Look out Metro series, because there’s another Ukrainian-based first-person-shooter in post-apocalyptic Russia returning. Microsoft put on a show with their Xbox Showcase (though disappointing overall if you ask me). Among the reveals is another FPS, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, which returns with a trailer.
While this may not seem so significant, the game was originally announced in 2010 and cancelled less than two years later. As for this iteration, there have been rumours since 2018 about a sequel, and they are finally bearing fruit. It’s also the first time the series is appearing on a console.
First Game in Series Since 2009
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is an acronym. It stands for Scavengers, Trespassers, Adventurers, Loners, Killers, Explorers and Robbers. Created by GSC Game World, the games are set around the Chernobyl area. In this alternative reality, Chernobyl had a second explosion from the nuclear power plant.
The characters refer to the effected area as nothing more than The Zone. The sequel will have “one of the biggest seamless open-worlds to date”, and will feature a non-linear story. The choices made during the campaign will affect both the “short-term consequences and global outcomes.”
There are eerie environments to explore, with all manner of psychic and paranormal creatures. The developers have said that while searching for treasure or secrets, the factions within the game’s world will simulate a living world. According to them, whether you are around or not, things will happen, meaning you can come back to see something different in an area already visited.
They also haven’t said whether players will need to have played the others in the series to understand this one, as it is actually the 4th game in the series. If the game itself is similar, then players can expect to craft items, fight scavengers and basically just survive an irradiated location.
GSC Game World has not given an official release date yet, but S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will most likely release in 2021. For more reviews and gaming news you can keep up to date at Informed Pixel. Want to speak to the team and interact with other gamers? You can do so over on the Informed Pixel Facebook page or on the Informed Pixel Twitter account.
