Recent reviews by Quantum Stride

Dying Light has become the FarCry of Zombie games. I'm not saying that in a bad way. What I mean is you know exactly what to expect in terms of game-play loop, graphics, story etc. It doesn't change much from game to game. They're sticking to a tried and tested formula. How long it will continue entertaining people is anyone's guess. So far, I am enjoying myself. Although, this game does feel kinda "empty" in terms of world.

One thing I find annoying is the terrible voice acting on behalf of Kyle. I know it is the same actor from the first game but he really does overact. There are times that call for normal level speaking. Not everything is "edge of your seat".

So, apart from the world feeling empty-ish, Kyle's bad voice acting and the colour pallet being a bit bland and the graphics being average the game is fun. So, if you are a fan of the previous two games, you'll enjoy this one too.

The game can be a little overwhelming. Not really knowing where to go or what to do. Especially as certain things won't spawn unless you've done a specific task you may not even be aware of or having in your "investigation" tab. It is tricky to know if you are able to progress in one direction of your investigation or not. Maybe it will become more intuitive as I play more.

I understand the game was designed in a non-linear way to provide the ability for maximum replay-ability by not having the story progress in a predictable manner. It just feels, to me, that the game is lacking a direction.

Another aspect that gets tired really quickly is the loot. There is so much of it without actually having much use. And because you are naturally exploring what are essentially, dull environments you pick up way more than you could ever need.

The game does look nice, sometimes, but overall the game itself is pretty empty and lacks depth.

Run & Gun, Looter-shooter, boss fights, health bars, too much flashy ammo you can't see what is going on.

EDIT: 01 April 2025

The good reviews come from nostalgia and having a soft spot for the originals. This game however is FC with a Stalker skin. It is horrendously out of date, especially in animations, gfx and textures of the general world. The draw distance and pop-in textures are laughable at this point. Seeing all NPCs run in the same exact way, in a line, one after the other, helping a bunch of NPCs taking down a bunch of mutants only for them to immediately carry on walking like nothing took place. Not even an acknowledgement of what just happened.

I explore the world purely for stashes. Not because it is interesting. And damn, they leave simple things like Binoculars out of the game. That's unacceptable.

Another really low-budget aspect is (for example) getting a side mission or even a main mission from an NPC, going away (sometimes for days), completing the mission, coming back and the very same NPC is standing in the exactly the same place, holding the same PDA, doing the same whatever. The world is dead. Sure, you see animals and sometimes hear gun fights or see brain-dead NPCs walking around but the characters, the story, it is all so lifeless, empty and hollow.

I wish I had not purchased the game yet. However, I don't think it will improve much beyond the point that it is. Patches will come, bugs will be fixed, a few minor adjustments here and there, maybe, one day, Ray Tracing, maybe some optimisation but, as they want to develop a multiplayer version I don't see much hope for this game in the future.

And finally, when coming across NPCs they act like you are not even there. Unless they are bandits or what have you. But, allies especially, just walk past, no comments, no interaction, nothing. You have to approach them for a "Chat" prompt and even then 3/4 of them say the same looped "talk to our boss" line and the boss says nothing other than "what's new in the zone" prompt along with being able to trade with him for a sausage or something else utterly useless.

The more you play, the worse it gets. The more you play, the more you notice just how bad it is most of the time. Oh and you can't shoot out lights, in 2025. Not too mention the oil lamps are basically just a texture. The "light" they emit is just... well, pathetic.

NOTE: My original review is below this additional edit.

EDIT: Now having spent a fair chunk of time in the game, I wish to add a few things to my review. While I am enjoying the game the more time I spend in it the more problems I notice. Randomly, all of a sudden, I cannot hold my breath when looking down a scope. Despite nothing being changed in key bindings. Nothing I do will fix the issue either.

Also, again, randomly, a few days ago my shaders would fail to compile, which was never an issue before. So, to make sure they complete I have to (prior to booting the game) clear my DX12 cache.

There noticeable FPS issues when entering populated locations. They aren't really bad for me, but still, it is an annoying occurrence. Many people experience far worse performance issues than I do. So, I'm actually one of the lucky ones.

The draw-distance and texture pop-in are laughable. While you walk you (no I'm not being dramatic) literally see tress, buildings, towers pop into existence. And I'm talking maybe at a distance of 50/75 metres.

The disconnect between lore and reality. Example: Nearing a checkpoint you will hear an announcement that anyone trying to cross or enter said area will be detained or killed. Which would lead one to think that you can approach the location and look around as long as you don't enter or attack the personnel, however, you are immediately attacked. Even if you have a holstered weapon. I could go on but I'll leave it here for now. You can expect another edit in the future, I'm sure.

Conclusion, don't buy it yet, wait it out. The game needs a lot of work.

-ORIGINAL REVIEW-

First I want to say that I purchased this game with my own money and my previous employment with GSC has no baring on my review.

As a former employee of GSC back when Call of Pripyat had just launched and going through the shuttering of the studio back in 2012, it is nice to finally see this game release. Having said that, the game is a tad rough around the edges with some minor audio bugs from time to time and the odd frame drop. But nothing too serious.

If you are trying to decide if you should play this now or wait, I think the previous patches certainly beefed up the backbone of the game and it is absolutely playable and enjoyable in its present build state. My advice, take it slow, spend time exploring, it is The Zone, after all.

Worth it? Yes, 100%

Sadly, not what I expected. Screenshots and videos are very misleading.
Tiny play-areas. Gameplay feels cheapish. It could be fun with friends, maybe. At least, for a short while.

Broken beyond belief

I'd wait a few months before purchasing. Or if you purchase now, wait a few months before playing or it will ruin the experience. The game has potential, I guess, but needs a lot of fixes at the moment.

The Graphics are very outdated though. Call me crazy, but I think the maps are too big. I'm lucky if I see three other players per match.

Positives:
Actors do a good job.
Facial animations are well done.
Environments are pretty.
Basic version includes "Left Behind" expansion.

Negatives:
Stealth mechanics aren't the best.
Can't explore much of the game world.
Short Game.
Not much replay value.

6.5/10