STALKER: Clear Sky

S.T.A.L.K.E.R’s loyal fanbase is set to visit the ruined wastes of Chernobyl once again. Christopher Dring  mutates into a giant ugly blob...

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl was one of the biggest PC first person shooters of 2007, and was a critical and commercial smash hit.

Set in an irradiated wasteland called The Zone, Shadow of Chernobyl was praised for its bleak setting and innovative nature. It received a Gamerankings average score of 83 per cent, garnered a loyal fanbase and won the Special Achievement award for Best Atmosphere in Gamespot’s Best and Worst of 2007.

And now, little over a year later, GSC Game World and Deep Silver are set to release the much-anticipated prequel, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky.

In Clear Sky, gamers take control of Scar, a mercenary S.T.A.L.K.E.R. (Scavenger, Trespasser, Adventurer, Loner, Killer, Explorer, Robber), who has found himself in the middle of a war between rival factions of S.T.A.L.K.E.Rs, who are on the hunt for territory, artefacts and power. Scar is invited to join any faction of his choice, and must help them battle for control.

Although Clear Sky follows very much in the post-apocalyptic footsteps of last year’s original, it does contain a host of extras that are certain to please returning fans. Along with graphical improvements, the title boasts non-scripted AI, a new PDA and in-game HUD, extensive weapons and armour upgrades, new artefact-hunting concepts and improved story presentation. The game also boasts a host of secondary quests, multiple paths and spectacular in-game scenes.

The upgraded AI is one of Clear Sky’s biggest achievements. In-game enemies and allies now make their own situation-based decisions, which will change the outcome of certain parts of the game. The majority of Clear Sky’s battles are unscripted, with victory depending on the performance of your comrades, something which separates S.T.A.L.K.E.R. from other leading titles in the genre.

Alongside a thrilling single player story, Clear Sky also features a full and robust multiplayer experience, which has been extended from the previous game. 32 players can do battle either online or over LAN, and there’s a host of different modes for gamers to enjoy.

However, Deep Silver isn’t merely relying on the game’s ability to entertain, and is backing the title with a variety of PR and marketing activities. Single-page adverts are set to go in to multi-format gaming magazines, along with PC-specific publications. Banners and skyscraper advertisements are set to feature on key gaming websites, whilst PR will focus on the huge S.T.A.L.K.E.R. community (with a special YouTube channel available, complete with interviews with the game’s designers).

Indeed, S.T.A.L.K.E.R’s massive hardcore fanbase puts the title at a distinct advantage even before it’s released. The unique world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. has attracted a loyal and active online following, a following that is itching to spend their hard-earned money on Clear Sky. And with early press previews proving overwhelmingly positive (see box, far left), S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky looks certain to please new and old fans alike.

Clear Sky is due out on September 5th, and is set to be a huge retail hit. The franchise’s die-hard fanbase will make sure of that alone, whilst the hype behind its release will ensure that new-fans are likely to join in too. PC gamers finally have a new FPS gaming series to get excited about.