As The Long Dark emerges after years in early access, it introduces the first two chapters in a five-part story, called Wintermute. The game`s demanding survival mechanics have the potential to mesh well with the story of a plane crash survivor stuck in the Canadian wilderness of Great Bear, but it`s too early to say whether or not Wintermute`s narrative ultimately pays off. It is, however, clearly off to a rocky start, leaving the more open-ended sandbox mode as the best reason to jump into The Long Dark today.During Wintermute, you play as Will Mackenzie, a loner pilot working in the northern reaches of Canada, who agrees to help transport his distressed ex-wife and her mysterious cargo somewhere into the far reaches of the woods. Though there are a few revealing moments shared between Will and Dr. Astrid Greenwood before their plane comes crashing down, the quick and cliched implication of an emotional backstory through suggestive and vague dialogue makes a weak first impression. It certainly doesn`t help that many of the scenes throughout Wintermute`s first two episodes are hampered by odd animation jitters and floating objects that pop in and out frame.While you both survive the sudden crash that cuts your conversation short, you are separated from one another, and Will succumbs to injuries that make surviving the harsh winterscape a true challenge. Recovering from the crash acts as the game`s tutorial, throwing you into the basics of survival. Whether it`s seeking shelter, starting a fire, or generally looking after your vital signs, almost everything you need is covered, giving you some confidence before you set out on a journey to find your lost passenger. Learning how to make the most of The Long Dark`s survival mechanics is no simple task, but these foundational steps are relatively easy compared to the hurdles that lie ahead.Despite Mackenzie`s apparent desperation to find Astrid, he`s more than happy to scout the countryside to gather things for othe ...
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