Apocalypse Express arrives at the station following nearly a year of Early Access development, with a full 1.0 release just around the corner. Although this evaluation was conducted prior to the launch version, the game was already giving a full and enjoyable experience.
Built around a roguelite structure, the game places players in command of a train attempting to survive a hostile world through careful upgrades, resource management, and increasingly difficult encounters. The core gameplay loop quickly establishes itself as both challenging and rewarding.
Progression feels well handled overall. New unlocks brought about by overall progress of achievements as well as using earned points, providing meaningful goals between runs and encouraging continued experimentation with different approaches. In run progression and builds are slightly at the mercy of good old RNG.
Across the session, Apocalypse Express repeatedly provided that familiar roguelite pull of “just one more run,” a quality that is difficult to manufacture and easy to appreciate. What stands out most is how much value the game delivers at its modest price point.
While future playtime may ultimately occur off stream depending on scheduling realities, the game has more than earned additional attention.
Apocalypse Express is therefore recorded as Alive.
The engine is running.
The journey continues.
Pronouncement: Still very much alive.