Village 51 is an upcoming open world survival game that mixes farming, base building, first person combat and co op into one strange 1950s inspired adventure.
Developed by Karman Studios, the game puts players in control of a rural farm surrounded by a world filled with government secrets, mysterious technology and hostile creatures. At first glance, Village 51 looks like a fairly relaxed farming game, but things quickly become much more dangerous once night arrives.
During the day, players can grow crops, raise animals, expand their farm and sell what they produce. Farming appears to be a major part of the experience rather than a simple side activity, with dedicated systems for managing crops and livestock.
Animals can also be selectively bred, with different offspring receiving different traits and values. That gives players another layer of progression as they attempt to improve their farm and make it increasingly profitable.
Once darkness falls, however, the focus begins to shift towards survival.
Players will need to protect their property from hostile creatures and other threats by constructing walls, defensive structures and automated turrets. You can also fight enemies directly using a selection of firearms, turning the peaceful farming sections into first person battles when your farm comes under attack.
The game also features a larger open world beyond the farm. Players will be able to explore mines, bunkers, camps, shops and enemy controlled locations while searching for resources, equipment and other valuable items.
Some underground areas will be procedurally generated, meaning mining expeditions and exploration should offer some variety rather than sending players through exactly the same locations every time.
As the farm grows, players will also be able to recruit workers to help with different jobs. This should allow parts of the farming process to become increasingly automated while the player focuses on exploration, construction or defending the settlement.
Vehicles are available for travelling across the map, while character progression includes skills, weapons and equipment upgrades.
Village 51 also supports online co op for up to four players, allowing groups to build and manage a farm together before heading out to explore the surrounding world or defend their home at night.
Behind all of this is a much stranger story involving an advanced civilisation known as the Neteris and a secret government programme called Operation RISE.
The player takes control of Kevin, who inherits a seemingly ordinary farm before becoming involved in a much larger mystery. Strange lights, unusual creatures and unexplained events gradually reveal that the quiet countryside may be hiding something far more significant.
Village 51 does not currently have a confirmed release date and is listed as coming soon on Steam. The developers plan to launch the game in Early Access first, with the Early Access period currently expected to last around two to three years.
For players who like games that combine farming and relaxing progression with survival mechanics, base defence and co op exploration, Village 51 could be one worth keeping an eye on.