Journey to the Savage Planet vs. Employee of the Month: Which Edition Deserves Your Time?
When Journey to the Savage Planet first hit the shelves, it captivated gamers with its quirky humor, vibrant alien worlds, and a delightful blend of exploration and survival mechanics.
Fast forward to now, and there’s a new kid on the block: Journey to the Savage Planet: Employee of the Month Edition.
So, what’s the big deal with this edition, and is it worth your time if you’ve already played the original? Let’s break it down and see which version deserves the spotlight.
What Is Journey to the Savage Planet?
The Original Experience
In case you missed the memo, Journey to the Savage Planet is a first-person action-adventure game set on the colorful, mysterious planet of AR-Y 26. Players take on the role of a Kindred Aerospace employee, the “fourth-best” interstellar exploration company, and are tasked with cataloging the flora and fauna of this strange world.
The game’s charm lies in its humorous narrative, unique environments, and a variety of tools and upgrades that encourage creative problem-solving, a theme also shared with High on Life.
From grappling hooks to bounce pads, Journey to the Savage Planet gives players the freedom to explore and conquer challenges in their own way.
It’s a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, inviting players to enjoy its wacky universe without the burden of a grimdark narrative.
The Gameplay Mechanics
Players will find themselves navigating vibrant environments, scanning bizarre creatures, and collecting resources to craft upgrades, just like the game No Man's Sky. The gameplay loop is addictive and satisfying, making each discovery feel like uncovering a new secret. Whether it’s the comedic AI companion or the ridiculous alien wildlife, the game never misses an opportunity to make you smile.
Enter Employee of the Month: What’s New?
The New Kid on the Block
Now, let’s talk about the Employee of the Month Edition. At first glance, it may seem like a mere re-release of the original game, but there’s more to it than meets the eye.
This edition bundles the base game with the “Hot Garbage” DLC, which introduces a new biome, fresh enemies, and additional missions.
The DLC expansion takes players to a different area of the planet—one that is being polluted by a rival company. The mission? Clean up the mess and get to the bottom of this corporate sabotage.
Enhanced Visuals and Performance
One of the key selling points of the Employee of the Month Edition is its enhanced graphics and performance upgrades.
Designed specifically to leverage next-gen consoles’ capabilities, this edition boasts sharper visuals, smoother framerates, and reduced loading times. If you’re playing on a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, you’ll notice the game looks and feels more polished than ever.
Content Comparison: Which One’s Got More Bang for Your Buck?
Base Game vs. Expanded Content
The original Journey to the Savage Planet offers a fulfilling experience with its diverse biomes, humor-filled missions, and an enjoyable storyline. However, the Employee of the Month Edition extends that enjoyment with the “Hot Garbage” DLC, adding extra hours of gameplay.
The DLC introduces new mechanics, like underwater exploration, and even more outlandish enemies that require fresh strategies to defeat.
Additionally, this edition includes new achievements and trophies for those completionists out there, providing more reasons to dive back into the game’s delightful chaos.
The Price Point Debate
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the price. If you already own the original game, you might wonder if the Employee of the Month Edition is worth the extra dough. The answer depends on how much you love the game.
The added DLC content and visual upgrades certainly sweeten the deal for newcomers, but veterans might feel a pinch of déjà vu.
However, for those who haven’t yet set foot on AR-Y 26, the Employee of the Month Edition is undoubtedly the most attractive package.
Which Edition Should You Choose?
For the Newcomer
If you’re entirely new to the game, the Employee of the Month Edition is a no-brainer. You get the base game, all DLC, and the added bonus of next-gen enhancements—all wrapped up in a neat package. You’ll have a more comprehensive experience without missing out on any content, and the improved visuals and performance will make your journey smoother.
For the Veteran Player
Already own the original? Then it’s a bit more complicated. If you’re looking for a reason to return to AR-Y 26, the DLC and enhancements might be enough to tip the scales. However, if you’re satisfied with the base game and aren’t too fussed about the visual upgrades or additional content, you might want to stick with what you have.
Conclusion
In the end, the choice between Journey to the Savage Planet and Journey to the Savage Planet: Employee of the Month Edition comes down to how much more alien adventure you crave.
For those who haven’t yet embarked on this whimsical expedition, the new edition is an excellent starting point.
For seasoned explorers, it’s about whether the lure of additional content and enhanced graphics is enough to justify the investment. Whatever you decide, one thing is certain: Journey to the Savage Planet remains a vibrant, humorous adventure that’s well worth the trip!
