As a random member of your colony's space program, you leave Mars aboard a large transport ship, only for its reactor to go critical in the middle of your journey to new horizons. All your time spent in the simulator did not prepare you for such a dire situation. Now, drifting in your escape pod, without any FTL capabilities, you realize that an easy way out was not included. Use your own wits to fix systems in a similar way you would fix and build your own PC, by swapping and fixing individual components. With a bit of luck, you might be able to finally find a safe haven...

How long can you survive in your tin can?

This first thing that struck me about Tin Can is that it's crying out to be a VR title. The claustrophobic element of being trapped in a confined space just doesn't come across as well is it would in VR. Likewise, getting your cursor to rest where you need it to in order to open draws etc, can be a little hit and miss. It took me quite some time to get the sensitivity just right in the settings. And in a game that punishes the player for dithering, this pinpoint accuracy is a bit of a pain.

The game starts with a few tutorial levels which are designed to familiarise you with the escape pod and the main controls. But, once you start the game proper you'll pretty much be flying by the seat of your pants. It's a learning curve... and a huge one at that that. But once you know where everything is and how to read the controls, the game turns into an engaging firefighting exercise as you try to keep yourself alive for as long as possible.

The user's manual is an invaluable tool

Figuring out how to keep the oxygen balance right, how to plug a leak or how to break down objects to make new components does take a while to get your head around, but once you're familiar with the mechanics it's a lot of fun. And, should you find yourself a little stuck then there's a handy user's manual which can be flicked through.

Lets just hope the developers see the potential for a VR upgrade.

7

Nick Smithson