As a fan of fishing in games, my ears perked up at the sound of a rod and reel during Summer Games Fest. It was the trailer for Last Harbor, where the fishing quickly turned from a peaceful pastime to a struggle for survival.
That's because this isn't just a fishing game, it's a co-op and PvP zombie shooter, and to make things even more interesting: according to developer and publisher tinyBuild, it's based on a true story.
No, obviously, there weren't actually zombies running around attacking people. Last Harbor is "inspired by true events of spending the lockdown of 2020 on a boat stuck in the beautiful San Juan Islands of Washington state," says tinyBuild.
"Fishing, exploration, the feeling of dread while surrounded by beauty, and walking around quaint, seemingly abandoned town centers while trying to avoid other people. We aspire to replicate this feeling of isolation as you navigate the abandoned remains of a cluster of islands off the US coast, teeming with the undead."
Not a bad origin story for a game, really. And it sounds like an interesting concept, too, because there's a lot at stake as you pilot your boat around hunting for resources.
"The undead roam the land and the few remaining survivors have taken to the sea in search of refuge. To survive, they must maintain and upgrade their boats, venturing back to the land they once called home in search of resources, loot and sustenance. But every expedition could be their last and it’s not just the zombies that are out for blood," says tinyBuild.
"Anchor next to an unexplored island, launch your dinghy and venture ashore. Stay alert of your surroundings, as other players won’t hesitate to part you with your hard earned loot if they stumble upon an unmanned boat."
You aren't in constant peril, however:
"Find safe harbors where guards keep the peace and the people safe. Socialize with other players and rent anchorage to keep your boat safe," tinyBuild says.
Sort of Sea of Thieves-y, but with safe harbors and zombies? Plus, fishing? I could be into that. There's no release date announced for Last Harbor, but we'll keep our eyes peeled for more information.
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