Slavicpunk Oldtimer Review (PlayStation 5)

Summary

Slavicpunk Oldtimer offers decent graphics and a manageable download size of 8.25GB. The game features a Platinum trophy and provides three difficulty levels: Easy, Normal, and Hard. The narrative is delivered through a mix of animated voiced cutscenes and still art sequences, adding a unique visual flair. The game is set in a full 3D world with 360-degree camera control and features third-person shooter gameplay. Tutorial pop-ups appear in places to guide players and loot chests are scattered throughout the game world. Players can engage in hacking mini-games and various other mini-game encounters, such as balancing power supplies. Stealth mechanics allow players to take out enemies quietly, with indicators showing if enemies are alerted. The game also permits players to kill innocents without remorse, adding a moral dimension to the gameplay.

The active reload bar adds a layer of strategy, requiring players to time their reloads for faster times. The game includes big boss and mini-boss encounters, set in a massive Russian-influenced cyberpunk world. The environment feels alive, with NPCs interacting and adding to the immersive experience. Players can find credits from enemies and chests, which can be used at vendors to buy and sell weapons and items, as well as upgrade weapons. Pharmacy stores allow players to buy health packs and increase their health. The semi-open world provides enough room for exploration and discovering secrets, and stealth kills are visually satisfying.

However, the game has its drawbacks. The camera angle is not always ideal, requiring constant adjustment and rotation. The tutorials are basic and often leave players feeling alone and guessing. Performance issues, such as pop-in and slowdown, are significant problems. Aiming and shooting feel clunky and unresponsive, detracting from the overall experience. While the story is decent, the voice work often fails to convey emotion effectively. Objectives are sometimes unclear, leading to confusion about who to kill or what to do next. Set pieces are predictable, and the game struggles to stick to one idea, feeling like a collection of disparate elements rather than a cohesive whole.

In summary, Slavicpunk Oldtimer is a visually appealing third-person shooter set in a rich cyberpunk world. While it offers engaging stealth mechanics, a variety of mini-games, and a semi-open world to explore, it is hampered by performance issues, clunky controls, and a lack of clear direction. Despite these flaws, the game’s unique setting and immersive environment provide a compelling experience for fans of the genre.