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(Image credit: GSC Game World)
Jump to:The Big PreviewThe videoThe interviewPost-launchRetrospectiveEverything we know
Jump to:The Big PreviewThe videoThe interviewPost-launchRetrospectiveEverything we know
There, we got to spend several hours going hands-on and talking with the developers at GSC Game World about the long-awaited revival, bringing Stalker to a modern audience, and how they’ve tackled Stalker 2’s massively expanded open world. Playing the game is a great place to start as we dive into everything you need to know about it, but it’s also provided an excellent jumping off point for considering the nature of its brutal-yet-rewarding mechanical loop, especially with how it has evolved alongside its similarly post-apocalyptic contemporaries. We’ve also taken a look back at classic Stalker as well – refamiliarizing ourselves with the roots of this iconic series has allowed us to better appreciate how much it has grown.
The Big Preview
(Image credit: GSC Game World)
Cover Story
Cover Story
Cover Story
The video
VideoBut don’t just take our words for it! Allow us to show you what impressed us about Stalker 2 as well. Building off our time spent going hands-on with Stalker 2, we’ve put together a video version that really allows us to demonstrate why we’ve been so eager to talk about all the mishaps we got into across The Zone. The ruined landscape is at once grim and oddly beautiful, making it all the easier to become immersed as you struggle to survive against all hope while also marveling at the dangerous creatures and strange anomalies that lie in wait. Even if, like the protagonist,we might sometimes have no idea what’s going on.
VideoBut don’t just take our words for it! Allow us to show you what impressed us about Stalker 2 as well. Building off our time spent going hands-on with Stalker 2, we’ve put together a video version that really allows us to demonstrate why we’ve been so eager to talk about all the mishaps we got into across The Zone. The ruined landscape is at once grim and oddly beautiful, making it all the easier to become immersed as you struggle to survive against all hope while also marveling at the dangerous creatures and strange anomalies that lie in wait. Even if, like the protagonist,we might sometimes have no idea what’s going on.
VideoBut don’t just take our words for it! Allow us to show you what impressed us about Stalker 2 as well. Building off our time spent going hands-on with Stalker 2, we’ve put together a video version that really allows us to demonstrate why we’ve been so eager to talk about all the mishaps we got into across The Zone. The ruined landscape is at once grim and oddly beautiful, making it all the easier to become immersed as you struggle to survive against all hope while also marveling at the dangerous creatures and strange anomalies that lie in wait. Even if, like the protagonist,we might sometimes have no idea what’s going on.
VideoBut don’t just take our words for it! Allow us to show you what impressed us about Stalker 2 as well. Building off our time spent going hands-on with Stalker 2, we’ve put together a video version that really allows us to demonstrate why we’ve been so eager to talk about all the mishaps we got into across The Zone. The ruined landscape is at once grim and oddly beautiful, making it all the easier to become immersed as you struggle to survive against all hope while also marveling at the dangerous creatures and strange anomalies that lie in wait. Even if, like the protagonist,we might sometimes have no idea what’s going on.
VideoBut don’t just take our words for it! Allow us to show you what impressed us about Stalker 2 as well. Building off our time spent going hands-on with Stalker 2, we’ve put together a video version that really allows us to demonstrate why we’ve been so eager to talk about all the mishaps we got into across The Zone. The ruined landscape is at once grim and oddly beautiful, making it all the easier to become immersed as you struggle to survive against all hope while also marveling at the dangerous creatures and strange anomalies that lie in wait. Even if, like the protagonist,we might sometimes have no idea what’s going on.
Video
Video
Video
But don’t just take our words for it! Allow us to show you what impressed us about Stalker 2 as well. Building off our time spent going hands-on with Stalker 2, we’ve put together a video version that really allows us to demonstrate why we’ve been so eager to talk about all the mishaps we got into across The Zone. The ruined landscape is at once grim and oddly beautiful, making it all the easier to become immersed as you struggle to survive against all hope while also marveling at the dangerous creatures and strange anomalies that lie in wait. Even if, like the protagonist,we might sometimes have no idea what’s going on.
The interview
(Image credit: GSC Game World)
Interview
Interview
Interview
InterviewStalker 2 has some of the best FPS action I’ve played in 2024, thanks to its “old-school” formula that treats players as “highly expendable”: GSC Game World’s Zakhar Bocharov joins us again to dissect Stalker 2’s approach to combat, which draws upon the original trilogy to adapt its tough-as-nails difficulty for modern fans. Here, we examine what a fight with bandits says about the game’s innate challenge, and why we’re so excited to keep dying in The Zone.
InterviewStalker 2 has some of the best FPS action I’ve played in 2024, thanks to its “old-school” formula that treats players as “highly expendable”: GSC Game World’s Zakhar Bocharov joins us again to dissect Stalker 2’s approach to combat, which draws upon the original trilogy to adapt its tough-as-nails difficulty for modern fans. Here, we examine what a fight with bandits says about the game’s innate challenge, and why we’re so excited to keep dying in The Zone.
InterviewStalker 2 has some of the best FPS action I’ve played in 2024, thanks to its “old-school” formula that treats players as “highly expendable”: GSC Game World’s Zakhar Bocharov joins us again to dissect Stalker 2’s approach to combat, which draws upon the original trilogy to adapt its tough-as-nails difficulty for modern fans. Here, we examine what a fight with bandits says about the game’s innate challenge, and why we’re so excited to keep dying in The Zone.
InterviewStalker 2 has some of the best FPS action I’ve played in 2024, thanks to its “old-school” formula that treats players as “highly expendable”: GSC Game World’s Zakhar Bocharov joins us again to dissect Stalker 2’s approach to combat, which draws upon the original trilogy to adapt its tough-as-nails difficulty for modern fans. Here, we examine what a fight with bandits says about the game’s innate challenge, and why we’re so excited to keep dying in The Zone.
InterviewStalker 2 has some of the best FPS action I’ve played in 2024, thanks to its “old-school” formula that treats players as “highly expendable”: GSC Game World’s Zakhar Bocharov joins us again to dissect Stalker 2’s approach to combat, which draws upon the original trilogy to adapt its tough-as-nails difficulty for modern fans. Here, we examine what a fight with bandits says about the game’s innate challenge, and why we’re so excited to keep dying in The Zone.
Interview
Interview
Interview
Stalker 2 has some of the best FPS action I’ve played in 2024, thanks to its “old-school” formula that treats players as “highly expendable”: GSC Game World’s Zakhar Bocharov joins us again to dissect Stalker 2’s approach to combat, which draws upon the original trilogy to adapt its tough-as-nails difficulty for modern fans. Here, we examine what a fight with bandits says about the game’s innate challenge, and why we’re so excited to keep dying in The Zone.
Post-launch
(Image credit: GSC Game World)
Dev Access
Dev Access
Dev Access
Retrospective
(Image credit: GSC Game World)
History
History
History
Everything we know
(Image credit: GSC Game World)
Explainer
Explainer
Explainer
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5
Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1
Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”