Chernobyl 2: Exclusion Zone Early Access Launch Receives "Mixed" Reactions
The Farm 51, known for their ambitious projects, has encountered difficulties with their latest release. Despite a history of resourceful development, their new game, Chernobyl 2: Exclusion Zone, has not resonated positively with players during its early access launch.
"Mixed" Reactions to Early Access Launch
Chernobyl 2: Exclusion Zone, the sequel to their Chernobyl-based shooter, has debuted to a lukewarm reception. Instead of excitement, the game faces significant criticism from the Steam community. User reviews currently reflect a "Mixed" rating, with only 58% of players recommending the title. Player disappointment is evident in detailed and critical feedback.
Player Criticisms Highlight Key Issues
Players are vocal about several problematic aspects of the game:
- Graphics Downgrade: Many users report that the visuals are inferior to the original Chernobyl game. This is a primary source of disappointment.
- Performance Issues: Lag and poor optimization are frequently mentioned. Gameplay is hindered even on high-end PCs. "Soap-like" graphics when DLSS is disabled are also noted.
- Lack of Atmosphere: The original game's desolate and dark atmosphere was a key strength. Players feel this sequel has lost that essential tone and the exclusion zone's ambiance is missing.
- Poor Localization: The Russian localization is criticized for being messy and potentially machine-translated. This detracts from player immersion.
- Genre Shift Disappointment: Some players are unhappy with the apparent shift towards action. The RPG elements of the first game seem diminished, reducing the sequel's depth and appeal for some.
Low Initial Player Count
Adding to concerns, the game's initial launch lacked significant hype. Chernobyl 2: Exclusion Zone achieved a peak of only 269 concurrent players at launch. This is not considered a successful launch for an anticipated sequel.
The Farm 51 developers have not yet publicly responded to the negative reviews. Their approach to addressing these criticisms during early access will be crucial for the game's future.
Console Versions Still Planned
Despite the PC launch challenges, The Farm 51 intends to release Chernobyl 2: Exclusion Zone on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The project's Kickstarter funding indicates an existing fanbase that hopes for improvements during development.
Uncertain Future for Chernobyl 2
Chernobyl 2: Exclusion Zone has begun poorly. Whether the developers can implement substantial improvements during early access to overcome its perceived flaws remains to be seen. Currently, player sentiment towards this early build is largely negative.
