STALKER 2 nears...

STALKER 2 has a release date. September 5th, to be exact. (I don't
know exactly when this was first announced, but it's news to me) but
it's September 5th of this year. That's right around the corner!

I'm not /incredibly/ excited about the game, but I can't say I'm
entirely without interest either. I didn't adore the first STALKER
like did so many others; it was unpolished, its AI didn't live up to
the hype, the difficulty curve was incredibly uneven, and the overall
experience was spotty. Still, you could see the brilliance of the game
lying underneath, and even if I didn't really enjoy playing it, I
could admire STALKER for its ambitions. Not to mention its dour,
Slavic mood and setting. "Clear Sky" and "Call of Pripyat" were gave
this original formula a much needed polish; they still had a lot of
rough edges but were more streamlined, more fun experiences overall.

I can't deny that the politics surrounding STALKER 2 aren't
influencing me either. Developed by a Ukranian team, I'd probably buy
the game just to show my support of their struggle in the real world.
That they've actually managed to get the game (nearly) out the door at
all is a miracle (even if most of the actual development is taking
place in Czechia).

That said, from what little I've seen of STALKER 2, I can't say it's
left me very impressed. Sure, it looks prettier, but it also feels
blander. I'm not sure this is entirely the fault of the developers;
the original STALKER stood out because there were few games that did
what it did, were set where it was set. Nowadays, there are dozens of
FPS/survival games that ape the original's formula, and the sequel
lacks that feeling of novelty because of it. But overall, watching the
STALKER 2 trailers, I'm reminded a lot more of "Call of Duty" than its
predecessors.

I'll still get the game, though; I'll still play the sequel. Given the
real-life situation, I may even break my own rule and buy the game day
one.

Anyway, it's only a month (and a little bit) to go. After twelve
years, what's a few more weeks?