Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl has been the talk of the gaming community since its launch on September 5th. For long-time fans of the series, the sequel delivers everything they loved about the original game released in 2007. It has brought back the intense atmosphere, the gripping gameplay and the immersive soundtrack that had defined the franchise. However, it seems that the game has also brought with it the good old “jank” from its predecessors.
Return of the Bugs
While we would love to overlook the bugs and dive right back into artefact hunting and completing missions for our favourite factions, some issues are too disruptive to ignore, even for veterans of the game. These bugs have been reported as blocking game progression, causing numerous crashes and creating frustrating soft locks. Players also encountered problems like being unable to close the trade screen, encountering problematic NPC behaviour and dealing with erratic spawn patterns.
A New Hope: Bug Fixes
Fortunately for all of us, GSC Game World has been on its toes ever since the game was released and has announced a future patch that aims to improve the gameplay and fix major bugs and issues. Some key fixes are the previously mentioned crashes, cutscenes, visual fixes, UI improvements and especially a fix for the A-Life system, a crucial element that gave the previous titles so much love.
Greatness Awaits
In its current state, Stalker 2 is still an enjoyable game, however, the various technical issues keep it away from reaching greatness. GSC Gameworlds is fortunate enough to have players who are patient enough to wait for the developers to make the game as perfect as it can be. In their announcement for the future patch, the developers have stated
We want to reassure you once more that we will make every effort to constantly improve your S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl experience.
The gaming community’s patience with the developers is well deserved as they have poured their hearts out into the game. It is evident in their attention to the immersive world they have built and the minute details of the game. Indeed it is a remarkable feat to have achieved, as it was done so amid a war, delivering a product that defies the profit-driven trends of some game companies today. Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl might not win any GOTY awards this year but one thing is for sure, it has truly satiated the thirst of old stalker veterans and opened an enthralling world to a fresh player base.
