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I have a soft spot for procedurally generated titles. The random nature of their gameplay and the endless surprises keep me playing. As such, when Sail Forth landed on my desk for the second time, I couldn’t resist. This is a game that I previewed 18 months ago, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Consequently, will its full release be worth my while, or will it be a bit of a damp squib?
Developed by Festive Vector and published by The Quantum Astrophysicists Guild, this is a water-based adventure. What’s more, it is full of magic, plenty of side quests, and it’s overflowing with charm. As such, this quaint and unusual title will make you smile as you battle pirates and the elements. Furthermore, its random nature ensures that no playthrough is the same. Subsequently, it’s a game that’ll keep you playing for hours.
Sail Forth tells a tale of mystery.
Unlike many of its peers, Sail Forth isn’t full of lore, nor is it story-rich. Instead, it has a loose plot that drives you forward. Accordingly, it’ll demand that you explore far-off lands while taking on unruly brutes. On top of this, you are rewarded for helping stranded creatures and finding fish. Moreover, there are some nice fantasy elements that add mystery to this cute title. By helping the locals, you’ll improve your fortune, expand your fleet, and become a force to be reckoned with.
Alongside this, you are expected to take on delivery jobs and become a photographer. Then, you must consider the never-ending wave of pirates, the forts that must be demolished, and the shipwrecks to explore. Furthermore, there are races to compete in, shooting competitions to win, and other minor tasks. Each of these quests is optional, but by doing them, you get the most out of the game.
Zany characters and wicked combat.
Where Sail Forth excels is its zany characters and wicked combat. A quaint and charming game would be nothing without interesting locals and fun missions. Thankfully, this is overflowing with unusual creatures, rewarding tasks, and challenging moments. It doesn’t matter whether you are fishing for rare fish, hunting clams for resources, or delivering questionable goods, it was great fun.
Alongside this, you are free to purchase new vessels, upgrade your equipment, and hire a new crew. Each of these elements takes time and effort and they are progress-dependent. Consequently, getting the best gear and the biggest ship is no mean feat. However, the bigger the boat, the more chance you have in a fight. Therefore, this is essential if you wish to survive each encounter and destroy every fort.
Sail Forth is pleasant to look at.
I adore a pastel-infused title that is relaxing and pleasant to the eye. Fortunately, Sail Forth is all these things and much more. Its soft colour scheme and open areas look amazing. Moreover, each small location is unique and full of surprises. On top of this, the inclusion of different weather fronts was an amazing decision. As such, you’ll enjoy sailing in blistering sunshine or battling monstrous waves as a storm swells.
The wonderful world is complemented by atmospheric audio. I adored the blend of music, the environmental noises, and the cruel sound effects. Consequently, it was easy to get lost in this simple but stunning creation.
Excellent controls.
The developers have done an amazing job with their UI and their controls. Accordingly, Sail Forth is easy to play and quick to pick up. What was particularly great was the wind mechanics. You must set your sail, adjust its position, and move as fast as possible. Once this skill is mastered, you can focus on the excellent combat. During every battle, you must line up your sights with each of your foes. Failure to do this will waste your ammo and put you at risk. However, if you can successfully perfect the sailing element, you’ll win every fight with ease.
The combat, exploration, and procedurally generated world create a moreish experience. Subsequently, once you fall for its charms, Sail Forth is tough to put down. However, there is the concern that it could become repetitive in the long run. Yet, if you tackle this casually, you’ll return over and over again.
Sail Forth is ready for its full release.
The developers have done an amazing job with this game. When I tried its Early Access build, I was impressed. However, I wondered about its depth and longevity. Thankfully, these questions have been answered as Sail Forth is addictive, fun, and full of interesting tasks. On top of this, the exploration elements are fascinating and full of surprises. However, the story is lacking depth and lore. Furthermore, it can become repetitive and should be played casually. Consequently, I loved my time with it despite the shortcomings, and therefore, I recommend that you buy it here! Can you master the ocean and solve its mysteries? Expand your fleet, hire a new crew, and let nothing stand in your way.
