R.E.P.O. Preview. Why Garbage Collection is Fun

R.E.P.O. has been released in early access — a game about androids exploring deserted locations in search of valuables. We decided to find out why the game became popular, what can be done there without a storyline, and what does Alyonka have to do with it?

The phenomenon of games about garbage collection is not new; previously, Lethal Company was a major success, played by over 200,000 users. Essentially, the task for players in this genre boils down to the following:

R.E.P.O. retains this formula but also includes many features that make the game stand out from the rest.

Despite the game's scary cover, which initially deterred players, the main distinguishing feature is the androids controlled by players. Their eyes react to noise and actions around them, and in a special mode, they start waving their arms and legs, showing their helplessness, which creates many comical situations. In the future, developers from the semiwork studio promise to add emotions (they've already shown anger).

There are many templates and 3D models on the internet for creating these simple "little people" in real life. They have no practical use; just enjoy the company of an android.

R.E.P.O is designed and set up exclusively for cooperative play. The game features many monsters and situations where surviving alone is unrealistic. You might simply overlook an enemy, leading to a restart. Additionally, some monsters react to voice input from the microphone, so find at least one friend to embark on the adventure with. Many streamers are looking for a team for fun, so you might find someone among them.

In addition to voice chat, there is also a text chat (press "T"). If you type a phrase in English, the android will speak it with its specific voiceover. Be careful, as monsters also react to these sounds.

At the end of each level, androids visit a shop where they can stock up. This encourages players to clear the entire location to earn a few extra dollars. Besides active items, like grenades and tranquilizers, there are "cereal boxes" that permanently (within a run) boost your stats. These attributes can often break the game and lead to funny situations. You can become strong and throw enemies around or dash across the map and even fly.

Yes, you are a weak little android surrounded by dark corridors and unknown enemies, but the more you play, the more you understand the creatures living there and gain tools to defeat them. Upon seeing a frog, you can crouch so it jumps into an abyss trying to kill you. Or simply ignore the nun, whose speed is slower than your normal walking pace.

Interestingly, the developers provided a bestiary with character names, but players have their own names for everyone. For example, the monster Shadow Child became known as Alyonka because it went viral with many memes under the song "Tampons" by the singer KruElla. It's not necessary to memorize all the names, as it's more fun to come up with your own names and use them within your social circle.

The game often involves chaos and madness, which only increases its popularity. If you're an active internet user, you couldn't have missed the flood of funny clips about this game. And since many situations are based on dialogues, any interference or addition of external sounds only enhances this effect. For instance, we love using clips of a knight who always wants people to apologize to him.

Each run is truly unique. The developers have made an effort to create a vast number of "rooms" that seamlessly combine with each other. Add to this the increasing number of monsters with each level and the abundance of items scattered throughout the "dungeon." Even after 40 runs, new rooms appear that are interesting to explore.

Since the genre is not new, modders quickly got involved and started creating mods that enhance the game and introduce new elements. We wouldn't be surprised if some of these ideas are implemented by the developers in the base version.

Unlike other games in this genre, R.E.P.O does not create impossible conditions. You are always able to meet the quota and complete the level, even if you break all the items in the game (new ones will appear over time). The other question is what to do with the influx of monsters?

It's clear that the developers were inspired by elements from other games, but it's worth noting that they didn't just copy an existing formula. They updated it, organized it, and polished it to perfection. The game features a pleasant mini-map that marks the treasures found, and it can also be upgraded to track friends (if they're still alive). Valuable items have invulnerability for the first second, which gives a small head start and saves from accidental hits at the beginning.

It feels like the creators discussed every controversial point and, after a discussion, chose the optimal variant that players have come to love.

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The game is crafted with attention to detail (although the cover is terrible, please replace it!), featuring cool scenes and a variety of tools for players. How much fun you'll have depends on your openness and ability to disconnect from reality. We've already played for over 30 hours and aren't planning to stop, as there are still many questions and we need to prepare for future updates.

What about you? Have you had a chance to check out R.E.P.O., or are you only interested in AAA projects? Share your thoughts in the comments.