“Chornobyl Liquidators,” crafted by Frozen Way and ConsoleWay, immerses players in a simulation inspired by the catastrophic nuclear accident of 1986 at Chornobyl. Our look into “Chornobyl Liquidators” dives into how the game frames this historical event.
It was April 26, 1986, when the world witnessed the worst nuclear disaster ever. The explosion of reactor four at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant sent a cloud of radioactive isotopes across the globe. The Soviet Union dispatched squads of liquidators to fight against this lethal, invisible threat. Many weren’t traditionally heroic figures, yet circumstances demanded heroic actions, which they delivered at great personal cost, risking their health and lives.
Taking on the role of an unnamed operative, your task is urgent: mitigate the disaster’s impact swiftly to prevent further catastrophe. Players are thrust into a mission to extinguish fires at the remains of reactor No. 4 and explore the deserted city of Pripyat. Equipped with a radiation suit that provides limited protection, players must navigate through hazardous radioactive environments, prioritizing both the removal of radioactive debris and their survival.
The game employs a first-person view, providing an immersive experience that you’ll control with the analog sticks—one for movement and the other for looking around. With straightforward controls for running, interacting, and inventory management, players will find themselves seamlessly operating within this intense environment. You’ll connect hoses to fire hydrants, restore water pressure, and wield tools to achieve your objectives while managing stamina and health. Your equipment and actions require strategic use to avoid potential injuries and radiation exposure—whether that means bandaging wounds or using adrenaline for an energy boost.
Health management plays a critical role. Whether it’s burns, fractures, or radiation sickness, every injury affects your character’s abilities. Monitoring these conditions is crucial, requiring medical interventions and careful navigation to avoid crippling damage like leg injuries that necessitate splints for stabilization.
Achieving each task earns you not just personal satisfaction but also in-game achievements. The game offers a complete trophy list, including a coveted Platinum trophy, peppered with various challenges from completing story arcs to making impactful choices that steer the narrative. For collectors, the game provides ample room to showcase prowess and dedication.
As a game based on real-life events, “Chornobyl Liquidators” offers a grim glimpse into the past, allowing players to grapple with the frightening scale of disaster management under extreme conditions. As this absorbing sim game prepares for its launch on PlayStation 5, it beckons players not just to face challenges head-on but to reflect on the brave liquidators of 1986.
For those wondering just how they would fare in the wake of such a significant historical event, “Chornobyl Liquidators” poses an engaging simulation to explore.
A special acknowledgment to Frozen Way for providing a PlayStation 5 copy for this review, allowing for an in-depth experience with this historical recreation.
