Fire Hose Games has introduced us to Techtonica, a fascinating first-person sci-fi experience centered around factory automation, now available on the PlayStation 5. Here’s what you can expect from this intriguing game.
Techtonica immerses you in a world of bioluminescent caves where you’ll harness advanced technology to construct an expansive underground factory. This journey aims to unravel the mysteries of Calyx. The game offers a fully voice-acted campaign, allowing you to make optimal use of buildable machinery to gather essential resources. And, as an exciting twist, you’re also armed with a black hole gun to reshape the world around you!
Gameplay begins with a choice between two difficulty settings: Standard and Easy. Standard adheres to the developers’ vision, while Easy reduces costs and accelerates progress through the story. Feeling adventurous? The Custom difficulty option allows you to tailor various elements, intensifying the game’s challenges if you wish.
After the opening cutscene, you’ll take charge using the left analog stick for movement and the right for viewing around. Interact and gather resources by pressing the X button. Moving from the PC to console, the toolbar is now conveniently accessible via the D-Pad. You’ll start off with a humble pickaxe before unlocking more powerful tools like the black hole gun.
Resource collection is key to enhancing your factory. You’ll need materials such as mechanical and electrical components, copper frames, and limestone. Once you’ve gathered enough, dive into the crafting menu, accessed with the Square button.
Your first task? Crafting a mining drill using iron frames and components, which is essential for resource extraction. Misplace any tool? Use the L2 button for Erase Mode and correct your placement.
The starting container holds necessary items, though you can craft components if resources permit. Crafting iron and copper components will advance your progress. Once you’ve amassed sufficient ore and have repaired the console, you’ll unlock the blueprint for the molecular scanner, a pivotal tool for recovering lost data and advancing through the technology tree.
Beginning with two pre-unlocked tiers, you’ll journey through unlocking advancements like the Smelter, each step opening new paths in the technology tree, spanning basic logistics, advanced electronics, and more. Upgrades span multiple aspects such as terraforming and energy.
In terms of trophies, the game boasts a comprehensive list, culminating in a coveted Platinum trophy. Challenges include placing Assemblers, building drills, crafting components, and navigating through game areas.
Techtonica presents players with an engaging sci-fi factory experience, tasking you with building an enormous subterranean factory while uncovering the secrets of Calyx. The fully voice-acted story and unique black hole gun make for a thrilling journey. Now available on PS5 for $29.99.
For full disclosure, note that this review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Fire Hose Games.
