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Play Overview
You play an explorer who's second-in-command on a steamboat expedition to discover a lost ship at the south pole. However, you get stuck in the grinding ice and the captain disappears so must take command and help your crew work together to survive until the summer melts the ice and you can escape.
The turn-based game is split into weeks and seasons. Each week you manage the ship's dwindling resources, allocate rations to the crew, and task individuals with missions such as hunting animals for food or gathering valuable materials like coal. At the same time, you must ensure that the crew's morale and loyalty are kept high. Fail to do so and they might find a new leader or splinter off into different factions, spelling disaster for all. Some decisions, like settling arguments and fights or giving a character extra food, can cause disproportionate consequences, so careful decisions are essential.
The result is a unique game where your actions and decisions are placed at the forefront, with every choice having far-reaching consequences. Success is both complex and rewarding as you witness the story unfolding in unique and unexpected ways.
Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked The Pale Beyond 11 months ago. It was re-examined by Andy Robertson and updated 5 months ago.
Play Style
You can play this game in the following styles:
Duration
Benefits
This game is good if you want to:
Age Ratings
The game was originally rated PEGI 18 for Extreme Violence, when the developer completed the IARC questionnaire. On closer inspection by the Games Rating Authority, the rating was adjusted to PEGI 12.
The nature of the gameplay involves hunting, catching and eating animals. There are themes of isolation and being alone in a barren wasteland. The crew are lost to despair and mental health issues as well as starvation. Some songs and dialogue have mature words like "arse"
Skill Level
11+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it's important for parents and guardians to consider the maturity required to process the game content. The dilemmas you face, both ethical and practical, have far-reaching repercussions, and understanding and staying on top of everything you need to do can be challenging. You need to think ahead with your decisions and be happy if things don't go as you planned. If you have an interest in the history and geography of polar explorers this is a good game for you.
Game Details
Release Date: 24/02/2023
Out Now: Mac, PC and Switch
Skill Rating: 11+ year-olds
Players: 1
Genres: Narrative, Simulation, Strategy (Adventure and Communication)
Accessibility: 17 features
Components: 2D Overhead, 2D Side-On and Day and Night
Developer: Bellular Studios (@BellularStudios)