My Time at Sandrock, the much-anticipated sequel to the previous title, My Time at Portia, has finally arrived. Developed by Pathea Games and published by PM Studios, this sandbox RPG whisks players away to a Wild West adventure that is both charming and captivating. Right off the bat, My Time at Sandrock impresses with its noticeable improvement in performance and graphics over its predecessor.
The game boasts a rich, detailed environment that draws you in from the very first moment and keeps you engaged with its vibrant visuals and smooth gameplay. The developers have clearly put in a lot of effort to make this sequel shine brighter than My Time at Portia. And in case you’re wondering, no, you don’t need to play the predecessor before playing My Time at Sandrock. There are no story requirements, and if you never played My Time at Portia before, you can start this new game without any roadblocks.
Embracing the cozy gaming trend
In an era where cozy games are gaining popularity, My Time at Sandrock fits snugly in this niche. Its slow-paced gameplay and cheerful atmosphere provide a soothing retreat from the hustle and bustle of reality. Whether you’re interacting with the friendly townsfolk or leisurely tending to your own plot of land, the game offers a tranquil, heartwarming experience.
My Time at Sandrock explores interesting Wild West themes, providing a refreshing focus on scavenging activities rather than traditional tree-chopping. In the desert setting of Sandrock, even attempting to chop down a cactus can earn you disapproving looks from the villagers. This unique twist on resource gathering injects a touch of realism and immersion into the game.
Freedom to forge your own path
One of the standout features of My Time at Sandrock is the freedom it affords players. Although the game’s activities are somewhat narrated, there’s no rigid path to follow. Players can engage in whatever tasks they fancy without feeling rushed, except for a few story-related events. The relaxed approach to gameplay fosters a cozy and chill atmosphere, allowing players to enjoy their time in Sandrock truly.
While the initial hours of gameplay don’t introduce farming plants or animal husbandry, these elements do exist in the game. They add a delightful layer of complexity to the builder workshop, mining, and scavenging activities that are the game’s mainstay. The presence of these farming elements hints at a more varied and immersive gameplay experience as you progress. Even though I played for about 6 hours so far for this review of My Time at Sandrock, I still discovered no such mechanics, so I cannot judge how well or how poorly they are integrated, but I am hopeful that they add a nice variety to avoid things from becoming too repetitive.
No technical issues during testing
While testing Xbox Series X, I found My Time at Sandrock to be technically sound, with no bugs or issues encountered. The game runs smoothly, reflecting the developers’ commitment to delivering a high-quality gaming experience.
To give our audience a firsthand look at the gameplay, we’ve recorded a Let’s Play video showcasing the delightful world of Sandrock. The video, available on our YouTube channel, provides a glimpse into the captivating gameplay and beautiful environment that await players in this charming adventure. You can also find the full footage clip embedded below if you want to get a better idea of what the game feels like during the first couple of hours of gameplay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, My Time at Sandrock is a fantastic sequel that has significantly progressed over My Time at Portia. Its slow-paced, cozy gameplay, combined with its unique Wild West setting and diverse range of activities, make for a gratifying gaming experience. For fans of the genre, My Time at Sandrock seems like a great title. With its heartwarming charm and engaging gameplay, it’s a good addition to the cozy gaming niche. It guarantees hours of relaxation and fun for those who are looking for such an experience.
YouTube: Let’s Play – My Time at Sandrock [Gameplay, No Commentary]
Photo credit: All images shown are owned by Pathea Games and were part of a press kit.
