I’m still not sure how much impact my choices truly have on the game, but some of the events that unfolded definitely make me want to play through the game a second time to try out different picks. Spending time with characters in their own environments helps you grow closer to themĪs I previously mentioned, a big theme of Woodsalt is the idea of choice. And of course, Edie, the enthusiastic scientist girl who was super cute and I definitely wanted to date her.
One of my personal favorite characters was Kim, who explored outside of the town biosphere and loved Nu-Terra for what the planet itself offered rather than the manufactured attempts at recreating a normal Earth life. Whether you’re growing closer to your sister, Gi, or spending time with a dirt scientist and his daughter out in the countryside, there’s something enjoyable about getting to know these characters and seeing their perspective on the ideas of returning to Earth versus staying on Nu-Terra. To paraphrase an idea from the developer themselves, these were heavily inspired by the Social Links/Confidants in the newer Persona RPG titles, and for better or worse I definitely got those vibes. During most days, you’ll be able to wander around the town and encounter folks that you can spend time with.
This brings me to what could arguably be called the main gameplay mechanic of Woodsalt, Free Roam mode. Several of the characters in Woodsalt all have their own thoughts and opinions on this subject and you’ll be able to learn a lot about them by spending time with them. One of the main questions that Woodsalt asks the player is if you would want to go back to Earth because it’s “home” or continue to thrive on Nu-Terra because going back seems pointless.
There’s established government, mass public transportation, and even a pretty good looking barbecue restaurant called Sloppy Seconds. Once you’re out of stasis, the true journey beginsīut rather than being a barren wasteland, Nu-Terra is already pretty far along in society by the time you’re woken up. You move in with your sister, and from there Emcy’s life just becomes recovering from the effects of stasis and getting used to life on this new planet. You play as Emcy, a young man recently awoken from stasis in order to start his career on the planet of Nu-Terra long after the world had fallen victim of a terrible calamity. Woodsalt by Team Woodsalt is a game that I would best describe as an open world visual novel.