S.T.A.L.K.E.R. | |
---|---|
Genre(s) | First-person shooter Survival horror |
Developer(s) | GSC Game World |
Publisher(s) | |
Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
First release | Shadow of Chernobyl 20 March 2007 |
Latest release | Call of Pripyat 2 October 2009 |
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. (Scavengers, Trespassers, Adventurers, Loners, Killers, Explorers and Robbers) is a series of first-person shootersurvival horror video games developed by Ukrainian video game developer GSC Game World for Microsoft Windows. The games are set in the area surrounding the Chernobyl disaster site, colloquially known as the Zone, in an alternative reality where a second explosion occurs at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant some time after the first and causes strange changes in the area around it.
- 2Plot
Setting[edit]
Stalker Shadow Of Chernobyl Artifacts
2007 | S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl |
2008 | S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky |
2009 | S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat |
2010 | |
2011 | |
2012 | |
2013 | |
2014 | |
2015 | |
2016 | |
2017 | |
2018 | |
2019 | |
2020 | |
2021 | S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 |
Attendees of fan festival Stalker-Fest 2009
Based loosely on the novel Roadside Picnic by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky and its film adaptation Stalker by Andrei Tarkovsky,[1] the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games take place within the Zone, an alternate history version of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. In the world of the games, experimental labs were made in the Exclusion Zone which allowed scientists to experiment with psychic abilities which arose following the disaster. Their experimentation resulted in a second disaster, causing physical and meteorological phenomena to manifest throughout the Zone, as well as the mutation of fauna and some humans.[2] The Zone is littered with such anomalies: hazardous entities which seemingly defy physics, having various effects on any object entering them.[3]
Anomalies also often produce items known as artifacts, objects with special physical properties such as anti-gravity, or absorbing radiation.[4] People known as stalkers enter the Zone in hopes of finding such items for personal financial gain. While a great number of stalkers work alone, various factions populate the Zone, each with their own philosophies and goals. For example, the Duty faction believe that the Zone is the greatest threat to humanity on the planet and are intent on destroying it by any means possible; by contrast, the Freedom faction believe the Zone should be accessible to all.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine maintain a cordon around the Zone, attempting to prevent any unauthorised personnel from entering. Additionally, Ukrainian Spetsnaz units conduct special operations within the Zone such as surgical strikes on stalkers or to secure specific targets. Other hostile entities within the Zone include humans and other creatures mutated following the two disasters, many of them possessing aggressive psionic abilities.
The protagonists of each game have their own goals separate to those of the various factions, however they are presented opportunities to aid in the plans of others. Generally, the ultimate objective of each game involves reaching the centre of the Zone, a task complicated by the various threats and hazards present therein.
Plot[edit]
Shadow of Chernobyl (2007)[edit]
In the first game of the series, the player takes on the role of an amnesiac stalker referred to as the 'Marked One', who is tasked with killing another stalker named Strelok. During the course of the game, the protagonist uncovers clues to his past and true identity while helping other stalkers and fighting the mutated creatures that inhabit the Zone. Shadow of Chernobyl features multiple endings, all of which are dependent on multiple controllable factors, such as money earned during the game, or how much of the protagonist's memory was pieced together.
Clear Sky (2008)[edit]
Clear Sky, the second game released of the series, is a prequel to Shadow of Chernobyl. The player assumes the role of Scar, a veteran mercenary. The lone survivor following a huge energy emission he was caught in while guiding a group of scientists through the Zone, he is rescued by and works with Clear Sky, a faction dedicated to researching and understanding the nature of the Zone.[5] Throughout the game, the player can choose to have Scar side with or against certain factions in the area to help achieve Clear Sky's goal.
Call of Pripyat (2009)[edit]
The third game in the series, Call of Pripyat takes place shortly after the events of Shadow of Chernobyl. Having discovered the open path to the center of the Zone, the government decides to take control of it via 'Operation Fairway', in which they plan to thoroughly investigate the territory before dispatching the main military force. Despite these preparations, the military operation fails, with all helicopters crashing. In order to determine the cause of the crashes, the Security Service of Ukraine sends former stalker Major Degtyarev into the Zone.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2[edit]
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 was announced in August 2010, with a release date scheduled for 2012.[6] Sergiy Grygorovych, CEO of GSC Game World, specified that the video game featured a completely new multi-platform engine, written by GSC itself.[7] On 23 December 2011, GSC Game World announced they would be continuing development of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, despite an earlier announcement pointing to its cancellation.[8] However, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 was cancelled yet again by GSC Game World through a Twitter post on 25 April 2012.[9]
Development of a new S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 was announced on 15 May 2018 with a post on the Cossacks 3 Facebook page.[10] The post links to a site[11] that displays the text 'S.T.A.L.K.E.R.2 2.0.2.1', implying a planned release year of 2021 powered by the Unreal Engine 4.[12] In May 2018, Sergey Galyonkin, the creator of Steam Spy, tweeted that GSC Game World would create a S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, using Unreal Engine 4.[13] Shortly the GSC website mentioned that the company was working on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, and a teaser website appeared mentioning the release date of 2021.[14] It was suggested that the game was still in the design phase, and was announced just before E3 2018 so it could find a publisher.[15]
Related games[edit]
Metro, another series of Ukrainian first-person shooter games based on Russian post-apocalyptic science fiction literature, was created by some ex-members of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. development team who have left to form 4A Games in 2006 before the release of Shadows of Chernobyl.
The former S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 team opened a new studio, Vostok Games, in 2012. In 2015, they released a free-to-play massively multiplayer online first-person shooter game titled Survarium in the spirit of the franchise, using ideas they created for the cancelled sequel.[16] Their new project is a battle royale game set in Chernobyl, titled Fear the Wolves.
In 2014, West-Games, which claimed to be composed of former S.T.A.L.K.E.R. core developers (according to both GSC Game World[17] and Vostok Games,[18] falsely) launched a Kickstarter campaign for a spiritual successor to S.T.A.L.K.E.R. called first Areal[19] and then STALKER Apocalypse. While it managed to reach its goal of $50,000, multiple concerns were raised throughout the campaign about the project being a possible scam, and Kickstarter eventually suspended the campaign two days before its deadline, for undisclosed reasons.[20][21]
Reception[edit]
Stalker Clear Sky Artifacts
The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series has received favorable reviews from gaming websites. By August 2010, the franchise had sold over 4 million copies.[22]
References[edit]
- ^'In the Zone of Alienation: Tarkovsky as Video Game'. 1 May 2012. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
- ^'S.t.a.l.k.e.r. Zone World'. GSC Game World. Archived from the original on 26 October 2007. Retrieved 24 July 2008.
- ^'S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl Review - IGN'. 19 March 2007. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
- ^'Retrospective: S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl'. 13 September 2009. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
- ^More details for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky
- ^'S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 studio facing uncertain future'. GameSpot. 12 December 2011. Retrieved 14 December 2011.
- ^'S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 official announcement'.
- ^'STALKER 2 Still In Development; GSC Working To Get The Game Released'. Cinemablend.com. 23 December 2011. Retrieved 22 May 2012.
- ^S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 canceled - GameSpot.com
- ^'Facebook'. www.facebook.com. Retrieved 17 May 2018.
- ^'S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2'. www.stalker2.com. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
- ^'N4G'. www.n4g.com. Retrieved 13 May 2019.
- ^'STALKER 2 announced, scheduled for 2021 release'. Polygon. 15 May 2018. Retrieved 16 May 2008.
- ^'S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is coming in 2021, apparently'. Destructoid. 15 May 2018. Retrieved 16 May 2008.
- ^'STALKER 2 was only announced so the devs could find a publisher'. PCGamesN. 29 May 2018. Retrieved 17 June 2008.
the game is currently in the design doc phase, and developers GSC GameWorld are hoping to secure a publisher at E3.(..)Galyonkin, however, suggests that that date could be wishful thinking, as the game doesn’t actually have a publisher at this point.
- ^'STALKER 2 Gets Cancelled, Developers Open New Studio'. Cinemablend.com. 25 April 2012. Retrieved 22 May 2012.
- ^Hall, Charlie (22 December 2014). 'The original developer of STALKER re-opens, has a good laugh, announces new game'. Polygon. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
- ^Purchese, Robert (25 June 2014). ''Definitive spiritual successor' to S.T.A.L.K.E.R. hits Kickstarter'. Eurogamer. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
- ^Tach, Dave (24 June 2014). 'STALKER devs working on survival horror spiritual successor Areal'. Polygon. Vox Media. Retrieved 20 July 2014.
- ^Andy Chalk (19 December 2014). 'Crowd funding firm denies links with STALKER Apocalypse studio'. PC Gamer. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
- ^Kain, Erik. 'Kickstarter 'Areal' Scam Is Back With 'STALKER Apocalypse' On Shady New Crowdfunding Site'. Forbes. Retrieved 17 May 2019.
- ^http://gsc-game.com/index.php?t=news
External links[edit]
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You will be finding new artifacts very often during your time spent in the Zone. They're not everywhere, however you will come across these objects in most of the available districts. You shouldn't have any major problems finding the artifacts. Most of them can be found on the ground. Additionally, you should be able to spot them from larger distances, especially during the night. Sadly, some of the rare artifacts are usually well hidden. I've displayed some of these locations in my walkthrough. You will have to be on a look out for secret passages, stashes, crates, lockers and other closed objects. It's also going to be difficult to reach some of the artifacts, especially when they can be found on rooftops or inside rooms accessible only from the roof area. You should also check bodies of fallen enemies. Some of them were carrying precious artifacts, especially well equipped soldiers. Sadly, you won't be allowed to carry too many artifacts with you, because each of these objects has a certain weight. It's not much, however it's going to be a large number if you have 20-30 artifacts in your inventory. I wouldn't recommend just throwing them away. Instead, try carrying all artifacts to the nearest trading point, mostly because you're going to earn A LOT of money by selling them to the trader. You won't have to sell all artifacts, because you will have an opportunity to use up to five different objects. Sadly, some of the more common artifacts have side effects and you will have to remember about that while trying to attach them to your belt. I wouldn't recommend choosing artifacts which will expose you to small doses of radiation. The same goes with the endurance bar. You will need as much Endurance points as possible. Thankfully, some of the better artifacts will grant you with these points. I'd strongly recommend having at least one of these Artifacts on your belt. As for the rest of the slots, having artifacts which will extend your life meter is also very important. I will display you some of the most common artifacts. You shouldn't have any major problems finding these objects. Read my description before you decide to put them on your belt.
Stalker List Of Artifacts Pictures
MOST COMMON ARTIFACTS
Jellyfish (1000 RU) You will find A LOT of these objects. Sell them, because they won't be useful to you. | Bulletproof Cap +2% | Radiation +5 |
Stone Blood (1000 RU) This is one of the best artifacts of the early stages of the game. I would recommend that you have at least 2-3 of them on your belt. | Health +200% | Impact -10% Rupture -10% Bulletproof Cap -10% |
Wrenched (1000 RU) This is also a totally useless artifact. As a result, consider selling it to the trader. | Rupture +2% | Radiation +5 |
Droplets (1000 RU) This object is not recommended, especially since it will lower your Endurance bar. It's best to look for something else. | Radiation -10 | Endurance -18 |
Sparkler (1000 RU) Chopstix schoolboy q soundcloud. Excellent artifact. You should be using at least one of these objects (this one or Flash). Don't worry about the side effects. | Endurance +36 | Electric shock -10% |
Flash (2500 RU) This is an upgraded version of the Sparkler artifact. Make sure that you're using at least one such an object. | Endurance +73 | Electric shock -10% |
Gravi (2500 RU) It's an upgraded Wrenched artifact. I wouldn't recommend using it. Instead, keep it in your inventory to sell it to the trader. | Rupture +3% | Radiation +5 |
Meat chunk (2500 RU) This is definitely the most useful artifact of the entire game. Your life meter is going to be hugely extended. Start using at least 3 Meat chunks! | Health +400% | Impact -10% Rupture -10% Bulletproof Cap -10% |
Fireball (2500 RU) This artifact may prove to be quite useful, especially while going through radioactive zones. Sadly, it will lower your Endurance bar. | Radiation -20 | Endurance -18 |
Stone flower (2500 RU) This artifact is going to be completely useless to you. I wouldn't recommend using it. Instead, consider selling it as soon as possible. | Bulletproof Cap +3% | Radiation +5 |
Crystal Thorn (2500 RU) Crystal Thorn is a weaker version of the Urchin artifact. You could use it to increase your radiation resistance. | Radiation -20 | Bleeding +100% |
Urchin (5000 RU) Like I've mentioned before, you could use this artifact, however it's not necessary, especially if you're using a decent armor. | Radiation -30 | Bleeding +100% |
Mama's Beads (5000 RU) To be honest, I didn't find this artifact to be helpful. If you're carrying a good armor, you can forget about putting it on your belt. | Bulletproof Cap +5% | - |
Goldfish (5000 RU) Useless artifact, however you must remember about its high value. Keep it in your inventory, so you may be able to sell it later during the game. | Rupture +5% | Radiation +5 |
Night star (5000 RU) This is a very similar artifact to Mama's Beads. Sadly, you will have to remember about some nasty side effects. For sale! ;-) | Bulletproof Cap +5% | Radiation +5 |
Spring (5000 RU) You could consider using this artifact, however only if you don't have anything better in your inventory. | Impact +30% | - |