Pacific Drive: A Survival Game of Car Maintenance and Sci-Fi Anomalies
12 min readPacific Drive is a survival game developed by Ironwood Studios that combines the challenges of car maintenance with a surreal sci-fi setting. The game takes place in the Olympic Exclusion Zone, a walled-off area of the Pacific Northwest overrun with perplexing Anomalies. Players step into the role of the Driver, a mute entity who has found themselves behind the wheel of a large automobile. The Driver’s fate is linked to that of the car, making its maintenance just as important as the Driver’s own survival.
The game’s world is procedurally generated, offering a captivating otherworldly landscape filled with hazards and resources. Alongside keeping the Driver alive, players must manage their car’s fuel gauge, battery life, and tire wear, as well as repair any damage. The car also develops unique Quirks that can cause mayhem during a time-sensitive escape, requiring players to return to the garage and use a system of ‘If this, then that’ puzzle prompts to exorcise them.
The Garage serves as the player’s base of operations, where they can maintain and fortify their car using resources collected in the open world. The Garage starts as an abandoned pit-stop but can be expanded into a proper home, complete with lockers, doodads, and retro computer stations. Players can also customize the look of their car with decals, antennas, and stickers.
Pacific Drive’s world is filled with systems and metrics to battle against, making it a challenging experience. Players must navigate the procedural wasteland, dodge hazards, and collect enough energy to warp back to base before an oncoming storm hits. The car’s personality and Quirks add an element of unpredictability to the game, making each run unique.
The game’s atmosphere is reminiscent of other Pacific Northwest psychological horrors like Twin Peaks and Alan Wake. The eerie setting is enhanced by finer details such as abandoned ARDA trailers and lost transmissions. However, the lack of human interaction can be a drawback, and the grind for resources can become repetitive.
Anomalies serve as the game’s supporting cast, with bizarre and fascinating designs that dare players to sneak a peek. These monstrous entities lure players in with their allure, but getting too close can result in peril. Examples include the hovering Abductor, made up of traffic lights and ooze, and explosive test dummies that follow players when they’re not looking.
Despite its challenges, Pacific Drive offers a unique and engaging experience. The combination of car maintenance and sci-fi anomalies creates a captivating world that is both beautiful and dangerous. The game’s procedural generation ensures that no two runs are the same, making each playthrough an adventure.
In conclusion, Pacific Drive is a survival game that offers a unique blend of car maintenance and sci-fi anomalies. The game’s procedural world, atmospheric setting, and challenging gameplay make it a standout title in the survival genre. While it can be overwhelming at times, the rewards of exploration and survival are well worth the effort. Whether you’re a fan of survival games, sci-fi, or just looking for a new adventure, Pacific Drive is a game worth checking out.
The game’s world is procedurally generated, offering a captivating otherworldly landscape filled with hazards and resources. Alongside keeping the Driver alive, players must manage their car’s fuel gauge, battery life, and tire wear, as well as repair any damage. The car also develops unique Quirks that can cause mayhem during a time-sensitive escape, requiring players to return to the garage and use a system of ‘If this, then that’ puzzle prompts to exorcise them.
The Garage serves as the player’s base of operations, where they can maintain and fortify their car using resources collected in the open world. The Garage starts as an abandoned pit-stop but can be expanded into a proper home, complete with lockers, doodads, and retro computer stations. Players can also customize the look of their car with decals, antennas, and stickers.
Pacific Drive’s world is filled with systems and metrics to battle against, making it a challenging experience. Players must navigate the procedural wasteland, dodge hazards, and collect enough energy to warp back to base before an oncoming storm hits. The car’s personality and Quirks add an element of unpredictability to the game, making each run unique.
The game’s atmosphere is reminiscent of other Pacific Northwest psychological horrors like Twin Peaks and Alan Wake. The eerie setting is enhanced by finer details such as abandoned ARDA trailers and lost transmissions. However, the lack of human interaction can be a drawback, and the grind for resources can become repetitive.
Anomalies serve as the game’s supporting cast, with bizarre and fascinating designs that dare players to sneak a peek. These monstrous entities lure players in with their allure, but getting too close can result in peril. Examples include the hovering Abductor, made up of traffic lights and ooze, and explosive test dummies that follow players when they’re not looking.
Despite its challenges, Pacific Drive offers a unique and engaging experience. The combination of car maintenance and sci-fi anomalies creates a captivating world that is both beautiful and dangerous. The game’s procedural generation ensures that no two runs are the same, making each playthrough an adventure.
In conclusion, Pacific Drive is a survival game that offers a unique blend of car maintenance and sci-fi anomalies. The game’s procedural world, atmospheric setting, and challenging gameplay make it a standout title in the survival genre. While it can be overwhelming at times, the rewards of exploration and survival are well worth the effort. Whether you’re a fan of survival games, sci-fi, or just looking for a new adventure, Pacific Drive is a game worth checking out.
The game’s world is procedurally generated, offering a captivating otherworldly landscape filled with hazards and resources. Alongside keeping the Driver alive, players must manage their car’s fuel gauge, battery life, and tire wear, as well as repair any damage. The car also develops unique Quirks that can cause mayhem during a time-sensitive escape, requiring players to return to the garage and use a system of ‘If this, then that’ puzzle prompts to exorcise them.
The Garage serves as the player’s base of operations, where they can maintain and fortify their car using resources collected in the open world. The Garage starts as an abandoned pit-stop but can be expanded into a proper home, complete with lockers, doodads, and retro computer stations. Players can also customize the look of their car with decals, antennas, and stickers.
Pacific Drive’s world is filled with systems and metrics to battle against, making it a challenging experience. Players must navigate the procedural wasteland, dodge hazards, and collect enough energy to warp back to base before an oncoming storm hits. The car’s personality and Quirks add an element of unpredictability to the game, making each run unique.
The game’s atmosphere is reminiscent of other Pacific Northwest psychological horrors like Twin Peaks and Alan Wake. The eerie setting is enhanced by finer details such as abandoned ARDA trailers and lost transmissions. However, the lack of human interaction can be a drawback, and the grind for resources can become repetitive.
Anomalies serve as the game’s supporting cast, with bizarre and fascinating designs that dare players to sneak a peek. These monstrous entities lure players in with their allure, but getting too close can result in peril. Examples include the hovering Abductor, made up of traffic lights and ooze, and explosive test dummies that follow players when they’re not looking.
Despite its challenges, Pacific Drive offers a unique and engaging experience. The combination of car maintenance and sci-fi anomalies creates a captivating world that is both beautiful and dangerous. The game’s procedural generation ensures that no two runs are the same, making each playthrough an adventure.
In conclusion, Pacific Drive is a survival game that offers a unique blend of car maintenance and sci-fi anomalies. The game’s procedural world, atmospheric setting, and challenging gameplay make it a standout title in the survival genre. While it can be overwhelming at times, the rewards of exploration and survival are well worth the effort. Whether you’re a fan of survival games, sci-fi, or just looking for a new adventure, Pacific Drive is a game worth checking out.
The game’s world is procedurally generated, offering a captivating otherworldly landscape filled with hazards and resources. Alongside keeping the Driver alive, players must manage their car’s fuel gauge, battery life, and tire wear, as well as repair any damage. The car also develops unique Quirks that can cause mayhem during a time-sensitive escape, requiring players to return to the garage and use a system of ‘If this, then that’ puzzle prompts to exorcise them.
The Garage serves as the player’s base of operations, where they can maintain and fortify their car using resources collected in the open world. The Garage starts as an abandoned pit-stop but can be expanded into a proper home, complete with lockers, doodads, and retro computer stations. Players can also customize the look of their car with decals, antennas, and stickers.
Pacific Drive’s world is filled with systems and metrics to battle against, making it a challenging experience. Players must navigate the procedural wasteland, dodge hazards, and collect enough energy to warp back to base before an oncoming storm hits. The car’s personality and Quirks add an element of unpredictability to the game, making each run unique.
The game’s atmosphere is reminiscent of other Pacific Northwest psychological horrors like Twin Peaks and Alan Wake. The eerie setting is enhanced by finer details such as abandoned ARDA trailers and lost transmissions. However, the lack of human interaction can be a drawback, and the grind for resources can become repetitive.
Anomalies serve as the game’s supporting cast, with bizarre and fascinating designs that dare players to sneak a peek. These monstrous entities lure players in with their allure, but getting too close can result in peril. Examples include the hovering Abductor, made up of traffic lights and ooze, and explosive test dummies that follow players when they’re not looking.
Despite its challenges, Pacific Drive offers a unique and engaging experience. The combination of car maintenance and sci-fi anomalies creates a captivating world that is both beautiful and dangerous. The game’s procedural generation ensures that no two runs are the same, making each playthrough an adventure.
In conclusion, Pacific Drive is a survival game that offers a unique blend of car maintenance and sci-fi anomalies. The game’s procedural world, atmospheric setting, and challenging gameplay make it a standout title in the survival genre. While it can be overwhelming at times, the rewards of exploration and survival are well worth the effort. Whether you’re a fan of survival games, sci-fi, or just looking for a new adventure, Pacific Drive is a game worth checking out.
The game’s world is procedurally generated, offering a captivating otherworldly landscape filled with hazards and resources. Alongside keeping the Driver alive, players must manage their car’s fuel gauge, battery life, and tire wear, as well as repair any damage. The car also develops unique Quirks that can cause mayhem during a time-sensitive escape, requiring players to return to the garage and use a system of ‘If this, then that’ puzzle prompts to exorcise them.
The Garage serves as the player’s base of operations, where they can maintain and fortify their car using resources collected in the open world. The Garage starts as an abandoned pit-stop but can be expanded into a proper home, complete with lockers, doodads, and retro computer stations. Players can also customize the look of their car with decals, antennas, and stickers.
Pacific Drive’s world is filled with systems and metrics to battle against, making it a challenging experience. Players must navigate the procedural wasteland, dodge hazards, and collect enough energy to warp back to base before an oncoming storm hits. The car’s personality and Quirks add an element of unpredictability to the game, making each run unique.
The game’s atmosphere is reminiscent of other Pacific Northwest psychological horrors like Twin Peaks and Alan Wake. The eerie setting is enhanced by finer details such as abandoned ARDA trailers and lost transmissions. However, the lack of human interaction can be a drawback, and the grind for resources can become repetitive.
Anomalies serve as the game’s supporting cast, with bizarre and fascinating designs that dare players to sneak a peek. These monstrous entities lure players in with their allure, but getting too close can result in peril. Examples include the hovering Abductor, made up of traffic lights and ooze, and explosive test dummies that follow players when they’re not looking.
Despite its challenges, Pacific Drive offers a unique and engaging experience. The combination of car maintenance and sci-fi anomalies creates a captivating world that is both beautiful and dangerous. The game’s procedural generation ensures that no two runs are the same, making each playthrough an adventure.
In conclusion, Pacific Drive is a survival game that offers a unique blend of car maintenance and sci-fi anomalies. The game’s procedural world, atmospheric setting, and challenging gameplay make it a standout title in the survival genre. While it can be overwhelming at times, the rewards of exploration and survival are well worth the effort. Whether you’re a fan of survival games, sci-fi, or just looking for a new adventure, Pacific Drive is a game worth checking out.
The game’s world is procedurally generated, offering a captivating otherworldly landscape filled with hazards and resources. Alongside keeping the Driver alive, players must manage their car’s fuel gauge, battery life, and tire wear, as well as repair any damage. The car also develops unique Quirks that can cause mayhem during a time-sensitive escape, requiring players to return to the garage and use a system of ‘If this, then that’ puzzle prompts to exorcise them.
The Garage serves as the player’s base of operations, where they can maintain and fortify their car using resources collected in the open world. The Garage starts as an abandoned pit-stop but can be expanded into a proper home, complete with lockers, doodads, and retro computer stations. Players can also customize the look of their car with decals, antennas, and stickers.
Pacific Drive’s world is filled with systems and metrics to battle against, making it a challenging experience. Players must navigate the procedural wasteland, dodge hazards, and collect enough energy to warp back to base before an oncoming storm hits. The car’s personality and Quirks add an element of unpredictability to the game, making each run unique.
The game’s atmosphere is reminiscent of other Pacific Northwest psychological horrors like Twin Peaks and Alan Wake. The eerie setting is enhanced by finer details such as abandoned ARDA trailers and lost transmissions. However, the lack of human interaction can be a drawback, and the grind for resources can become repetitive.
Anomalies serve as the game’s supporting cast, with bizarre and fascinating designs that dare players to sneak a peek. These monstrous entities lure players in with their allure, but getting too close can result in peril. Examples include the hovering Abductor, made up of traffic lights and ooze, and explosive test dummies that follow players when they’re not looking.
Despite its challenges, Pacific Drive offers a unique and engaging experience. The combination of car maintenance and sci-fi anomalies creates a captivating world that is both beautiful and dangerous. The game’s procedural generation ensures that no two runs are the same, making each playthrough an adventure.
In conclusion, Pacific Drive is a survival game that offers a unique blend of car maintenance and sci-fi anomalies. The game’s procedural world, atmospheric setting, and challenging gameplay make it a standout title in the survival genre. While it can be overwhelming at times, the rewards of exploration and survival are well worth the effort. Whether you’re a fan of survival games, sci-fi, or just looking for a new adventure, Pacific Drive is a game worth checking out.
The game’s world is procedurally generated, offering a captivating otherworldly landscape filled with hazards and resources. Alongside keeping the Driver alive, players must manage their car’s fuel gauge, battery life, and tire wear, as well as repair any damage. The car also develops unique Quirks that can cause mayhem during a time-sensitive escape, requiring players to return to the garage and use a system of ‘If this, then that’ puzzle prompts to exorcise them.
The Garage serves as the player’s base of operations, where they can maintain and fortify their car using resources collected in the open