Whether or not or not you preferred the route GSC Sport World took Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, you’d need to admit that releasing a game as ambitious as it was under the conditions the studio went through was nothing in need of a miracle.
You possibly can, in fact, admire that, and nonetheless desire the outdated Stalker video games. Sadly, due to their age, enjoying these video games on fashionable PCs requires loads of modding and tweaking. Though that is pretty commonplace for traditional PC video games, it is however a hurdle.
That, nevertheless, creates a chance for a correct re-release. Which, chances are you’ll recall, truly got here out final yr – simply not on PC.
We’re speaking concerning the Stalker: Legends of the Zone Trilogy, which was announced and released in March last year as a part of an Xbox Companion Preview presentation. The trilogy was primarily designed to make the video games work on consoles, but it surely nonetheless felt strange for PC players to be left behind.
That model had very a lot been designed for last-gen consoles – Xbox One and PS4 – even for those who might play it on Xbox Collection X/S and PS5 because of backwards compatibility. On the time, GSC stated it’s going to launch a patch later within the yr to permit the video games to take higher benefit of contemporary console {hardware}, however that by no means materialised.
Which brings us to in the present day’s announcement of Stalker: Legends of the Zone Trilogy Enhanced Version, a re-release of a re-release. This one, fortunately, gained’t be skipping PC when it arrives on Could 20. That is additionally when it’s going to be accessible throughout PS5 and Xbox Collection X/S.
The excellent news is that homeowners of final yr’s, non-enhanced launch will obtain the upgrades without cost. Those that bought video games individually from the identical bundle will get an enhanced model of whichever sport they personal. Issues are even higher on PC, the place homeowners of the unique, basic video games will obtain the improved editions of all of the video games they personal solely free. You’ll even get the basic video games without cost for those who purchase the Enhanced Version.
All of the upgrades from final yr’s re-release stay, however PS5 and Xbox Collection X/S homeowners may have a wider number of graphics and efficiency modes to select from, together with a 2K/120fps mode. Keyboard and mouse assist can also be an choice on the identical consoles. As for PC, the largest improve is Steam Deck assist for the complete trilogy, in addition to Steam Workshop integration. All three video games now have full controller assist, too.
Stalker: Legends of the Zone Trilogy Enhanced Version is priced $40 (or $20 for every title), and contains three video games: Shadow of Chornobyl (2007), Clear Sky (2008), and Name of Prypiat (2009).