Honeycomb: The World Beyond Review (Xbox)

Survival games usually ask you to chop trees, hoard resources, and build increasingly elaborate shelters. Honeycomb: The World Beyond takes a different approach. Instead of casting you as a stranded explorer or hardened settler, it puts you in the boots of a scientist. Armed with scanners, research tools, and a healthy dose of curiosity, you're sent to the alien planet of Sota7 to study strange ecosystems, uncover biological secrets, and perhaps discover a solution to humanity's future challenges. It's a refreshing premise that immediately helps Honeycomb stand apart from the crowded survival genre.

What immediately sets Honeycomb apart is its sense of curiosity. Exploration isn't just about finding the next crafting material. Every creature, plant, and biome feels like part of a larger ecosystem waiting to be studied. Scanning wildlife, learning how species interact, and uncovering new resources gives exploration a purpose beyond merely filling inventory slots. The alien landscapes are particularly impressive, creating the feeling that you've stepped onto a genuinely unfamiliar world rather than another variation of a familiar survival sandbox.

The game's headline feature is its bioengineering system. As an EON-certified scientist, you're encouraged to experiment with plant synthesis and animal mutations, creating combinations that can alter traits and unlock new possibilities. It's an ambitious concept that gives the game a unique identity. While many survival titles focus on combat progression, Honeycomb places discovery and experimentation at the centre of the experience. There's a genuine thrill in testing combinations and seeing the unexpected results of your research.

Of course, science alone won't keep you alive. A significant portion of the game revolves around gathering resources, crafting equipment, and expanding your base. Fortunately, the building mechanics strike a good balance between accessibility and customisation. Establishing a research station in the middle of an alien wilderness feels appropriately rewarding, especially as your humble outpost slowly evolves into a functioning scientific operation.

Survival elements are ever-present, though they're generally less punishing than some genre veterans. Sota7 is beautiful, but it's also dangerous. Hostile wildlife, environmental threats, and the challenges of venturing into unfamiliar territory ensure that every expedition requires preparation. The game is at its best when balancing wonder with risk, making each journey into the unknown feel both exciting and slightly nerve-racking.

Visually, Honeycomb shines. The vibrant alien flora and bizarre creatures help create a planet that feels distinctly alive. The vivid colour palette and varied biomes give exploration a constant sense of discovery, while creature designs successfully walk the line between fascinating and unsettling. It's a world that's enjoyable to simply wander through, even when you're not chasing resources or research objectives.

That said, players looking for fast-paced action may find parts of the experience a little slow. The emphasis on research, scanning, resource management, and experimentation means progression can feel methodical. Those who enjoy survival games as relaxing, long-term projects will likely appreciate the pace, while players hoping for constant excitement may lose patience during the more routine gathering and crafting loops.

Pros

• Unique bioengineering and mutation systems

• Beautiful alien world packed with discoveries

• Strong sense of exploration and scientific curiosity

• Rewarding base-building mechanics

• Refreshing alternative to traditional survival games

Cons

• Progression can feel slow at times

• Gathering resources becomes repetitive

• Limited appeal for action-focused players

• Survival systems aren't especially challenging compared to genre heavyweights

Honeycomb: The World Beyond doesn't try to compete with survival giants by offering relentless combat or high-stakes action. Instead, it thrives on curiosity, experimentation, and the joy of discovery. The process of cataloguing alien life, altering genetic traits, and slowly understanding the mysteries of Sota7 creates a rewarding experience that feels genuinely different from many of its peers. While its deliberate pace won't appeal to everyone, players looking for a survival game driven by science rather than survival alone will find plenty to admire. It's an ambitious adventure that proves sometimes the most exciting discoveries aren't found in battle, but in the laboratory.

XPN Rating: 4 out of 5 (GOLD)

Honeycomb: The World Beyond is available now!