S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadows of Chernobyl (18 Only)

The game that has taken nearly 5 years to build is almost upon us, with its "expected" release date set for 6th March 2007. Shadows of Chernobyl is more a reminder that such dire mistakes should not be repeated in the future -- rather than that of a survival horror -- yet the idea of something sinister being unleahsed is too tempting for videogame developers to ignore.

Formerly known as S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Oblivion Lost, it is set not far from now and few who have entered this tomb since 1986 have come back due to the intense radiation in the area. In 2008 a second disaster on the site occurs and shortly after teams are sent in to find out what happened, but appear to be attacked by monstrous, unidentifiable forces. At this point the Russian military quarantine the area completely; nothing going in or coming out... except a select few

In 2010 this is when the game begins and where you come in. You assume the role of a Stalker: an individual charged with entering the 300KM-square area of Chernobyl; now known today as "The Zone" (a history of the Chernobyl Disaster can be found here). Basically a Stalker's job is to enter the quarantine zone, collect information and get back out alive again. Most who have gone in have not returned, and some have been driven by greed. There are also factions living in The Zone (possibly Stalkers who have banded together to fight what lies within), and alliances with some will cause friction with others...

Still very little is known about the core storyline, and whether the game will be co-operative, but judging by the size of the gameworld you could assume it might be.

The developers have released a trailer today called "Legacy of Chernobyl", and I have provided links below:

http://download.gametrailers.com/gt_vault/t_stalker_loc.mov (QuickTime MOV)
http://download.gametrailers.com/gt_vault/t_stalker_loc.wmv (Windows Media)

 

Another trailer has been released, named Aftermath:

http://download.gametrailers.com/gt_vault/t_stalker_aftermath.mov (QuickTime MOV)
http://download.gametrailers.com/gt_vault/t_stalker_aftermath.wmv (Windows Media)

 

The game's website is now online:

http://www.stalker-game.com/