It’s been several months since we last heard any news about S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl. To be precise, the last update came in December 2022 when Microsoft shared a gameplay video. The developers at GSC Game World have had to face some tough challenges due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which unfortunately led them to push back the release date yet again. Now, we’re looking forward to S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 launching early in 2024, although an exact date hasn’t been announced just yet. This news came during gamescom, where the game was playable on the convention floor in Germany. There, the Polish studio released a new gameplay video that caught many players off guard with its significant downgrade in quality.The initial trailers showcased some impressive technological advancements, but this latest reveal features much more conventional or even mundane graphics. For instance, the scene of a mutant dog leaping at the player’s throat wasn’t as captivating as expected. The animal models lack finesse, textures are blurry and smeary, and the lighting effects aren’t nearly as dynamic as before.
How can we account for this noticeable dip in visual quality? Some folks attribute it to the challenging circumstances faced by the development team, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and decreased morale. Others see it as a revealing glimpse into the real look of the game after years of teaser trailers that hinted at something far more polished. Where do you stand on this debate?
