Stalker 2 “Both ratings and popularity skyrocket despite serious bugs”
- GSC Game World released 'Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl' on December 21.
- The release followed three delays due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- While players reported serious bugs and optimization issues, the game received a 'very positive' rating on Steam.
GSC Game World released ‘Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl’ on December 21. The game quickly gained popularity, reaching 110,000 concurrent users despite significant bugs.
Release Details
Stalker 2 is the fourth game in the Stalker series. The release followed three delays due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. After launching at 1 AM on the 21st, it became the sixth most played game on Steam.
User Reception
While players reported serious bugs and optimization issues, the game received a ‘very positive’ rating on Steam. Eighty percent of users gave positive reviews, praising the graphics and the game’s unique atmosphere derived from Eastern Bloc themes. The survival horror mechanics set it apart from other games. Players noted that the essential elements, like atmosphere and gameplay, were well-executed.
Media Reviews
Some media outlets have paused their reviews due to technical issues affecting game evaluation. Outlets like Eurogamer and IGN stated they would delay or rewrite their final reviews because of significant bugs. This delay is unusual, as most reviews encompass a game’s technical aspects.
Game Overview
Stalker 2 is an open-world first-person shooter. It tells the story of people exploring the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Players fight against humans and strange monsters while uncovering hidden truths. The game offers a non-linear story with various endings based on player choices. It covers an expansive area of 64 square kilometers.
Conclusion
Despite its issues, user reviews for Stalker 2 remain high. Players enjoy the atmosphere and gameplay, looking forward to improvements in bugs and optimization.