With the delayed release of Stalker 2 to 2024, I’m actually relieved after playing it.
With the delayed release of Stalker 2 to 2024, I'm actually relieved after playing it.
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl – A Journey through the Zone
Image credit: GSC Game World
Greetings, fellow stalkers! Today, we embark on an adventure into the dark depths of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Before we dive in, let’s address the elephant in the room – the game’s development has been through the wringer thanks to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Some developers are fighting on the frontlines, while others have relocated to neighboring countries. But hey, against all odds, production is back on track, and that’s truly a miracle!
At Gamescom 2023, GSC Game World partnered with Microsoft Gaming to showcase the first playable build of Stalker 2. I had the pleasure of getting my hands on this early version, although I must admit, it wasn’t quite ready for prime time. But fear not, fellow stalkers, because what lurked beneath the surface is the familiar beating heart of Stalker that we know and love.
Welcome to the Zone
Image credit: GSC Game World
In the vast irradiated open world of Stalker 2, I found myself lost. But hey, that’s part of the charm, right? As I ventured deeper into the Zone, the immensity and eeriness became palpable. Suddenly, an Early Warning System alert broke the silence – an Emission was imminent! Panic set in as I realized I wouldn’t reach the safety of a fallout shelter in time. With Skif whimpering behind, I sprinted desperately for cover. The sky turned a violent shade of crimson, lightning cracked, and the wind roared. It was a truly haunting experience.
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To my surprise, a pack of Flesh mutants stood frozen in time. I walked between them, eliminating each with a single bullet as the storm subsided. It was both thrilling and anti-climatic – a classic Stalker moment. GSC has once again captured the essence of the Zone’s unforgiving nature, where even the most well-equipped stalker can lose everything in an instant. Stalker 2 nails the apocalyptic atmosphere, making every outpost and interaction brim with dread and tension.
Room for Improvement
Image credit: Gamescom
While Stalker 2 excels in capturing the spirit of the series, it’s important to note that the overall experience still needs fine-tuning. The release window of Q1 2024 seems ambitious, considering the issues I encountered during my playthrough. For instance, when attempting to deliver med-kits to fellow Stalkers, I failed to greet them properly, and they turned on me with frightening precision. But hey, at least it gave me a chance to test out the combat mechanics, which were solid and satisfying.
Speaking of combat, the weapons in Stalker 2 feel weighty and pack a punch. The customization system allows for on-the-fly modifications, adding a layer of depth to your arsenal. However, the enemy AI needs some serious attention. Bandits foolishly ignore cover, environmental hazards go unnoticed, and it seems like most adversaries are bulletproof and emotionless. GSC has some work to do in refining these elements, as well as enhancing the visuals outside of the impressive weapon models.
An Unforgettable Journey Awaits
Image credit: GSC Game World
Let’s address the elephant in the room once again – the inevitable comparisons to Metro Exodus. While Stalker 2 may not yet be the Unreal Engine 5 showcase we hoped for, it possesses a unique charm that should not be overlooked. The joy of exploring the anomaly-ridden fields armed with nothing but a sputtering Detector and a collection of Bolts is something truly special. GSC is aware of the rough edges and is committed to optimizing and polishing the game.
So, my fellow stalkers, let’s not rush GSC. Delay after delay has proven that Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is worth waiting for. With its immersive world, nonlinear narrative, and a tone that feels just right, it has the potential to become the breakout FPS of 2024. As we traverse the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, let’s remember that even though there are concerns about stability and quality, the heart of Stalker beats strong.
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is set to release in Q1 2024 for PC, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Game Pass. Stay tuned, fellow stalkers, for a journey you won’t soon forget!
This article is brought to you by GameTopic+ at Gamescom 2023. For more exclusive previews, interviews, news, and features, visit the Gamescom 2023 coverage hub.
