UPDATE 12/3/2022

Chernobylite continues to blow me away every time I play. The atmosphere is beautiful and haunting. Even after hours and hours of play the eerie atmosphere grips you tightly. The new areas of Pripyat and the power plant have been added and more story is revealed each update. The zone grows and evolves and changes every day. It feels like i'm walking through a snapshot in time and the devs update every week providing the history of Chernobyl itself and the game as it has evolved from day one. This game is lovingly made and it shows.

In addition to the great game play, you can change the difficulty of each aspect of the game. Management, stealth and combat respectively. Not great at combat? Turn down the difficulty. Hardcore base building and supply/companion management on your mind? Crank it up. Pretty impatient when it comes to stealth? You can change that too. There is a free play mode that allows you to go out into the Zone to practice your skills and just enjoy the atmosphere without a mission looming over you. Game modes and items have been added in to fulfill a craving for violence. There is something for everyone in this game and I can't recommend it enough.

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I downloaded the demo for this game months ago and finally decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I did. The singing crystals and dark woods captivated me. The eerie stillness of the Zone welcomed me in. Shadow creatures and soldiers slowly patrol the radioactive woods and marshes. The soundtrack is gorgeous and still rings in my ears. The story is gripping. Full of twists and turns you never expect.

If you came here for the old S.T.A.L.K.E.R. or Metro violence this might not be for you. The game encourages you to be one with the shadows. You get an array of weapons to use, but there are consequences each time you fire. The loud gunshots will alert every enemy in the area to your position, so shoot wisely (or invest in a silencer to kill as you please). Scavenge your way through the Zone gathering as much as you can to ensure your survival as well as your comrades. Every decision made has a consequence affecting you and everyone in the zone. Just make sure you pack plenty of vodka.

TLDR: Space-time teleporting slav chasing your long lost girlfriend through the Zone with the help of your merry band of misfits. Play with the Russian voice over. It enhances the experience. Enjoy the color green and I hope you aren't creeped by spooky possesed dolls. Have fun. It's addicting.