What you need to know
- Ahead of STALKER 2’s scheduled release on Xbox Series X|S and PC on November 20, developer GSC Game World has released a lengthy gameplay showcase of the open world survival shooter.
- The deep dive is over 30 minutes long, and shows tons of new gameplay as well as interviews from four of GSC Game World’s lead developers. You can watch it via the embed below.
- The new video comes a few weeks after STALKER 2 was delayed in late July, as the team at GSC felt more development time was needed to polish the game before release.
- Preorders for STALKER 2 are live now, and they’re discounted at CDKeys (links to where you can buy them are at the end of this article). Notably, STALKER 2 will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass, so you’ll be able to play it that way if you’re a subscriber.
As a die-hard fan of the original STALKER games who has been eagerly awaiting any news about its sequel, I must say that my excitement levels have skyrocketed after watching this deep dive into STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl. With its grounded movement and gunplay reminiscent of Metro Exodus, the game seems to be a perfect blend of simulation and arcade elements – something that’ll surely satisfy both hardcore survivalists and casual gamers like myself.
Prior to the launch of STALKER 2 on November 20, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Xbox Game Pass, the developer GSC Game World has released a detailed video previewing the game’s world and gameplay. This in-depth look follows the game’s delay in late July for refinement, as previously promised.
The presentation – available for viewing here or embedded below – runs approximately 36 minutes and includes a wealth of fresh gameplay footage, details, and interviews with four key members of STALKER 2’s development team: Ievgen Grygorovych (CEO and game director), Mariia Grygorovych (creative director), Dzmitry Anoshka (lead for level art team), and Ingwar Dovgoteles (cinematic lead). Additionally, it offers a complete guide through an early quest set in the Swamps region where the player must deactivate harmful radiation-emitting beacons.
In summary, by delving deeper into STALKER 2, it’s clear that GSC aims to rekindle the essence cherished by players from STALKer’s interpretation of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in the original series, while enriching this experience with greater creative liberty, innovative elements, and dynamic interactions. The upcoming game will present a total of 20 distinct regions, each inspired by past depictions, real-world photography, or both. Notably, revisited locations are now more open than ever before, offering players unprecedented opportunities to discover entirely new expanses within them.
At its heart, STALKER 2 embraces the concept of freedom in game design. The developers emphasize that The Zone is largely unrestricted, offering numerous chances for players to shape their stalker characters as they wish. Whether you prioritize advancing the main plot or opt for exploration and adventure at your leisure, the game caters to your preferences, providing a multitude of engaging encounters, secret loot stashes, side missions, and other exciting elements.
Surprisingly, factions may even break up or fragment into splinter groups, which has the potential to dramatically change the power structure within The Zone. It’s also been said that stalkers in different factions will behave in unique ways, which will likely make them far more distinct than they were in the original games; for example, free “Loner” stalkers will be far more likely to keep to themselves or travel in small groups, while disciplined troops under the banner of the Duty faction will adhere to strict daily schedules and frequently utilize military tactics.
In STALKER 2, the gameplay seems to favor simulation over arcade style, with its portrayed movement and gunplay bearing a strong resemblance to Metro Exodus. While I wouldn’t describe it as realistic, combat in this game is certainly lethal, with each bullet dealing significant damage to both enemies and players. Outside of combat or encounters with deadly mutants (such as the returning Pseudog, Flesh, and Controller, along with a new “Bayun” feline that mimics stalkers’ calls for help), you’ll need to manage survival aspects like hunger, fatigue, and stay clear of the hazardous supernatural “anomaly” occurrences that dot The Zone’s terrain.
Similar to the renowned STALKER trilogy, STALKER 2 appears to prioritize scavenging essentials such as food, medical supplies, and ammunition. Although not explicitly discussed during the deep dive, it wouldn’t be unexpected if ammo were limited in some capacity, similar to the original games. The developers at GSC have highlighted their focus on making mistakes and hasty decisions carry some weight, prompting players to think strategically about their movements, positions, and immediate choices. Contrastingly, an abundance of weapon options is promised – with 35 distinct firearms confirmed, each offering a wide range of compatible attachments.
1. It was additionally disclosed that STALKER 2’s plot includes approximately three hours of motion-captured scenes, amounting to a total of more than 43 in-game cinematics. These will be interspersed throughout significant narrative events, aiming to provide players with a deeper understanding of several key characters as they advance through the game. The presentation concluded with the developers discussing some hurdles they’ve encountered while creating the game as a Ukrainian studio, striving to fulfill their expanding vision amidst Russia’s hostile actions against and invasion of their native land, which commenced in 2022.
Analysis: STALKER 2 is looking fantastic
As an ardent enthusiast of the initial STALKER series, I’ve been eagerly anticipating a comprehensive analysis such as this for some time. Now that it’s here, let me express my sentiments: STALKER 2 appears extraordinarily promising to me. The gunplay seems to have a more arcade feel than I prefer, but I was hoping to catch a glimpse of the promised “A-Life 2.0” system, which will govern how NPC stalkers navigate The Zone and interact with one another. Despite this minor letdown, I’m largely satisfied with what I’ve witnessed and heard so far.
In spite of challenging circumstances, GSC Game World has astonishingly produced a game that leaves one in awe, and I eagerly anticipate experiencing the complete version later this year. For a sneak peek at gameplay, be sure to read Zachary Boddy’s STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl hands-on preview, as he had the opportunity to play it during Summer Games Fest 2024 and Xbox Games Showcase 2024.
The anticipated game titled “STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl” is set to release on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC via Steam and Microsoft Store on November 20th. This highly anticipated title is expected to be one of the standout games for both Xbox and PC this year. The game carries an MSRP of $59.99, but at CDKeys, you can pre-order it with a substantial discount. On its release date, it will also be available for play through Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions.
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2024-08-12 22:09