Chernobylite Review
Release date: Sept 28, 2021
Developer: The Farm 51
Platforms: Steam, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X (Reviewed)
Price: $29.99
If somehow the Metro series was ever combined with some of the pieces of Fallout 4, the result would be Chernobylite. This is a game that straddles several genres while trying to keep it all together. This might be one of those unique games that’s well worth a playthrough for those who are looking for something a little different these days.
Gamers play as a scientist who is seeking his long lost love who disappeared near Chernobyl. Players can get between places via wormholes and a pocket dimension with the help of crystals aka chernobylite
There are a lot of ideas within this game but the premise and plot are there in the beginning. The overall idea behind the game is to build up your crew and supplies before approaching the final mission. Players can send out npcs on missions to bring back supplies and more people. But this is one part of the game, players will need to build up their supplies, maintain their base, themselves and their crew’s sanity. The NPC also have concerns and fears that must be managed as well.
So lets start with some of the good ideas. The resource management plays pretty good, the building and crafting is pretty simple and reminds me of Fallout 4. It is easy to manipulate items and set stuff up. Adding creature comforts to your base, or a workbench is done via a simple menu, getting power to it or building near it is the next easy step. Although this part of the game was the least interesting to me, it works well and should be simple.
The exploration and combat aren't bad, the game feels like a mid tier FPS. Gamers definitely feel alone and most of the time enemies can be avoided. The AI is marginal; most enemies can be outsmarted. Scavenging is interesting while out in the world, players have a device which lets you track resources. Makes it easier to find parts, food, herbs etc in the wild
The combat is a lot like the early Metro games. Guns can be modded, ammo can be crafted and the shooting combat mechanics feel great. The old Soviet architecture looks great and the world looks very abandon as its supposed to be
Now onto the disappointing, the graphics on the Xbox Series S seem very muddy. The game is also very empty, while the world has details, there is nothing in it. While it mentions survival horror I thought there were a few jump scares, there is almost nothing. The harder enemy that shows up later to pursue you isn't invincible and can be taken down. Overall this is an interesting almost niche game that straddles a few genres and should be interesting to play for people looking for a different FPS. Big thanks to the publisher for letting us review it.
Final Score
Pros:
Combat
Ease of base building
Good blend of ideas
Cons
Story
Lack of details
Muddy graphics