SOS

Mechanics

SOS for PC is an online survival game played from the first-person view. One's goal is to escape the island, to which they have been taken along with fifteen other competitors. The evacuation helicopter is the only thing that can get the player out of the island, and it arrives once a flare has been launched. No more than three players can get onboard the craft, provided each of them has an ancient artifact (relic) in their equipment. Those tickets to freedom can be found on the island or taken directly from a defeated opponent. The participants have 30 minutes to complete the task.

The player remains in danger until they get onboard the helicopter – even while the player is hanging on the rope which pulls them upwards to the craft, they are still in danger of getting shot down by those who will not hesitate to take the victory for themselves. Consequently, it is worth securing the evacuation spot. For instance, this can be done with use of a smoke grenade that makes it harder for others to shoot the player down; one can also benefit from covering fire provided by their companions.

An ability to talk to other players in the vicinity using a microphone is an important aspect of the experience. Through communicating with others, the player can make an alliance in order to increase their chances of winning against the monsters living on the island and other players that fight for survival on their own. One should not forget however, that the helicopter takes only three participants, and only if they have the relics. As a result, false friends are a huge threat – they will stab the player in the back if there is no place for them onboard.

Apart from the valuable artifacts, other useful items can be found on the island, such as melee weapons, ranged ones (knives, axes, pistols, revolvers, ammunition, etc.), healing fruit and mushrooms, or lockpicks allowing the player to open chests containing the most valuable loot. The signal pistol is also a significant piece of equipment, as the player uses it to call for a supply drop or the evacuation helicopter. What is contained within a supply drop, can be determined by the outcome of a voting made by the viewers watching the competition on hero.tv. The viewers can decide to drop a weapon and ammunition for the player or toss a bomb on their head.

Game modes

The game offers exclusively an online multiplayer experience. Two game modes were included: Solo (the player begins on their own) and Duo (one can invite a friend from Steam to have fun with them).

Technical aspects

SOS for PC utilizes the Unreal Engine 4. The visuals are realistic, fairly detailed, as well as eye-pleasing. The player is capable of customizing the appearance of their character.