Pacific Drive unfolds in 1998, introducing the player as The Driver, who approaches “the zone.” A forest detour becomes unavoidable, and a blinding light teleports the Driver into the outer zone, resulting in the car’s destruction. Seeking refuge, the Driver discovers a functional station wagon and is contacted via radio by Tobias and Francis. They guide the Driver to a garage owned by Oppy, who reluctantly provides access. Oppy, Tobias, and Francis then explain the nature of the zone’s anomalies, including “Remnant,” entities that inhabit inorganic objects and establish a psychic link with a host. This connection can lead to an obsession that ultimately drives the host to madness. They deduce that the station wagon is a Remnant and pledge to assist the Driver in separating from it and escaping the Zone.
While the narrative may seem unconventional, the initial gameplay experience can be disorienting. The game evokes a distinct The Twilight Zone atmosphere.
Pacific Drive utilizes a first-person perspective, emphasizing the car as the player’s primary companion. Traverse a surreal interpretation of the US Pacific Northwest, confronting supernatural threats within the Olympic Exclusion Zone. The abandoned garage serves as a home base where players repair and upgrade their vehicle between expeditions. Each journey into the zone presents unique and often unpredictable challenges.
Gather essential resources and investigate the remnants of the zone’s past. Unravel a forgotten mystery while mastering the skills necessary to survive within this volatile and hostile environment. Outrun the encroaching storms and contend with bizarre dangers in a world that dynamically changes with each excursion.
The car functions as both a weapon and a sanctuary. Players must collect resources to craft equipment and customize their vehicle to suit their needs. Experimentation with modifications and car parts is crucial for navigating the treacherous landscape. Aesthetic customization options allow for a personalized driving experience.
The game cultivates a captivatingly mysterious atmosphere, complemented by an exceptional original score by Wilbert Roget, in addition to a curated selection of over 20 licensed tracks. The core objective involves unraveling the enigma of the Olympic Exclusion Zone, a derelict research facility situated within an anomaly-ridden rendition of the Pacific Northwest.
The visuals are polished, featuring meticulously crafted and immersive environments. The extensive car modification system empowers players to create customized vehicles.
A notable drawback of Pacific Drive is that its core mechanics do not consistently match the overall level of polish seen in other aspects of the game. Initially, exiting the vehicle proved unintuitive and frustrating. This issue has been addressed in a subsequent update, which now provides an indicator for entering and exiting the car.
However, the on-screen prompts for controller inputs appear to be inverted, potentially causing confusion. The image displays the right bumper button on the left and vice versa, which feels counterintuitive.
A significant portion of the gameplay involves driving, and while the car’s interactive elements, such as starting the engine and shifting gears, are well-implemented, the driving mechanics themselves are relatively simplistic. The tactile driving satisfaction found in other titles is lacking, which is particularly noticeable in a game centered around vehicular traversal.
In conclusion, Pacific Drive presents a uniquely compelling experience. Had its core gameplay mechanics been as refined as its other elements, it would undoubtedly merit a higher rating.
Kepler interactive provided a review code for this assessment. Provision of material does not influence editorial evaluations.
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