Oxygen Not Included: A Quirky Sci-Fi Colony Sim Where You Must Master Resource Management and Embrace Toilet Humor!

Prepare yourself, intrepid explorers of the digital realm, for a journey unlike any other. In Klei Entertainment’s Oxygen Not Included, you are tasked with guiding a band of duplicants—intrepid colonists with unique quirks and aspirations—in establishing a thriving colony within an unforgiving asteroid. Forget sprawling empires or epic battles; here, the struggle is real, and it revolves around something far more fundamental: survival.

Oxygen Not Included masterfully blends the genres of simulation and strategy, throwing you into a procedurally generated asteroid teeming with resources but fraught with danger. Your initial colony starts as a humble affair, housed within a cramped starting pod with limited oxygen and power. Your first priorities are clear: ensure your duplicants have breathable air and access to clean water. But don’t underestimate the quirky nature of this game; the struggle for basic necessities is punctuated by hilarious animations and unexpected events, from your colonists spontaneously combusting due to overheating to succumbing to bouts of “the crazies” from prolonged oxygen deprivation.

Image: Screenshot showcasing a thriving Oxygen Not Included colony with elaborate resource pipelines and living quarters.

Unearthing the Secrets of Asteroid Survival

The core gameplay loop in Oxygen Not Included revolves around resource management, exploration, and technological advancement. Let’s break down these key pillars:

Resource Management:

At its heart, Oxygen Not Included is a masterful exercise in juggling limited resources. Oxygen, water, food, power – these are the lifeblood of your colony. You must carefully balance production and consumption, ensuring that every calorie, drop of water, and watt of electricity is used efficiently. The game’s intricate resource pipelines allow for precise control over the flow of goods, but beware; even a minor leak can have catastrophic consequences in this unforgiving environment.

Exploration:

Your asteroid home harbors secrets waiting to be unearthed – from fertile geysers spewing water and valuable minerals to hidden caverns teeming with unique lifeforms (both helpful and hostile). Sending out duplicants on expeditions is crucial for uncovering new resources, expanding your colony’s footprint, and ultimately ensuring long-term survival. But exploration comes with risks; treacherous terrain, unpredictable natural phenomena, and dangerous creatures lurk in the depths, threatening to derail your progress at every turn.

Technological Advancement:

As your colony grows and prospers, so too does its technological prowess. Oxygen Not Included features a robust research tree allowing you to unlock new buildings, tools, and even genetic modifications for your duplicants. Want to create self-sustaining farms that grow delicious algae cakes? Research hydroponics!

Need a more efficient way to produce oxygen? Develop a system of algae terrariums! The possibilities are endless, limited only by your ingenuity (and the occasional unexpected meltdown).

Table: Sample Research Tree Entries in Oxygen Not Included |Technology Name | Description | Prerequisites |

|—————–|——————————————————|—————|

|Hydroponics | Grow food without soil using nutrient solutions | Basic Farming |

|Algae Terrariums | Produce oxygen through photosynthesis | Advanced Genetics|

|Mealwood Farm | Cultivate a highly nutritious and efficient food source| Hydroponics |

The Duplicants: Quirky Colonists with Hearts (and Stomachs) of Gold

Beyond the intricate mechanics, Oxygen Not Included truly shines through its cast of endearing duplicants. Each colonist boasts unique stats, skills, and even personality quirks that influence their performance. There’s Agnes, the natural leader who boosts morale; Beryl, the meticulous researcher who accelerates technological progress; and Cecil, the clumsy but lovable gourmand who consumes anything in sight (literally!). Managing your duplicant roster is crucial for success, as assigning them to tasks they excel at maximizes efficiency and minimizes frustration.

Embrace the Chaos: Why Oxygen Not Included is a Must-Play

Oxygen Not Included is more than just a strategy game; it’s an experience that transcends genres. Its blend of intricate mechanics, quirky humor, and relentless challenges creates a truly captivating gameplay loop. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a newcomer to the genre, Oxygen Not Included offers something for everyone:

For Strategic Minds:

The game’s depth will test your resource management skills, forcing you to think creatively and adapt to ever-changing circumstances.

For Quirky Souls:

The humor and personality of the duplicants inject a lightheartedness into even the most dire situations. Prepare for unexpected events and laugh-out-loud moments.

For Creative Explorers:

Designing efficient colony layouts, optimizing resource pipelines, and unlocking new technologies provides endless opportunities for experimentation and personalization.

So, if you’re looking for a game that will challenge your mind, tickle your funny bone, and keep you hooked for hours on end, then dive into the depths of Oxygen Not Included. Just remember to pack extra oxygen tanks—things can get a little explosive down there!