Raft
- June 20, 2022
- Redbeet Interactive
- 18h median play time
A choppy start leads to a compelling survival experience in Raft.
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Get on itch.io Store"Raft" is a survival game where you and your friends must navigate a perilous ocean to stay alive. Starting with just a hook, you'll gather debris to expand your raft and set sail towards dangerous islands. Watch out for the man-eating shark and other hazards as you search for the last remnants of civilization. Your goal is to build a worthy floating home and survive the epic adventure across the sea.
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Reviews
- story21,494 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The story in "Raft" is a mixed bag, with many players appreciating its engaging premise and the way it unfolds through exploration and environmental storytelling. While some find the narrative compelling and enjoy the unique story islands, others criticize it for being repetitive, lacking depth, and feeling tacked on to the core gameplay. Overall, the game offers a decent storyline that enhances the survival experience, but many players feel it could benefit from more content and variety post-story completion.
“This storytelling approach is engaging without overwhelming the primary survival mechanics, creating a balance that respects the player's autonomy while offering context for their journey.”
“We laughed, we screamed, and when we hit the final credits, we knew this chaotic journey was the most beautifully zesty love story we could have ever sailed.”
“The story is engaging and some of the tasks are challenging, but never too frustrating to do.”
“The story is bland and forgettable, the combat very simplistic, and the longer you play the more it shines through that the developers have made their last version and then abandoned it.”
“The story is underwhelming but the story progression is nice.”
“The story missions are so large that you'll need excessive resources to remain on the islands and often have gameplay such as platforming or FPS puzzles that aren't suited for the game mechanics.”
- gameplay9,120 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Raft" is characterized by its core mechanics of resource gathering, crafting, and survival on a floating raft, which many players find engaging and addictive. However, the gameplay loop can become repetitive over time, with some players expressing frustration over the grindy nature of survival mechanics, such as managing hunger and thirst, and the persistent threat of shark attacks. While the game offers a unique and relaxing experience, especially in multiplayer, it also suffers from bugs and design choices that can detract from the overall enjoyment.
“The core mechanic in 'raft' revolves around gathering resources from the ocean, which requires players to hook and reel in everything from planks and plastic to leaves and barrels.”
“The limited resources constantly drive players to make tactical decisions about which items to prioritize, adding a layer of strategy that keeps the gameplay fresh and challenging.”
“The thrill of expanding your raft and discovering new islands keeps the gameplay fresh.”
“The repetitive nature of the gameplay was the first sign of trouble.”
“Bugs became an omnipresent annoyance, from items getting stuck in the environment to glitches that disrupted the gameplay experience.”
“The gameplay quickly becomes monotonous as players spend the majority of their time fishing for debris and fending off shark attacks.”
- graphics4,958 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The graphics in "Raft" are generally described as charming and vibrant, featuring a colorful, cartoonish art style that enhances the game's laid-back atmosphere. While some players appreciate the simplicity and aesthetic appeal, others criticize the graphics for being underwhelming or not optimized, particularly on lower-end systems, leading to performance issues. Overall, the visuals contribute positively to the immersive experience, though they may not meet the expectations of players seeking cutting-edge graphics.
“Raft features charming, low-poly graphics that create a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.”
“The vibrant colors of the ocean, coupled with charming graphics, create a visually inviting world that invites players to immerse themselves in their journey.”
“The graphics are stunning, with a vibrant color palette that captures the beauty and danger of the open sea.”
“Graphically, 'raft' isn't particularly impressive.”
“The lack of variety, technical problems and mediocre graphics make the game uninteresting after a few hours, especially when you try to get platinum through poorly creative achievements such as kill 50 birds or dig 20 treasures.”
“The graphics are simplistic and lack detail, making the game world feel bland.”
- grinding4,394 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 9 % neutral mentions
- 90 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of "Raft" has received mixed reviews from players. Many find the game to be quite grindy, especially in the early stages, where resource gathering and managing hunger and thirst can feel tedious and repetitive, particularly when playing solo. However, players often note that the experience improves significantly when playing with friends, as it alleviates some of the monotony and allows for more enjoyable gameplay. Overall, while the game offers a satisfying progression system and engaging mechanics, the grind can be a major turn-off for those who prefer a more streamlined experience.
“Not too grindy, just enough to spend some good time.”
“Very fun game, not very grindy and includes many cool features. I highly recommend.”
“Novel and solid survival game that isn't too grindy, has a nice progression curve and story pacing.”
“The joy of exploration and creativity faded, replaced by the tedious grind of managing hunger and thirst, which often felt more like a burden than a challenge.”
“Resource gathering and progression are painfully slow, making the game feel more like a tedious grind than an exciting survival adventure.”
“The game starts out promising, but quickly becomes monotonous and tedious.”
- music2,192 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The music in "Raft" is widely praised for its calming and immersive qualities, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Players appreciate the soothing soundtrack that complements the serene oceanic setting, often comparing it to the nostalgic vibes of games like Minecraft. However, some reviews note that the limited number of tracks can lead to repetitiveness, and there are moments of silence that may disrupt the flow, suggesting a desire for more variety in the music. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a significant asset to the game's relaxing atmosphere.
“The music was peaceful and I loved the collection aspect and having to research recipes that would further our progress.”
“The soundtrack is subtle but effective, providing a calming backdrop that contrasts with the tension of survival.”
“The music is soothing and fits the game pretty well.”
“The audio design, including the soundtrack and sound effects, is equally uninspired and repetitive.”
“The music can start to get really annoying and repetitive, the combat starts to get really annoying and repetitive, the atmosphere starts to get really.... you get it.”
“The music is omega bland, at least the 20% of the time it is playing, and might actually be the weakest aspect of the game (which is saying quite a bit imo).”
- humor1,568 mentions
- 99 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The humor in "Raft" is predominantly derived from its chaotic multiplayer interactions and absurd situations, often leading to unintentional hilarity among friends. Players frequently mention the comedic value of glitches, quirky mechanics, and the antics of the shark, which contribute to a lighthearted and entertaining experience, especially in cooperative play. Overall, the game is best enjoyed with friends, as it amplifies the funny moments and creates memorable, laughter-filled adventures.
“We couldn’t stop laughing; it was so funny.”
“Funny shark who I named Gerald bit my toes while I was trying to cook fish. Very fun game, would recommend.”
“It's funny with friends, and it's a good game.”
“This Christian fish guy is unfunny.”
“But not funny at all after long hours.”
“They did an unfunny April Fools' joke.”
- stability1,492 mentions
- 5 % positive mentions
- 1 % neutral mentions
- 95 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been a significant point of contention among players, with many reporting a plethora of bugs and glitches that disrupt gameplay. While some players find these issues amusing or manageable, others describe the game as "extremely buggy" and "a broken mess," particularly in multiplayer modes where desyncs and freezing are common. Overall, the game is seen as needing substantial improvements in stability, with many hoping for future patches to address these persistent issues.
“Everything works fine, no glitches.”
“The game is also relatively bug free at this point, which is something that really sets it apart from similar games.”
“For me, it was amazingly stable and bug free for an early access title.”
“Bugs became an omnipresent annoyance, from items getting stuck in the environment to glitches that disrupted the gameplay experience.”
“I am playing this in coop, and we've faced countless glitches, bugs, and desyncs, all of which are making this a truly miserable experience.”
“The game is buggy as hell, even though my sail is facing north it moves west.”
- replayability774 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players noting that while it can be enjoyable with friends and offers some creative building opportunities, it lacks significant content and variety for solo play after completing the main story. Some reviews highlight the potential for replayability through modding and multiplayer experiences, but overall, many feel that the game becomes repetitive and offers limited replay value once the initial exploration and crafting are done.
“Genuinely good gameplay and storyline, enough replayability to justify 20 bucks.”
“The game has high replay value because there are many ways to play and build your raft.”
“It's fun, immersive, and endlessly replayable, offering a unique experience that captivates from start to finish.”
“The only downside is the low replayability, as there’s only one story with one path, with no multiple endings or choices.”
“The game itself is fine, but it lacks replayability and interesting content.”
“The bad point is that the game has no replayability whatsoever and playing beyond the main story just isn't really fun.”
- optimization630 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The optimization of "Raft" has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, especially when building larger rafts or exploring larger islands. While some users experience smooth gameplay on high-end systems, others struggle with low frame rates and overheating, even on capable hardware. Overall, the game is seen as needing substantial optimization improvements to enhance performance across a wider range of systems.
“In terms of performance, Raft runs smoothly on most systems, and the art style, while simple, is charming and fitting for the setting.”
“The performance is smooth on my PC, with no major issues.”
“I really enjoy this game, especially because it's well optimized for lower spec PCs.”
“Terrible optimization and in-game performance even with a beyond capable PC.”
“The performance is so utterly bad, especially in multiplayer, that the game is practically unplayable at times.”
“This is one of the worst un-optimized games I've found yet - literally worse than Darktide.”
- atmosphere588 mentions
- 65 % positive mentions
- 32 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Raft" is widely praised for its captivating blend of serene visuals and immersive sound design, creating a unique experience that balances relaxation with the tension of survival. Players appreciate the charming low-poly graphics, soothing ocean sounds, and the sense of isolation that enhances the gameplay, making it both inviting and suspenseful. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered one of its standout features, contributing significantly to its enjoyment and appeal.
“The ambient sounds of the ocean, the creaking of the raft, and the occasional storm create an immersive atmosphere that enhances the survival experience.”
“The game's charming visuals and atmospheric sound design further enhance the immersion, transporting players to a beautifully desolate world where every decision could mean the difference between life and death.”
“Raft does a fantastic job of creating an atmosphere of discovery and adventure, while also making one of terror and dread.”
“The game has great potential, but it lacks the lively ambiance and atmosphere needed to make it truly vibrant.”
“The game's previous atmosphere is completely demolished by the addition of random NPCs inserted into the story last-minute for the excuse of having more player models.”
“No story, no real immersion, no atmosphere, no goal, no soul.”
- emotional224 mentions
- 96 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
Players describe "Raft" as a deeply emotional and heartwarming experience, often evoking genuine tears of joy and nostalgia. The game's serene atmosphere, coupled with its engaging gameplay and meaningful interactions, fosters a strong sense of connection among friends and family, making it a comforting escape. However, some critiques highlight a lackluster storyline that detracts from the emotional potential, leaving players feeling bittersweet as they navigate the game's world.
“Every time I think of 'raft' I shed a tear.”
“This game has made me cry legitimate tears of joy.”
“Best game I've ever played! Me and two of my friends started a world and 15 hours later finished the game. At the end, we got so emotional saying goodbye to our raft and everything we've done!”
“Boring storyline that feels forced.”
“I eventually got bored and quit, as my time on the raft began to become eclipsed by my time in the somewhat boring story missions.”
“Boring story.”
- monetization56 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 11 % neutral mentions
- 82 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players labeling it a "cash grab" due to perceived unfinished content and infrequent updates. However, some users appreciate the absence of microtransactions, expressing a willingness to pay for in-game purchases if they enhance the experience. Overall, while the game has potential, its monetization strategy has left a significant portion of the player base feeling disappointed.
“No microtransactions, thank you!”
“I'd even be willing to pay for in-game purchases because I enjoy this game.”
“Thank you for this game <3 and there are no microtransactions!”
“I was really looking forward to it for so long, but it seems like just a cash grab where things are left unfinished and buggy.”
“The game has been in early access for over 3 years and they barely bring out any updates. This game feels like a cash grab at this point, and if you want to buy an unfinished game that will most likely remain unfinished, then go ahead.”
“This game is less advanced than a mobile cash grab.”
- character development24 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Character development in the game has received largely negative feedback, with many players feeling uninvested due to minimal lore and a lack of meaningful character progression. While the character designs are praised for their attractiveness and charm, the overall absence of depth in character arcs detracts from the immersive experience. Some players noted specific instances where character actions felt inconsistent, further highlighting the shortcomings in development.
“Awesome story and character design.”
“Really enjoy the survival and character development aspects.”
“The character design is gorgeously done, adding to that survival realism we have come to crave.”
“The minimal lore and absence of character development left me feeling uninvested and disconnected from my surroundings.”
“Olof, as soon as he realized we were an actual threat, completely betrayed his character development by becoming weak and frail only to get locked in a cage like a cartoon villain.”
“The game lacks story, plot, and character development.”
