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BioShock (released last year) paved the way for some more thrilling horror-shooter games, which come fully loaded with an immaculate story-line and some really spine-chilling moments. Now, Russian developer Action Forms has come up with the game, CRYOSTASIS. Through this game, they are looking to re-create some of that glory and magic which was created by BioShock; and guess what, they have done just that!
The Plot
Cryostasis: The Sleep of Reason, is a FPS horror/action game for PC Gaming , in which you play the protagonist, Alexander Nesterov, circa 1968. Alexander Nesterov is a meteorologist, who is sent to investigate the final hours of an ice-trapped nuclear-powered ice-breaker and to work out the possibilities that lead to the mishap. However, Alexander Nesterov isn’t just any ordinary meteorologist as he possesses an inimitable “Mental Echo” ability that allows him to re-live the last memories of the dead people, whose corpses he comes across while investigating. Using this unique ability he can change their actions in the past and hence changing their future and thereby also changing his present. But, nothing can prepare him for the dark truths he uncovers as he unravels the mysteries on that frozen ship.
The Gameplay
This innovative first-person adventure isn’t exactly meant for everyone; its slow pace will not please those seeking instant satisfaction, and some of the stability issues can lead to a bit of frustration. But Cryostasis has its way of keeping you enthralled, pushing you ahead to see what other mysteries and truths lie in store for you. As you start the game, from your initial explorations you cannot instantly find out what your objective is, where you are, or why exactly you are there; though the dimly-lit and eerie corridors, icy reflections, and lifeless corpses are proof enough to indicate that you will not be encountering many friendly faces. The mystery of how the ship was caged in ice is a puzzle, and the slow and gradual flow of information will keep you on your toes and keep you guessing.
The story is uncovered in flashbacks, but these aren’t bits of information which exist outside the game play. This is where your unique ability of “Mental Echo”comes into play; you re-live these key moments as you encounter scattered corpses of the crew members. When you come across one of the corpses, you are transferred back in time to witness important events where you play as a powerful witness, in some cases you not only are a powerful witness but you must actively change the circumstances of the past in order to affect the present. This leads to the game’s most memorable moments.
Cryostasis isn’t only about going back in time and changing situations; you encounter flesh demons also, who may not be the smartest, but they inflict a lot of damage. So you have to be wary of them. The best way to encounter them is by using an axe or a shotgun blast. Also, along with getting past flash-backs and lurching fiends, you also have to keep yourself sufficiently warm as the game is set in the arctic region, therefore, no matter which part of the ship you are traversing, you will feel perpetually frost-bitten. Flaming torches, burning debris, or even desk lamps provide you with visual warmth and restore your energy. You have to keep away from chilled fogs as they can be fatal to your energy level. This game is a visual treat, and the animations are spot-on.
The final word
So, if you appreciate slow-burning suspense, this is one game which will keep you glued to your screen as you unravel the dark mysteries and secrets hidden in the frosty arctic region.
Plus points of the game:
- Marvelous, creepy storyline
- Innovative flashback mechanism
- Amazing sound and art effects
Negative points:
- Few performance and stability issues
- Slow start
Details:
- Publisher: 1C
- Developer: Action Forms
Minimum System Requirements:
- OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista
- Processor: AMD Athlon 3000+ or Intel Equivalent
- Memory: 1 GB
- Video Memory: ATI Radeon 9800/nVidia 6800GT
- Sound Card: DirectX Compatible
- DirectX: 9.0c
- Keyboard & Mouse
- DVD Rom Drive
Recommended System Requirements:
- OS: Windows XP/Vista
- Processor: Intel Core 2 DUO 6400/AMD X2 5600+
- Memory: 2 GB
- Video Memory: ATI Radeon 2900/nVidia GeForce 8800 GTS
- Sound Card: DirectX Compatible
- DirectX: 9.0c or 10
- Keyboard & Mouse
- DVD Rom Drive
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