GSC Game World has published a press release and three new screenshots of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky.
Basingstoke, England - 26th of June 2008 - S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl was one of the best-selling first-person shooters of 2007. In late August, the Ukrainian developers from GSC Game World and the publisher Deep Silver will invite gamers to join them on a new foray into the nuclear zone: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky is set one year before the events of part 1 – at a time when the Zone is changed forever by a massive eruption of anomalous energy.
War of factionsIn S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky, the player assumes the role of Scar, a mercenary s.t.a.l.k.e.r. In a unique mixture of first-person shooter and complex role-playing game, Scar fights for survival within the Zone and its hostile sectors. The new Zone territories are explored by s.t.a.l.k.e.r.s scattered in to groups – and these individual factions soon engage in relentless battle. As a mercenary, Scar quickly finds himself in the middle of a war of factions over territory, artifacts, and power. It is up to the player to discover which faction offers Scar the greatest chance of survival.
Clever adversaries, luscious graphicsJust like its predecessor, Clear Sky perfectly captures the sinister atmosphere within the death Zone. Special attention was given to realistic, independent thinking and actions of the NPCs. The artificial intelligence from the predecessor game was strongly improved, so that foes and allies now make their own situation-based decisions that impact the further course of the game. For instance, the outcome of battles is not predetermined. Only in the last few levels is the player guided towards the end of the story, which leads to the events described in Shadow of Chernobyl. Also DirectX 10 support enables spectacular graphics, including dynamic transitions between day and night with realistic light effects, as well as very detailed landscapes and lifelike animations. At the same time, the developers saw to it that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky also works with DirectX 8 and DirectX 9.
Key featuresUnique mix of action-laden first-person shooter and complex role-playing gameGigantic scope: many new levels are available, plus some completely overhauled levels from S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl and many side quests with motivating rewardsRealistic simulation of the extensive S.T.A.L.K.E.R. world: enemy factions fight each other, mutants hunt of their own accord.Intermediate movie-quality cutscenes complement the thrilling backstory leading up to the events of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of ChernobylNumerous new in game features, such as fast travel, extensive modification and repairs of armour and weaponsGreatly improved artificial intelligenceComplete DirectX 10 support for state-of-the-art graphic effects (God rays, soft particles, SSAO, dynamic volumetric smoke, dynamically wetting surface (rain effect) etc.)Dynamic transitions between day and night with realistic weather effectsDetailed graphics, including an all-new animation engineHugely expanded multiplayer with many varied game modes and up to 32 players online or over LAN.Sounds good. Clear Sky is currently scheduled for late August, and I'm sure we'll get a lot more footage and images of the game when it's shown in E3 and Leipzig Games Convention.
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