# From Undead to Exploration: Ex-Dying Light and Dead Island Developers Create a Tranquil Discovery Game Set in Prehistoric Times
Have you ever considered what our planet was like before mankind left its mark? Visualize an era where the Earth was an uncharted wilderness, untouched by skyscrapers, roads, or even the basic implements of nascent civilization. Now, envision yourself as an extraterrestrial botanist, marooned on this ancient Earth, striving to survive in an environment where even the air is unwelcoming. This is the foundation of *Astrobotanica*, a cozy survival game brought to life by Space Goblin, a team formed by veterans of *Dying Light* and *Dead Island*.
## Transitioning from Undead to Ecology
Space Goblin’s origins lie in the horror and survival genres, with their earlier titles centered around parasitic zombie apocalypses where survival was an ongoing battle. However, in *Astrobotanica*, they are offering a new narrative. Rather than contending with legions of the undead, players will confront a more perplexing adversary: science, particularly the science of plants.
In *Astrobotanica*, you assume the role of Xel, an alien botanist whose spacecraft crashes into Earth roughly 300,000 years ago. Originally, Xel’s task was to traverse the Milky Way in search of crops to nourish his species. But post-crash, he finds himself abandoned on a more volatile Earth, where his focus shifts to mere survival.
## The Universe of Astrobotanica
The landscape of *Astrobotanica* is a dazzling, thriving realm rich with prehistoric vegetation and wildlife. As Xel, you’ll maneuver through this ecosystem, employing your botanical knowledge to cultivate sustenance, concoct remedies, and acclimate to the hostile environment. However, a significant predicament arises: Xel does not utilize oxygen to breathe. Thus, one of your initial tasks will be to discover a means of survival within Earth’s atmosphere.
Yet, Xel is not solitary in this ancient realm. As he ventures forth, he encounters early humans—Neanderthals—who are already residing on the planet. These primitive humans are distinctly different from the Homo sapiens destined to dominate the globe, and forging communication with them poses its challenges. The intricacies of language are still developing, and winning their trust will demand creativity and resilience.
## A Gentle Survival Adventure
While *Astrobotanica* incorporates survival features, it does not aim to be an intense survival experience like *Conan Exiles* or *ARK: Survival Evolved*. Rather, the developers classify it as a “cozy” survival game, where players can leisurely explore, experiment, and relish the surroundings.
The game introduces a skill framework termed P.R.I.M.A.L., enabling players to enhance Xel with new capabilities as they progress. This system bears resemblance to the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system from the *Fallout* franchise, providing players with diverse avenues to tailor their character and gameplay style.
## A Distinctive Fusion of Discovery and Survival
*Astrobotanica* signifies a remarkable blend of discovery, survival, and science fiction. The game’s setting—prehistoric Earth—delivers a novel perspective on the survival genre, emphasizing botany and the obstacles of adjusting to a foreign ecosystem. The presence of Neanderthals as a rudimentary human species introduces an engaging aspect of interaction, prompting players to navigate the nuances of early human exchange and culture.
The team at Space Goblin has not yet specified a release date for *Astrobotanica*, but they have disclosed that the game will launch into Early Access in 2025. This will allow players to delve into the game and share their insights as the developers continue to refine and enhance the experience.
## Conclusion
*Astrobotanica* is shaping up to be an intriguing shift from the zombie-infested scenarios associated with Space Goblin’s developers. By emphasizing a cozy, exploration-oriented survival adventure set in prehistoric times, the game rejuvenates the survival genre. With its distinct environment, captivating concept, and focus on botany and primal human interaction, *Astrobotanica* is certainly a title to keep an eye on as it nears its Early Access debut in 2025.
For those weary of conventional survival game clichés and seeking a refreshing and laid-back experience, *Astrobotanica* promises to provide a breath of fresh air—albeit one that Xel will need to learn how to inhale.
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