Kvark

83%
Game Brain Score Based on 84 reviews
  • graphics
  • gameplay
  • atmosphere
Kvark Game Cover
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"Kvark" is a game where you interview for a position in a secure facility, boasting top-notch security and advanced research. Your duties, while not specified, promise a sense of pride and accomplishment in advancing humankind. The job comes with perks, including a guaranteed lunch of dill cream sauce, dumplings, and a precisely weighed beef sirloin steak.

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Reviews

83%
Audience ScoreBased on 84 reviews
graphics6 positive mentions
story3 negative mentions
  • The game features a strong visual style with great lighting and textures, creating an immersive atmosphere.
  • Gameplay is enjoyable with solid gun mechanics and a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic FPS games like Half-Life.
  • The developers show passion for the project, and the game includes humorous elements and engaging level design that keeps players entertained.
  • Enemy AI is simplistic and predictable, often leading to repetitive combat encounters that lack variety.
  • The game suffers from performance issues, with lag occurring even on lower settings, which detracts from the overall experience.
  • Level design can feel linear and samey, with many areas lacking distinctiveness and creativity, making exploration less rewarding.
  • graphics13 mentions

    The graphics in Kvark are generally praised for their retro aesthetic and effective color schemes, which complement the game's setting and level design. While some reviewers note that the visuals are simplistic, they appreciate the polished textures and satisfying art style, though the overall graphics are described as decent rather than groundbreaking. The game's visuals successfully evoke a nostalgic atmosphere, aligning well with its gameplay, despite some criticisms regarding enemy design and AI.

    • “The simplistic graphics choice compliment the socialist architecture and design style.”
    • “It looks so good, the graphics are retro yet very satisfying ... perfectly nailed, gameplay is fun.”
    • “The graphics are simplistic, but it fits the setting perfectly.”
    • “The visuals are alright, but nothing special; the music is alright.”
    • “As far as I have seen, the graphics are polished, textures are decent, and water reflection is also quite well done.”
  • gameplay12 mentions

    The gameplay of Kvark is generally enjoyable, featuring smooth controls and satisfying gunplay, reminiscent of classic shooters. However, it suffers from a lack of enemy variety and weak boss design, which detracts from the overall experience. While the level design and graphics are praised, the gameplay mechanics are considered basic, making it entertaining but not groundbreaking.

    • “With nice graphics (really appreciated them, especially the color scheme), level design, and enjoyable gameplay, Kvark is rightfully a 'good game'... but not a masterpiece, due to enemy variety, gunplay (a little too weak), and weak boss design.”
    • “As I wrote above, this is a boomer shooter, so don't expect any deep gameplay mechanics, but the game is pretty good at what it does and I had a lot of fun shooting my way through it!”
    • “Great level design, super fun gameplay.”
    • “Kvark's whole gameplay loop for what I'd played was similar to this, with everything being deliberately laid out environmentally to the player before it's necessary, ruining the atmosphere and suspense for its own level design.”
    • “The levels are samey, the enemies are not very varied, and the combat mechanics are worse than 'Forgive Me Father.'”
  • atmosphere9 mentions

    The atmosphere in Kvark is described as heavy and eerie, contributing to a rich and immersive experience that enhances the gameplay. While some players feel that the environmental design occasionally undermines suspense, many appreciate the game's solid visuals, punchy gunplay, and overall atmospheric depth, likening it to classic titles like Half-Life. Overall, Kvark successfully creates a unique and engaging atmosphere that resonates with players.

    • “Kvark is an FPS that resembles Hrot and Half-Life, a 'half-like', if you will, with a dire atmosphere (despite some tongue-in-cheek instructional videos), solid gunplay, a no-frills upgrade system, and great visuals.”
    • “The atmosphere is lovely and immersive.”
    • “There's a very heavy atmosphere in some places, and a very eerie one in others.”
    • “Kvark's whole gameplay loop for what I'd played was similar to this, with everything being deliberately laid out environmentally to the player before it's necessary, ruining the atmosphere and suspense for its own level design.”
    • “Unfortunately, I don't think this small team managed to really nail the atmosphere or the setting besides the short animated videos, though.”
  • story7 mentions

    The game's story is described as optional and lacking depth, with players finding notes that offer minimal insight into the narrative, often revolving around vague themes of chaos and bureaucratic incompetence. While the overall content is sparse, some players appreciate the intriguing hints and the unique setting involving a failed communist nuclear power plant, which keeps their curiosity piqued.

    • “It's obviously sparse on content or depth of story, but there's enough hints to keep me interested and curious about what's happening in this universe.”
    • “I love a good 'failed communist nuclear power plant resulting in radioactive anomalies and zombies' period story.”
    • “Which leads me into my first issue with the game, the story.”
    • “You find various notes over the course of the game, but none of them really add anything to the story.”
    • “Whatever led to finishing the game this way, it's a sad story.”
  • music6 mentions

    The music in the game is highly praised for its quality and effective use, enhancing the overall atmosphere and mood. Many reviewers recommend the soundtrack as a standout feature, noting its ability to complement the gameplay and visuals. Overall, the music is considered a significant strength of the game.

    • “It's worth picking up the soundtrack; it's not just used well but very good in its own right.”
    • “Love the levels (Half-Life inspired) and the music and locations set the mood very well.”
    • “The music is used sparingly and very well.”
    • “The visuals are alright, but nothing special; the music is alright.”
    • “Love the levels (Half-Life inspired), but the music and locations set the mood very well.”
  • humor4 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its clever writing and darkly comedic elements, particularly in the context of its alt-history 80s Czech Republic setting. Players appreciate the balance of lore and humor, with memorable and amusing enemy types contributing to the overall comedic experience. The game opens with a stylized instructional video that sets a hilariously dystopian tone.

    • “There is also just about the perfect amount of lore for such a game, and it is well written and funny.”
    • “Kvark is set in an alternate-history 80s Czech Republic in a mining facility, and it opens very strongly with a stylized instructional video that's, as dystopias often are, darkly humorous.”
    • “Enemy types were funny.”
  • monetization2 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game features a basic upgrade system and includes ads that some players find intrusive, although the overall gameplay experience is enhanced by smooth controls and enjoyable mechanics.

    • “The guns are fun, but the ads are rough.”
  • grinding1 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game, particularly the hl1-inspired railway section, to be tedious and lacking in enjoyment, contributing little to the overall experience.

    • “-hl1-inspired railway section is tedious and adds nothing fun whatsoever to the game”
  • emotional1 mentions

    Players report experiencing intense emotions, such as panic, particularly during high-pressure moments like being overwhelmed by enemies, which adds to the game's immersive and thrilling atmosphere.

    • “It made me feel panicked when I was cornered by a swarm of enemies and had to quickly switch weapons.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    The game's optimization is praised for its solid performance, with smooth weapon handling and movement, and players report experiencing no bugs throughout their gameplay.

    • “Weapons and movement feel good, performance is rock solid, and I don't think I encountered a single bug the whole way through.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
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