Thanks to every bit of science fiction out there, we’ve been groomed to think that if something had to happen to the world, it would be an absolute nightmare of post-apocalyptic living. But what if it wasn’t?
I Am Future allows us to imagine what life would be like from a cosier, more relaxed point of view. The art style pushes more vibrant colours than the classic browns and greys we’re used to from gloomier post-apocalyptic games. The idea of strumming at your guitar while watching your lettuce grow has a much more soothing appeal than fighting for your life in the mud while rage-fueled zombie dogs go for your eyeballs.
Mandragora, the devs behind the game, set out to create a game that gives out a similar, relaxed vibe to other games like Stardew Valley. Mandragora has created three other games, all set in a survival-like setting similar to what we are used to from post-apocalyptic games, so the lead dev on I Am Future already had survival games on his mind. However, it was when the whole world went awry during the Covid period that Eugene made the decision to move into a country house and attempt to grow his own fruits and vegetables. From his own success in his very own backyard, the idea for I Am Future was born; A game “where you could begin a new, pleasant life on the ruins of a big city after the end of the world has happened”.
In the game, the world has flooded, and we don’t yet know how. As the last surviving human, we should probably find out, but the game allows you to take a leisurely approach to investigating why the world has ended. If making sure your fridge is full, and your crops are weed-free is your main priority, there’s no one to say otherwise; like I said, you’re the last human on earth.
You can expand on your cosy camp that is set atop the roof of one of the city’s skyscrapers by farming, crafting and fishing. You can even customise your character’s appearance with unlockables that will make you feel more attached to the game.
I am Future also lets you build up a squad of companion robots that you can use to do some of your chores around the camp or even assist you in diving deeper into the waters to find out what really happened. These cute little beans can even have their own hats, and I guarantee you’ll have them all named before the end of the day.
I Am Future offers up a unique, cosy experience that a lot of people aren’t used to when it comes to the end of the world. Since you’re also the last human alive, the relationships you form and manage are between yourself and the few bits of AI machinery that help you survive rather; Perhaps your glum refrigerator could use a cute little cocktail umbrella tucked between its wires to help cheer it up.
I’m all for the cosy life once the world ends, but I’m certain there’s something a little more sinister hiding underneath this game; I mean, the world doesn’t just suddenly flood, does it?
You can pick up I Am Future in Early Access on Steam for a cool R130.