Cem Boray Yıldırım, the latest solo developer to capture our attention, has debuted with Once Alive, a post-apocalyptic game that introduces a world filled with promise, innovative technology, and intriguing storytelling. Using Unreal Engine 5 and MetaHuman, Yıldırım has crafted a stunning game, especially considering this is the work of a developer who’s only been on the game development scene for three years. However, while the game excels in some areas, it also faces challenges that impact the experience.
The story of Once Alive is set in a world ravaged by a deadly virus that has nearly wiped out humanity. The virus, which functions like a mutated version of rabies, not only decimates the human population but causes animals to become violent, disrupting the food chain and leaving survivors without a reliable source of sustenance. In this grim reality, our main characters, James and his brother Daniel, are seemingly the last of humanity.
The brothers live in isolation, their lives consumed by survival in a barren, unforgiving world. When they come across a banner calling survivors to follow tracks leading to a settlement named HaustVille, they are faced with a critical choice. James, cautious and skeptical, wants to stay behind, but Daniel, driven by hope for a fresh start, ventures off alone in search of the settlement. Here, players pick up the story, guiding James as he sets off to find his brother.
One of the standout aspects of Once Alive is the worldbuilding. Yıldırım does an exceptional job of creating an isolated, eerie environment filled with atmospheric details. The game’s setting—a deserted village where the remnants of humanity’s failed attempts at survival linger—is both haunting and compelling. Players will find themselves navigating through abandoned houses, reading notes that slowly piece together the backstory, and uncovering unsettling hints of the events that led to the collapse of civilization.
The first few moments of gameplay effectively set the tone, with players encountering an abandoned campsite littered with bloodstains, a broken bridge that forces them to take a detour, and their first encounter with infected crows that seem to hunt the player. These early moments create a sense of foreboding, making it clear that survival in this world is no easy task.
From a visual standpoint, Once Alive impresses, especially considering the developer’s relatively short time in the industry. The game fully uses Unreal Engine 5’s cutting-edge features, with detailed character models and environments that feel alive despite their desolate nature. The main characters, James and Daniel, are realistically rendered, and subtle but impactful effects enhance the overall atmosphere of the game. In still images, the game could easily be mistaken for the work of a much larger, more experienced team.
However, the visuals do have their downsides. At times, the world can feel static, lacking dynamic interaction that might have further elevated the immersion. Still, the overall visual presentation is noteworthy, particularly for a solo developer.
As you explore HaustVille in search of Daniel, you’ll gradually piece together the mystery of what happened to the settlement’s inhabitants. The game’s pacing relies on linear exploration, moving from house to house and discovering notes that provide glimpses of the villagers’ lives. The lore surrounding the plague and the fate of HaustVille’s people is genuinely intriguing, with threads that suggest a deep, thought-provoking narrative.
But while the worldbuilding is strong, Once Alive falters when fully realizing the narrative and gameplay potential. The game’s trailers and Steam page tease a tense survival experience, with infected animals posing a constant threat. Unfortunately, the tension promised by these elements never fully materializes. The crows that chase the player early in the game are the only major animal threat encountered—after that, the sense of danger fades, leaving behind a more subdued experience.
Once Alive doesn’t deliver the expected intensity for a game that hints at a survival horror experience; the gameplay mainly revolves around walking through environments and reading notes, which, while immersive, fails to provide the adrenaline rush some players may have anticipated. The lack of any substantial interaction with the infected animals or a true sense of danger weakens the game’s horror aspect.
Despite these drawbacks, Once Alive offers a solid foundation for future growth. The world that Cem Boray Yıldırım has crafted is rich in atmosphere and lore, and with some refinement in its gameplay mechanics and narrative delivery, this could become a genuinely memorable post-apocalyptic experience. The potential for a more dynamic world, with greater interactivity and more meaningful survival elements, is certainly there.
In conclusion, Once Alive is a promising debut that showcases Yıldırım’s talent as a solo developer. With stunning visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5, strong worldbuilding, and an intriguing story, it’s clear that Yıldırım has a vision for a unique post-apocalyptic world. However, the game’s lack of tension and underdeveloped gameplay elements leave it feeling unfinished in some respects. Nonetheless, fans of atmospheric, story-driven games will likely find plenty to enjoy in Once Alive, and I’m excited to see where this talented developer takes the project in the future.
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