dated, with a simple yet effective design that complements the atmospheric sound and gameplay. While some players noted that the visuals can feel basic or muddy, many appreciated how they enhance the game's themes of isolation and survival. Overall, the graphics may not be cutting-edge, but they successfully contribute to an immersive experience that resonates with players.

    • “The graphics may not be fantastic, but the combination of the audio, pacing, and lighting really draws you in.”
    • “The graphics are very good in this, and you really feel like you are stuck in a big snowstorm.”
    • “The atmosphere is spot on with a decent mix between graphics, sound effects, and music creating a consistent style.”
    • “The visuals are subpar: getting lost outside is part of the challenge of this game, but I got lost inside too since everything looks so similar.”
    • “A garbage version of 'The Long Dark', played entirely at night, with a crappy flashlight and horrible graphics that honestly reminds me of something from the early 2000s.”
    • “There's not enough of a story to make me care, the unforgiving wind makes movement in many areas impossible, and the graphics that the weather allows me to see are of such low quality that they're outdone by games from a decade ago.”
  • replayability42 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is generally considered low, with many reviewers noting its linearity and short playtime as significant drawbacks. While some players may find value in attempting higher difficulty levels or completing achievements, the consensus is that the game lacks substantial content to warrant multiple playthroughs. As a result, many recommend waiting for a sale due to the limited replay value relative to its price.

    • “Has some replayability for completionists to get all the achievements and for the challenge of harder difficulties.”
    • “Short but sweet, great replayability.”
    • “The replay value may be low for some people, but this is the kind of game I will personally do a speed run on occasionally and once every couple of years try it on condition 1 setting again.”
    • “There are difficulty settings, but I can't see there being much replay value as the game is fairly linear.”
    • “Ultimately, I have to say I wouldn't recommend this because $17 CAD for no more than 3 hours of repetitive gameplay with basically no replayability is just too expensive.”
    • “Finished the game from start to credits in about 3 hours of gameplay, so that makes the price tag a little pricey, as the game isn't really replayable as the map and objectives don't change.”
  • grinding11 mentions

    Reviews on grinding in the game are mixed; while some players note that the grinding can be extensive and repetitive, others appreciate that it doesn't feel tedious or unnecessary, contributing to an overall enjoyable experience. Many highlight the game's balance, suggesting that it avoids the micromanagement pitfalls of other survival games, making it a more engaging adventure without excessive grinding. Overall, the game's length is seen as appropriate, preventing the grinding from becoming overly burdensome.

    • “The heating mechanic is repetitive but not tedious.”
    • “A lot of grinding.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “It's not really enjoyable, so much as it is tedious and frustrating.”
    • “If you like single-player survival games without any grinding, this is for you.”
  • stability11 mentions

    The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting various bugs and glitches that can hinder gameplay, such as control issues, invisible barriers, and the potential to fall through the map. While some users noted that the game runs well on certain platforms and experienced only minor issues, others found the bugs to be significant enough to detract from the overall experience, leading to frustration and recommendations for refunds. Overall, the game's stability appears to be a notable concern, particularly for those seeking a smooth experience.

    • “The game is bug-free and runs perfectly.”
    • “It runs great on Linux.”
    • “Further, the rope-pole minigame was buggy, and it did not always work correctly.”
    • “An interesting game, but it is a bit short and has quite a few glitches that allow you to walk through places you aren't supposed to go, including under the map and through the rocks.”
    • “This is a poorly designed, bug-ridden game with so many issues that it becomes unplayable after a few hours; I would recommend anyone to get a refund for this game before it's too late.”
  • emotional7 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its ability to immerse players in the protagonist's struggles, evoking feelings of stress, empathy, and even humor. Players report a strong connection to the character's plight, experiencing a range of emotions from anxiety about survival to moments of laughter, all while feeling the game's chilling atmosphere. Overall, the combination of narrative and gameplay effectively engages players on an emotional level, prompting them to reflect on their own experiences and decisions.

    • “Whilst the game is relatively short, it really keeps you on the edge of your seat with its subtle narrative and immersive gameplay that really puts you in the shoes of the main character and encourages you to empathize with their situation, mainly the stress and emotional drain they are going through.”
    • “The story combined with the gameplay made me feel for the character, as if I was in her position (I'm never going to Antarctica after this haha).”
    • “It made me laugh out loud, it was touching, it was clever, and I'm going to play it again on higher difficulties for sure.”
  • humor5 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as a mix of corny and clever, often shining through in character dialogues and communications, which can evoke genuine laughter. While some players found certain tasks irritating, the humorous interactions, particularly between the main character and McMurdo, were highlighted as a standout feature that added depth to the experience. Overall, the humor contributes positively to the game's atmosphere, balancing the tension of its horror elements.

    • “It made me laugh out loud, it was touching, it was clever, and I'm going to play it again on higher difficulties for sure.”
    • “My favorite part about this game was probably the conversations back and forth between your character and McMurdo that were full of humor!”
    • “Apart from that, and the bit of humor that comes through at times in your communications, there is really only one main thing that drives the game forward--and that's the gameplay itself.”
  • optimization5 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is generally positive, with smooth performance on Linux and decent playability on lower-end hardware. However, players have reported occasional framerate dips, stuttering, and mini-freezes in specific scenarios, indicating some areas could benefit from further refinement.

    • “I played it on Linux; it runs smoothly on my Debian.”
    • “This is one of the better Unity games out there. The developer(s) put some real effort into the game; it has a great atmosphere, good performance, and it's fun.”
    • “Good performance & minimum requirement: I was running this game at 720p on an Intel i7-6500U and its onboard HD520 graphics card, yet the game was still playable.”
    • “Performance was okay, although I had a few recurring framerate dips due to the weather and loading certain areas.”
    • “There was also an issue with stuttering and mini-freezes when using the teletype machine.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    The monetization of the game is criticized as being a poorly executed cash grab, with users feeling that it is unfinished and abandoned.

    • “Another unfinished and abandoned cash grab on Steam.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

65% average critic score

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Play time

4hMedian play time
5hAverage play time
3-8hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 17 analyzed playthroughs

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