Regardless of releasing only a yr after its predecessor, S.T.A.L.Ok.E.R.: Clear Sky makes vital adjustments to the method of GSC Sport World’s venerable collection. There are tweaked visuals, improved taking pictures, and a few added programs crammed into this prequel. Because of this, it feels markedly totally different to Shadow of Chornobyl, however not at all times in a great way. The shift in focus to faction battle de-emphasises the persistent ambiance of dread that permeated the primary recreation.
You fill the irradiated boots of Scar, a Stalker with a mysterious situation that enables him to outlive the Zone’s emissions. Rescued from such an occasion by analysis group Clear Sky, he’s tasked with monitoring down a gaggle of Stalkers as a method of compensation. These rogue mercenaries have designs on reaching the secrets and techniques on the centre of the Zone… and one among their quantity is our previous pal Strelok.
This being a prequel, it takes place earlier than [REDACTED], so the established order within the Zone is basically unchanged from the final recreation.
Clear Sky presents a considerably bland first impression with its opening part. A slog via The Nice Swamps, taking out faction outposts and studying the ropes of the brand new territory system, which can make up the majority of Scar’s focus outdoors of the principle story. The swamp isn’t a very participating surroundings and the elevated emphasis on gunfights sullies the tense exploration of the primary recreation’s opening hours.
A number of factions are at odds with Scar and Clear Sky, some even blocking passage to main areas throughout the map. Lowering hostile numbers by taking out their outposts, will internet highly effective rewards that bolster your late-game setup.
Fortunately, you finally end up again within the Cordon, revisiting acquainted places and opening up the map to allow the identical freedom provided by Shadow of Chornobyl. The principle story is much less intriguing this time round. Many of the primary missions have you ever hopping between factions in quest of Strelok and his buddies. The overarching plot is strikingly much like the Marked One’s journey. Scar spends extra trip within the open than his amnesiac predecessor, which impacts the horror factor considerably. There are a number of underground excursions, although the primary main one doesn’t happen till many hours into the story. For many who favor to not be accosted by packs of mutants at the hours of darkness, this will likely be excellent news. Followers of mutated creatures lurking within the shadows will likely be left wanting.
Mechanically, Clear Sky is a shocking leap forward of Shadow of Chornobyl. Capturing, which was already strong, is tightened additional. Mercifully, armour will be upgraded and repaired and there at the moment are rather more gear set mixtures. That is additional complemented by an elevated emphasis on artefacts as a vital adjunct to your gear set. The important thing facet that elevates this prequel above its forebear is the additional concentrate on stock customisation.
The marginally uneven center little one of the trilogy nonetheless boasts wonderful efficiency, myriad management choices and a crisp soundscape that shines on Change.
