Blind Descentis the debut title by Turkish indie studio Pokuch, an open-world survival crafting game with an extraterrestrial spin on the often Earth-based genre. Rather than using procedural generation,Blind Descentwill feature a bespoke, handcrafted rendition of a vast and lively underground expanse on Mars populated with flora and fauna that’s both alien yet eerily familiar. As one does in the genre, players will begin by crafting basic amenities, gradually discovering new tools and resources to expand theirsurvivaland exploration opportunities.
In an interview with Game Rant, Pokuch CEO Emrehan Şeyihoğlu spoke about how the sci-fi Mars setting ofBlind Descentopens up new creative opportunities for the team, allowing for a greater variety of tools, creatures, and locations. He also spoke aboutBlind Descent’s overall survival dynamic and how players will eventually thrive rather than merely survive as they progress through the game.
Blind Descent’s Martian Setting Offers Creative Freedom
WhileBlind Descenttakes place on Mars, it’s not the usual red dusty expanse that players will explore, but rather a lush and vibrant underground world filled with life. This sci-fi setting contrasts sharply with typical survival crafting games that take place on Earth, as well as several that depict a barren Martian surface. Although a lush subterranean Martian playground is a fantastical concept, Şeyihoğlu saysBlind Descentwill still be mostly grounded in realism rather than fantasy:
“First of all, setting the game on Mars gives us a lot of creative freedom. We can add strange, unusual things you wouldn’t normally see on Earth. On Earth, we kind of know what’s beneath the surface—but on Mars, we don’t. We only have predictions. That opens up a lot of questions and opportunities for us.
With that freedom, we’re able to create a new world with its own rules. We still stay grounded in realism to a certain degree, leaning on sci-fi elements, but without going too far into fantasy—like magic or anything like that. We have our mutations, of course, but those are grounded in the setting.
In terms of gameplay, some elements are familiar—like chopping trees, which you might associate with a medieval setting—but at the same time, you have access to technological tools. That adds another dimension.”
Blind Descent’s unusual setting also introduces some novelty tosurvival gameplayand progression. Initially, players will arm themselves with rudimentary Earth-like tools and advanced human technology, but eventually, players will have adapted to life in the Martian underground and gain access to game-changing mutations and alien-based equipment.
Blind Descent Isn’t a Hardcore Survival Game
AlthoughBlind Descentis billed as asurvival crafting game, that doesn’t mean it’s a hardcore survival experience. Survival features like hunger, thirst, and rest are present, but the game doesn’t aim to bog players down with constantly dwindling meters. Şeyihoğlu says that survival may be challenging at first, but players will eventually thrive in the Martian underground and be freed to focus on exploration, combat, and dungeon delving:
“But for a game like this, survival shouldn’t be something you’re always focused on. It should be there, yes—but over time, you gradually become more adept. The idea is that early on, you’re struggling—you’re stranded, you have no help, and even basic things like creating your first campfire or surviving the first night are difficult. But as you explore more and take risks, those early survival elements become easier, and you start focusing more on the adventure and discovery aspects.”
Blind Descentappears to be a game that’s more about discovery and exploration; its survival elements help maintain some tension and motivate players to upgrade their equipment or discover helpful technology. For gamersfatigued by survival gamesthat never let up,Blind Descentis shaping up to be a perfect change of pace.
