Primal Planet is a solo-developed metroidvania that blends survival crafting with action and exploration on a dinosaur-filled alien world. Available on PS5, the game follows a cave dweller who must protect his family while uncovering ancient secrets amid primeval threats and unexpected sci-fi elements. Players gather resources, craft tools and weapons, and navigate diverse environments in a pixel-art style that emphasizes careful movement and environmental interaction.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on exploration across interconnected biomes including dense forests, open plains, rugged mountains, and underwater areas. Movement relies on platforming fundamentals enhanced by upgrades such as double jumps, dashes, and rolling jumps that open new paths and secrets. Combat mixes direct confrontation with strategy, where players craft spears for melee and ranged attacks, set traps, use bait like raw meat to distract foes, or rely on stealth to bypass dangers. Resources collected throughout the world fuel crafting at campfires, which also serve as save points and allow creation of healing items, torches, and other tools essential for survival.
Experience points earned from defeating creatures and discovering hidden areas convert into skill points. These points upgrade the protagonist's abilities or those of the companion dinosaur Sino, a nimble Sinosauropteryx that assists in fights and can grow stronger over time. The story unfolds entirely without dialogue through animations and environmental cues, focusing on family bonds and the protagonist's journey from a simple cave dweller facing a T-Rex attack to confronting larger mysteries involving rival tribes and alien technology. Encounters with various dinosaurs, from massive herbivores to agile predators like Carnotaurus, require adapting tactics based on each creature's behavior and habitat.
Game Modes
Primal Planet supports single-player campaigns and local co-op for up to two players. In co-op, a second player can join at any time to control Sino, providing additional combat support and puzzle-solving assistance while sharing the same skill progression pool. The mode emphasizes teamwork to overcome obstacles and enemies without requiring online connectivity. No other multiplayer options or separate game modes exist beyond this drop-in local experience.
Exploration and Progression
The world encourages thorough searching for resources and secrets that permanently expand capabilities. Biomes feel distinct and alive, with day-night cycles and weather influencing visibility and enemy activity in some areas. Upgrades at villages or through skill trees allow permanent improvements to health, damage output, breath-holding for swimming, and movement options. Light base-building elements appear through village relocation and companion recruitment, adding layers to resource management without overwhelming the primary focus on traversal and survival.
Is It Worth Playing?
Primal Planet delivers a cohesive experience for players who enjoy metroidvanias that incorporate survival and crafting without excessive complexity. Its approachable difficulty, frequent checkpoints, and emphasis on exploration over punishing backtracking make it suitable for those seeking a heartfelt story alongside dinosaur encounters and alien intrigue. Local co-op adds replay value for shared play sessions. Critics have noted its charming pixel art, solid mechanics, and emotional narrative as strengths, with the game holding generally favorable reception for its unique blend of genres. It suits fans of 2D action-adventure titles who appreciate thoughtful resource use and companion dynamics on PS5.
