Zero Sievert Review (N8Doge)
As much as I want to post a review praising this game, I simply can't. Yes, this is top-down S.T.A.L.K.E.R./EFT, and it does a pretty damn good job of bringing the same vibe from those games in a pixelated way. However, I've been watching the gameplay diminish over the last year or two for three reasons:
- The implementation of "range" for the three weapon types (short, medium, and long) makes zero sense outside of short range weapons. Yes, you're not going to nail someone across the screen with a pistol. Medium/long range weapons should realistically do the same amount of damage as long range (if not more) at point blank range, tho. The reduction of damage in CQC for both makes zero sense. Medium range weapons got nerfed so bad after whatever update range was introduced in. The only good (survivable) loadout that I've found is carrying around some sort of sub-machine firearm and a DMR or sniper rifle. Medium range weapons only extend out from short range a little ways and barely do damage in CQC.
- Various inventory bugs that never seem to get patched out and the lack of storage spaces 12-14. I just wasted a couple hours trying to gather resources for the tier 1 & 2 module upgrades only for them to not work. Why even have those spaces marked and the option to continue crafting module upgrades??? This has been a reoccurring issue through the three characters that I've made and gotten to end-game.
- I don't know what happened to XP gain with the two extra factions, but they cap at 599 and joining either of them doesn't carry over any extra XP that's been gained. I'm writing this review after joining the red bois and realizing that the four missions I spent all afternoon grinding were pointless without already being a part of that faction. I noticed that the XP got weird a while ago and never thought to worry about it until today.
I've put 40+ hours into this game since the range update and I think I'm done at this point. This review is inspired by my realization that the 12.7x55 weapon that I finally found today for the first time is considered medium range and therefore basically unusable. I was really looking forward to having a super powerful CQC rifle (that's what the ShAK is irl). I don't think the devs have touched a firearm and are trying to make a game that started out as actually pretty realistic into some weird strategic/tactical pixel shooter.