STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl Review in Progress - A Return to the Zone

After a long and troubled development, STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is finally here. This review in progress explores the game's strengths and weaknesses, from its challenging gameplay and immersive atmosphere to its technical issues and balancing problems. A Long and Difficult Journey STALKER 2 's development has been plagued by delays, financial difficulties, and the impact of the war in Ukraine. Originally announced in 2010, the game faced multiple setbacks before finally launching in November 2024. Challenging Gameplay STALKER 2 is not your typical shooter. The protagonist, Skif, is a vulnerable stalker facing a hostile world filled with mutants, bandits, anomalies, and radiation. The game is notoriously difficult, with even the lowest difficulty setting presenting a significant challenge. The injury system, stamina-based inventory, and equipment durability mechanics add to the complexity, but arguably make the game overly punishing. The in-game economy also needs balancing, wi…