S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart Of Chornobyl | Early Thoughts

Summary

Co Carnage shares his early impressions of 'Stalker 2,' a game he's eagerly anticipated as a long-time fan of the franchise. Despite the game's optimization issues, bugs, and some game-breaking AI and save bugs, he expresses immense enjoyment. The immersive world, engaging gunplay, and modernized systems all shine through, particularly for hardcore 'Stalker' fans. He stresses that while the game needs more polish, the core experience is deeply satisfying, making it a must-play for enthusiasts, though others may want to wait for future updates.

Takeaways

• 😀 Co Carnage, a long-time fan of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, shares his early thoughts on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, a game he is deeply invested in.
• 🎮 S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is considered one of the best gaming experiences Co Carnage has had, even though it has some technical issues.
• 🐞 While the game is plagued with bugs and optimization issues, Co Carnage finds it still enjoyable, especially given his system's performance.
• 💻 Co Carnage's powerful system helped mitigate many of the issues others face, such as performance problems and bugs.
• 🔥 The game nails core elements like the atmosphere, immersive world-building, and gunplay, making it a thrilling experience despite the technical problems.
• 🔊 The English voice acting is good, but the Ukrainian version is considered even better, which may appeal to fans who want a more authentic experience.
• ⏳ Co Carnage mentions that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is not yet fully polished and could benefit from more development time to iron out the bugs.
• ⚙️ Optimization issues are particularly noticeable on lower and mid-range systems, with users experiencing performance problems.
• 👾 Some players report significant bugs, such as broken AI systems that cause enemies to spawn unnaturally, ruining immersion.
• 💾 There are game-breaking bugs that can cause crashes, and in some cases, players lose all their saves, which is a major concern.
• ❤️ Despite the issues, Co Carnage emphasizes that the foundation of the game is solid, and it's still an amazing experience for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. fans.

Q & A

What is Co Carnage's overall impression of *Stalker 2*?

Co Carnage is largely positive about *Stalker 2*, calling it the best *Stalker* experience he could have asked for. Despite its bugs and optimization issues, he enjoys the game immensely, especially as a long-time fan of the franchise.

Why does Co Carnage describe *Stalker 2* as 'janky'?

Co Carnage refers to *Stalker 2* as 'janky' because, like previous *Stalker* games, it has optimization issues and bugs. He wasn't expecting a polished experience but still finds the core of the game enjoyable.

What are the major positive elements that Co Carnage highlights about *Stalker 2*?

Co Carnage praises the game for its immersive environment, engaging gunplay, new mechanics like the Q system, and the modernized systems that bring *Stalker* into the current gaming landscape. He also notes the strong voice acting, particularly in Ukrainian.

What are the main technical issues Co Carnage mentions about *Stalker 2*?

The major issues Co Carnage highlights include serious optimization problems, particularly on lower and mid-range systems, as well as a range of bugs that detract from immersion. He also points to major AI issues and game-breaking bugs like lost saves and broken AI spawn mechanics.

How does Co Carnage feel about the AI in *Stalker 2*?

Co Carnage is concerned about the broken AI system in *Stalker 2*. He describes a problematic mechanic where enemies spawn unnaturally around the player, similar to the initial issues seen with the *Cyberpunk 2077* police system. This negatively affects the immersion.

Does Co Carnage recommend purchasing *Stalker 2* immediately?

Co Carnage advises potential buyers to wait before purchasing *Stalker 2* if they are sensitive to bugs and optimization issues. While he is enjoying the game, he acknowledges that it is not fully polished and might benefit from further development and patches.

What kind of bugs did Co Carnage encounter while playing *Stalker 2*?

Co Carnage mentions encountering five or six minor bugs during his playthrough, but he notes that others have experienced more severe issues that have affected immersion, such as crashes and the loss of game saves.

What advice does Co Carnage give to players who might be facing performance issues in *Stalker 2*?

Co Carnage suggests ensuring that your drivers are updated, as this was a major factor in improving performance on his system. He also recommends that players with lower or mid-range systems be aware that the game may not run smoothly.

How does Co Carnage compare *Stalker 2* to the earlier *Stalker* games in terms of its foundation and gameplay?

Co Carnage believes *Stalker 2* retains the soul of the *Stalker* franchise, delivering many of the core elements that fans love, such as the immersive world and survival mechanics. While it faces technical issues, the foundation is solid and remains true to the series.

What does Co Carnage think about the voice acting in *Stalker 2*?

Co Carnage finds the English voice acting in *Stalker 2* to be good but mentions that the Ukrainian voice acting is even better, which suggests a strong localization effort for the game.