Review of Cryostasis

This is a truly wonderful game for people that regard storyline and ambiance over endless, mindless killing. Painkiller this game isn't; a cross between Penumbra and Bioshock is a much better comparison.

Unlike many FPSs you don't have to choose between the weapons you carry. You have a full complement of everything you find; from a chain wrapped around your fists, an extremely effective axe, a bolt-action rifle, a sniper rifle, to a full auto machine gun. This is a game that forces you to be conservative with your ammo supply and, in some cases, to be very careful with when you decide to reload (these are older style firearms and you never know what's creeping up behind you).

I know that most don't think that the graphics are particularly impressive; but I totally disagree. I think the game designers succeeded in creating a visually stunning experience. There's water perpetually flowing down the walls in warmer rooms, and the walls are covered with ice patterns in its colder rooms. When you get some warmth into colder rooms the icicles on the ceilings melt and fall to the floor. The shadows and lighting effects are absolutely breathtaking. I think people are used to wide open environments and constantly changing scenery. That is not Cryostasis--this game is all about close quarters and the inherently claustrophobic environment of a ship.

The sound design is another high point. Your only companion is the groaning of the hull, the screaming wind and your footsteps--save for the occasional hair-raising moans and grunts from whatever hell-born creature is coming at you from the darkness. I've heard no in-game music at all. Try playing the game in the dark and I suspect you'll agree that sound is a big part of the success of this title.

The fighting is this game is not constant. Not every hallway or room contains a bad guy. In fact, sometimes you'll go for several minutes before encountering one. But I personally think that this adds to the tension.

The game is not difficult but it takes thought. The time traveling puzzles are fun and can be challenging; but you will not likely be stymied by this game. But if you enjoy a challenge it will satisfy you. Fighting is also not particularly hard, but there are points that are difficult and most encounters require some level of strategy.

The one star I've removed is due to the lack of optimization of this title. I have a high end system and a good video card and I cannot run this game on particularly high settings. And occasionally when there's a lot going on on the screen it will turn into a mild slide show. But it's not so much that I would stop playing it.

It could have also used some reason for searching. Firearms and ammo are usually out in the open. It would have added some fun to the game if you needed to search the prodigious lockers. But this is a minor gripe.

You have no reason to not buy this game. It has no DRM and it doesn't even require a serial number. Have fun!



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