If STALKER 2 seems to be a game beyond reach due to hardware limitations, worry not—MISERY by Platypus Entertainment might just fill the void. It is an upcoming post-apocalyptic survival game that throws players into a nuclear-devastated wasteland requiring quick thinking, strategy in resource management, and bouts of sheer willpower.
MISERY draws heavily on STALKER for inspiration. The veteran players will notice that the atmosphere is suitably bleak and feels familiar to them. MISERY, however, trends away from Stalker, in favour of the retro aesthetic, akin to PlayStation 2 graphics.
This artistic direction significantly enhances the game’s eerie atmosphere, immersing players in a world that feels both hauntingly familiar and uniquely fresh. By adopting a retro visual style reminiscent of older survival horror classics like Nightmare Creatures, MISERY taps into deep nostalgia for seasoned gamers.
At the same time, it doesn’t sacrifice innovation—modern gameplay mechanics are seamlessly woven into this old-school aesthetic. The result is a distinctive blend of unsettling visuals and engaging gameplay that appeals to both retro lovers and new-age survival enthusiasts.
Survival at Its Harshest
MISERY treats survival very seriously. Right from the first moments, players are jumping into an almost intense 60-second countdown during which they have to gather such crucial supplies as food, medication, and tools, and then find themselves in underground safety just ahead of being blown to radioactive smithereens by a nuclear bomb. Those caught out in the wasteland are left to face horrors that would dissolve normal humans to radioactive ash, a fate all too familiar to STALKER fans.
Once inside, the player’s home then becomes the bunker, a customisable base equipped with new rooms and generators. Safety, however, can never be guaranteed: frequent raids threaten the stronghold, and players must use mutated plants and other kinds of technology to fortify defences against intruders.
Exploration & Psychological Tension
Exploration is at the heart of the experience. Jumping through procedurally generated nuclear shelters, swamps, villages, and towns, each brimming with its own strange threats, players must put themselves on guard. Each environment poses different challenges to put a survivor’s adaptability to the test.
But survival’s not only about physically outlasting it. MISERY implements a sanity mechanic that forces players to get back to their bunker before dusk or face sanity loss. The mental pressure of the sheer terror of encroaching darkness becomes a further psychological layer in an already merciless environment.
Objectives & Challenges
The ultimate goal? Evacuation. To escape the god forsaken world, the players need to collect the antenna components dropped by the many bosses they have to defeat around the world. Meanwhile, shelter maintenance is never-ending; stockpile resources, fortify defences, and defend against raids.
Integrated within a competitive ranking system, MISERY’s cooperative mode encourages players to form alliances, share resources, and develop joint survival strategies. This teamwork element fosters community and ensures that players can face the harsh post-apocalyptic challenges with united strength.
Final Thoughts
MISERY is shaping up to be one of the most intense and rewarding entries in the survival genre. Developed by Platypus Entertainment, the game plunges players into a brutal post-apocalyptic world where every second counts. With its blend of base-building, tactical resource management, and high-stakes exploration, MISERY demands both strategic planning and quick reflexes. What sets it apart is its psychological depth—players must manage their sanity while surviving the horrors of a radioactive wasteland.
The retro-inspired visuals, reminiscent of early 2000s survival horror titles, add a nostalgic yet unsettling charm to the gameplay. Procedurally generated maps ensure no two experiences are alike, and the inclusion of boss battles tied to evacuation objectives introduces a clear, high-stakes goal. Cooperative multiplayer and a ranking system further enrich the experience, promoting teamwork in an unforgiving world. Though unreleased, MISERY already promises a hauntingly memorable journey for those bold enough to endure its challenges.
