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The Descendant

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac • 2016

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Quick resume

In THE DESCENDANT, the end of the world is only the start. With what remains of humanity protected in underground Ark facilities, your mission is to keep survivors alive, while discovering a far greater conspiracy buried within Ark-01.

Global score

88/100

Genres

Adventure, Casual, Indie

Pros

  • Engaging post-apocalyptic story
  • Well-voiced characters
  • Atmospheric audio-visual presentation
  • Episodic format with branching choices
  • Good value especially on sale

Cons

  • Clunky controls and camera angles
  • Short episode length
  • Limited gameplay depth
  • Some technical bugs and glitches
  • Minimal impact of player choices on story

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players make choices affecting story and character fates, but gameplay is mostly linear and guided with fixed sequences."

  • Competence
    1

    "Puzzles are generally easy and straightforward, with some minor challenge; gameplay is simple point-and-click with limited skill demands."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No evidence of competitive elements; focus is on personal story experience without comparison to others."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Players report being hooked by story and wanting to continue through episodes, though some mention short length and occasional frustration."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player narrative experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    1

    "Some player choices affect story outcomes; limited player creativity in gameplay or environment modification."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No indications of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are narrative and personal."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Post-apocalyptic immersive story provides escape from real life; players engage deeply with fictional narrative."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in story-driven adventure; no reports of obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    1

    "Some exploration of story branches and replaying for different endings, but gameplay largely follows established routines."

  • Exploration
    1

    "Exploration is limited to confined bunker environments with some item searching; no open-world or extensive discovery."

  • Expression
    -5

    "No character customization or self-expression features; presentation is standardized."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Fictional post-apocalyptic setting with sci-fi elements, but grounded in plausible scenarios."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "Solo narrative experience without social or community features."

  • Growth
    2

    "Players learn story details and solve puzzles, gaining knowledge and understanding; limited skill growth."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during gameplay; some players note short episodes but no background or idle play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Limited emotional connection through story; no social or close relationship building features."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements; player controls only own character actions."

  • Progression
    2

    "Players progress through episodes and story; some achievements and multiple endings encourage replay."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Generally calm pacing with moments of tension; some players find it relaxing while others note frustration."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Atmospheric audio-visual presentation provides moderate sensory stimulation; not highly intense."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems; focus is on individual narrative experience."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative focus with immersive storytelling, character development, and branching choices."

  • Strategy
    -2

    "Minimal strategic or planning elements; gameplay is mostly straightforward puzzle solving and decision making."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Some suspense and tension in story and timed events, but overall controlled and predictable gameplay."

  • Value
    3

    "Players report good value especially when purchased on sale; story and experience justify cost."

  • Violence
    -3

    "No combat or destruction focus; gameplay centers on exploration and puzzle solving."

  • Survival
    3

    "Story involves survival themes and consequences of player decisions affecting character lives."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026