ZERO Sievert
- November 15, 2022
- CABO Studio
- 23h median play time
Get on Steam"Zero Sievert" is a post-apocalyptic first-person shooter set in a radiation-soaked wasteland. Players must scavenge for supplies, navigate treacherous environments, and engage in intense gunfights against hostile mutants and factions. With a focus on survival and tactics, every decision could mean the difference between life and death in this harsh, unforgiving world.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Surprisingly addicting and fun gameplay that keeps players engaged.
- Offers a customizable difficulty system, allowing players to tailor their experience.
- Great atmosphere and sound design, enhancing the overall immersion.
- Recent updates have introduced frustrating mechanics, such as minimum damage ranges for weapons.
- Frequent bugs and crashes, including issues with save files and quest progression.
- The AI can be overly punishing, with enemies often having perfect accuracy and spawning unexpectedly.
- gameplay709 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Zero Sievert is characterized by a thrilling extraction shooter loop that combines elements from games like Tarkov and Stalker, offering a mix of looting, combat, and survival mechanics. While many players find the core gameplay engaging and addictive, there are notable concerns regarding balance, particularly with recent updates that have altered gun mechanics and introduced complexity that some feel detracts from the experience. Overall, the game provides a challenging yet rewarding experience, though it may require adjustments to certain mechanics for improved enjoyment.
“The gameplay loop nails the thrill of extraction shooters, making every run feel exciting, whether you're diving in or fighting your way out.”
“Its blend of challenging gameplay, deep customization, and immersive atmosphere makes it a standout title in its genre.”
“The core gameplay loop is fun, and it's basically a stalker roguelike, which isn't too common.”
“Frustrating and monotonous gameplay combined with barren presentation makes for a rather unengaging experience.”
“The quests are broken and the game mechanics are also broken in regards to the newest updates.”
“The new gunplay update makes the gameplay feel so unnatural and it takes a lot of the fun away.”
- story695 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 83 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally considered sparse and underdeveloped, with many players expressing a desire for more depth and variety in quests. While the core gameplay loop is engaging, featuring a mix of missions and scavenging, the quest design often feels repetitive and lacks meaningful rewards, leading to a grindy experience. Players hope for future updates to expand the narrative and improve quest mechanics, as the current state leaves much to be desired in terms of storytelling and character development.
“The story, the gunplay, the loot system, and all are the best parts of all my favorite games (Tarkov, Stalker, Chernobylite, Enter the Gungeon) and blend them all together in a beautiful little package.”
“The character development and interaction add a rich layer to the experience, making it not just a game of survival but also a story of resilience and determination.”
“The story exists, and while it may be bare-bones, it is interesting enough to keep you engaged as you complete quests and explore the world.”
“The story is pretty sparse, but it's there and it's enjoyable enough.”
“There is no story and progression beyond getting better gear, and you can get the best guns and armor pretty quickly, and due to the scaling of the game, it doesn't really change the outcomes of any fights, and so there is no real progression.”
“The quests are soulless and just feel like doing some errands that don't really contribute to the game much.”
- graphics280 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a charming pixel art style that evokes nostalgia, reminiscent of classic 8-bit games. While some players appreciate the simplicity and atmospheric design, others find the visuals limiting or lacking in detail, particularly in terms of enemy identification and overall polish. Despite mixed opinions on the graphics, many agree that the gameplay depth and mechanics overshadow any graphical shortcomings, making it an engaging experience for fans of the genre.
“I love the graphics and animations of the forest: the sounds of animals, birds and noises; the foliage; how line-of-sight changes the view.”
“The graphics art style is done in a retro pixelation which is done rather well, and has a bit of charm to it.”
“The graphics and sound design deserve special mention.”
“The graphics are bad though even by pixel standards.”
“The graphics and the enemies are somewhat hard to see and differentiate in the environment.”
“Feels very limiting, pretty hardcore game, didn't enjoy it much and while the game's graphics look okay when you see it on the video it's pretty terrible when you're in fullscreen, especially on a 4k monitor.”
- grinding83 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 5 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it excessively tedious and frustrating, particularly due to the repetitive nature of quests and the high resource costs for upgrades. While some enjoy the grind as part of the gameplay loop, others feel it detracts from the overall experience, especially when compounded by bugs and loss of progress. Overall, the game appeals to those who appreciate grind-heavy mechanics, but it may deter players seeking a more streamlined or rewarding progression system.
“The basic gameplay loop is addictive enough, and it's not grindy once you escape the early game.”
“I'm writing this review after joining the red bois and realizing that the four missions I spent all afternoon grinding were pointless without already being a part of that faction.”
“It breaks the game and renders your grinding completely useless!”
“The new rep system is so badly implemented and hideously grindy it's unreal and unfun.”
- atmosphere76 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and tense qualities, drawing heavy inspiration from titles like Tarkov and Stalker. Players appreciate the combination of attractive pixel graphics, effective sound design, and random map generation, which together create a sense of desolation and danger. The game's ability to evoke a constant feeling of threat and challenge enhances the overall experience, making it a standout in the looter-shooter genre.
“The visual aesthetics perfectly complement the game's atmosphere, enhancing the sense of desolation and danger lurking around every corner.”
“The atmosphere, especially within the mall and during thunderstorms, really adds to the weariness of the player.”
“The environment, atmosphere, sound design, combat, mechanics, and the abundance of different AI mobs blend together so perfectly to form this little chaotic wasteland.”
“The starting area layout/design lacks some atmosphere and is pretty cosmetic.”
“I spawned in again, took a few steps into the woods, and was ambushed by an NPC and died again. I'm seeing a pattern and I'm not enjoying it, so unfortunately I'm going to have to leave a negative review and I'm quite disappointed because I like the idea, the graphics, the base building, the atmosphere and more.”
“While this game may look pretty simple on the surface, it has a surprising amount of polish, life, and especially atmosphere.”
- stability57 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 93 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a significant concern among users, with many reporting numerous bugs and glitches that disrupt gameplay, including issues with the inventory system, quest functionality, and save data. While some players find enjoyment despite these problems, the consensus is that the game is currently too unstable and unpolished for a full recommendation, especially in its early access state. Overall, potential buyers are advised to wait for further updates and fixes before purchasing.
“Brilliant game, runs great on low-end PCs. I play it on a Microsoft Surface Pro 9 when traveling (I use a normal mouse and keyboard, not the Surface keyboard and mouse).”
“And outside of that, the game seemed to be mostly bug-free as well, for me at least.”
“Like a crossover between Tarkov and Stalker in 2D, runs great, is very fun, very reasonably priced, not many bugs and nothing game-breaking that I've seen yet so far, and I've gotten about 20 hours of gameplay out of the quest line.”
“Updates have messed up my saves, glitches have made me lose equipment, and quests have glitched so I wasted my time for nothing.”
“In fact, each update has brought new glitches even if some are fixed, which normally would be okay since the game is still being developed, but losing saves and equipment like your main weapon, armor, and backpack is ridiculous, especially since it takes time to progress and if those things can just somehow despawn, why even bother?”
“Asking people to pay money for something this buggy and unplayable is just downright dishonest.”
- optimization49 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 24 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is widely criticized, with many players experiencing significant performance issues, especially during weather effects and in specific areas like anomaly zones. While some users report smooth gameplay on lower-end devices, the overall consensus is that the game requires substantial optimization and bug fixes to improve frame rates and reduce crashes. Many hope for future updates to address these performance concerns, as the current state detracts from the overall experience.
“Performance is great since it's very simple graphically.”
“Excellent pixel art graphics, fantastic performance, and great gameplay come together to make this early access game not only extremely exciting now, but especially at full release.”
“As a side note, the game runs incredibly well for me and I have not experienced any bugs whatsoever from crashing, to stutters or visual/performance issues.”
“It's fun gameplay, poorly optimized with huge slowdowns with any weather/anomaly animations.”
“I suspect a memory leak somewhere - the game could definitely use a patch to address optimization.”
“On top of incredibly unbalanced gameplay, this game is so poorly optimized that it drops below 10 fps on my high-end computer, especially when bringing anomalies with artifacts onto my screen.”
- replayability28 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is praised for its high replayability, driven by features like procedurally generated maps, various loadouts, and challenging modes that enhance the gameplay experience. Players appreciate the random elements and grinding opportunities, which contribute to a fun and engaging loop, although some express a desire for more endgame content. Despite a few criticisms regarding replayability, the consensus is that the game offers significant value for its price, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.
“A challenging, exciting, fun, and super replayable extraction shooter.”
“The maps are procedurally generated, which really helps with the replayability.”
“Another great thing this game does is play similar to a roguelike by having randomly generated maps every time you load into a raid, so that leaves tons of replayability.”
“The weak replayability aspect alone is enough to justify a negative rating.”
“Procedural generation - for those buying into this based on replayability and that particular selling point, don't.”
“Badly needs a hardcore mode for replay value and removal of the dev menu.”
- humor26 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as a mix of absurdity and irony, with players finding amusement in both intentional comedic elements and unintentional bugs, such as enemies accidentally harming themselves. While some aspects of the humor can become repetitive, many players appreciate the game's quirky charm and the lightheartedness it brings to the challenging gameplay. Overall, the humor contributes to a fun and engaging experience, even amidst frustrations.
“But on the bright side, most enemies kill themselves by throwing grenades at their feet, which is pretty funny.”
“This game is very funny and relaxing; I am happy to have it in my library.”
“I didn't find too many issues with this game aside from the one time that I loaded into the swamp and the map was literally just a road surrounded by water. I couldn't even get to extract, but leaving the match didn't cost me anything, and it was quite funny that the procedural map did that lol.”
- music26 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a lack of ambient tracks during gameplay and suggesting that the soundtrack could be more engaging. While some appreciate the atmospheric sound effects and the menu music, others find the overall audio experience bland and in need of improvement. Overall, players are calling for more diverse and immersive music to enhance the game's atmosphere and tension.
“The soundtrack and sound effects are meticulously aligned with the gameplay, heightening the tension and excitement.”
“From the moment you step into its pixelated world, you'll be enchanted by its charming graphics and soothing soundtrack.”
“The sound design is equally impressive, with an eerie soundtrack that adds to the game's sense of dread and danger.”
“The background music selection is not as crisp as before, becoming noisy and dragging.”
“There's no music to speak of and the sound effects can be a bit bland.”
“The game needs ambient music.”
- emotional10 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Zero Sievert" is characterized by its ability to evoke deep feelings of resilience and heartbreak, as players navigate a post-apocalyptic world filled with both beauty and despair. The game offers a touching narrative that can either uplift or devastate players, creating a compelling experience that resonates long after gameplay. Despite its minimal graphics, the immersive environment and poignant storytelling leave a lasting emotional impact, making it a memorable journey for those willing to engage with its challenges.
“Zero Sievert is a heartwarming and enlightening experience that reminds us of the beauty that can emerge from the darkest of times.”
“In summary, Zero Sievert is a touching and wholesome gem of a game that radiates positivity and resilience.”
“I can't stop playing this masterpiece. The tension, the story, and the heart-wrenching sacrifice of a certain old man give this game so many layers of awesomeness.”
- monetization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game is praised for its absence of annoying microtransactions, allowing for a seamless gaming experience with regular content updates. Players appreciate the game's accessibility and quick play sessions, likening it to mobile games but without the typical monetization pitfalls. Overall, the monetization strategy is seen as player-friendly and supportive of the gameplay.
“There are constant content updates and no annoying microtransactions. All in all, this game is the chicken noodle soup for the soul of video games.”
“Zero Sievert reminds me a lot of mobile games, without the awful monetization that usually implies. It's amazing to just pick up and play for fifteen minutes to do a raid or two.”
“Imagine Tarkov plus Stalker, except it was done by soulless devs looking for a quick cash grab.”
“Zero Sievert reminds me a lot of mobile games, without the awful monetization that usually implies; it's amazing to just pick up and play for fifteen minutes to do a raid or two.”
- character development3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Character development in the game enhances the overall experience by intertwining survival elements with a compelling narrative of resilience and determination. Players express a desire for further character growth and story depth, which are hallmarks of the franchise, while the game's high difficulty and loot mechanics contribute to its appeal.
“The character development and interaction add a rich layer to the experience, making it not just a game of survival but also a story of resilience and determination.”
“I can't wait to see the story fully fleshed out and hopefully more character development, which drew so many into the Stalker franchise.”
“High difficulty, tons of loot, and persistent character development, along with save options before loading into a map and marked extracts, all make this game worth playing.”
“That being said, I can't wait to see the story fully fleshed out and hopefully more character development, which drew so many into the Stalker franchise.”
“The character development feels shallow and lacks the depth needed to make the story engaging.”
“I was disappointed by the lack of meaningful growth in the characters throughout the game.”
