Survivalist games are few and far between, with one of the more recent being S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Shadow of Chernobyl.
This latest game, S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Clear Sky, is a prequel and it is set in the near future, where you take on the role of a mercenary (or Stalker) to uncover the mysteries of Chernobyl.
The disaster at Chernobyl has left its mark on the surrounding countryside. Differing bands, or factions, seek to control their piece of this twisted landscape in the hope of unlocking its secrets. The strange energy pulses that spread out from its centre, and the areas of anomalies where the very fabric of matter is twisted, have left equally twisted beasts and humans. In the story, after escorting some scientists, you are hit by one of these pulses but miraculously you survive. Rescued by one of the factions, you embark on a journey to discover what is at the centre of this mystery, and more importantly to find out what the pulse has done to you."
Review - S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky should be seen as an expansion rather than a full prequel, but it is one that fans will enjoy nonetheless.
The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games have greatly influenced the Eastern European games that came later. In this, the second of a two-part miniseries exploring these influences, we investigate the gameplay mechanics that make "Stalkerlikes" what they are.
DSOGaming writes: "RemasterStudio has released the first beta version of a graphics overhaul mod for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky. STALKER Clear Sky Remaster ports the game to the latest version of the X-Ray Engine, and introduces a lot of modern-day graphical features."
