A year after my Early Access review, I delved back into Sons of the Forest, now in its final version, dedicating around 10 hours to uncover its progress. The game has maintained its deeply creepy and compelling survival essence, and many welcomed improvements have surfaced.
Notably, technical enhancements are striking. Loading times between the exterior world and caves, once prone to hitches, now seamlessly transition. Pop-in issues with ground clutter have significantly diminished, and frame rates, especially in 4K, have notably improved, thanks to optimized settings. Sons of the Forest’s technical finesse has notably evolved since its Early Access debut.
The narrative has seen an injection of depth and context. More characters feature voice acting, additional documents elucidate the island’s mysteries, and unexpected surprises add layers to the experience. The conclusion, initially criticized for feeling rushed and unfinished, holds promise for refinement. Late-game story additions have piqued my interest, promising an unspoiled exploration.
Improvements in cannibal spawning and behavior have intensified the game’s challenge. Default difficulty settings now feature more formidable foes with strategic combat tactics and enhanced teamwork. Defensive structures and traps are no longer optional but crucial for a secure base.
Kelvin, despite his quirks, has become more user-friendly for issuing commands. The expanded command options enhance his utility in managing day-to-day base responsibilities.
In essence, much of the Early Access review stands, with Sons of the Forest elevating its strengths. Stay tuned for ongoing updates as I progress further, culminating in a final score. The game continues to captivate with its eerie survival atmosphere and promising refinements.
