A vintage immersive first-person shooter on GZDoom. With an atmosphere of a cold and melancholic postapocalypse, elements of dieselpunk, mix of a retro-style and realism and romantic shoegaze as a soundtrack.
Players wield a knife, a double-action Nagant revolver, a semi-automatic SKS rifle, and a double-barreled shotgun. Each weapon handles uniquely, with the revolver requiring players to manually cock the hammer before each shot, and the shotgun allowing for a powerful double-tap. Ammunition is scarce, forcing players to carefully manage their limited resources and prioritize their targets. The combat is brutally unforgiving, with enemies and players alike succumbing to just a few well-placed shots.
The bleak, post-apocalyptic setting presents a constant battle against the elements. Toxic rain, howling storms, and oppressive fog obscure visibility and threaten to overwhelm the player. Gas masks and hoods offer protection, but at the cost of reduced awareness. Navigating through these treacherous conditions requires careful planning and adaptation, as players must consider the impact of environmental factors on their stamina and health.
The non-linear level design encourages thorough exploration, as players scavenge for ammunition, medkits, and other essential supplies. Searching every nook and cranny of the dilapidated ruins and desolate landscapes can yield valuable resources, but also exposes players to the dangers lurking within. Managing the balance between risk and reward is crucial to survival.
Branching dialogues with various characters offer opportunities to gather information and potentially unlock new paths. Furthermore, players can tune into radio transmissions, which provide weather forecasts and glimpses into the game's lore through found audio recordings. These narrative elements contribute to the sense of immersion and world-building.
The game's unforgiving difficulty is a major draw for many players. The "Hardcore" mode, which limits saving options, heightens the stakes and forces players to approach the game with utmost caution. This combination of challenge and replayability appeals to those seeking a punishing yet rewarding experience.
Players consistently praise the game's atmospheric and immersive qualities, highlighting the effective use of sound design, a melancholic soundtrack, and the unique blend of retro-style graphics and realistic elements. The focus on tactical combat, resource management, and adaptability to environmental hazards resonates with fans of the post-apocalyptic genre, who find the experience to be both satisfying and memorable.