A timeless shooter set in post-disaster Chernobyl. This game excels in building a diverse and detailed game world that feels more alive than any other I have ever experienced.

From the unique setting to the minimalist and dread-inducing soundtrack, the game is drowning in atmosphere. This changes what would have been a run-of-the-mill open world shooter into something truely unique: excursions underground into abandoned Soviet bunkers are some of the most terrifying experiences I have ever played.

NPCs and questgivers move around the world between areas even when you aren't nearby and engage in combat against beast and rival factions dynamically. Even the monsters roam across the rust-speckled landscapes in migrations that give each area a life of their own.

The graphics, while dated, display some incredible dynamic shadows, and are extremely well utilised during night-times or underground areas. Easy to install graphical enhancement mods go a long way to bring the game up to date with modern poly-counts and texture quality.

Initial impressions of the game may disappoint first-time players, but be assured that the opening area of the game is easily the weakest in terms of gameplay and setting, and the game will quickly expand into a more open and gripping narrative.

A timeless shooter set in post-disaster Chernobyl. This game excels in building a diverse and detailed game world that feels more alive than any other I have ever experienced. From the unique setting to the minimalist and dread-inducing soundtrack, the game is drowning in atmosphere. This changes what would have been a run-of-the-mill open world shooter into something truely unique: excursions underground into abandoned Soviet bunkers are some of the most terrifying experiences I have ever played. NPCs and questgivers move around the world between areas even when you aren't nearby and engage in combat against beast and rival factions dynamically. Even the monsters roam across the rust-speckled landscapes in migrations that give each area a life of their own. The graphics, while dated, display some incredible dynamic shadows, and are extremely well utilised during night-times or underground areas. Easy to install graphical enhancement mods go a long way to bring the game up to date with modern poly-counts and texture quality. Initial impressions of the game may disappoint first-time players, but be assured that the opening area of the game is easily the weakest in terms of gameplay and setting, and the game will quickly expand into a more open and gripping narrative.