Nucleares
- March 13, 2023
- Iván Marcelo Pretti
- 18h median play time
Get on Steam"Nucleares" is a simulation game that can be played as a single-player, multi-player, or co-op experience for up to 2 players. The game lacks a tutorial, but offers a user manual, real-world resources, and a community for learning how to operate the nuclear reactor. The beta version of the co-op mode allows players to host their own game and invite others to join. However, the game is known to be buggy.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game is a very in-depth simulator that offers a rewarding experience once players understand how to operate the reactor.
- The developer is very active, providing regular updates and improvements, which shows a commitment to enhancing the game.
- The complexity of managing the reactor and balancing various systems can be very engaging for players who enjoy technical challenges.
- The multiplayer feature has been removed for an extended period, leading to disappointment among players who bought the game for that aspect.
- The game lacks a proper tutorial, making it difficult for new players to learn how to operate the reactor effectively.
- There are numerous bugs and performance issues that can hinder gameplay, leading to frustration and a sense of product abandonment.
- gameplay62 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with players appreciating the core mechanics of managing a nuclear reactor and the potential for engaging challenges, but expressing frustration over unrealistic mechanics, steep learning curves, and a lack of clear tutorials. Many users desire the return of multiplayer features, which were seen as integral to the experience, while others criticize the frequent updates that complicate gameplay without addressing existing issues. Overall, while the game offers a unique and intricate experience, it suffers from inconsistencies and a need for better documentation and balance.
“The gameplay loop feels good and well-balanced, making it enjoyable despite not being entirely accurate to real-life plants.”
“For those who enjoy learning new mechanics or facing challenges, this game is a perfect fit.”
“Overall, this game offers a unique and engaging experience for players who are eager to learn and master intricate mechanics.”
“The gameplay loop is very straightforward, and once you have started the reactor, you've started the reactor a million times.”
“Unfortunately, some game mechanics seem not right or lacking.”
“To summarize - the core gameplay loop (controlling the reactor) is so twitchy that either you're scramming every five minutes because the control rods got stupid hot for no reason, or you're trying to figure out what your mouse messed up while your neck was broken by a mysterious force.”
- graphics33 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many users describing them as subpar or janky, particularly in terms of performance and optimization. While some appreciate the modest visuals given the game's indie development, others express frustration over graphical stutters and low frame rates. Overall, the graphics are deemed adequate for the simulation experience, but improvements are needed to enhance playability.
“While the graphics are modest, considering it's developed by a single individual, the mechanics are excellent and well thought out.”
“Other than that, literally amazing game, and so compatible with my Intel integrated graphics and 8GB of RAM on Proton.”
“A very fun game, decent graphics, and a good balance between complexity, realism, and simplicity.”
“Now that that's out of the way, the graphics of this game are somewhat... off.”
“I'm disappointed in this game and I'm not spending hours of research on a game that has not surpassed my expectations as seen in the pictures graphics-wise.”
“Weird eurojank game, very fun and in-depth, only complaints are the graphics and sound effects look and feel like crusty Unity store assets.”
- stability17 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is widely criticized for its instability, with numerous users reporting significant bugs that hinder gameplay, including game-breaking glitches and confusing mechanics. While some players acknowledge the potential and ongoing updates from the developers, the consensus is that the game is currently too buggy and feels unfinished, making it difficult to recommend, especially for multiplayer experiences. Overall, it is seen as a fun but flawed title that requires substantial improvements in stability and documentation.
“Honestly, it's a buggy mess; I would not recommend it at this stage.”
“Consider the game an unfinished buggy demo.”
“One of the most unstable multiplayer games I've ever played. It's a good game, but extremely buggy and needs an EA tag on it. It's a really shoddy business practice to not advertise your game as unfinished when it's clearly an unfinished game.”
- story11 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate a lack of a cohesive story, with multiple users noting that there is "no story" present in the game. However, one user suggests that incorporating training missions or scenarios could enhance the experience by providing context and functionality, hinting at a desire for some narrative elements to improve engagement.
“The constant quest to identify and solve problems keeps the game dynamic.”
“no story”
“no story”
“no story”
- optimization10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is widely criticized, with many players reporting extremely poor performance even on high-end systems, leading to overheating issues. While some acknowledge the game's potential and appreciate its early access status, they emphasize the urgent need for significant performance improvements to enhance the gaming experience.
“Who'd have thought that watching things run smoothly for a full day would be so engrossing and satisfying?”
“I love the game; it's really nice. I don't regret buying it because I know the game just left early access and I understand how hard it is for a single developer to make a game. The game is really good, well optimized, nicely made, and has good details.”
“Very, very badly in need of optimization.”
“Extremely bad performance, despite low graphic fidelity.”
“However, the dev needs to significantly improve the performance because this game runs like crap on a high-end system.”
- grinding9 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 56 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively time-consuming and tedious, often requiring extensive hours and external resources like guides to progress. The high costs associated with upgrades further exacerbate the grind, making it a frustrating experience that may only appeal to those who enjoy monotony and detailed simulation. Overall, the grinding is seen as a significant barrier to enjoyment for many players.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“So you're left with this both frustrating and tedious yet still interesting trial and error process, but I can tell you now, you will need to consult guides or watch videos of how to do certain things. I have 50+ hours in the game and I still can't get it right every time.”
“You can upgrade your components, but it is so prohibitively expensive that it takes a huge amount of grinding to get there.”
“Unless you are exceptionally interested in learning how pressurized water reactors work and grinding to figure out how that works in-game (arbitrary to how real-world reactors operate), don't spend your money here.”
- music7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
Overall, the music in the game is highly praised for enhancing the atmosphere and creating memorable experiences, particularly during key moments. While some players prefer to turn it off for a more realistic simulation, many express a strong desire for the soundtrack to be made available for listening outside the game. Additionally, there are suggestions for improving sound effects and adding more ambient sounds to enrich the gameplay experience.
“But the music is fireee, please publish every music on YouTube or something.”
“- Music and ambient sounds keep the situation atmosphere nice, but sound effects could be better.”
“Music and ambient sounds keep the situation atmosphere nice, but sound effects could be better.”
“The use of music, vocal announcements of system status, and camera views of the reactor makes the first time you get it running an incredible experience.”
“Music - I keep it off for most realistic simulation.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviews on the humor aspect are mixed; some find the unrealistic portrayal of nuclear reactors amusing and enjoyable, particularly in the context of gameplay mishaps like nuclear meltdowns, while others criticize the humor for being overly exaggerated and lacking authenticity. Overall, the humor resonates with players who appreciate the absurdity, but it may not appeal to those seeking a more realistic depiction.
“I really like this, it's fun and enjoyable and really hilarious when you mess up.”
“No offense, but I'm not sure if the dev really knows in-depth about nuclear reactors since everything is so shiny and colorful, and the parts are all somehow funny looking. By the way, I'm the guy you pay to cool your warehouses and groceries, so I know a bit about heat and thermodynamics. Still not a reactor scientist, but you know...”
“Nuclear meltdowns are funny.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Users highlight that the game's replayability could be significantly enhanced by introducing more challenging scenarios and diverse playable situations, such as turbine trips and emergency shutdowns. Overall, the replay value is rated positively, indicating a strong foundation but room for improvement.
“It would be great to add more playable scenarios, like turbine trip, emergency shutdown, loss of power, etc.”
“The replay value is excellent!”
“I would love to see more challenges to increase the replay value.”
“Or how about better challenges to increase the replay value?”
“Replay value: A+”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is noted for its strong music and ambient sounds that enhance the experience, yet many players feel it falls short due to various minor issues and a lack of impactful sound effects, leaving it feeling incomplete.
“This is really atmospheric, and so close to being truly exciting.”
“The music and ambient sounds create a nice atmosphere, but the sound effects could be improved.”
“The atmosphere is the biggest thing the game is missing.”
“To me, the biggest thing the game is missing is the atmosphere.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviewers express disappointment with the monetization strategy, feeling that the developers prioritize cash grabs over delivering on their initial commitments to players. There is a sense that the game demands excessive investment in upgrades and resources, detracting from the overall experience.
“I enjoyed it before realizing that the developers were willing to get distracted by cheap cash grabs while they should be focused on fulfilling their obligation to the initial purchasers of the title.”
“It should not be demanding that amount of power without me advertising to them that I can achieve it (installing more transformers, turbines, and upgrades), not by level.”
