I think I'm tapping out somewhat early on Exodus. I'm a decent fan of the series (I thought 2033 was massively overrated versus the hype, but that's a story for another time), and a huge STALKER fan, but this isn't really scratching either itch and I'm not sold on what 4A were trying to accomplish.
The fundamental issue I have is in the open hubs and the overwhelming feeling of purposelessness I have in them. STALKER succeeded as the high level player agency meant my presence in the game world existed only as an expression of myself, in that I chose what missions I wanted to do and when, I chose how to act, and I chose where to go. This works in a survival-like framework as the pacing is player controlled and resources are a measurable scarcity. Exploring optional areas came with a thrill of not just uncovering the unknown, but maybe acquiring better gear, or resources to sell to upgrade my existing gear. The huge assortment of weapons, equipment, store goods, etc etc. I felt like I was always working towards something, and that something was varied and based on my choice.
With Exodus I can't shake the looming push by the narrative that for me trivialises the progression, because I don't care about the narrative. The cast is boring, the premise is a dull set up and delivered awfully due to a messy audio mixing, and so any moment I'm engaging with NPCs and having the narrative build its world I either have no idea what's going on or don't care. And because there's no real sense of open progression, it's all an illusion, I can't help but feel all my secondary exploring is just burning the fuse, buying time unnecessarily as the game inevitably funnels me towards some NPC-related story objective of which I have no choice in or sense of presence.
Basically, I don't give a flying fuck about anyone or anything, and I don't feel the game cares enough to reward my investment in the world its created. Maybe I could go explore that area over there? Yeah but then I have to chew through a ton of mutants with my already limited ammo in faux-open areas and be rewarded with nothing that really helps me progress into the story missions I'll be rapidly funnelled into anyway, wherein I'll inevitably have several boring characters talk over each other, have to shoot scripted mutant and/or human encounters, and then be talked at or forced into situations my mute protagonist is just a passenger in. Scatter a ton of self indulgent first person over scripted cinematic moments and we're done.
I don't want to drag others into my cyclone of cynicism and I really want to give it more of a shock, but this is probably going to end up in the same camp as Wolfenstein The New Colossus: Disappointment.
