Game: STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Release Date: November 20, 2024
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series S|X
Publisher/Developer: GSC Game World
| Technetbook Overall Rating | |
|---|---|
| Score | 4/5 |
| Stars | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ |
| Description | A great game held back by technical issues and balancing problems. |
Pros
- Excellent, unique atmosphere
- Outstanding visuals
- Solid gunplay
- Missions with complex choices
- Large open world
Cons
- Buggy and unbalanced
- Optimization issues and stuttering
- Mediocre facial animations
- Uninteresting side content
- Disappointing endings
STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl Review
After a long and troubled development, STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl has finally arrived. This review explores the game's challenging gameplay, immersive atmosphere, and lingering technical issues.
A Difficult Journey
STALKER 2 is not your typical shooter. It's a challenging experience where survival is paramount. The protagonist, Skif, is not a superhero, and players will face constant threats from mutants, bandits, anomalies, radiation, and even fall damage. The game's difficulty is further amplified by the injury and stamina-based inventory systems, which can feel overtuned and punishing.
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The Zone: A Haunting Beauty
The Zone itself is the highlight of STALKER 2. The vast, seamless open world is visually stunning and atmospheric, thanks to Unreal Engine 5. However, repetitive NPC appearances and occasional pop-in slightly detract from the immersion. Performance is generally acceptable, but some stutters can occur.
Bugs and Balance Issues
STALKER 2 suffers from a number of bugs, some of which can impede progress. While GSC Game World is actively working on fixes, players should be prepared for a less-than-polished experience. The in-game economy also needs balancing, as repair costs can be exorbitant, and earning coupons can be a grind.
Post-Ending Thoughts
With a playtime of over 40 hours, STALKER 2 offers a massive amount of content, but the vast, often empty, map and repetitive side quests can lead to tedium. The second half of the game offers more engaging content, including challenging boss fights and impactful choices. However, the multiple endings are somewhat underwhelming. Mods can alleviate some of the gameplay frustrations.
Verdict
STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a game with a clear vision, but its unbalanced gameplay and technical issues hold it back. While the immersive Zone and challenging survival elements are captivating, waiting for further patches and optimizations is recommended unless you're eager to brave the Zone immediately.
