Prepare yourself for a comedic cosmic romp filled with exploding critters, temperamental duplicants (that’s what we call colonists here!), and enough engineering conundrums to make even the most seasoned spacefarer sweat. Welcome to Oxygen Not Included (ONI), Klei Entertainment’s ingenious sandbox survival game that plunges you into the depths of an asteroid teeming with resources – and challenges!
Your mission? Establish a self-sustaining colony, breathing life (literally) into a hostile, subterranean environment. This isn’t your typical “build a base and shoot aliens” affair. ONI dives deep into the complexities of resource management, thermodynamics, and, crucially, keeping your duplicants alive (and sane!).
Unearthing the Depths: A World of Wonder and Peril
Imagine burrowing through an asteroid, encountering pockets of valuable ore alongside bizarre lifeforms that can be both beneficial and deadly. ONI’s world is procedurally generated, meaning every playthrough presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities.
You’ll encounter a variety of biomes, each with its own distinct flora, fauna, and environmental hazards:
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The Starting Area: This initial zone is relatively tame, providing a safe haven for your duplicants to establish their foothold. But don’t be fooled by its apparent serenity! Resources are scarce, and the clock is ticking as you race against oxygen depletion.
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The Lush Biome: Vibrant with vegetation and teeming with critters (some edible, some explosive!), this biome offers a bounty of resources but also poses new challenges like managing polluted water and unpredictable wildlife encounters.
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The Tepid Biome: A hotter environment where caution is paramount. Duplicants will overheat without proper cooling solutions, making advanced infrastructure crucial for survival.
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The Cold Biome: Brace yourself for frigid temperatures! Maintaining a comfortable temperature becomes a constant battle, requiring ingenious insulation strategies and the careful placement of heat-generating structures.
Duplicants: Quirky Personalities with Unique Needs
But ONI isn’t just about building efficient systems; it’s about managing your quirky colonists – the duplicants. Each arrives with a set of traits that affect their skills, needs, and even temperament.
Let’s meet a few:
- The Athletic: This agile duplicant excels at hauling resources and traversing difficult terrain, but they may have a tendency to get restless if not given enough physical activity.
- The Melancholy: Deeply introspective (and prone to sadness), this duplicant needs regular access to recreational spaces and mood-boosting activities to avoid becoming unproductive.
Balancing the needs of your duplicants adds another layer of complexity and strategy. Do you prioritize training those with high construction skills? Or do you focus on fulfilling the emotional needs of a more sensitive duplicant? These choices will directly influence the success (or failure!) of your colony.
From Pipes to Plants: The Art of Engineering Survival
ONI is renowned for its intricate engineering system, requiring players to design and optimize complex networks for:
- Oxygen Production: Start with simple Algae Terrariums, but progress towards sophisticated O2 generation through Electrolyzers (splitting water) or even Rocket Fuel combustion!
- Waste Management: Duplicants produce…well, waste. Efficiently managing sewage, converting it into fertilizer, and ensuring a hygienic colony is crucial for avoiding outbreaks of disease.
Power Generation: From Coal Generators to Nuclear Reactors, ONI offers a range of power generation options, each with its own advantages and drawbacks.
- Water Management: Maintaining clean water sources is essential. You’ll need to filter polluted water, store clean reserves, and even develop advanced irrigation systems for your burgeoning farms.
This intricate web of interconnected systems requires careful planning, constant monitoring, and a healthy dose of improvisation. One clogged pipe could spell disaster, so meticulous maintenance is key!
Embrace the Unexpected: Exploding Critters and Spacey Surprises
ONI wouldn’t be ONI without its delightful surprises – both heartwarming and hilariously chaotic.
Beware of:
- The “Slickster”: This adorable blob might resemble a sentient puddle, but it explodes on contact! Careful handling and containment are crucial for avoiding messy (and potentially fatal) spills.
- The Space Kraken: A legendary leviathan that lurks in the abyssal depths, this tentacled terror can wreak havoc on your carefully constructed base. Defeating it requires a combination of strategic defenses, advanced weaponry, and a dash of luck.
Building a Legacy: Exploring Beyond Survival
ONI isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving! Once you’ve established a stable colony, the possibilities expand:
- Rocketry: Send probes into space to gather valuable resources and uncover the mysteries of the cosmos.
- Research: Unlocking new technologies unlocks even more intricate systems and strategies, pushing the boundaries of what your colony can achieve.
- Aesthetic Flourishing: Don’t forget about aesthetics! Decorate your base with art, furniture, and landscaping elements, turning it into a truly unique (and hopefully functional!) spacefaring oasis.
The Verdict: A Universe of Fun Awaits
Oxygen Not Included is a captivating experience that blends intricate mechanics with charming humor and a touch of cosmic absurdity. Whether you’re a seasoned sandbox veteran or a curious newcomer, ONI offers a challenging yet rewarding journey into the heart of space-based survival. So strap in, gather your duplicants, and prepare to embark on a hilarious and unforgettable adventure!