I haven't submitted anything to this page in a fair while so I felt it was due. Here is a small start to a series as I'll title "Short'n'Sweet", keep it in theme, shall we?
It's easy to say that this game bears likeness to Minecraft, as every game apparently does, however, in addition to this I've found that some of the features and mechanics play and feel similar to Animal Crossing; specifically, I find that Animal Crossing is smooth and easy to play. Such is what 'Don't Starve' feels like, very fluid, with the added dimension of survival and the (at times infuriating) necessity to eat, as the title literally conveys.
The concept of the game is definitely simple, but as night approaches, you're met with the added dynamic of sustaining yourself further through the use of light, during these times I've never felt any desire to leave the comfort of my campfire - Think the film 'Pitch Black', though you play a distinctively more attractive character than "Riddick".
I understand we've already crossed multiple titles, but to me this game shares similarities to them all. Add to this the rather 'Tim-Burtonian' graphical style and you have a template for a fantastic game. It's well polished, good-looking and also challenging while it still successfully maintains an almost casual, dare I say it, "indie", feel.
Though initally, perma-death is a leading feature, you are able to prevent this through the use of certain in-game items, that is assuming you can gather them. Permanent death isn't a feature that I desire or look for in a game, though it's just about tolerable here. You learn to be far less careless than you were initially, it almost teaches you how to truly survive.* Instead of parading around in a new suit of armour as you may well do when you first create one, you learn that it's intended for protection from damage, not from being an idiot. You begin to stockpile food and develop routines and rituals through each day, it's pleasant, very pleasant.
The company, Klei Entertainment have made a game that is of course new yet feels strangely familiar, at times it's sadistic and also negative, and I absolutely love that. Negativity is something that most games seldom attempt which makes it refreshing to discover a game that places reality before preservation.
As the game is currently in the Beta-stage, it's difficult to give a verdict, as it stands though, I'd give it an 8/10 rating. It's a game that's still shifting and constantly improving and I expect for this to change to something a little better upon full release.
I suggest, should you purchase it you get it from this link: http://www.dontstarvegame.com/blog/getting-started/ for a number of reasons: It's cheaper, you get 2 copies to use in Google Chrome and you can access the Beta straight away through Steam.
* I wouldn't recommend applying anything learnt in 'Don't Starve' to a real-life scenario. Klei Entertainment and myself are not liable for any form of death you may befall upon yourself.