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 offers a unique and engaging simulation of operating a nuclear reactor, appealing to those interested in complex systems.
- The developer is active in the community, frequently releasing updates and addressing bugs, which enhances the overall experience.
- The gameplay loop of managing the reactor and responding to challenges provides a rewarding sense of accomplishment.
- The lack of a proper tutorial and clear instructions makes it difficult for new players to understand the mechanics and operate the reactor effectively.
- The game suffers from various bugs and performance issues, which can disrupt gameplay and lead to frustration.
- Some players feel that the game is overly complex and not realistic enough, leading to a disconnect between expectations and actual gameplay.
- gameplay61 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a well-balanced loop focused on managing a nuclear reactor, though it suffers from unrealistic mechanics and a steep learning curve. Players appreciate the depth and complexity of the mechanics, but many express frustration over the lack of tutorials and documentation, as well as the repetitive nature of tasks after initial learning. While the game shows promise with regular updates and unique features, it currently feels rough and could benefit from improved mechanics and clearer guidance.
“The core mechanics involve managing a nuclear reactor, where you must control and oversee the reactions.”
“Overall, this game offers a unique and engaging experience for players who are eager to learn and master intricate mechanics.”
“A unique game, but very well done with the advanced 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.”
- graphics32 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 78 % 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 that it is developed by a single individual, 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.”
“On another note, the game itself is capable of running well on grandma's potato, and that is rare for a game with this level of graphics (let alone Unity games in general).”
“The graphics, sounds, and models are all great for an indie game created by one person, but may look janky if all you ever play are AAA games.”
“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.”
- stability13 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is currently a significant issue, with numerous users reporting various bugs ranging from minor graphical glitches to game-breaking soft locks. While the developer is actively working on updates and improvements, many players describe the game as a "buggy mess" and recommend waiting for further fixes before fully engaging with it. Overall, the game shows potential but is considered unfinished and in need of substantial stability enhancements.
“Honestly, it's a buggy mess; would not recommend it at this stage.”
“I'll update my review if this bug gets fixed, but for now, it's too buggy to recommend.”
“Consider the game an unfinished buggy demo.”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- optimization9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 22 % neutral mentions
- 44 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization has received significant criticism, with many players reporting extremely poor performance even on high-end systems. Despite some appreciation for the game's graphics and details, users emphasize the urgent need for optimization improvements, as the current state leads to overheating and unsatisfactory gameplay experiences.
“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.”
- music7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
Overall, the music in the game is praised for enhancing the atmosphere and creating memorable experiences, particularly during key moments. While some players prefer to keep the music 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.”
“I keep the music off for a more realistic simulation.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Users express a desire for enhanced replayability through the introduction of additional challenges and playable scenarios, such as turbine trips and emergency shutdowns. Overall, the game is rated highly for its replay value, indicating a strong foundation that could be further enriched with more diverse content.
“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+”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviews on the humor aspect highlight a divide; some find the unrealistic portrayal of nuclear reactors and their colorful, whimsical design amusing, while others feel it detracts from the experience, suggesting a lack of authenticity. The mention of nuclear meltdowns as a source of humor indicates a dark comedic tone that may not resonate with all players. Overall, the humor is seen as hit-or-miss, depending on individual perspectives on realism and absurdity.
“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 that 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.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is generally praised for its immersive music and ambient sounds, contributing to a captivating experience. However, some players feel that the overall atmosphere is hindered by various issues, including subpar sound effects and a sense of incompleteness.
“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.”
“To me, the biggest thing the game is missing is the atmosphere.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that players feel frustrated with the monetization strategy, perceiving it as a distraction from the game's core experience and a focus on cash grabs rather than fulfilling commitments to existing players. There is a sense that the monetization demands excessive investment in upgrades, detracting from overall enjoyment.
“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.”
