Mutant Year Zero: Deluxe Edition is now out on Nintendo Switch, and it includes new expansion, Seeds Of Evil. While this version runs smoothly, it exhibits poor visual fidelity compared to its console and PC counterparts. Whether in handheld or docked mode, a low resolution and blurry overall look reduce the luster of post-apocalyptic Sweden. It also makes scavenging areas for scrap and weapon parts--essential to keeping your Stalkers well-equipped, and already difficult items to spot--a lot harder.

This tactical action game will give you a sense of survival in a post apocalyptic world where you will apply stealth in turn-based fights to fulfill your mission, finding in your way items that you can later exchange for better weapons and more skills. Highly recommended.

Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden - Deluxe Edition treats the player to a very good and competent blend of exploration and strategy which coupled with its simple but compelling plot and art style helps to make a game that can easily keep the player concentrated in the game for a long time. Overall, the experience could only improve if Mutant Year Zero : Road to Eden - Deluxe Edition featured a multiplayer mode.

If you have played Mutant Year Zero on a console before and are thinking of picking this up for on the go, you may be advised to skip as the compromises are a bit jarring, given this was once a very atmospheric game. The downgrade, combined with text and menus not being scaled for Switch, can start to make you feel like a person with poor eyesight.

Mutant Year Zero is yet another example of the ongoing debate between portability and performance. The graphical difference between the Switch and PC versions can’t be understated; the lack of detail has a marked impact on the overall experience. Having said that, the amount of time you could easily sink into this amazing tactical-RPG could be significant, and so maybe the graphical sacrifice is worth being able to play on-the-go. While Mutant Year Zero may be best played on its original platform, I would still recommend this version to anyone wanting to play on Switch.

Quotation forthcoming.

Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden is a great game. The familiar tactical combat is fun, challenging and offers genuinely thrilling gameplay. The lore of the world is fascinating and the characters are well-written with charming personalities. Plus the exploration and upgrade cycle of the gameplay loop is thoroughly engaging. Unfortunately, for the Nintendo Switch version of the game all of this is spoiled by blurry visuals, ugly textures and various performance issues. I heartily recommend picking up Mutant Year Zero on the PC or your console of choice, however the Switch version just isn’t worth your time.