116 hours of gameplay review/suggestions

[!BAMBAM!]

Having 2 play through with over 100 days survived in each with around 50 settlers(still going), I was immediately struck by its incredible attention to detail as an early access game. From the outset, I found myself immersed in a meticulously crafted world that holds great promise for the future. The developers have clearly invested significant effort in creating an immersive experience, evident in the richness of game play mechanics and the depth of the world.

I hope Aska plans to remain proactive with their updates and avoid lengthy waits similar to Valheim's update cycles. This approach will help maintain momentum and ensure players consistently have new experiences to look forward to.

Of course, being in early access, I encountered some rough edges, such as occasional buggy behavior in villagers' AI. While this didn't significantly detract from my enjoyment, I look forward to seeing improvements as development progresses. For instance, I would appreciate the ability to access villagers' inventories directly from their menus, which would streamline resource management and crafting tasks. Adjusting how villagers prioritize what they carry when they leave, especially concerning hunters and their tendency to fill their inventories with arrows, thus neglecting leather hides and pelts, would greatly enhance gameplay realism.

Resource management in Aska presented challenges, particularly with finite resources. To address thatch shortages, one suggestion could be breaking down bark into thatch and then into fiber. Further refining task priorities could also streamline resource gathering in future updates.

Structurally, Aska's walls could benefit from being sturdier, considering the substantial resources required for rebuilding. Additionally, the idea of building birdhouses for collecting feathers added a strategic layer to game play that I found intriguing.

Improving game play mechanics, such as allowing specific task assignments like tending fires and lanterns, would significantly enhance village management. A more nuanced assignment system, beyond nighttime builders handling lanterns, would be a welcome addition.

On a broader scale, I felt the passage of days, nights, and seasons in Aska was somewhat rapid. Despite seasonal prompts, I occasionally lost track of which season it was, although I appreciated the challenge of harsh winters adding realism to the game.

Lastly, enabling villagers to complete tasks uninterrupted or introducing a "work until complete" option, especially for critical tasks like iron-working, would greatly enhance immersion and streamline gameplay.

In conclusion, Aska has laid a solid foundation in its early access phase, offering a detailed and engaging world ripe with potential for growth. Despite expected early access quirks, the game demonstrates a commitment to depth and player experience that suggests exciting future development. I eagerly await seeing how Aska evolves, anticipating updates and improvements that will undoubtedly enrich its already compelling experience.

[ThunderfulPaige | Community]

Thank you so much for the kind words and the feedback, hope we don't disappoint!