S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Clear Sky Preview

The original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. was one of those PC titles that had gamers excited, but unfortunately succumbed to years of delays before it finally launched last year. Fortunately, the extra years in development were kind, as the game delivered on expectations with compelling action-RPG gameplay and a great environment to explore. Considering how long it took the original game to come out, it’s somewhat surprising that developer GSC Game World will have the follow-up ready to launch so soon and sure enough, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky will be out this September.

As in the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R., Clear Sky is a first-person shooter with RPG elements. The prequel takes place before the events in the first game, and will explain some of the loose ends left after the first game. Clear Sky doesn’t deviate too far from the original game, as the gameplay is mostly the same as its predecessor save for some big added features. While the new features are cool and add some great new elements, gamers who weren’t big fans of the original game will likely not enjoy the prequel, as this feels more like a story expansion than a full-on entry to the series. However, if you were a fan and would like to know more about the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. universe, then Clear Sky may be what you are looking for.

In Clear Sky, you play as a mercenary named Scar, who gets knocked out by an emission blast from within the Zone. These blasts have become quite frequent throughout the Zone, so you must explore where the problem lies and what is disrupting the balance.

One of the biggest additions to Clear Sky is the improvements made to the original game’s faction system. There are several new factions within the game (including the titular “Clear Sky” faction) that you can become involved with, as you’ll have a dynamic relationship with each one depending on your actions in the game. The AI has been updated quite a bit, meaning that the other faction members will react to you realistically.

Clear Sky uses an updated version of the X-ray Engine that powered its predecessor, featuring some improved lighting effects and DX 10 features. The environment looks a bit less barren than the original game, which makes sense as the game is a prequel and takes place before a lot of the damage that shaped the Zone. There are brighter environments and more colors throughout, and the game looks noticeably improved over the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

Clear Sky isn’t a revolution over its predecessor, but should add enough gameplay features and storyline elements to keep fans of the original game intrigued. Look for it to release on September 5.