In the past year, a particular genre of games has emerged, and it’s been driving me up the wall. I’m not even entirely sure what to call it, but one thing is certain—it demands a very specific skill set, which I admittedly lack, and the patience of a saint, which I also do not possess. Today we’re diving into one of these games, but given my previous struggles, it will be a preview. No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to make headway in ZERO Sievert. Does this make it a bad game? Not at all. However, it does make evaluating it a bit tricky. I’ll shed some light on the game and rationalize why navigating it feels like an uphill battle—trust me, there’s logic behind my reasoning.
ZERO Sievert belongs to the same family as hardcore games like Escape from Tarkov. These games take the mantra of “git gud” to an extreme. But unlike Soulsborne games where you can learn attack patterns and build strategies, this is an entirely skill-based challenge. Each attempt relies solely on your gaming skills, and any failure is like a punch to the gut. If you don’t excel, you simply won’t advance, and that’s enough to set my nerves on edge.
I completely understand why some gamers find the prospect of starting over after a death, knowing all your hard work has evaporated, an enticing thrill. There’s a tangible rush in realizing that your precious loot is only yours for as long as you can stay alive. It elevates the tension when every shot fired counts, and any opponent could obliterate your progress. You persevere, improve, and eventually succeed—at least on paper. That’s where things take a downturn for me. You will face setbacks and lose everything you’ve painstakingly gathered, only to try, try, and try again, with no real sense of advancement.
As someone who enjoys roguelikes, I get the attraction of repeatedly attempting insurmountable challenges, knowing full well success is unlikely. The difference is that in roguelikes, with each setback, you gain insight for future runs. With a game like ZERO Sievert, even if your character gets more skilled, you’re only as strong as your current run allows. You don’t gain much from losing other than experience. It’s about learning from each loss or ceasing progression entirely. For me, gaming is fundamentally about moving forward, and when progression hinges solely on player skill, it becomes a daunting ordeal.
But that’s just my perspective. Many of you might quickly adapt and might find yourself bringing back haul after successful haul. The adrenaline will be addictive, and you’ll eagerly dive back into the chaos. That’s why I can’t outright declare games like ZERO Sievert to be bad. They’re undeniably brilliant when mastered, with an exhilarating and punishing game loop for those who can withstand it.
Having rambled enough about why ZERO Sievert challenges my existential outlook, let’s shift focus to the game itself. It’s a top-down shooter where, in a post-apocalyptic setting, you play a survivor. You’ll need to venture into the wild to scavenge resources for your base’s survival. The catch? Virtually everything in this world is out to end you. From wild animals to armed marauders to mutants keen on causing you misery, every encounter is a threat.
And by everything, I truly mean everything—even radiation. As you traverse the environment, the radiometer’s ticking lets you know how perilously irradiated you are becoming, which—unsurprisingly—is not ideal for your health. You’ve also got to manage food and water supplies, not just on missions but back at your base too; neglect them, and starvation is possible, even in your bunker. Darkness is lethal as well—get caught out at night, and you risk falling victim to ghouls, blinded by the lack of light. ZERO Sievert embodies survival to its core.
While I’d love to detail bunker construction with salvaged supplies, that would imply I’ve managed to bring anything back, which requires surviving—a feat I’ve yet to master. This circles back to why I’m offering a preview rather than a review—I can’t talk about what I haven’t experienced.
Despite everything, you might think I’ve abandoned ZERO Sievert entirely. Oddly enough, even knowing my skill lies closer to zero than the game’s title, I keep diving back in. There’s an undeniably addictive quality, and I genuinely enjoy my time, though improvement eludes me. If you’re a fan of games like Escape from Tarkov and have been craving a single-player version of its multiplayer thrills, this is perfect. If you’re the type who seeks out intense challenges, you’ll love it too. Otherwise, prepare for a tough ride. Sure, there’s an easy mode, but that sort of defeats the purpose.
In short, ZERO Sievert is a solid game but best enjoyed under specific conditions. It’s not something you casually pick up for a relaxed evening. This is pure stress in digital form. If you relish the idea of a controlled nightmare tied with a bow, you’ll adore this game, but if not, maybe steer clear.
