CitizenX3639
03-07-2009, 11:03 PM
Im calling my shot and saying Cryostasis is going to be the winner of this years "S.T.A.L.K.E.R." award. An award for a game that has everything original story, graphics, characters, strong enemies and atmosphere, but in the end execution and technical problems will be all that is remembered.
The Bad:
Firstly, if you have played either S.T.A.L.K.E.R. (1 & 2 ) or Crysis, and you and your pc made it thru(barely) then you will feel right at home with Cryostasis. This game is a complete system hog. I tried multiple settings(Sm, no AA, scaled res) and it barely could keep an acceptable playable average.
Secondly, crashes. Mostly near the end of the game. Dont know the reason, but it seemed to happen when entering the last few bodies.
Third, Horrible, horrendous AI. The AI is a total failure IMO. While the enemies look totally awesome, frightening and very original its just too bad they are complete idiots. Their ability to shoot you without aiming is kind of a bummer. Also i would add the weapons in this category. Besides the necessity of some(a sniper rifle on a ship?) ammo while abundant at the beginning is scarce for some of the more important weapons later in the game. Kind of difficult to go against a double machine gun toting Jailer with bolt action weapons that take a minimum of 3 seconds to load.
The Good:
The story. I know 1C and NVIDIA are toting this as a graphics innovator, but its the story that is the headliner IMO. The best moments are not gun battles, but when you are just a witness or participant in the echoes.
Coolness factor: Who doesnt turn that first heater on and watch the ice turn to water running down the walls and make puddles on the floor without saying to themselves, cool? You get to play as a Polar bear in one scenario, but why o why didnt they let us maul that SOB?
Levels and atmosphere. I could swear while playing this game i would get cold. Seriously. The levels are really great and put together with a lot of thought and detail.
Game length: I guess for its faults this should be labeled under "Bad" but i was totally surprised that this game was 17 chapters and hey i kept going. Great stories will keep you going til the end.
Conclusion
What could have been.
6.5/10
The Bad:
Firstly, if you have played either S.T.A.L.K.E.R. (1 & 2 ) or Crysis, and you and your pc made it thru(barely) then you will feel right at home with Cryostasis. This game is a complete system hog. I tried multiple settings(Sm, no AA, scaled res) and it barely could keep an acceptable playable average.
Secondly, crashes. Mostly near the end of the game. Dont know the reason, but it seemed to happen when entering the last few bodies.
Third, Horrible, horrendous AI. The AI is a total failure IMO. While the enemies look totally awesome, frightening and very original its just too bad they are complete idiots. Their ability to shoot you without aiming is kind of a bummer. Also i would add the weapons in this category. Besides the necessity of some(a sniper rifle on a ship?) ammo while abundant at the beginning is scarce for some of the more important weapons later in the game. Kind of difficult to go against a double machine gun toting Jailer with bolt action weapons that take a minimum of 3 seconds to load.
The Good:
The story. I know 1C and NVIDIA are toting this as a graphics innovator, but its the story that is the headliner IMO. The best moments are not gun battles, but when you are just a witness or participant in the echoes.
Coolness factor: Who doesnt turn that first heater on and watch the ice turn to water running down the walls and make puddles on the floor without saying to themselves, cool? You get to play as a Polar bear in one scenario, but why o why didnt they let us maul that SOB?
Levels and atmosphere. I could swear while playing this game i would get cold. Seriously. The levels are really great and put together with a lot of thought and detail.
Game length: I guess for its faults this should be labeled under "Bad" but i was totally surprised that this game was 17 chapters and hey i kept going. Great stories will keep you going til the end.
Conclusion
What could have been.
6.5/10