'SOS' now in early access, features proximity chat

Promotional photo from the "SOS" Steam pageSteam

Survival game "SOS" entered early access on Jan. 24. Despite being a survival game "SOS" does not place a primary focus on combat. Unlike other games of the same genre, "SOS" chose to market itself as a social survival game, and while staying alive is the main goal, fighting is completely optional. Instead, players must scavenge, defend themselves, and work together in order to leave the island in one piece.

Unlike usual battle-heavy survival games, "SOS" puts an emphasis on talking instead of beating other players to a pulp. One of the game's most interesting features is its proximity chat. Players who are close enough to each other in game, will be able to hear what the other player is saying. Communication is key, but players can only communicate with those who are within shouting distance.Those interested in plying "SOS" need a working microphone to be able to join in on the fun.

"SOS" blends survival with comedy. The basic premise of the game is simple: 16 players are dropped onto La Cuna Island with only one gold. They must make it off the island alive. It sounds simple enough, but to make things more complicated, players must find a relic to someone the helicopter of the island. Aside from that, the island is filled with monsters and resources are limited.

Each game is around 30 minutes long, players must find the relic before time runs out. Out of 16 players, only three will be able to leave La Cuna Island. The game is a reality TV show parody and puts players into an assortment of bizarre situations that force them to either help or harm their competition. While battling is not the main focus of the game, it is still one of the game's options. There is a lot of freedom in "SOS" and it is up to players how they choose to use it.