STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl Video Review

STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl reviewed by Michael Higham on PC. Also available on Xbox Series X/S.When it’s firing on all cylinders, STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a rare treat that scratches the itch left behind by those older PC games, where the onus was on you to figure out how to survive and thrive in an unforgiving place that doesn’t care if you live or die. It's refreshing, brutal, and a masterclass in creating a brooding atmosphere that I loved basking in, bringing new life to a place as tragic and desolate as The Zone. Once the main quest gained momentum, the choices I made and the work required to reach the end left me invested in a suspenseful story that builds on the ambitions of its predecessors. There are, however, foundational problems that are hard to ignore, like bizarre enemy behavior in combat and the many bugs and performance issues that persist after launch. But for those with the patience and determination required for a massive, intentionally inelegant shooter, those are inconveniences worth enduring; STALKER 2 is a gripping exploration of Chornobyl, and there’s just nothing like it.

STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl Video Review STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl reviewed by Michael Higham on PC. Also available on Xbox Series X/S.When it’s firing on all cylinders, STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a rare treat that scratches the itch left behind by those older PC games, where the onus was on you to figure out how to survive and thrive in an unforgiving place that doesn’t care if you live or die.

It's refreshing, brutal, and a masterclass in creating a brooding atmosphere that I loved basking in, bringing new life to a place as tragic and desolate as The Zone. Once the main quest gained momentum, the choices I made and the work required to reach the end left me invested in a suspenseful story that builds on the ambitions of its predecessors. There are, however, foundational problems that are hard to ignore, like bizarre enemy behavior in combat and the many bugs and performance issues that persist after launch.

But for those with the patience and determination required for a massive, intentionally inelegant shooter, those are inconveniences worth enduring; STALKER 2 is a gripping exploration of Chornobyl, and there’s just nothing like it..