It’s not often that a successful video game series has to wait 14 years for a sequel. After “Stalker: Call of Pripyat” ended with a huge cliffhanger, the time is ripe for a sequel.
Ukrainian studio GSC Game World is present at Gamescom 2023 as part of the Ukraine pavilion. However, TECHBOOK collected the first impressions of “Stalker: Heart of Chornobyl” at Microsoft. Because the game should be included exclusively in the Game Pass subscription right from the start. But how did “Stalker 2” do in the first mini test?
“Stalker 2” comes with a new engine
While the first three games in the series were released 2 years apart, part 4 took 14 years. The title was originally announced in 2010 and was due for release in 2012. However, financial problems and layoffs at GSC Game World meant that the studio first paused development and then stopped it completely in 2012. Only after a realignment and the launch of “Cossacks 3” did GSC Game World start developing “Stalker 2” again in 2018 – with a new engine, namely the Unreal Engine 5.
However, in 2022, during the course of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the studio had to pause development again. Meanwhile, the headquarters have moved to Prague and the game is on track for a late 2023 or early 2024 release.
That’s what the game is about
“Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl” is again set in the “Zone” – a restricted area around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant (transliteration of the Ukrainian name). There are numerous dangers lurking in the zone, such as radiation, anomalies, and mutated creatures. Nevertheless, the area attracts adventurers and treasure hunters – so-called stalkers. These are in search of valuable artifacts that can be found in the zone.
The “Stalker” games combine shooter, survival and horror in one unusual package. After the 1986 nuclear disaster, the zone developed a unique biosphere that is full of dangers, but also secrets and treasures. Players must not only watch out for radiation and anomalies, but also contend with mutants that are no less dangerous. It is therefore advisable to be well stocked with food, drink, radiation medicine and bandages at all times.
Stalker 2 also introduces a new protagonist who, in his own words, “got a hit on the head at work” and then woke up in the Zone “with nothing but his birth suit.”
From screws to a gauss rifle – versatile equipment required
To face the dangers of the zone, a Geiger counter and screws are also part of the basic equipment of a stalker. That’s right, screws – because these are used to trigger gravity anomalies in order to be able to pass them without damage for a short period of time.
An arsenal of weapons should not be missing either: from hand pistols to shotguns and sniper rifles to gauss rifles, everything is included. And of course the knife must not be missing either. As with the predecessor “Call of Pripyat”, the equipment can be improved and individually adjusted with upgrades. But be careful, weapons need to be looked after so that they don’t suddenly jam at critical moments.
The makers stay true to the look
While the predecessors left it up to the players themselves how to get to their destination, “Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl” gives a little help. Finally there is a GPS system that accurately shows quest marker locations.
Otherwise, a lot seems to remain the same. Thanks to the new engine, the graphics are worlds above the predecessors, but the dark environment with generally rather pale colors remains. No wonder, after all, this is still the post-apocalyptic zone, as we are reminded by the dilapidated and overgrown buildings, streets and bridges around every corner.
Old and new enemies
The well-known mutants are also back – above all, unfortunately, also the bloodsucker. Anyone who doesn’t have an exoskeleton or an assault rifle and takes on these super-strong and super-fast nightmare creatures – which can also turn invisible – has usually already lost.
Anyone who has played the predecessors will quickly find their way around the controls and the inventory. Here GSC Game World had already done a lot right and continues to rely on the proven formula with an inventory that is limited by both slots and weight.
At this year’s Gamescom in Cologne, it was possible for the first time to test the unfinished game behind the scenes. TECHBOOK was also able to take a look at “Stalker 2”. The demo lasted almost 20 minutes and you started right at the beginning of the game. At least there was enough time to get a basic overview of the game mechanics, the general look and a few details.
We start as a stalker skif as usual in the first person perspective. After repelling the attack of a rabid dog, one is directly confronted with the anomalies, which appear as swirling circular spots. We get help from the ominous judge, who also gives us the first quest markers. So off to the world of Stalker 2!
Light and shadow in “Stalker 2”
“First of all, I love testing unfinished games. You get an impression, but you literally feel the state of development. ‘Stalker 2’ is no exception. The almost 20-minute long demo at Gamescom gave you a pretty good, but of course very limited, picture. Even at first glance, I have to say that Unreal Engine 5 is really good for the title. The death zone looks fantastic. So awesome that the devs promptly called me back on the demo because I’d rather explore than follow the quest markers – sorry again. After that I stayed on the path, but I flattened the stalker in the pack of dogs, who was actually well disposed towards me; I thought he was shooting at me, not at the dogs…
At the subsequent occupied station, however, that was the end of it for me. The exchanges of fire were really convincing, my opponents took cover and moved realistically. I would have wished for a little better haptic feedback from the different weapon types. As already mentioned, the game is still in development.
What remains is an overall quite positive image of a beautiful game world that skilfully works with light and shadow and has all sorts of details to offer. Of course, GSC still has some tweaking to do, but if they do, it’s going to be a massive shooter that should appeal to both fans of the old games and new players alike.” Marlene Polywka, editor
First of all – I really like testing unfinished games. You get an impression, but you literally feel the state of development. “Stalker 2” is no exception. The almost 20-minute long demo at Gamescom gave you a pretty good, but of course very limited, picture. Even at first glance, I have to say that Unreal Engine 5 is really good for the title. The death zone looks fantastic. So awesome that the devs promptly called me back on the demo because I’d rather explore than follow the quest markers – sorry again. After that I stayed on the path, but I flattened the stalker in the pack of dogs, who was actually well disposed towards me; I thought he was shooting at me, not at the dogs…
At the subsequent occupied station, however, that was the end of it for me. The exchanges of fire were really convincing, my opponents took cover and moved realistically. I would have wished for a little better haptic feedback from the different weapon types. As already mentioned, the game is still in development.
What remains is an overall quite positive image of a beautiful game world that skilfully works with light and shadow and has all sorts of details to offer. Of course, GSC still has to fine-tune some areas. But when they do, they have a massive shooter that should appeal to both fans of the old games and new players alike.
Great anticipation
“As a fan of the first three games in the series, I’m excited for Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl. The unique setting with fresh graphics and improved gameplay could make the game a real hit. Mainly because it looks like GSC Game World is making the title more accessible to newcomers with the new quest system. I can remember despairing of the map on the virtual PDA (yes, PDA) with the predecessors. So a little more overview can definitely be a good thing.” Adrian Mühlroth, editor
Price and Availability of Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is scheduled for release in late 2023 or the first quarter of 2024. It comes right at launch with Microsoft Game Pass, so it’s playable for subscribers at no additional cost. The regular price ranges from 59.99 euros for the Standard Edition to 109.99 euros for the Ultimate Edition, which includes additional DLC and the Season Pass. Supported platforms are Xbox and PC, where the game appears on Steam, GOG and Microsoft Store.