Chornobyl Liquidators, brought to us by Frozen Way and ConsoleWay, is a simulation game deeply rooted in one of history’s most catastrophic nuclear events, which occurred in Chornobyl back in 1986. Our review of Chornobyl Liquidators dives into the unique experience this game offers.
Picture this: On April 26, 1986, the world witnessed the largest nuclear disaster ever. An explosion at reactor number 4 of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant sent vast amounts of radioactive elements into the sky. Teams of liquidators were dispatched to face this deadly threat. They weren’t superheroes, but the tasks they undertook required acts of true heroism, often at great personal cost, affecting their health or even claiming their lives.
As a player, you step into the shoes of a nameless protagonist tasked with averting further disaster. Your journey will have you battling fires on the barren remains of reactor No. 4 and navigating the hauntingly desolate city of Pripyat. While clad in a radiation suit, the threats are very real, and you must weigh the pressing need to rid the area of radioactive graphite against ensuring your own survival.
In this first-person game, the left analog stick lets you move around, and the right stick adjusts your view. Running is achieved by pressing the left stick, while interaction with objects or characters involves the Square button. Jump using the X button, and access your inventory via the up button on the D-Pad. This inventory, accessible with the L1 button, plays a crucial role as you switch between tools using the L2 and R2 buttons. Your journal, opened by pressing down on the D-Pad, keeps track of missions and objectives, helping you stay focused on what needs to be done next.
Fire after fire lies ahead, and your trusty hose connected to hydrants and firetrucks provides the water needed to quench these flames. Manual labor includes using a shovel to safely move hazardous objects. Constant radio communication ensures you stay updated on your mission progress. Managing stamina is key; taking breaks helps you recover, and tools like adrenaline and caffeine tablets are available for a boost when necessary.
Health management is critically important. Exposure to dangers like wounds, burns, and radiation can significantly impact your well-being. Bandages and first aid kits are essential for damage control. Burns, resulting from fire, chemicals, or electrical sources, not only cause tissue harm but also enhance physical strength. In exploring hazardous zones, injuries such as a leg sprain or fracture add another layer to the challenge, with a damaged leg icon alert on your screen. An orthopedic splint can mitigate these effects.
For trophy hunters, Chornobyl Liquidators brings a full trophy list, culminating in a Platinum trophy. Gather 7 Bronze, 3 Silver, and 9 Gold trophies by completing story acts, finding documents, healing, purging radiation, and making impactful story decisions. If you need tips, a Chornobyl Liquidators Trophy Guide is available to assist.
Set against the backdrop of a world-altering event in 1986, Chornobyl Liquidators challenges players to react swiftly to prevent further catastrophe. Armed with a radiation suit, your trek through the ghost town of Pripyat underscores the importance of health and safety amidst tangible threats. The game officially launches on PlayStation 5 tomorrow, marking a new chapter in immersive simulation gaming.
For those inclined, dive into Chornobyl’s gripping history as you work to contain the flames of its most notorious disaster. Can you manage the looming menace of radiation and save what remains before it’s too late?
Note: This review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Frozen Way.
