GSC is currently working on what it calls a "big update" for S.T.A.L.K.E.R., the developer has informed CVG.
In an interview which we'll be publishing shortly, Anton Bolshakov, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. project lead, explained, "We're preparing a big update with a new game mode - Freeplay, with no story tasks, including only the A-life driven ones, where the goal is to gain ranks, climb up in rankings, so as to become the best S.T.A.L.K.E.R. in the Zone."
When we're to expect to update wasn't revealed, but speaking about the future of the game Bolshakov did mention too that, now the multiplayer SDK for the game has been released, the developer's working on getting the single-player SDK out the door. So take note, mod creators.
GSC of course recently let slip that it's to make some S.T.A.L.K.E.R.-related announcements at this year's E3. But it's keeping lips firmly sealed on what's to be unveiled.
Bolshakov would only say that "We will be happy to share all the interesting details during the E3 in July."
Doesn't mention if the update will make the game not suck... It was seriously disappointing in my opinion. Lots of hype, looked great, but just fell flat for me. Didn't hold my interest whatsoever.
I'll wait for Fallout 3 to provide my post-nuclear free-roaming fix.
I concur with humorguy. It is a pretty much accepted fact of PC gaming that we have to put up with patching and bug fixing, I'm not saying its a "good" situation, but it is the situation we have and must make the best of it. I personally love this game, after waiting so long for it, it is still a breath of fresh (iradiated) air, and I look forward to some extra functionality and features being added with the updates. Oh yeah, and the fact that they are saying it is an "update" to me indicates that it is free, and not an "expansion". Of course, you can't please everyone all the time and there will always be something for someone to bitch about, but personally if I like a game I'll stick with it, if the game sucks, so be it, chalk it up to bad judgement and move on, and almost every game you will buy will need some form of patching at some point, fact.
I have to say I've never really noticed any bugs while playing STALKER. Thankfully I also got my copy after the first patch which trashed all save games. Phew.
But to call it buggy is silly. The AI is great, the combat is fast and highly dangerous even on the easiest difficulty. The environment is wonderful to run around and explore. It has plenty of scary moments. What more can you ask for?
My only disappointment was the multiplayer. I was hoping this announcement would have been some new modes which added something to the online aspect, because DM and TDM are standard and a bit uninteresting, and the Atrifact Hunt mode is okay for a while, but doesn't draw me back. If the online play matched the single player, this would almost be the perfect game.
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It was seriously disappointing in my opinion. Lots of hype, looked great, but just fell flat for me. Didn't hold my interest whatsoever.
