When you look at today’s gaming landscape, you almost get overwhelmed by survival games. Whether in space, in post-apocalyptic worlds, or on a deserted island – somehow it feels like you’ve already seen it all. This is exactly where Above Snakes wants to stand out. Instead of relying on zombies or aliens, it throws us into a Western setting with a small but fine twist: the world is built step by step by ourselves. Sounds exciting, right? Let’s take a look in my review.
The Setting: Wild West Meets Survival Building Blocks
Above Snakes takes place in an alternative version of the Wild West. Instead of being given a map, we build the world piece by piece ourselves. Each tile we unlock opens up new possibilities: forests for chopping wood, rivers for fishing, fields for farming, or small settlements to explore.
The idea is pretty clever because it ensures that every playthrough feels a bit different. Instead of a pre-made open world, you get a kind of “modular world” that grows with each move. Sometimes it almost feels like a board game – only digital.
Of course, the core principle remains a classic survival system: collecting food, crafting equipment, building shelter, and keeping an eye on your own needs. On top of that, there are small quests and encounters that add a bit of story and give the feeling of really being part of this harsh world.
Gameplay: Between Innovation and Monotony
As creative as the idea of world tiles is, at some point you notice that the game’s pace isn’t always perfectly balanced. At the beginning, it’s really fun to build the world and discover what’s behind the next tile. But after a few hours, routine quickly sets in.
You know exactly which resources are where, and the crafting system is relatively straightforward. Players with lots of survival game experience might find themselves a bit underwhelmed. On top of that, some mechanics don’t go as deep as you might wish. For example, combat feels rather simple – no comparison to genre heavyweights like Valheim or Don’t Starve.
Still, Above Snakes has its strengths. Especially the balance between exploration and building keeps offering small moments of success. You’re happy about every new tile you place and every little camp you put together. Anyone who likes to play at their own pace will get quite a few relaxing hours out of it.
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Atmosphere: Rustic Charm with Flaws
One of the biggest plus points is the atmosphere. The graphic style is deliberately simple – kind of an isometric indie look, reminiscent of games like Stardew Valley, only with Western flair. The music underlines everything with calm tones and helps you really sink into the world.
However, don’t expect a cinematic experience here. The story elements are rather minimal, and while there are small tasks and characters, the big picture remains a bit shallow. Especially those hoping for a gripping Western story might end up disappointed.
Technically, the game runs solidly, though you can tell it’s an indie project. Small bugs or clunky animations are not uncommon. Nothing game-breaking, but also not completely polished. On the other hand, you can feel that a lot of love went into the details – and this charm carries the game over some of its weaknesses.
For Fans of Indie Survival with Western Flair
Above Snakes is a small, quirky game that won’t appeal to everyone. If you’re looking for big, action-packed adventures, you won’t find them here. But it’s perfect for players who like tinkering around in a calm, self-built world and don’t mind a bit of monotony.
The idea of building the world piece by piece is definitely the highlight and sets the game apart from the crowd. Unfortunately, it lacks gameplay depth and variety to truly keep you hooked long-term. It’s a nice project for in between, but not a must-have in the survival genre. You can find more game reviews here.
