Into Oblivion stands out as a quirky strategy game blended with indie casual simulation elements, all centered on over-the-top drinking contests. Available on PC, this title turns mixology into a competitive battle where players craft bizarre cocktails to outlast opponents in rounds of boozy chaos.
Gameplay
At its core, the game revolves around a card-based system where each player receives five item cards every round. These cards let you mix drinks for yourself or force them on rivals, triggering effects that alter health, liver condition, or drunkenness levels. Some concoctions cause instant reactions like puking, while others apply lingering status effects that can turn the tide. Strategy comes from swapping cards, serving drinks wisely, and managing your stats to avoid crashing out. Halfway through matches, a mini-game called Midnight interrupts the action with dice rolling: keep at least one die each turn, aim for a 1 and 4 combo, and score points with the rest for bonuses like trophies.
With 55 item cards and 215 drink recipes, experimentation drives the fun, alongside 30 temporary buffs that either protect you or hinder foes. Matches unfold in various Starkham locations, adding flavor to the debauchery. Betting coins against others lets you earn currency for upgrades at the Shady Merchant's shop, enhancing your edge in future rounds.
Game Modes
Normal mode challenges players to rack up the highest drunkenness score without exceeding limits, using tactics like damaging an opponent's liver to double their points per drink or dropping their health to zero for a quick win. Ties get resolved through overall match points.
Top Shelf restricts play to special mixed drinks, where generic options only contribute to your final score without effects. Mastering recipes on the fly or acquiring the Bartender's Book gives an advantage in this variant, which follows similar rules to normal but emphasizes recipe knowledge.
The Sobering flips the script by rewarding the lowest drunkenness score, ideally zero. Here, a depleted liver means double points from drinks, making careful management crucial, though health knockouts still secure victory.
Event modes for holidays like Halloween, Christmas, St. Patrick's Day, and Easter introduce themed twists to keep things fresh.
Features and Multiplayer
Single-player pits you against eight distinct characters or random bots, each with customizable outfits, hairstyles, and accessories. Multiplayer supports online and LAN cross-platform play across Windows, Mac, and Linux, complete with lobby invites and browsing for games. Track your exploits through personal stats, global leaderboards, and 40 achievements. A soundtrack by Macabre Gandhi and David Totten sets the mood for the absurdity.
Is It Worth Playing?
This game shines for those who enjoy light-hearted strategy with friends, offering quick sessions of humorous competition. Its positive reception, with 88% of 17 reviews favorable, highlights the appeal of its unique premise and replayability through varied modes and customizations. If casual multiplayer battles or solo bot matches sound entertaining, especially in a party setting, it holds value as a niche gem released in 2018, though it lacks ongoing updates for long-term engagement.
