[PlayStation 5] Review of Chornobyl Liquidators

Chornobyl Liquidators, developed by Frozen Way and ConsoleWay, is an engaging simulation game that transports players back to the infamous 1986 nuclear disaster at Chernobyl. Let’s dive into what makes this game a compelling experience.

Set against the backdrop of the catastrophic explosion at Chernobyl’s reactor number 4 on April 26, 1986, the game immediately immerses players in the gravity of the event. It brings to life the challenges faced by the liquidators, who were tasked with containing an invisible and deadly enemy. While many risked their health and lives, they weren’t seeking heroism but found themselves performing heroic acts nonetheless.

In the game, you step into the shoes of a nameless liquidator trying to manage and mitigate the disaster’s aftermath. Your mission begins with extinguishing fires in the reactor’s ruins and continues as you navigate the deserted streets of Pripyat, shrouded in radioactive dust. Equipped with a radiation suit, your protection is limited, making it vital to act swiftly but cautiously, especially while handling radioactive graphite.

The game’s first-person perspective places you right in the thick of things. You’ll maneuver your character using the left analog stick while looking around with the right analog stick. Running is as simple as pressing on the left stick, and interacting with people or objects is done with the Square button. Jumping requires the X button, and your inventory is accessible with a press up on the D-Pad. This allows you to manage your tools efficiently, using L1 to open a tool wheel and L2 and R2 to select items. Need information? Down on the D-Pad accesses your journal, where you can see mission details and track your progress.

You’ll find yourself tackling numerous fires, necessitating the connection of hoses to hydrants for an adequate water supply. This involves racing to a hydrant, hooking up the hose, and attaching it to firetrucks to restore water pressure. A shovel becomes indispensable for safely moving debris, while the radial menu helps maintain communication for subsequent objectives. Be mindful of your stamina—it depletes with activity but can be replenished by short breaks or boosted with adrenaline or caffeine tablets.

Monitoring your health is crucial amid constant danger. Between radiation exposure and potential injuries like burns from chemicals or fire, your health status is a priority. Burns can deplete health but paradoxically boost strength, requiring bandages or a first aid kit for mitigation. Leg injuries could range from sprains to fractures, with an orthopedic splint necessary for relief, depicted by an icon on your screen.

Achievement hunters will be pleased to discover a full trophy list culminating in a Platinum trophy, including 7 Bronze, 3 Silver, and 9 Gold trophies. These rewards are tied to fulfilling story acts, discovering documents, healing health, and strategic decision-making that influences the narrative.

Chornobyl Liquidators is not just a game; it’s a journey through history’s most significant nuclear disaster. It challenges players to save what remains of a world changed forever. With its release imminent on PlayStation 5, it’s a reflective and thrilling simulation that commands your attention.

How will you manage the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster? Find out in Chornobyl Liquidators, thanks to a review copy provided by Frozen Way.