After seventeen years of uncertainty, the highly anticipated game, *S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl*, is finally set to launch for PC and next-gen consoles. Alongside this, fans can also explore *S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone*, a compilation featuring the original game and its expansions. This release offers a nostalgic journey back to the franchise’s roots, showcasing its immersive environments and challenging gameplay, albeit with some dated visuals and control adaptations for the Nintendo Switch.
After an absence of seventeen long years, a flurry of speculation arose, predominantly suggesting that the franchise had completely vanished. However, the long-awaited S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is real and is set to launch in just a few days for PC and next-gen consoles. Its emergence can only be described as miraculous. Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the financial difficulties faced by GSC Gameworld over the last decade, this project seemed doomed to remain unfinished. Many fans had lost hope, believing that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 would never materialize, yet here we are, on the brink of experiencing this sequel.
While we await the sequel, another intriguing opportunity presents itself for fans of the fallout from the atomic age, the landscapes of Ukraine, and post-apocalyptic adventures reminiscent of Fallout, Rage, or the works of Kojima. Console players are getting their first chance to delve into the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. experience, which has been long overdue. This unexpected turn of events brings us S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone, a compilation that includes the original game along with two iconic expansions. But does this nostalgic experience hold up in today’s gaming landscape? And how does the port perform?
Note: We dedicated nearly twelve hours to the three titles (approximately six hours on the original and three hours on each expansion) using the Nintendo Switch version, primarily in TV mode. This review is completely spoiler-free.
Rediscovering a Classic
The year 2007 marked the launch of S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Shadow of Chernobyl, developed by GSC Gameworld and the now-defunct THQ, and it was a remarkable achievement for its time. This groundbreaking title offered players an immersive experience within a gritty, realistic environment, featuring expansive open areas that provided a sense of freedom previously unseen in gaming. It predated the releases of Far Cry 3 and Fallout 3, yet it captivated players with its stunning visuals and well-crafted universe. However, this immersive experience was not without its challenges.
The original installment is notorious for its punishing difficulty, a trait that has become synonymous with the franchise. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. masterfully blends survival elements with first-person shooting mechanics, echoing the vibes of Far Cry, albeit in a more desolate setting. While Shadow of Chernobyl left an indelible mark upon its release, it did so partly due to its capacity to frustrate players who lacked patience or skill, particularly due to its archaic save system.
While we acknowledge that this game is seventeen years old, it’s vital to approach it with an understanding of its limitations, especially if you’re considering diving into the expansions as well. Back in 2007, the game was brimming with innovative ideas and offered a surprisingly open-world experience. Side quests were well-integrated into the narrative, with factions reacting to player choices over time. This approach shares similarities with the offerings of Fable in 2004, albeit without the romance and karma systems.
With a focus on action, the first installment incorporates RPG elements, resulting in a gameplay experience that, while not as deep as Fallout, still possesses substantial content. A functioning economy allows players to trade and equip themselves with various finds. Players can scavenge through the Zone, collecting trinkets and equipment from the landscape littered with remnants of the past. The Zone draws inspiration from Prypiat and its surroundings, alongside the infamous Chernobyl nuclear reactor, a site known for its high levels of radioactivity. The developers crafted a unique fauna and an entire parallel society within this harrowing environment.
Despite encountering some recurring issues and a fair share of bugs, the three experiences remain memorable due to their significant impact upon release. Shadow of Chernobyl is visually impressive, and its challenging nature can become addictive. Clear Sky follows in the same vein, though it often gets overshadowed by its predecessor, alongside its own bug-related challenges. Conversely, S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Call of Prypiat stands out as the definitive experience, improving upon the original with refined gameplay and fewer bugs three years later.
Is This the Ultimate Compilation?
Today, we focus on the release of these three titles on home consoles, particularly the Nintendo Switch version. The Switch edition appears similar to its counterparts on Xbox and PlayStation, with potential differences in native resolution. However, it’s crucial to note that Legends of the Zone is not a remastered version; it’s a straightforward port of the PC versions with adapted controls. This revelation may not be the best news for some fans.
While all the original qualities of the three games remain intact, particularly their immersive qualities, it’s important to remember that the visuals, though somewhat dated, still have their charm. The soundtrack continues to resonate, adding to the atmosphere. However, the absence of English or Ukrainian voiceovers is felt, as the French voiceovers can occasionally fall short. Nonetheless, for a compilation of games that are quite old, the overall presentation is commendable. It also allows players to reconnect with familiar voice actors, including the late José Luccioni, who lent his voice to iconic characters.