Chernobylite- “...Not great, Not terrible…” Nice line to carry on!

For a sci-fi survival game, they sure did have every element of that genre, and some.

I don’t see how horror isn’t more prompted in the name than what I’ve seen– granted, I could be looking in the wrong places. Immediately, the horror and sci-fi aspect are present. Eerie music with a quickly decaying scene before your eyes? Check. Then the sister of the trio arrives- survival.

I had expectations and they were surpassed, pleasantly. There were moments I felt the story was dragging, then I would be slapped in the face for thinking that; major change in plot dynamics and overall understanding of purpose and operation.

It’s like they let you think you are just doing the mundane actions, as per usual, mining away to build your supply and nothing ever changes… then, just at the peak of the lull, everything changes and it is magical.

The directions they would take (as far as story lines and general functions) had me worried it was a typical version of this genre, but those perfectly timed plot changes, they do away with any negative view I might have had.

Graphics/Visual – 4/5

They aren’t killing it, but it is beautifully done. Reminded me of Kingdom Come- Deliverance. The way the environment looked, really set the tone- shading and use of light was amazing. I had been a few hours in before I noticed the shadows, and that was terrifying… I shined my light on an object and it seemed like a creature was coming for me.

Sound/Audio – 3.5/5

I would put it higher, but there were instances where the music just didn’t fit (to me) which made me notice the oddity. Otherwise, very solid. Creepy on cue, great execution. The haunting voice of your lover, teasing you to continue forward, was a very nice touch. Generally the voice acting is almost perfect. The casting was superb.

Story Line – 4/5

I’ve yet to complete it, but the roller-coaster to just past the midway point has me certain it will end in a flurry. So many variables, and connections, and so on, just an explosion waiting to happen. Hopefully I can come back with a final note when I finish it!

Three From Me –

Three Likes: Visuals, Humor- dialogue was often funny, strange and intriguing, and the Freedom- you’re free to do whatever however you want, and even to your own detriment.

Three Dislikes: Gun-play took a bit to get used to (must take it slow while in a fight), The soft music in intense moments (wasn’t often, but occurred for me a few times- or just soft music in this setting, offset the tone), and the lack of illustrations of progression towards certain items (Your main companion, as well as the others you acquire, will be mentally depleted by your base, I found it difficult to gauge the amount of items to spruce the place up to his satisfactory and so he had to sit out a couple of trips due to his mental state.)

Final Thoughts–

If you are a fan of “Solve the Mystery/Murder” games, heavy role playing/base building games mixed with FPS and strategy, then you’ll be at home with Chernobylite- a psychological adventure in the wasteland that was Chernobyl. Also, build a (when you have your base) Industrial Grinder and the Chernobylite Synthesizer immediately– they create items which unlock areas.

Chernobylite- Curiously progressive, pleasantly haunting.