Pacific Drive - Review After 100%

Talking about my experiences with Pacific Drive after doubling back to review it following its release a couple months ago!
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:59 Overview
01:44 Technical State
02:09 Difficulty
02:50 Story Set Up & Thoughts
04:27 Progression Systems
08:00 Gameplay & World
15:24 Steam Deck
16:26 Positives/Negatives
19:02 Conclusion
20:07 Wrap Up
Intro Music By Juan Andrés Matos, www.juanmatosmusic.com/
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#gaming #gamereviews #pacificdrive

[@Fredrik7le]

Moritismal Gaming Best in the Business

[@stevenreidwilliams]

Second favourite for me. Skillup guy wins for being such a great, creative writer. Mortismal is far more procedural but still fantastic.

[@BieberHole69__]

Facts

[@bappo2693]

Based

[@henseltbrumbleburg3752]

yeah already seeing people copying his approach.

[@Damocles3]

I agree with most points, but I think the quirk system was well done and added lot of character to the game. For me it was fun to diagnose what's wrong with my car and there is a garage upgrade that helps with the diagnosis if needed

[@ROFLWAFFLELAWL4]

I love it too but it's also great that they allow players to tweak the features they do and don't want to deal with, which I believe also included the diagnosis for quirks.

[@tortolia_23]

I really like the quirks too, since they add a lot of flavor to things and can lead to some extremely entertaining scenarios. It’s also fun when you’re in an area with a new anomaly or zone modifier and your car starts acting up and you have to figure out if it’s a quirk or the zone messing with you.

[@seanmaclean1341]

I also appreciated how some quirks could be useful. I had one where when i went into park, my front passenger door opened, and it quickened up my ability to grab those energy orbs a bunch. I think I eventually diagnosed it out but I kept it for at least a handful of runs when I noticed it just because how useful that was

[@VanguardDetonados]

I hated the quirk system with all my heart, but since you have the option to disable it i am glad that it is in the game and you can enjoy if you like it. It would be more enjoyable to me if there were more positive quirks and if the quirks did not fix themselves in time...

[@Rayman_Budgie84]

Your reviews are very good, keep up the great work. You are quickly becoming one of my first reviewers to check in on

[@joshuatealeaves]

You influence almost all of my purchases. Never stop posting brother 🙏🏻

[@jed2055]

Just subscribed, something I do extremely rarely. Reasons are: You don't show yourself on the screen. Enough of the 15 minute of fame hounds out there. You bought the game. Too much bought bias sycophants, spruikers/barkers and self promoters on utube already. You speak very well and explain stuff succinctly, methodically and logically. I suspect speaking is your super power and used outside utube. No swearing. Thank you for not doing that. Video editing and syncing oratory with the visuals is excellent. *** Other vloggers take notice. This is vlogging with manners and nouse. ***

[@buggy89]

+ he has a very calming voice somehow :)

[@cadsarm]

Yap

[@Evanz111]

Would love to watch this and see your take - but it’s one of those games where I feel discovery is the fun part. Going to try and play the game myself first, but leaving a like and bookmarking the video to come back to! Keep up the great work!

[@coconutologist]

Thanks for the video. Pacific Drive: the Clark Griswold Simulator. Onward to 400k. All glory to the algorithm.

[@quintonrhoads5630]

Hey man justed to let you know your a really good reviewer, love your vids

[@rainen5744]

Thanks for all you do absolutely love your reviews

[@rodh1404]

When you started talking about tyre repairs I immediately thought of the game Jalopy. I spent way more hours than I should have playing that. This one looks a lot more frantic, which is why I probably won't play it, but I can sure see the appeal.

[@dumbgames4933]

Thanks for the review. Bounced off this one myself, the exploration loop was too slowly paced for me.

[@javiernovoa8756]

Definitely picking this up once my I get through more of my 2023 back log

[@ThatRandomGirlAndrea]

I absolutely adored Pacific Drive, had some very very fun hours in that game :D

[@Loivado]

Great Review, I had a very similar experience with the game but stopped playing at about 25h before getting to the end nor getting all achievements. It was too tideous at some point starting in the mid game.

[@dimitristsipis4841]

When I m in doubt about a game and its high profile journalist reviews I always turn to Mortismal.

[@geoffmreynolds]

10 seconds through, love it :) haha

[@zretil]

No steering wheel support is a big bummer for me, it would add a lot of immersion imo

[@Wimpiethe3]

With a controller you can put accelerate and brake on the left joystick. That gives a different feel at least.

[@buggy89]

Nice review!

[@trashman1358]

Love the sound of this, will play - just hope devs pick this up as an idea and it becomes a genre of it's own.

[@Raxapheon]

Never change Morti you are one of the last honest reviewers that are left, thank you ❤

[@nicholasbrooks3997]

Still the final word on any game that he touches. Keep up the great work Mort 😌

[@Umbra_Witcher]

I dropped this one after a handful of of hours, but enjoyed the review

[@nexus888]

Agree. I am happy we could try a demo. After that I knew that this wasn’t for me.

[@Umbra_Witcher]

@@nexus888 well i bought it lol

[@Nytraz]

I really enjoyed this game when I played it. It’s one of the few games I went for 100% of the achievements, all of them are pretty easily attainable without too much issue. I personally found the friction to be just right, but I think it’s great that people can tailor the experience to be just the right level of friction to make sure they’re enjoying themselves. This game is not without its faults, but I really enjoy games like this that try something different. I look forward to what else this developer plans to do in the future.

[@lokichomp2856]

duuuude! thank you so much for reviewing the game after you complete it. I hate reviews who judge the game from launch. literally every game sucks at launch so there's legit no reason to review it

[@introbra]

It's a good game to listen to a podcast to

[@SL4PSH0CK]

same thoughts. for a roguelike being a chill drivin experience is absurd, but in game its so well executed

[@trosse]

Thanks!

[@Beep2bleep]

Yeah I think this game is best played by setting the difficulty options you want to deal with. As an example after the first few times fully repairing the car after a run you can use the setting to automatically repair when returning to base. Or keeping your headlights working even when out of power.

[@dokelim45]

I agree with most of your point, though, the quirk system did give me a boost when i turn on the headlight, so i would say its actually make the game more interesting, like a double edge sword. The gameplay really is: start off strong, but after a while "i get used to it, so its the end of adrenaline pump". i hope the developers can add more stuff and modes into the game, still i don't wanted to push them, but it looks like they won't hear me anyways. btw just found out your channel, subcribed.

[@SL4PSH0CK]

its one of the refreshing take in the mixgenre scene this year. it cost like 12$ here, while release it was 15$. W regional price.

[@Gulthoran]

Yeah in February I went from Palworld to Enshrouded to Pacific Drive. I thought I may have been burnt out on the survival crafty side of things, when I felt the urge to play another game mid way through pacific drive. So I definitely agree with your review. Strong start, grindy finish.

[@Notsram77]

Pacific Drive is great. I love the Stalker style off limits zone vibes.

[@danielbakergill]

Bro is fr 100%ing a masterpiece a day

[@Wimpiethe3]

The story of this game is really great!

[@sparrowhawk3422]

❤

[@UnfilteredMedic]

I just got into the End Zone last night. I don't care about game achievements. I took a risk on it and it was worth it. By default this game is a heavy GRIND. Props to the devs for more options to lessen the grind and other aspects of the game. The story is really good, IMO. Note: You don't see your player or any of the other characters that I've seen so far. The comical monstrosity that is my car looks like something the Ghostbusters would put together. 😊

[@chitin122]

I love the custom difficulty options including the visible loot. I hate scrambling for little pieces of goodies in the dark so making it glow is a nice feature. Also the tactile feeling of fixing your car reminds me of some of the most autistic fun games like power wash simulator for some reason.

[@zynga726]

Woah! You didn't stop at the stop sign.

[@MortismalGaming]

I can't be contained

[@lokichomp2856]

@@MortismalGaming your a strong independent station wagon who don't need no stop signs 😎😎😎

[@Ratlegion]

I'm glad you know when you look at this game, you know right away, review or not, whether it's for you.. Or not. 😆

[@unsavory6903]

Interface on PC at least is a nightmare. A few people say, give it some time, eventually it clicks. I don't want to struggle with something for hours until my brain finally just gives up and just puts up with it. If you can't design a separate interface for people with a mouse, then stick with console and call it a day. So many menus that all operate differently for no apparent reason. Jesus Christ! Really was looking forward to the exploration of this but my god.... those menus.

[@MrJonHimself]

Bit of an odd question given the nature of your content, but I was curious if you upload your actual gameplay anywhere? Thanks for the content.

[@racersolid9443]

Yo mortismal, i wonder, doing 100% for every game as fast as you did, did you enjoy your playthrough and do you think speedrun the games has some effect on your Overall enjoyment. And by Extension your review, anyway keep it up, your stuff is really impressive. Hope you reach 1 million subs

[@cmdr.jabozerstorer3968]

Do you have the Steam Deck OLED? I know you've had a Steam Deck for quite a while but was unsure whether you bought the OLED version more recently?

[@MortismalGaming]

No, I wont upgrade until the 2 drops

[@korimiller379]

I have enjoyed the game more then some, though I will bracket my own experience that I've yet to proceed into the mid zone while I dicked around in the outer zone with the pretty much express intent to unlock everything possible in that area before advancing and then having interest shift to other games. So I've got almost 15 hours in and enjoyed it, but I can see where the 'this but more of it' can ware on one.

[@j.j.maverick9252]

I had the flat tyre problem with one tyre getting 3 leaks in a single short run. I scrapped the whole wheel for a spare and had no further problems that run. I think they get “fragile” but without a warning icon.

[@elqord.1118]

Looks good but love to play this without the stress

[@willrun4fun]

I know I watched this but KZbin said otherwise. I just picked this up on sale. My main issue is having a long block of time to avoid having to abandon progress. I really wish they would add an exit save. Then I noticed the accessibility section. I can at least keep my loot now.

[@LORDOFDORKNESS42]

This is the only game I almost rage quit, because a freakin' door REFUSED to stay closed. And I got that Quirk like, no joke, four-five times in a row. Really liked Pacific Drive, but I think that experience sums up what you might be in for. It's a cool game, but not for everybody.

[@charlesmccrea834]

For the algorithm!

[@SimplyTexy]

The driving in this game was perfect.

[@TimoNaaro]

Very interested in this and looking for a new game.

[@theonecalleddoc]

Couple of bugs with clipping through textures and one where the rear left door falls off if it’s open and I exit the driver seat. Last ones not a quirk either, I’ve cleared them all and it still happens 75% of the time.

[@Eldritch008]

I've been playing this game for a month and it is hands down my favourite game of 2024 so far.

[@dangibsonmusic2291]

Hey Mort, have you considered reviewing Millennia? I'd personally love to know your thoughts!

[@MortismalGaming]

Not currently, looks a bit outside my expertise

[@4everhumbl36]

Niceeeeee INSOMNIA 4 THE WIN 😎 😭

[@phtefanphtefan3873]

So interessting game, tank you

[@jiminatorx]

I enjoyed the hell out oi the game, probably my favorite survival style roguelike game.

[@ThijsSchrijnemakers]

thanks

[@MortalReaver]

I got toggle wipers car boosts forward, and radio is on and car goes faster and it was amazing. With boost I can climb hills like crazy. And with fast I do not need better engine. Now I am hoping for quirk that recharges battery.

[@KaosHitman]

I was so hyped for this game, bought it, but ended up abandoning it after a few hours. Too tedious for me and I really missed the car chase cam. It's a unique and I really love the artistic style but I just couldn't connect with it. Thanks for the review! I'm returning to SnowRunner.

[@feradus9414]

hey dude, have you ever considered doing a review for the nier games?

[@MortismalGaming]

At some point maybe

[@feradus9414]

@@MortismalGaming 👍

[@nicholasbrooks3997]

By the way, I haven’t seen if you’ve reviewed Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. Are you any interested in the series? I’d honestly just love seeing you 100 percent more im-sims and Deus Ex is my fav 😌

[@stephenriggs8177]

Steam has it on sale for $23.99 USD, through June 3.

[@ScytheNoire]

"I love the concept of the game" Uh oh, that sounds like the execution fails

[@lolusuck386]

That's certainly how I felt about it. It was fun for about 6-10 hours, but then I still had like 20 more hours to go to get through the rest of the game and it got tedious and boring af.

[@Zeviticus]

I was very happy to get an original game that didn't have major issues and was fun, for once. Also, has anyone figured out why some people get different vehicles for their junk car in the lot at the garage? I've seen a box truck or the flat bed truck with ramp down. I also saw some people had a different gas pump in the garage. Is there anything that causes this, or is it random?

[@MortismalGaming]

The gas pump is upgradeable and probably what you saw, not sure on the car or what changes it specifically but I think its a bug

[@zacharron]

I finished the platinum on PS5 yesterday and loved it. A unique concept, mostly very well executed. Part thrilling, part chill. Top soundtrack as well. The plat was somewhat grindy but the gameplay was so fun though that I didn't mind doing it. Well worth the 30 bucks!

[@paintsplatta99]

I loved this game, and it is not my normal type of game (I abandoned Subnautica and Outer Wilds after a few hours, each). The atmosphere was 10/10 for me, especially when combined with the soundtrack. My main complaint was that while the upgrading was addictive as hell, most of those upgrades were fairly useless. Even with all difficulty assists off, I only found myself using a small number of utilities. Furthermore, the game could definitely be finished with steel armor if one was so inclined. I just felt bummed that the game encouraged so much crafting but then didn’t really demand that you put most of those upgrades to the test.

[@TheGronkus]

Gronk!

[@SuperFluffytoaster]

I enjoyed it, but by the time I got to the deep zone I was over it. And it sucked because even though I wanted to finish it, I also wanted to get the olympium parts and having to do 5 or 6 junctions into the deep zone to farm every time just made me not care. I managed to construct 2 olympium panels and just drove to the finish of the game. I know there was an upgrade where you could skip the halfway point of the highways, but the fact that you had to go all that way every single time was a mistake in my opinion.

[@wolfzzy6934]

ANUDDA BANGA FROM MORTISMAL G YEEHAW

[@TimoNaaro]

Was there truly no achivement for unlocking all the upgrades for the car?

[@MortismalGaming]

There is an achievement for unlocking all the blueprints yeah

[@TimoNaaro]

@@MortismalGaming sorry i was not clear. I meant bulding all of them.

[@hithere5553]

The game is, ironically, a lot like driving an old car. At first it’s charming, novel, and you can’t wait to see where you go with it. But as time goes on, more issues become apparent, you spend more time on maintenance than you’d want to, and you never as far out as you wanted. At some point you decide you’ve got enough out of it and put it in storage. You don’t have the heart to get rid of it, and sometimes you’ll take it out for a joyride.

[@Greenhead24]

Hey mortismal i need some advice real soon if you get this please help me decide,should i play wasteland 2 director cut or wasteland 3? If i could only buy one which one do you recommend?

[@quano5409]

W3 is def the more polished and streamlined experience for the franchise imo. W2 is enjoyable if you are a CRPG fan or just looking for more after finishing W3

[@Greenhead24]

@@quano5409 i am a fan of older games and less modern politically correct storytelling,do you think I will enjoy 2 more? Because a deal breaker for me is when games inject modern politics into a game,do still think I should try 3 before 2?

[@quano5409]

@@Greenhead24 Been a while but I didnt notice much different thematically between those 2 (never play the OG game btw). So if you don't mind my points above then W2 would do, some characters will appear later in W3 so you can get to know them beforehand.

[@Greenhead24]

@@quano5409 ya i think i will try 2 ,thanks for helping me make up my mind.

[@abumy4]

Honestly kimda sad how much people overlook the quirks part. Yes it's random, yes it can be annoying or game breaking, but when you accept quirks as they are and only get rid of really bad ones, it gives another dimension to being out in the zone and trying to start moving while dealing with all the little things that happen.. sometimes they can be useful, like battery getting charged by kicking the car for example, so you get out middle of storm to get some juice in to get to the gate

[@AbsurdShark]

I was sure that this will become one of my favorite games. But in the endgame it became super annoying when in every few minute, something broke on my car, some because of the dangers around me, and some because of "old age".

[@Deviljho5]

I wonder if I could utilize a steering wheel with this game? 😮

[@rofalmatt]

national lampoons stalker edition

[@musguera]

The game looks interesting, but I don't love roguelites and definetely don't like crafting in games (Subnautica is the only exception - I love that game in spite of all the crafting).

[@bhamacuk]

It's a tremendous game, very original and well made. However I'm just at the mid zone now and it's beginning to feel tedious. A lot of busy work involved and repetition.

[@keanuortiz3766]

The game has a really strong start, but the ending was a bit underwhelming

[@Hmonks]

No wheel support

[@razielgrave224]

Sulfur and smoke, glows through the snow, smells like money

[@2Guapo]

Good game. Heats up my GPU more than Helldivers 2 : (

[@rooshavik9133]

im earlyllyylylylylyl

[@onatgz]

free comment.

[@adeliezetsuvi8905]

1st

[@fastica]

This game should be played with a controller. Driving with mouse/kb i the worst thing ever.

[@lolusuck386]

I really didn't like the procedural generation in this game. The world felt so bland and artificial seeing the same assets haphazardly strewn about the map. In an atmospheric exploration game like this, that's a core component to nail for me and it honestly kinda ruined the experience not having a tangible place to explore.

[@Pants69]

I wa really looking forward to this game. Seeing this review though, it seems to be too focused on collecting materials to craft for my taste. Too bad. Good review. Thanks!

[@timmyburch6501]

❤