I write this review not only to think about what I just played but how I can ease people into playing this.

TL;DR: This is an atmospheric game that has a multitude of unique game mechanics, but can demish if you play this like a real shooter.

Let me explain.

The main premise of the story is that you are a Rook left within a world thrust into the never-ending nuclear winter taking place somewhere in Russia or another similar state. Your job as the Rook is to bring a Tea Container north for reasons unknown. I can't say much else besides that.

Gameplay is solid, but reminds you that it is a Doom Mod. The game only has 4 weapons and encourages you to use them where needed. Some of the game mechanics however are very unique to this game. For example, healing is done with healing items that can effect health regen, stamina regen or both. There are also parts where you have to equip a gas mask or put up your hood to resist the effects of the environment. Hazards like water decrease your maximum stamina until you find a lantern or fire source.

The game encourages you to take it slow. And while it isn't an open world, it wants you to try and explore it's linear level design to the fullest (which isn't a tall ask).

The most interesting I will point out is the inclusion of maximum health. When you get the tea tin, you can eat some of it's contents to restore your maximum health that is effected, but there is a certain amount that cannot be replenished. While I never ran out during my play time, I really encourage the creator to lean into this mechanic more for an upcoming expansion or another game. Having a limited amount of times you can fully heal your health can lead to some interesting game play and choice like with the limited barter system at bars.

The simple brutalist architecture reminded me of games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and parts of the Metro Series. The most unique part of the experience for me was the music that was used. While the OST wasn't made by the creator, they pulled from some really unique tracks that captured the vastness of this landscape. If you search up the OST on youtube, you can find it.

There are only two complaints that I have for this game:
-When getting the sniper rifle, it felt very under-powered compared to the shotgun or revolver. Even if it acts as a long distance head shot machine, the first two weapons did a much better job.
-During the drugged section, the character being knocked felt like it went on slightly too long. I would have rather passed out in the river or collapse at the campfire


The best compliment I can give this game is that I want more. There is so much potential that I feel like we have barely scratched the surface. I was immersed, felt emotions, and left wanting to start the 2-3 hour journey again. If you want to support the developer, buy this game and wishlist his next game SKELET_666 which seems to be a take on Dark Fantasy. And while I will try it out, I hope we get some Apocalyptic Vibes again soon.