Dead Static Drive: 'GTA with Cthulhu' horror launches on Steam, facing player criticism for unpolished gameplay

Dead Static Drive: When GTA Meets Cthulhu, But With a Rough Launch

On November 5th, the survival horror experience known as Dead Static Drive finally launched on Steam, drawing immediate comparisons to a bizarre yet intriguing blend: Grand Theft Auto meets H.P. Lovecraft's cosmic dread, all wrapped in a distinctly 1980s American aesthetic and an indie visual style. Instead of rival gangs and street races, players are thrust into a world where peculiar, unsettling creatures roam the roads.

A Road Trip into the Unknown

Hailing from Australian developers Reuben Games, Dead Static Drive promised a compelling narrative. The core premise revolves around a desperate search for missing parents, punctuated by frantic escapes from monstrous entities, all set against the backdrop of a classic American road trip through unfamiliar territories. The developers themselves affectionately dubbed this unique fusion "Grand Theft Cthulhu," aiming to cultivate a deeply unsettling and tense atmosphere. "Your parents live somewhere around here. Or they used to. You haven't heard from them in a long time. Smoke on the horizon, and unsettling news carried on the wind. You came here to find your family. You came here to understand what's happening," the developers stated in their description of the game.

Early Player Reception: A Mixed Bag of Disappointment

However, the initial reception from players has been far from enthusiastic. As of the time of this report, Dead Static Drive languishes with a mere 37% positive reviews on Steam, based on 29 submitted critiques. A recurring sentiment among players is that they could have overlooked many of the game's shortcomings had it been released in early access. Unfortunately, this is a full release, with the faint hope of future patches to address its issues.

Unpolished Mechanics Plague the Experience

Frustration is palpable in player feedback. One reviewer expressed deep disappointment after anticipating the game for five years: "I'm genuinely bewildered. It feels incredibly unpolished from the first 30 minutes. There's no tutorial, no key remapping. Playing with a mouse and keyboard or a controller is uncomfortable. The menus are unintuitive, mechanics aren't explained, and I've encountered a multitude of bugs." While the game's graphics and overall visual presentation have garnered no significant complaints, the core gameplay loop is where the true issues lie. It's described as raw and inconvenient.

"For instance, switching weapons is only possible through the menu, if I haven't missed anything, and I have to access the inventory far too often," lamented gamers.

Navigational Nightmares and the Quest for Clarity

Further compounding the player's struggles is the game's inherent lack of intuitive design. Many found themselves utterly bewildered, unsure of what to do even in the opening moments. This mirrors issues seen in other titles, though often caught earlier in testing phases. One disgruntled player recounted spending the first 20 minutes simply smashing objects in a room, utterly clueless about their objectives. The solution? A key hidden on the floor, a detail lost amidst the initial chaos.

Glimmers of Potential Amidst the Rough Edges

Despite the current state of affairs, some players still see a spark of brilliance. "If the developers don't give up and continue with updates, this game could become a true masterpiece. Key remapping is a must, so players understand the available commands. For example, the camera can be rotated with keys 1 and 3. Aim snapping, enemy switching, and a crouch toggle are also needed. The game definitely has potential," offered one gamer, highlighting a path forward.

A Visually Striking Concept Awaiting Polish

Even with its technical hurdles, Dead Static Drive boasts a stylish visual presentation and a captivating concept. The amalgamation of Lovecraftian horror, neon-drenched aesthetics, and the quintessential American highway creates a unique and alluring atmosphere. The game is available on PC via Steam and on Xbox, notably included with Game Pass. For users in Ukraine, the price point is approximately ₴600.