The first reviews, critiques, and ratings for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl from various reputable gaming outlets have appeared online. Overall, journalists have positive things to say about the game, but they highlight some of its issues, particularly technical shortcomings.

The long-awaited sequel to S.T.A.L.K.E.R. — Heart of Chornobyl — has finally been released after years of delays and challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a cyberattack, and even a war in the developers' home country, Ukraine.

The initial reviews from gaming outlets reveal a deeply atmospheric survival experience, overshadowed by technical issues and inconsistent design. However, for fans of the series, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 brings back the harsh charm of the Zone.

Returning to the Zone: A Harsh and Beautiful World

At the heart of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 lies the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone — an eerie landscape filled with anomalies, mutants, and hostile factions. Critics unanimously praise the alarming atmosphere of the Zone.

The publication TheGamer highlights the "stunning art direction" that brings abandoned settlements, haunting anomalies, and a grim post-apocalyptic world to life. GameRant echoes this sentiment, calling the Zone the true protagonist of the game owing to its vast and seamless open world, which creates a constant tension and sense of danger.

A dynamic weather system, realistic sound effects, and the grim beauty immerse players in a relentless environment. However, critics also note the monotony of exploring the world, where repetitive encounters and limited rewards sometimes diminish the excitement of seeking discoveries.

Gameplay: Mixed Impressions

The survival mechanics, a key part of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, evoke mixed reactions. Players must manage resources, repair worn-out gear, and carefully plan long expeditions. This deliberate design choice is praised by GameSpot for authenticity, though others consider it overly complicated.

Combat also divides opinions among reviewers. While human AI offers challenging and dynamic firefights, publications like TheGamer and Polygon point out that mutants, such as the invisible bloodsuckers or chaotic dog packs, often feel unfair or tedious in battles. While the gunplay feels weighty and satisfying when it works, its potential is at times reduced by technical glitches and unstable enemy behavior.

The review from GameSpot praises the variety of weapons and the intensity of shootouts but critiques the inconsistent enemy AI. NPCs often behave erratically, either ignoring danger or having overly sharp vision and accuracy.

TheGamer notes that human enemies feel like "fragile sponges" who die instantly from a headshot but can withstand an entire magazine when shot in the torso.

Depth of Story and Choices

The narrative, which follows the protagonist Skif on his journey through faction conflicts and Zone mysteries, is praised for branching options and morally gray themes. GameRant notes that the absence of clear moral guidelines allows players to craft their own story. However, IGN and TheGamer mention that while the main storyline is intriguing, it sometimes suffers due to uneven pacing and structure.

Interaction with NPCs is one of the standout features. TheGamer describes the characters as well-crafted and diverse, adding life to the Zone even within its abandonment. GameSpot mentions exhilarating moments, such as narrowly escaping anomalies or ambushes, highlighting the unpredictability that makes the Zone so alluring. Exploration often rewards players with valuable artifacts or hidden caches, though some reviewers, like TheGamer, wish for more loot variety.

Technical Issues and Imperfections of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2

Although the game's ambitions are undeniable, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has significant technical issues that prevail in the feedback. Various shortcomings include floating items, quest-blocking glitches, and frequent interruptions in gameplay.

IGN mentions the loss of four hours of progress due to a bug in one of the missions. Optimal performance requires modern hardware, specifically SSDs and high-end graphics cards, as noted by GameSpot.

Even on high-end PCs, performance remains unstable, with FPS drops and graphical glitches persisting despite several patches. IGN emphasizes that these problems undermine immersion in the game, while GameSpot notes the exceptional resolve required to release the game under such circumstances.

Despite these shortcomings, reviewers acknowledge the incredible circumstances surrounding the game's development. GSC Game World faced war, relocation, cyberattacks, and even a studio fire, making the game's release truly miraculous. This context has led many reviewers to forgive some technical shortcomings, viewing the game as a triumph over adversity.

Final Ratings

• TheGamer: Visually stunning, but a "pretty average" survival shooter burdened with mediocre combat and repetitive exploration — 3/5
  
  
• GameRant: Atmospheric and challenging world with morally ambiguous gameplay, but technical issues hold it back — 9/10
  
  
• GameSpot: A testament to perseverance, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 offers a gripping and brutal experience, despite technical flaws — 8/10
  
  
• IGN: Ambitious but highly flawed sequel, where moments of greatness are overshadowed by persistent glitches — 8.2/10
  

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is not a game for everyone, but for those who embrace its challenges, it promises a unique and engaging experience. For fans of the franchise, it's a love letter to the original games and a bold step forward, despite the problematic execution. If GSC Game World can address the technical issues, the game has every chance to become a survival classic worthy of its legacy.