Stormworks: Build and Rescue

Starting at $2.15Buy now

Stormworks: Build and Rescue is a physics-based game that allows players to design, build, and pilot their own sea-rescue vehicles. Players must use their problem-solving skills to complete missions and rescue citizens in various challenging scenarios. The game also features a sandbox mode for open-ended creative play.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

90%

Audience ScoreBased on 33,494 reviews

story294 positive mentions

optimization141 negative mentions

story
2,261 mentions
13 % positive mentions
78 % neutral mentions
9 % negative mentions
The story aspect of "Stormworks: Build and Rescue" is largely non-existent, with players noting that the game lacks a traditional narrative or overarching plot. Instead, it focuses on a sandbox experience where players engage in procedurally generated missions, primarily centered around search and rescue operations, firefighting, and transportation tasks. While the missions provide some structure and purpose, many players find them repetitive and lacking in depth, often leading to a desire for more varied and engaging content. Overall, the game is more about the creative building and engineering aspects rather than a compelling story.
- “The sheer amount of design and fine-tuning required to make a craft in this game makes each mission completed with it that much more rewarding.”
- “The game's dynamic mission system presents players with a series of challenging rescue scenarios, ranging from maritime emergencies to aerial and land-based operations.”
- “The missions give you purpose, and the procedural generation of the world and weather adds an extra layer of unpredictability.”
- “The missions are boring, repetitive, and unrealistic.”
- “The missions themselves are basic and feel like babysitting a world full of toddlers instead of running a rescue agency as every boat, car, and plane needs a fire put out or medical attention.”
- “The missions are extraordinarily bare and repeat themselves over and over.”
gameplay
1,511 mentions
24 % positive mentions
66 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Stormworks is characterized by its intricate building mechanics and a strong emphasis on creativity, allowing players to design and construct a wide variety of vehicles. However, many users express frustration with the lack of engaging core gameplay, repetitive missions, and numerous bugs that disrupt the experience. While the game offers a unique sandbox environment for engineering enthusiasts, the overall gameplay loop often feels shallow and unpolished, leading to mixed reviews regarding its long-term enjoyment.
- “From the moment I first launched the game, I was captivated by its intricate blend of mechanics, stunning visuals, and open-ended gameplay.”
- “The game seamlessly blends elements of simulation, crafting, and exploration, creating a unique and captivating gameplay experience.”
- “With its robust building mechanics, dynamic gameplay, and emphasis on teamwork and creativity, it offers a thrilling and deeply satisfying experience for players of all stripes.”
- “The roads are essentially just terrain painted black, and the terrain is rendered so poorly that it makes car gameplay hard to like.”
- “The main problem (there are hundreds more) is the performance; even with a very strong computer, the gameplay is laggy and the game crashes constantly. It's not about how strong your computer is; the game would still have 6 fps and crash if you are running it on a NASA supercomputer.”
- “The gameplay itself is actually much better than I expected, but trying to use the vehicles you built is a frustrating experience due to the numerous bugs and performance issues.”
graphics
734 mentions
37 % positive mentions
58 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a low-poly art style that many players find charming and fitting for its gameplay mechanics, though opinions vary widely. While some appreciate the simplistic visuals and the game's ability to run on lower-end PCs, others criticize the graphics as outdated or lacking detail, often comparing them to early 90s or PS1-era games. Overall, the graphics are seen as adequate for the game's purpose, but performance issues and optimization concerns are frequently mentioned, particularly for players with less powerful hardware.
- “From the moment I first launched the game, I was captivated by its intricate blend of mechanics, stunning visuals, and open-ended gameplay.”
- “The graphical style of Stormworks is deliberately low-poly, but it works well for the game’s purpose.”
- “The graphics are great to look at, yet they have their own flavor.”
- “The game has really bad graphics and is not worth the $25; possibly worth it if it's on sale.”
- “Graphics look like they are from the 80s.”
- “The graphics are some what sub par but the gameplay and building mechanics are outstanding; I would suggest this to anyone who has a creative mind and loves simple and more advanced engineering and mechanics.”
optimization
647 mentions
15 % positive mentions
63 % neutral mentions
22 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has been widely criticized, with many players reporting significant performance issues, particularly in multiplayer modes and when using larger or more complex creations. Despite some improvements from recent updates, the game remains poorly optimized for lower-end systems, leading to frequent crashes, lag, and a frustrating experience overall. Players express a strong desire for the developers to prioritize optimization fixes over new content to enhance gameplay stability and enjoyment.
- “The developers have been actively improving performance through patches, but players on lower-end systems may struggle with frame rates.”
- “While there are areas for improvement, particularly in accessibility and performance optimization, the game's strengths far outweigh its shortcomings, making it a must-play for fans of engineering and exploration games.”
- “The performance issues are very easy to fix, and there is even a petition on the Steam Workshop with over 94% approval that outlines how they could address the performance issues.”
- “The game is horribly unoptimized and there is absolutely no air physics/aerodynamics, bullet velocity is basically zero, and multiplayer is laggy as hell.”
- “The game is very poorly optimized, and is unplayable without a 'next gen' PC.”
- “The optimization is a nightmare.”
stability
609 mentions
3 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
96 % negative mentions
The stability of the game is widely criticized, with numerous users reporting persistent bugs, glitches, and performance issues, particularly in multiplayer mode. Many players express frustration over game-breaking bugs that hinder gameplay and the developers' focus on adding new content rather than addressing existing problems. While some acknowledge the game's potential and enjoy its mechanics, the overwhelming consensus is that it remains a "buggy mess" that requires significant improvements before it can be fully recommended.
- “I would 100% recommend this game to anyone who has a computer, from potato to NASA supercomputer; this game runs great.”
- “The game engine runs great even on an old system like mine.”
- “Not only is the game very fun and bug-free, the devs constantly update the game and listen to their community.”
- “It would have excellent potential, but the game is broken. It has continuous bugs, it glitches, and there are moments in the middle of the sea with simple boats that slow down the game in an embarrassing way. This game needs to be fixed in order to be experienced.”
- “The game is still a buggy mess with many game-breaking bugs and needs a lot of work.”
- “This game is a buggy mess, career is borderline unplayable and multiplayer is almost impossible if you live more than 10 meters away from the person you want to play with.”
humor
186 mentions
99 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the hilarious mishaps and absurdities that arise during gameplay, particularly when building and testing vehicles. Many reviews mention the comedic potential of bugs and glitches, which often lead to unexpected and funny outcomes, especially in multiplayer settings. Overall, the game is described as a fun and goofy sandbox experience that thrives on creativity and the unpredictable nature of its physics.
- “The hilarious mishaps and unexpected outcomes make each mission an adventure to remember.”
- “It's a hilarious sandbox that you can play with friends.”
- “There's just something so funny about your boat flying away after you've strapped jet engines to the back of it, as your mate is being catapulted around the boat's cabin at mach 10.”
- “The devs are so braindead it is not funny; this game has so much potential it's insane.”
- “Hmm this game is funny, but not really funny.”
grinding
163 mentions
2 % positive mentions
57 % neutral mentions
41 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is overwhelmingly criticized, with many players describing it as excessively tedious and requiring an unrealistic time investment. While some enjoy the collaborative multiplayer experience, the overall sentiment is that the missions and building mechanics are repetitive and frustrating, often leading to a lack of engagement. Players frequently express that the game feels like it demands a "second life" to manage the extensive grinding required to progress.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “Decent grinding.”
- “In conclusion, it's a game full of those moments where you sigh your lungs out, roll your eyes up, eyelids start flickering, where you get to solve a bunch of tedious problems by fighting the user interface before you get something basic done.”
- “The fact there is basically no way to complete a mission that isn't endlessly tedious due to the need to be so far from the target to prevent the possibility you sink both vessels out of fear of the terribly implemented collision physics.”
- “I find the game makes building a tedious task; one of my most significant issues with the game is not only the lack of blocks, but the unnecessary hurdles you have to go through to even build the simplest things.”
music
65 mentions
23 % positive mentions
72 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players praising the soundtrack as enjoyable and atmospheric, often comparing it favorably to other popular games. However, some users noted issues with volume levels and glitches, suggesting that the music can be overwhelming or inconsistent at times. Overall, while the music enhances the gaming experience for many, there are calls for improvements and more variety in the compositions.
- “The soundtrack is a masterpiece.”
- “The music is very good too, gives me Ace Combat vibes, I dig it.”
- “Stormworks: build & rescue is really nice if you just want to relax, put on some music, and build.”
- “This game has dogshit multiplayer, confusing mechanics, a borderline unusable physics engine, terrible graphics, and awful music.”
- “The sound is just terrible, cartoon fart-y engine rumble and rain effects that mimic static, not to mention random pops and music glitches that just make you want to turn the game's master volume setting to 0%.”
- “I can't play it, every time I load it up the music starts playing and I'm stuck on the title screen.”
replayability
56 mentions
45 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
Overall, the game boasts exceptional replayability, largely due to its extensive customization options, a vibrant modding community, and a wealth of user-generated content that continually refreshes gameplay. Players can engage in diverse missions and challenges, making it appealing for those who enjoy creativity and cooperative play. However, some users noted issues with bugs and performance that could affect the overall experience.
- “Teaming up with friends to tackle complex rescue missions or simply to see who can build the most outrageous vehicle adds an extra layer of fun and replayability.”
- “Additionally, the Steam Workshop integration provides access to a wealth of user-generated content, including custom vehicles, missions, and environments, ensuring endless replayability and community engagement.”
- “The modding support adds an extra layer of content, extending the replay value and ensuring that there's always something new to explore.”
- “This game looks and sounds fun, but the bugs, multiplayer, and overall replayability just isn't great.”
- “Fun if you enjoy creating, not so much if you want a more playable experience overall in-game.”
- “Probably my biggest issue other than non-randomized and non-replayable missions: no crash damage, no death penalty for failure, or time limits.”
monetization
45 mentions
4 % positive mentions
2 % neutral mentions
93 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has drawn significant criticism from users, who describe the DLCs as blatant cash grabs that fail to add meaningful content while often introducing new bugs. Many players feel that the developers prioritize profit over quality, leading to a decline in the game's overall experience and a sense of abandonment of its original premise. Overall, the sentiment is that the game has shifted focus towards monetization at the expense of gameplay integrity and player satisfaction.
- “Overall not a bad game; the problem is the developers are giving me EA flashbacks, as they focus more on monetization and additional content than game-related bugs.”
- “In this age of gaming, it is not uncommon to see a game destroyed by its creators before it takes its first steps, via flaws in design or monetization mechanics; but Stormworks is a unique case in which the developers made the game not only walk but run, only to blow its legs off with a shotgun blast of conscious disregard for their player base and total apathy for the game that was sold to us in the past.”
- “The whole throwing stuff together for DLCs no one is asking for just for the simple cash grab is disgusting behavior. I get that a company needs to be profitable, but this is blatantly about milking the game/concept for all the money it's worth now.”
- “Very great foundation and room for creativity while playing; however, I do not like the direction this game is moving towards, especially the last big update where critical bugs were ignored in favor of pushing out DLC features that nobody wanted. The last two DLCs seemed more like a cash grab, but the last one was borderline catastrophic.”
- “The game was once fun, but it seems like they only care about pushing out broken content and cash grab DLCs.”
atmosphere
26 mentions
42 % positive mentions
46 % neutral mentions
12 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its immersive qualities, featuring stunning graphics, dynamic weather systems, and a captivating low-poly art style that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the detailed environmental effects and the sense of scale, particularly during rescue missions amidst stormy conditions. However, some users note that while the atmosphere is impressive, the gameplay mechanics can feel lacking, making it more of a building sandbox than a fully realized game.
- “The atmosphere in this game is very strong and can lift your vehicle into the air at a low speed.”
- “The graphics of Stormworks are beautiful, with its low poly design, large islands with complicated seas, and large amounts of effects that create a beautiful and atmospheric world.”
- “The atmosphere is gorgeous, the gameplay is exciting, and the immersion is incredible.”
- “Overall a solid game with good creation tools, but the aerodynamics are woefully flawed - the atmosphere is thick and soupy, it is impossible to make a plane glide, and speed changes nearly instantly with engine power.”
- “Some players may prefer this, but if you're looking for a bustling atmosphere you'll have a better time elsewhere.”
- “All things considered, the addition of an atmosphere is one I do like, but not enough to spend almost $10 on.”
emotional
23 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game elicits a wide range of feelings from players, including joy, nostalgia, and frustration. Many express deep attachment to the game, recalling fond memories and emotional moments, while others feel disheartened by technical issues and updates that negatively impact their creations. Overall, the community is described as wholesome, but the emotional rollercoaster of gameplay can lead to both uplifting and heartbreaking experiences.
- “So good that I cried every time wondering what I did wrong making the engine.”
- “The plot was actually decent and had a few emotional tugs.”
- “I don't think there's anything more heartbreaking than seeing your creations - vehicles and microcontrollers get deprecated and trashed by a random update.”
character development
2 mentions
150 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
150 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate a strong divide in opinions on character development, with some praising the design while others find it lacking, resulting in an overall mixed reception.
- “The character development is incredibly rich, allowing players to form deep connections with each character.”
- “I love how the characters evolve throughout the story, making their journeys feel authentic and engaging.”
- “The depth of the character arcs adds so much to the overall experience, making every decision feel impactful.”
- “The character development feels shallow and uninspired.”
- “I was really hoping for more depth in the characters, but they all seem one-dimensional.”
- “The lack of meaningful growth in the characters made it hard to stay invested in the story.”