Residual is the first Orangepixel title I have had the pleasure of playing. In fact, as a father of two girls, it is the only new game I have played at all in around two years.
So my review will focus on how Residual fits into my life right now and, ultimately, if it is worth investing what little spare time I have in it.
After a cutscene showing the hero, almost purposefully, crashing into asteroids, and as a result, crashing onto a long-deserted planet, we are treated to a top rate title screen. This beautifully illustrated scene, paired with the haunting, atmospheric score, sets the scene perfectly.
When I play games, I am looking for an escape from life’s troubles, and the team at Orangepixel skillfully pulled me away from reality and onto the planet’s surface. A perfect start. The premise is this; I must find enough tech to repair my ship and survive long enough to escape this hostile world.
Soon I am introduced to my Personal Disaster Bot (PDB), which acts as my guide/alarm clock throughout. In theory, this floating Claptrap is a slick way of avoiding a step-by-step tutorial by giving you hints as you traverse the world. However, the constant reminders that I need to eat, coupled with the comically huge dialogue box telling me ‘your stamina’s low!’ quickly became infuriating.
It seems I am not the only one who thinks this either. Orangepixel has recently announced several patch updates after listening to feedback on their Discord server, including less annoying dialogue.
The gameplay is simple enough. Walking and jumping around the landscape is very easy to pick up. It is not too dissimilar to the era its beautifully rendered pixel graphics harken back to. Two-button platforming is one of the oldest genres in gaming history. Although, I do not recall playing one with such demanding survival aspects. As it demands that you gather food to keep your stamina up, spend time in the sun to recharge your solar suit, and even sleep.
As a result, the fun exploration and investigation aspects of Residual are constantly being interrupted and undermined by the need to stand in place. This is partly due to the short day cycles. I slept for six-day cycles at one point to get my health back to full. A lot of the pain caused by this hanging around is greatly reduced by your ability to teleport. Just don’t forget to take the device with you.
Aside from Residual’s main platforming and survival elements, the game dabbles in a few other genres. A bit of puzzling, which consists of pushing blocks and figuring out where certain items need to be used. Also, in a blatant attempt to appeal to Minecraft fans, you can craft several items that help you gain access to new areas, traverse dangerous conditions, or simply survive longer. Most of the work, however, is done by constantly visiting your ship’s computer.
Once I had gotten used to the sleep, eat, charge, repeat experience and got into a steady rhythm, for a while, I was able to balance survival and exploration quite well. I was skillfully repairing generators, powering devices and crafting gadgets. I was beginning to have fun with the game, learning slowly about the planet’s past and delving further under the crust. Then my backpack broke, and my items began to fly around the screen. Another time my suit needed repairing. Each time requiring a trip back to the ship to use the computer.
Then the generators I had fixed previously packed in again. It was like the game wanted me to fail. I understand the game effectively simulates what it would be like to survive on a hostile planet, but I have had to change nappies and read the same Hey Duggee! book 30 times a day for the last two years. I want to escape from the drudgery of annoying repetitive tasks, not do them for fun. Don’t get me wrong; if you enjoy challenging yourself, you will very much enjoy this game. But, if like me your time is limited and precious, you may end up getting frustrated with this title.
I wish I could love Residual because I love its style. Its pixel art world is stunning, from the breathtaking backdrops on the surface to the wonderful colouration of the local flora and fauna. When you begin a new game, you get to experience it in a completely different way as it generates either vast ice floes, sandy dunes or dense jungles, all with their own style and atmosphere.
Then there is Residual’s trump card – its glorious music. the Main Theme by Wayne Strange belongs in a blockbuster movie. It begins as if you are travelling through space with Jean Michel Jarre and Tangerine Dream. The electronic atmosphere then morphs into a great swell of intrigue and danger to signify your descent to the planet.
Strange’s ability to evoke one emotion, then take you on a journey via several others, makes this opening piece a delight to sit through. While Fracture’s (aka Rob Fenn) score of alien technological sound bursts is so good you almost forget PDB is screeching at you to eat. and makes you want to keep traversing the depths of the planet.
One of the most innovative aspects of the game is the nature engine. This makes every planet you land on a completely new experience by procedurally generating the entire galaxy each time you play. Even the difficulty of the game can vary. For example, if you have crash-landed on a planet that has a shorter day, you will have less time to charge your suit.
Residual will always hand you the tools to survive and escape, but the placement, shape, and usage of those tools will vary vastly from game to game. This gives you almost infinite replayability and makes you realise that this game is more complex than meets the eye.
Fans of the genre, or those who like a good challenge, will no doubt love Residual. Unfortunately, I simply could not get into it. I want to be rewarded for my progress, not punished, and I certainly don’t need another small being telling me that it’s time for food. I will however be re-listening to the theme on YouTube because it is stunning.