Survival game Sons of the Forest shows off co-op base-building, fleshy nightmares

pcgamer.com:

Survival game Sons of the Forest(opens in new tab) launches into early access on February 23, and as you explore, craft, build, and fight against a horrifying cannibalistic tribe on a mysterious island, take some small comfort in the fact that you won't have to do it alone.

Even if you're tackling Sons of the Forest in singleplayer you'll be joined by an AI-controlled companion, Kelvin, who can perform tasks like chopping wood, gathering rocks and sticks, and catching fish. But you can also play Sons of the Forest in co-op with up to eight players (and yes, Kelvin will still be along for the ride in multiplayer). IGN(opens in new tab) has a new trailer showing a bit of co-op play, including exploring, building, combat, and of course the inevitable chopping of trees.

Though the trailer is a short one there's a lot of fun little details to absorb, including more glimpses of the loyal Kelvin. Since he was injured in the crash and can no longer hear or speak, he has to be given directions by a player who selects words on a notepad and holds them up for him to read. We can see that happening 25 seconds(opens in new tab) into the trailer, followed by Kelvin tilting his head and leaning forward a bit to read them. 

A moment later we see Kelvin pick a tree branch off the ground and stick it under his arm, and then carry a log to the players' base. He even helpfully points at a charging cannibal as the combat portion of the trailer begins. Thanks, Kelvin! I'm pretty sure I saw the half-naked madman charging out of the woods at me, but I appreciate the assist.

The building in Sons of the Forest, whether you're doing it alone or with friends, looks great and way more freeform than in the original game, The Forest, where you'd place