Flame in the Flood vs S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl
Flame in the Flood
Flame in the Flood is a rather unique survival game that's developed by the ex-developers of Bioshock. Instead of featuring an open world, the game places you on a rickety raft, which you can then upgrade as you gather the necessary materials, that's being dragged down a long windy river. The waters aren't always smooth and easily navigatable as you might expect and from time to time, particularly in between "zones", you'll encounter a stretch of whitewater rapids that will truly challenge your rafting skills.In this game, you will also encounter locations where you can dock your raft at and explore. From churches to farms, each location offers varying amount of resources for you to gather, and if you're lucky, a place for you to take shelter for the night. These locations aren't all safe though! Aside from the more harmless wildlife like rabbits, you may encounter dangerous animals that can cause severe harm to your character - you may even die either from being gored by a wild boar or from injuries sustained from the fight.
As a survival game, there are several indicators that you'll need to keep your eyes on. Fail to do so and you may die of exhaustion, thirst, hunger or hypothermia. The game also features a pretty in-depth crafting system where you can produce useful items like bandages for your wounds and clothes to keep your character warm.
Flame in the Flood is a truly hardcore survival game. It's merciless in its gameplay, pitting you against challenges after challenges until your character can take no more. If you get frustrated easily, this is definitely not for you, but if you love a challenge, you might just want to give this game a try.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl is the first of a hugely popular post-apocalyptic-themed, first-person, survival-horror shooter which might have just amassed a cult following. Set in 2012, almost two decades after the worst nuclear disaster occured at the Chernobyl power station and around 6 years after a second explosion rocked the damaged reactor, causing various anomalies to ripple open and from them came waves of mutated creatures, deadly radiation and also rare artifacts that are somehow imbued with powerful anomalous energy... artifacts that many would kill to have.Since then, the existence of such artifacts have brought forth groups of "stalkers", scavengers who scour the cordoned areas around Chernobyl for these very objects... and in this game, you play as one of them.
The game has risen to acclamation partly due to the terrifying, nightmarish creatures that the game contains, in addition to the brilliantly immersive storyline and an incredibly realistic game environemnt that's modelled after its real-world counterpart deep inside the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. The gameplay is excellent as well. The game has accurate ballstics and combat mechanics, as well as a challenging survival aspect that is further made difficult due to the impact day and night, and the weather system has on the environment. There is also a multiplayer mode that can support up to 32 players.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl has just celebrated its 10-year anniversary earlier this year and as such, many aspects of the game aren't really up to scratch by today's standards at least. If you do plan on getting this game, you might want to download some mods to help improve the game somewhat.