This game has received much hate from many people, but I found it to be one of my favorite games. It's dark, gritty, and violent. Your two "protagonist" are nothing more than murderous scum who you somehow root for. The action in this game is fantastic and it provides you with a fast paced third-person shooter. Playing co-op makes it that much better. However, the multiplayer is without a doubt my favorite in any game. Fragile Alliance is what a heist game needs to do. You never know if your allies are actually your allies and you must always have an eye out for everyone. Simply put, this isa game I will always enjoy. One of the best shooters I've played due to the dark story, the grey moral compass of the two characters, and an unrivaled heist multiplayer component.

Desolate provides the atmospheric tension that made S.T.A.L.K.E.R. a hit while incorporating simple yet effective survival mechanics to make an experience that is equal parts chaotic and tactical. Enter into this portal and open myself to unknown risks or continue following my lit path, knowing full well what dangers I will encounter? Desolate doesn’t offer a correct answer, nor does it hold your hand while you continue on with your journey. You must choose whether you want to fight, explore, or run – but each have their own pros and cons attached to them, so no answer ever feels just right. It doesn’t take long to become enamored in this anomaly ridden world, making each minute of playtime smile-inducing. And maybe a little bit stressful too.

While the combat is stiff at times, I find it to be appropriate. Don’t go in expecting an intense action game because you’ll be left disappointed if you do. Expect a game in the same vein as S.T.A.L.K.E.R. with a touch of Bioshock. Combine the two and you are left with an indie game that flourishes with charm. Desolate will be keeping you entertained for quite some time, and that entertainment is only compounded when you add in the co-op features. This is a game worth checking out..