One of the first thoughts that may cross your mind when playing ARK: Survival Evolved is: has gaming transitioned from a relaxing pastime to a demanding digital job? Why engage in a game where the primary objective is managing essential needs like eating, sleeping, resource acquisition, and even waste elimination?
The Switch’s portable mode appears to have been neglected in the optimization process.
That is, essentially, the core gameplay loop of ARK: Survival Evolved. You’re stranded on a deserted island, and immediate survival hinges on securing shelter, weaponry, sustenance, and sanitation.
It’s rare to encounter a game where your character audibly defecates without warning. Such moments, however humorous, highlight some of the game’s shortcomings. A more significant issue is the compromised nature of ARK: Survival Evolved on the Nintendo Switch. The game, available since late August 2017 on PC, PS4, Xbox One, Android, and iOS, boasts superior graphics on those platforms. On the Switch, the visual presentation is, frankly, subpar. Expect pixelation, blurring, and jagged edges. Animations appear dated, and the portable mode suffers from illegibly small text and UI elements. Furthermore, the player avatar’s perceived scale feels disproportionate, impacting the overall visual experience.
The online mode is plagued with instability, and ARK: Survival Evolved is unique in my Switch library for causing hard crashes – repeatedly. This is particularly frustrating when progress, such as building a base, is lost due to unexpected crashes and subsequent respawns. While initially challenging to engage with, and in contrast to experiences like Beholder: Complete Edition, the game does offer a degree of entertainment. The core loop of resource gathering and construction can be compelling. Hunting dinosaurs for resources also provides amusement, until encountering a vastly over-leveled creature that swiftly eliminates the player character.
Persistent issues with the online functionality (a common problem on the Switch, which hopefully Nintendo will address in future iterations) led to significant solo, offline play. In this mode, the game performed adequately and offered some enjoyment. However, transferring an offline character to an online environment requires hosting a private game, a process akin to hosting a party with no guests – a rather underwhelming experience.
In conclusion, ARK: Survival Evolved is not a universally appealing title. The constant demands of securing food, water, and shelter may deter players seeking relaxation. The visually compromised Switch port further detracts from the experience. However, the game possesses a certain undeniable charm, and, surprisingly, I occasionally find myself drawn back to the island with the urge to tame a dinosaur…
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