S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2’s newest trailer shows incredible promise–and has the hallmarks of a surprise GOTY ... [+]
Everyone loves an underdog, and just as the year is coming to an end, a long-awaited sequel has shown just what it could offer when it returns in 2023–and if it lives up to what it promises, it could take the fight to the likes of Starfield, Redfall, Spider-Man 2, and maybe even The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
After “the most hard and unpredictable year” in the studio’s history, Ukrainian developer GSC Game World has finally shown gameplay from S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl in its new “Come to Me” trailer, which aims to provide a better understanding of the adventure to come from its borderless open world and non-linear story.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl was originally slated for release on PC and Xbox Series X/S–and day one on Game Pass–on April 28, but the war, which started in February, forced GSC to pause development and relocate to Prague. However, some stayed behind to defend their country; just this month, GSC developer Volodymyr Yezhov was killed in action near Bakhmut, as confirmed by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.
“We dedicate this trailer to our fallen heroes: the ones who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect Ukraine,” said GSC Game World. “We also want to take a moment to express gratitude for all the support we have been receiving from our players and partners during the past months. Even basic words can do miracles when the situation is dire. Thank you so much for being with us during these uneasy times.”
The trailer, which continues to keep a lot of things under wraps–notably its mutant threats, which continue to be restricted to Fleshes and Bloodsuckers–still shows just how far things have come with S.T.A.L.K.E.R.’s unique anomalies, which are arguably more dangerous than the mammals prowling the nuclear landscape.
Elsewhere, gunplay looks tight and powerful, its voice cast promises depth, its locations look believable and varied, and it appears to run smoothly–in 4K, the lighting and anti-aliasing are superb, though only time will tell how the framerate pans out.
Continuing its support for Ukraine against Russia–which, most symbolically, saw GSC change the game’s Russian spelling of “Chernobyl” to the Ukrainian “Chornobyl”–GSC Game World continues to encourage people to support by donating to the official charity fund established by president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, United24.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl lands on PC and Xbox Series X/S in 2023, will still be available on Game Pass from day one, and pre-orders are now available on the GSC website, Steam, and GOG.
