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S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chernobyl

atarumoroboshi18 said:
Hm...I've been seeing references to A-Life 2.0 for STALKER 2...I've gotten to the point of not really minding or caring too much about graphics recently. Far too many current gen/next-gen games look and play too similarly that they start to blend together with the same lighting, textures, and models. If the A-Life 2.0 system really does mean that characters do things differently than other games, then I'm very interested. What's the point of having a powerful PC if all you get is some extra blades of grass on the ground or slightly more stuble on a character's face or a few more objects in the environment.

I DREAMED of the A-Life simulation system in the original STALKER and was disappointed when it finally came out and the NPCs didn't do almost any of the things that they had been touted as being able to do so. Every time I hear about advanced AI in games, it rarely ever does the things you imagine they do. I still remember when Oblivion touted it's 'Radiant AI' system when it was first being shown and had all these cool stories of Vampires taking over the world...then the game came out and none of that stuff was happening at all. The AI/A-Life system is a make or break for the game for me...

Also, I truly hope that STALKER 2 will have actual stealth capability with light and sound and the ability to sneak around in the dark...no pre-orders ever, will wait for reviews and a sale no matter what.
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Have you played GAMMA and if so what did you think of the NPC AI in combat?
 
atarumoroboshi18 said:
Hm...I've been seeing references to A-Life 2.0 for STALKER 2...I've gotten to the point of not really minding or caring too much about graphics recently. Far too many current gen/next-gen games look and play too similarly that they start to blend together with the same lighting, textures, and models. If the A-Life 2.0 system really does mean that characters do things differently than other games, then I'm very interested. What's the point of having a powerful PC if all you get is some extra blades of grass on the ground or slightly more stuble on a character's face or a few more objects in the environment.

I DREAMED of the A-Life simulation system in the original STALKER and was disappointed when it finally came out and the NPCs didn't do almost any of the things that they had been touted as being able to do so. Every time I hear about advanced AI in games, it rarely ever does the things you imagine they do. I still remember when Oblivion touted it's 'Radiant AI' system when it was first being shown and had all these cool stories of Vampires taking over the world...then the game came out and none of that stuff was happening at all. The AI/A-Life system is a make or break for the game for me...

Also, I truly hope that STALKER 2 will have actual stealth capability with light and sound and the ability to sneak around in the dark...no pre-orders ever, will wait for reviews and a sale no matter what.
Click to expand...

I doubt it will have any of that. It would certainly be interesting. I am mainly wanting some good AI with it comes to fighting tactics. Though you need less bullet sponge style gameplay for that to work, and I can't quite tell how STALKER 2 will play going from the videos. Things like cover, ambush, and some AI providing cover while others advance.

Things on a large scale would be very hard to get right. It could probably be done but part of the problem is a lot of players might not notice it.
 
atarumoroboshi18 said:
Hm...I've been seeing references to A-Life 2.0 for STALKER 2...I've gotten to the point of not really minding or caring too much about graphics recently. Far too many current gen/next-gen games look and play too similarly that they start to blend together with the same lighting, textures, and models. If the A-Life 2.0 system really does mean that characters do things differently than other games, then I'm very interested. What's the point of having a powerful PC if all you get is some extra blades of grass on the ground or slightly more stuble on a character's face or a few more objects in the environment.

I DREAMED of the A-Life simulation system in the original STALKER and was disappointed when it finally came out and the NPCs didn't do almost any of the things that they had been touted as being able to do so. Every time I hear about advanced AI in games, it rarely ever does the things you imagine they do. I still remember when Oblivion touted it's 'Radiant AI' system when it was first being shown and had all these cool stories of Vampires taking over the world...then the game came out and none of that stuff was happening at all. The AI/A-Life system is a make or break for the game for me...

Also, I truly hope that STALKER 2 will have actual stealth capability with light and sound and the ability to sneak around in the dark...no pre-orders ever, will wait for reviews and a sale no matter what.
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Not to go down the Stalker mod rabbit hole, but a few of those (IIRC Oblivion Lost Alpha is the main one) restored the original A-Life capability from alpha builds. I know NPCs will hunt for artefacts and buy/sell at traders, not sure about them finishing the game though (which, really, does a player even want?)

But I'm with you. A-Life 2.0 in the Zone to me is peak Stalker, way before snazzy graphics and cutscenes.
 
peppergomez said:
Have you played GAMMA and if so what did you think of the NPC AI in combat?
Click to expand...

Actually, I have GAMMA installed. I just updated it after you posted this and will give it a shot, but it's been years since I last played Anomaly/GAMMA(heck even Anomaly just updated recently). Having great combat AI is a given nowadays, but my desire has always been to LIVE in this world. I've had debates with others about this type of gameplay in the past and it's so strange that we don't get AI that lives their lives, scavenging for resources, executing missions, going solo/joining teams, eating/drinking/sleeping, etc. We have such powerful PCs compared to when the original STALKER trilogy originally came out(2007-2009) and if all we get is just a graphical facelift and a new story line, then alright, but so much more can be done.

After watching the trailers, a few of the maps look eerily similar to the originals and I understand why, but at the same time STALKER Anomaly already gave us massively improved graphics, gameplay, extensive reworks in a number of systems(including the ALife system), addition of cut content, and so much more including those expanded levels. They're not competing or improving on the originals, they're competing with Stalker Anomaly and GAMMA, so they have their work cut out for them. No matter what, going to wait for reviews and wait for likely a bunch of patches before even looking at the game. Not trying to discourage anyone, if it's fun then great, but I always just dream about all the cool things that NPCs in games could or should be able to do, but then it never happens and it's disappointing.
 
atarumoroboshi18 said:
Actually, I have GAMMA installed. I just updated it after you posted this and will give it a shot, but it's been years since I last played Anomaly/GAMMA(heck even Anomaly just updated recently). Having great combat AI is a given nowadays, but my desire has always been to LIVE in this world. I've had debates with others about this type of gameplay in the past and it's so strange that we don't get AI that lives their lives, scavenging for resources, executing missions, going solo/joining teams, eating/drinking/sleeping, etc. We have such powerful PCs compared to when the original STALKER trilogy originally came out(2007-2009) and if all we get is just a graphical facelift and a new story line, then alright, but so much more can be done.

After watching the trailers, a few of the maps look eerily similar to the originals and I understand why, but at the same time STALKER Anomaly already gave us massively improved graphics, gameplay, extensive reworks in a number of systems(including the ALife system), addition of cut content, and so much more including those expanded levels. They're not competing or improving on the originals, they're competing with Stalker Anomaly and GAMMA, so they have their work cut out for them. No matter what, going to wait for reviews and wait for likely a bunch of patches before even looking at the game. Not trying to discourage anyone, if it's fun then great, but I always just dream about all the cool things that NPCs in games could or should be able to do, but then it never happens and it's disappointing.
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I would very much like to see an improved AI but I don't want to see the inclusion of GAMMA style crafting and economy. That is not fun in any way!
 
atarumoroboshi18 said:
Actually, I have GAMMA installed. I just updated it after you posted this and will give it a shot, but it's been years since I last played Anomaly/GAMMA(heck even Anomaly just updated recently). Having great combat AI is a given nowadays, but my desire has always been to LIVE in this world. I've had debates with others about this type of gameplay in the past and it's so strange that we don't get AI that lives their lives, scavenging for resources, executing missions, going solo/joining teams, eating/drinking/sleeping, etc. We have such powerful PCs compared to when the original STALKER trilogy originally came out(2007-2009) and if all we get is just a graphical facelift and a new story line, then alright, but so much more can be done.

After watching the trailers, a few of the maps look eerily similar to the originals and I understand why, but at the same time STALKER Anomaly already gave us massively improved graphics, gameplay, extensive reworks in a number of systems(including the ALife system), addition of cut content, and so much more including those expanded levels. They're not competing or improving on the originals, they're competing with Stalker Anomaly and GAMMA, so they have their work cut out for them. No matter what, going to wait for reviews and wait for likely a bunch of patches before even looking at the game. Not trying to discourage anyone, if it's fun then great, but I always just dream about all the cool things that NPCs in games could or should be able to do, but then it never happens and it's disappointing.
Click to expand...
Sounds like you're a dreamer haha. It would be nice if all that were the case though I bet most mainstream gamers would find it frustrating to be up against AI that's more capable than them. I probably have to die it down until I got good at the game.
 
cesarioFL71 said:
I would very much like to see an improved AI but I don't want to see the inclusion of GAMMA style crafting and economy. That is not fun in any way!
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Absolutely agree. Those systems are basically to compete with Escape from Tarkov and other hardcore games. It's there to pad out the game or give you reasons to go looking in the other maps for loot. Doesn't necessarily work in STALKER, unless you're looking for a challenging experience comparable to those other games.

When it comes to combat AI, I don't want them to just all have the same damn play style. Always imagined NPCs having different behaviors, quirks, personalities, equipment, factions, etc. that change their fighting styles. Imagine a group of cowardly loners versus a hardened veteran, or a stealthy clever sniper versus a fearless idiot juggernaut, or a group of tactical military versus a whole faction. Cowards would run or surrender after getting hurt and have terrible aim in combat, hardened NPCs would find cover and be smart with their ammo/consumables, etc. Always fighting the same playstyle just isn't fun, make them do different things that surprise us, that's my only hope for games in the future.
 
peppergomez said:
This is shaping up to be the only major studio game I buy next year
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This will be the only AAA game I buy this year for sure. Were it not for this game I'd likely leave AAA pc gaming as a hobby behind. I can't wait to finally get back to THE ZONE!!!!!
 
peppergomez said:
My current system won't be able to run it for a damn. I'm waiting for the next generation of AMD and NVIDIA gpu releases before deciding on what card to buy

And also it's probably gonna take at least three months for the game to be patched properly after it comes out
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Im sitting on an older 10850k with an RTX 4080. Runs everything I play at 60fps on a triple plasma setup that i typically run using DSR @ 7080X3840. I will likely have to bring it down some with HOC but as long as I can do 60fps on plasma I am a happy camper for sure.
 

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peppergomez said:
My current system won't be able to run it for a damn. I'm waiting for the next generation of AMD and NVIDIA gpu releases before deciding on what card to buy

And also it's probably gonna take at least three months for the game to be patched properly after it comes out
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Yep, no pre-orders and I'll likely wait for sales and deep reviews to happen before I even consider getting the game.
 
THUMPer said:
I'm buying this instead of Black ops 6. I still have the original DVD and box from the first one. Bought it at Best buy. Haha
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I bought my copy from Best Buy, too. I think I also bought GTR 2 during the same visit.
 
Are there any details regarding Steam Deck, Linux and/or Proton optimizations with it? Any DRM I should be concerned about?

I'll wait a bit to make sure its running great on Linux before buying after release.
 
CrimsonKnight13 said:
Are there any details regarding Steam Deck, Linux and/or Proton optimizations with it? Any DRM I should be concerned about?

I'll wait a bit to make sure its running great on Linux before buying after release.
Click to expand...
Latest official statement I found was that they couldn't share anything about Steam Deck compatibility yet. That was last week.

https://steamcommunity.com/app/1643320/discussions/0/4701286908196213102/#c4626979420667666707

The game is DRM-free across all stores on PC, as far as I know. A day one release on GOG strongly supports that.
 
Probably not going to be playable on the Steam Deck anyway, but no DRM is good. I went ahead and ordered it with a discout code. Looks really good from everything I've seen.

robbiekhan said:
Glad I pre ordered, game is now £44 on cdkeys, paid £27 for it months ago. Roll on the 20th.
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Yeah...I missed that price, I considered getting it on cdkeys months ago as well and didn't. Oh well.
 
MavericK said:
Probably not going to be playable on the Steam Deck anyway, but no DRM is good. I went ahead and ordered it with a discout code. Looks really good from everything I've seen.



Yeah...I missed that price, I considered getting it on cdkeys months ago as well and didn't. Oh well.
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It was $36 back then. One of the best deals to be had. Unless the game ends up being really bad, but I am doubting that.
 
Wow the system requirements for this.. game looks pretty sweet though..

stalker2req.jpg


...stalker clear sky was the one game that made my cards squeal like stuck pigs..
 
Yeah if that is with DLSS that is a problem, especially if it is with DLSS + frame gen. Though I had a feeling I would need to upgrade my GPU anyways. High is also not the Epic settings I assume, but the recommended specs are higher at Epic settings + 4K. We'll have to wait for benchmarks.
 
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Eh, I’d be more disappointed if it didn’t push current hardware.
 
Armenius said:
GSC clarified that these target recommendations are while using upscaling tech, so it's even worse. That's UE5 for you, though.
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It's no much diff to current UE5 games though, software Lumen has a big perf hit as it is, and these numbers align with what existing UE5 titles manage so nothing out of the norm. If you can run max UE5 settings in current games with 60fps+ then you will get the same here I have little doubt.
 
robbiekhan said:
It's no much diff to current UE5 games though, software Lumen has a big perf hit as it is, and these numbers align with what existing UE5 titles manage so nothing out of the norm. If you can run max UE5 settings in current games with 60fps+ then you will get the same here I have little doubt.
Click to expand...

Main difference is this game seems to have long visual ranges and lots of vegetation which typically lower frame rates in most games. No doubt this game will be demanding on hardware. I don't mind that, as long as it runs good for the image quality.
 
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