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[bananafactory]

Website: http://www.thelongdark.com/
Developer: Hinterland Games

THE LONG DARK is a thoughtful, exploration-survival experience that challenges solo players to think for themselves as they explore an expansive frozen wilderness in the aftermath of a geomagnetic disaster. There are no zombies — only you, the cold, and all the threats Mother Nature can muster.

Partially funded with the support of the Canada Media Fund and Kickstarted in September 2013, The Long Dark launched on Steam Early Access in September of 2014, and in June 2015 was a launch title for the pioneering Xbox One Game Preview program, the first “paid Alpha” and first survival game on any console. Since September 2014, the game has gone on to sell over 1 million copies, has garnered widespread press attention, and enjoys overwhelmingly positive user reviews and the support of an incredible community.

Launch Date: August 1, 2017 (WW)

Important Note: PS4 EU release delayed to August 8

Platforms: Xbox One, Playstation 4, PC
Price: $34.99 USD

Purchase Links:
-Xbox Store
-Playstation Store
-Steam Store

-A full 5 episode story mode, with the first 2 episodes available at launch. All 5 episodes are included in any purchase of the game (Early Access, Game Preview, Final Retail Release)
-Sandbox (Survivor) Mode, featuring 9 regions and over 30 square km to explore, survive, and die in
-Equip and manage inventory
-Hunt and cook food, including all types of mild and terrifying wild animals
-Explore vast forests, dark caves, frozen lakes, and abandoned buildings
-Witness the beauty and the horror of nature in the Canadian North

In story mode, players will take on the dual roles of bush pilot Will Mackenzie, and doctor Astrid Greenwood, as they both struggle to survive the aftermath of the “First Flare” event, which has brought modern civilization to its knees.

Season One of The Long Dark stars the talents of some of the industry’s most notable actors including Jennifer Hale, David Hayter, Mark Meer, and Elias Toufexis.

Other Story Mode Facts:

-The Story Mode content in the first 2 episodes will amount to about 15 hours of gameplay
-The remaining 3 episodes are included in the price of the game for free as part of Season One
-Players will experience the events of the Season One from the perspectives of two playable characters: bush pilot Will Mackenzie, and Dr. Astrid Greenwood. The story will unfold as the Story alternates between these two characters, with the player experiencing both points of view.
-The core gameplay mechanics of Story Mode are derived from the Sandbox, though specifically tuned for narrative gameplay. Story Mode replaces the Sandbox’s permadeath with a progress-based save system.
-Story Mode will launch with two large features currently unavailable in the Sandbox: Survivors, and The Aurora. Although Story Mode will use much of the existing Sandbox game world, about 25-30% of the Story Mode world will be entirely new areas.

In Sandbox mode, you must test your survival skills against the brutal power and hopelessness of nature at it's most punishing. Gather food and supplies, hunt, find shelter, and most importantly, stay warm.

Sandbox mode will feature 9 regions at launch:

-Mystery Lake
-Forlorn Muskeg
-Carter Hydro Dam
-Ravine
-Pleasant Valley
-Coastal Highway
-Crumbling Highway
-Desolation Point
-Timberwolf Mountain

Videos:

The Long Dark - Wintermute Announcement
The Long Dark - Launch Trailer

5 minute live action short "ELEGY" featuring Oscar Winner Christopher Plummer

Screenshots:

 

[Krakn3Dfx]

This game is so good. Between this and 7 Days, some of the most tense fun I've had in years. Good to see it finally "coming out".

 

[Fury451]

Played this what feels like years ago now on PC. It was super rudimentary at the time but I enjoyed it. Will be excited to finally play the full product on PS4 now.

Jennifer Hale, David Hayter, Mark Meer, and Elias Toufexis.

This is exciting too, particularly Toufexis and Hale. Hayter I only know as Snake admittedly, and Meer was always kind "eh" to me as Shepard but a really memorable voice nonetheless.

 

[calder]

Great OP, can't wait for tomorrow.

I double dipped (well, triple I guess, since I kickstarted it and then bought on Steam) on PS4 and that's where I'll play the story mode. I thought the first trailer was excellent but the second one was a bit too on the nose (granted, subtlety in game advertising is probably a luxury no one can afford to try). Regardless, I anticipate putting another 70 hours in the sandbox.

By far the most engaging survival game of the gen for me.

 

[bananafactory]

Great OP, can't wait for tomorrow.

I double dipped on PS4 and that's where I'll play the story mode. I thought the first trailer was excellent but the second one was a bit too on the nose (granted, subtlety in game advertising is probably a luxury no one can afford to try). Regardless, I anticipate putting another 70 hours in the sandbox.

By far the most engaging survival game of the gen for me.

Im gonna wait to see what performance is like before I double dip but I don't expect any issues, the game runs excellent on PC.

 

[Darryl M R]

Looks fun. I wish it had co-op in the survival mode. I will look at some videos of gameplay and see if I can squeeze it into my gaming budget!

 

[calder]

Im gonna wait to see what performance is like before I double dip but I don't expect any issues, the game runs excellent on PC.

Wait to make sure you don't get a poorly optimized port? That's a great idea, one of those smart consumer moves I am simply incapable of doing

 

[Vintage]

Shit, it's not out yet? Installed expecting to play the story mode, looks like only tomorrow.

 

[Flunkie]

My body is

Spoiler

not

ready

Spoiler

for the cold.

 

[Axial]

Been playing this in early access. I'm usually not a fan of survival games, but the atmosphere and immersiveness of the sandbox got me hooked for a long time. Looking orward to the story campaign.

 

[Aaron D.]

Great OT.

Primed and ready to go for Wintermute!

I'm really curious about the compare / contrast of the difficulty curve between Sandbox and Story modes. Sandbox can be brutal, but I wonder how that will fit into a linear narrative experience of Wintermute.

Either way, bring it!

 

[pahamrick]

Been looking forward to the 'full' release for awhile now. Can't wait to dig into the first bits of story mode, everyone VA attached is a favorite of mine.

Man, getting this for $10 a couple years back was such a steal.

 

[bananafactory]

I added a short video to the OP in light of this article, apparently Hinterland has a deal to make a film based on the game

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/am...il-producer-developing-long-dark-film-1025426

While I'll be surprised if this turns into anything (these things usually get stuck in development hell) the short video that accompanies it is pretty cool


Video: "ELEGY"

https://vimeo.com/227574345

 

[drotahorror]

This and Subnautica are the ONLY games in the survival genre i could ever get in to. I should check out TLD again.

 

[bounchfx]

oh shit, is this finally coming out? bought it back in 2014, played it a bit, was neat but not nearly enough content so I decided to wait on it. Pumped to go back in and see all the changes.

 

[bubaglobalj]

I pre-ordered this and have never played a survival game before. Wish me luck!

 

[bananafactory]

I pre-ordered this and have never played a survival game before. Wish me luck!

Good luck! You might even last a day!

 

[Flunkie]

Good luck! You might even last a day!

Pretty much my experience.

 

[bananafactory]

Pretty much my experience.

I made it two days and got trapped in a house in an awful storm that would not quit and just slowly starved to death in a bedroom

Had a pretty good journey to get there that I was proud of

 

[synchronicity]

I've got about 80 hours in the sandbox, and really loved it. The weather effects are incredible, and the general concept is just right up my alley.

I'll dip back in for the story, but I'm not expecting it to be the reason for *me* to play. Hopefully it's enjoyable in its own right, though.

I paid $6.79 for it in June of last year, and it's easily worth full price for me. One of my all-time favorites.

 

[More_Badass]

This and Subnautica are the two best games in their genre. Where other games are rote, boring, frustrating, cookie-cutter, they prove to be tense, beautiful, and compelling

 

[jond76]

Great OT!

This game is super good and worth the price for the sandbox alone. Really excited to check out the new modes and story!

Highly recommended!!

 

[Swig_]

WIsh I had bought it when it was cheap, but I had no idea they were working on a story mode. Now I want it. :|

 

[synchronicity]

This and Subnautica are the two best games in their genre.

I got Subnautica in the Humble Freedom Bundle for next to nothing a while back, and I thought it looked great from what I saw and the impressions I've read. I'll have to get to it before too long.

 

[JohnMatrix]

Can't find it in the Australian PS store

 

[Snoopycat]

I've tried Subnautica on the Xbox. It is a total mess. It pauses/hitches every 5-10 seconds and the framerate is one of the worst I've experienced. I guess it's a lot better on PC due to all the positive reviews it has. I really hope the devs fix the X1 version because I like it a lot but there's no way I'd pay actual money for it in it's current condition. I've downloaded the trial for this and am looking forward to trying it out. I like the concept and the art is really nice.

 

[EdmondD]

I have been waiting for story mode for a long time. Fantastic game. Just the sandbox mode alone is worth it.

 

[Nemic77]

Great game.

How long until it unlocks in steam?

 

[gamz]

I'm so in.

 

[bananafactory]

Great game.

How long until it unlocks in steam?

Release is 8 AM PST, I believe that goes for all platforms. So about 9 hours from now.

 

[grounded_dreams]

The OT needs to be modified slightly - the European PS4 release has been delayed a week due to a PEGI rating issue - now out on the 8th August. Can read their official post about it here.

 

[Guerrilla]

Ok I'll get this as soon as I get home, any tips for a newcomer?

 

[GHG]

I bought this over a year ago on steam because I liked the premise so much and wanted to support it - I had no intention of even playing it until it was finished.

I'm so looking forward to trying this out when I have some time on my hands.

 

[pitchfork]

Had it in Early access since the sale at the beginning of the year but not played it yet

Wont get a chance to play today, but have tomorrow off work, so looking forward to finally jumping in! heard good things : )

 

[Kiriku]

Bought this game a couple of months ago and got deep into it, but lost interest partly due to the lack of any kind of map system. Seems like they have finally added that and, well, I also bought it because I really wanted to play the story mode. Excited to try it out!

Kind of surprised that the story mode isn't longer though. I actually wouldn't mind long stretches of time without story or additional quests in-between just to make it longer. Or just some kind of challenges/fetch quests to gain rewards. But we'll see how it works out.

 

[TheJollyCorner]

Preordered for PS4 last week, so I'm excited to dig in later today.

One bit of confusion (I blame the morning ): will I have to pay extra for story episodes after the initial first two?

 

[bananafactory]

The OT needs to be modified slightly - the European PS4 release has been delayed a week due to a PEGI rating issue - now out on the 8th August. Can read their official post about it here.

Thanks, I will update it.

Preordered for PS4 last week, so I'm excited to dig in later today.

One bit of confusion (I blame the morning ): will I have to pay extra for story episodes after the initial first two?

Nope.

From the Steam page:

The first two episodes of WINTERMUTE represent approximately 15 hours of gameplay. Episodes Three to Five are included in the price of the game, and will be unlocked for free as they are released.

Thanks also much longer than what I have in the OP, I will update than too

 

[owlbeak]

Have had this on PC for a while now and it was great when I played it a couple of years ago. Almost forgot all about it! Will have to check out the full release.

 

[bananafactory]

Ok I'll get this as soon as I get home, any tips for a newcomer?

I'm not entirely sure how different story mode will be

As for survival, its pretty accessible and easy to pick up, so I'd say just dive in and start to learn the system and stuff before you worry about how many days youll make it

 

[Nemic77]

Soundtrack will be release this week as well.

I love the little tracks that play during survival mode. Wonder if it's more prominent in the story mode.

Release is 8 AM PST, I believe that goes for all platforms. So about 9 hours from now.

Thanks. Not long now.

 

[grounded_dreams]

Thanks, I will update it.

You may want to adjust the edit, it's just the PS4 (EU) version which is delayed. If I was new to the thread and read the OP I would have assumed it's out on the 8th (in the EU) on all platforms.

 

[Aaron D.]

Ok I'll get this as soon as I get home, any tips for a newcomer?

1. Cat-tails are like gold. They can both be eaten and used as tinder. You'll find them along lake shorelines and riverbeds.

2. Your Warmth, Thirst, and Hunger meters can all drop to 0% before you start taking Real damage. In other words, you won't die when they reach zero. Your body just starts deteriorating at the -1% point. Which you can subsequently bounce back from with the proper nourishment. So don't feel like you have to keep them all over 50% at all times.

3. You loose about 30% of canned goods contents if you try to open them without a knife or can-opener. (I guess they presume you try to open the can by bashing it or something.) Wait until you have the right tools, unless you're totally desperate.

4. TLD is a game about time management. The clock is always ticking down against you. So learn to multitask. Need to warm up by the fire? Use that time to boil water (Remember that you have to boil it twice! Once to melt the snow and again to purify it.). Or you can use that warm-up time to mend clothes / general inventory management. Time your activities by how much fuel you have in the fire. The last thing you want is to have the fire go out, leaving pitch darkness. It's hard to find your bed even if it's right next to the stove!

5. Learn to scavenge quickly & efficiently from the start. Once you build up reliable supply lines you can dawdle more.

6. A supply line can look like regular trips to a fishing hut on the lake. That's a constantly re-spawning food supply.

7. Crows circling overhead mean there's a corpse, human or animal. Use it as an opportunity to scavenge.

8. Speaking of which, if you see a deer corpse frozen* in the snow you might save more time building a camp fire right next to it and letting the meat thaw out for a couple hours. Use that time to multitask. You'll yield more meat as well.
* there are re-spawning frozen deer corpse spots on many maps

9. Don't get caught out in the cold! Learn the weather patterns, as storm can blow in in the blink of an eye. Listen for a sudden rise in the wind, etc. ALWAYS have an escape plan. As you explore always note the nearest shelter in case you need to make a hasty retreat.

10. Wolves are dangerous! It plays like a stealth game they're alerted by sight, smell and sound. Crouch and move slow if you see one. Break sight lines. Their "sense radar" expands if you're carrying animal meat. Sometimes it's best to run if they start chase (see above about always knowing your closest safe spot).

There's TONS more tips, but that's just off the top of my head.

Enjoy!

 

[Mupod]

I haven't played this in a long time but I feel like the gamechanger for me was when I figured out that if you let a wolf bite you and fight it off with a knife, it runs off bleeding and eventually falls over dead. So you can trade health for food. I got quite good at being wolf bait, the trick was to take off gear so you don't lose durability...silly but effective.

I wonder if they removed that eventually since it was such an unrealistic strategy.

Anyways this game had some great moments for me. I grew up in northern ontario, the atmosphere of the game especially during snowstorms is spot on. Also as a kid I was really interested in learning about wilderness survival and it was cool to see them leverage some real life stuff...I totally knew about the uses of cat tails and made a beeline for them when I saw them in-game, lol.

 

[Aaron D.]

Anyways this game had some great moments for me. I grew up in northern ontario, the atmosphere of the game especially during snowstorms is spot on. Also as a kid I was really interested in learning about wilderness survival and it was cool to see them leverage some real life stuff...I totally knew about the uses of cat tails and made a beeline for them when I saw them in-game, lol.

I think genuine authenticity is one of the game's big draws for me.

The Survival genre is pretty neat in and of itself, but I'm struggling to think of a single title that doesn't lean on typical gaming tropes as part of the game design. You know, monsters & magic within the game space. Fictional stuff.

Nothing wrong with that, but man is it refreshing to have a simple Man vs. Nature setup. A space in the real world that doesn't rely on fantasy set dressings to create manufactured danger & struggle.

TLD's setting feels authentic, believable & pure for that reason.

 

[Sidon]

lol I completely forgot I picked up this one during a sale sometime, glad to see the story mode is finally going to be released. From what I've played of the sanbox, it was one of the few survival games that really stuck with me.

 

[benicillin]

I can't believe this day is finally here! I bought this on Early Access the day it went up and have checked in every couple of months. It's probably one of the most atmospheric games I've ever played. Really excited to see what the story mode and new additions are like.

 

[Flunkie]

I made it two days and got trapped in a house in an awful storm that would not quit and just slowly starved to death in a bedroom

Had a pretty good journey to get there that I was proud of

I always get stranded in the little ice fishing shacks hoping I can make it with the little fire-starting mats I have.

 

[More_Badass]

I think genuine authenticity is one of the game's big draws for me.

The Survival genre is pretty neat in and of itself, but I'm struggling to think of a single title that doesn't lean on typical gaming tropes as part of the game design. You know, monsters & magic within the game space. Fictional stuff.

Nothing wrong with that, but man is it refreshing to have a simple Man vs. Nature setup. A space in the real world that doesn't rely on fantasy set dressings to create manufactured danger & struggle.

TLD's setting feels authentic, believable & pure for that reason.

This is why this game is so good. It's pure realistic man vs nature survival, and that is both refreshing and unique in the genre. In most, the environment isn't really something to consider besides deadly status effects and survival elements are just arbitrary meters.

But overcoming the environment is a real challenge here, as well as something that can be learned and mastered, and the approach to survival is logical and layered.

It's like your own personal Alone (if you're familiar with that survival show on the History channel)

 

[bjork]

Had this since late 2014, I'm glad it's finally getting its proper release. I've dabbled briefly, but always wanted to wait for the full thing before I really jumped in.

 

[bananafactory]

Had this since late 2014, I'm glad it's finally getting its proper release. I've dabbled briefly, but always wanted to wait for the full thing before I really jumped in.

Same. Checked in every little while to see how progress was coming but didn't want to burn out before final release.

Cannot wait!