Preview: ZERO Sievert (PC)

There’s a genre of games that’s taken the scene by storm lately, and it absolutely drives me up the wall. I’m not even entirely sure what to label it. All I know is unless you have a very particular skill set (which I don’t) and the patience of a saint (which I also lack), you’re in for a rough ride. Today, I’m diving into one of these games—not a review, mind you, but a preview—thanks to my inability to make much progress in ZERO Sievert. Now, does this imply the game is bad? Not at all. However, it does make evaluating it quite challenging. Allow me to give you a glimpse into the game while highlighting why, for me, it’s akin to a personal nightmare. But I assure you, I have my reasons.

ZERO Sievert aligns itself with games like Escape from Tarkov. These aren’t just about the “git gud” philosophy; they’re about leaping from a cliff and seeing if you fly. Unlike the learning curve of Soulsbourne games, these demand pure skill and little else. You see, each run relies entirely on your ability as a player, and death here feels like a punch to the gut. If you can’t keep up, you won’t get anywhere—and that, frankly, grinds my gears.

I fully appreciate that some gamers thrive on the thrill of knowing that if you die, all your hard-won progress vanishes. I get the adrenaline that pulses knowing your loot is only yours for as long as you can stay alive. It certainly cranks up the excitement when every shot counts, and any adversary could wipe out all your achievements in a flash. You keep at it, you improve, and eventually, you might just win. On paper, this all seems fine. But when it comes to execution, that’s where I struggle. You’re going to die, lose everything, and keep trying again and again without making tangible progress.

Being a fan of roguelikes, I understand the appeal of tackling insurmountable odds even when the odds are stacked against you. The difference with roguelikes, however, is that losses often make you stronger, preparing you better for future runs. In a game like ZERO Sievert, while your character’s skills might improve, your progress does not. You only get as far as your current attempt allows. You either learn and improve from your mistakes or you don’t progress at all. For me, gaming is about growth, and when you’re left to progress solely through personal skill, it’s quite the challenge.

Of course, this is just my perspective. Some of you might pick up the ropes quickly, racking up successful runs and returning with all your loot. You’ll be riding a high and eager to dive back in. This is precisely why I can’t label these games, ZERO Sievert included, as bad. If you can endure and master these challenging game loops, it can be very rewarding.

What makes ZERO Sievert particularly fascinating? Let me give you a sense of what you’re in for. It’s a top-down survival adventure, set in a post-apocalyptic world where you’re tasked with scavenging supplies to sustain your base. The twist? Everything in this world wants you dead—wild animals, bandits armed to the teeth, and mutants are just the beginning of your troubles.

Yes, everything is out to get you. Besides hostile creatures, radiation is a constant threat. As you explore, the rhythm of the radiometer ticking away signifies incoming danger. And if that isn’t enough, food and water shortages can end you just as quickly back at your bunker. Even the absence of light can be your downfall—I once ventured out in the dark only to be devoured by ghouls. ZERO Sievert is survival in its most unforgiving form.

I wish I could share insights on how to build your bunker with supplies you bring back, but to do that, I’d first have to survive those harrowing missions. And frankly, that’s where I’m stuck—hence why this is a preview. I can’t delve into experiences I’ve yet to conquer.

Despite everything, you might think I’d throw in the towel on ZERO Sievert. But oddly enough, even knowing my chances are slim, I keep diving back in. There’s an addictive quality to it that I genuinely enjoy, despite the lack of improvement. If you’re a fan of games like Escape from Tarkov and want to see its multiplayer chaos distilled into a single-player experience, this is your game. If you crave a hardcore challenge, you’ll relish this, too. However, if neither of these apply, you’re in for a bumpy ride. Sure, there’s an easy mode, but that kinda defeats the purpose, doesn’t it?

In conclusion, ZERO Sievert is a solid game, but it is best enjoyed under very specific conditions. It’s not something you casually pick up or play for a relaxing evening with friends. It’s a stress-fest wrapped in a captivating package. If the idea of gaming with a touch of chaos appeals to you, jump right in. If not, you might want to tread lightly.