Hello /r/stalker!
I run a game studio that is planning to make a Remastered version of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl in CryEngine.
We are currently in the pre-production stages of this game and I'd like to get all of your input on what you'd like to see changed or updated in a modern release of the first STALKER game.
EDIT: What previous games have you made?
Our biggest game so far has been a total remastering and HD update of the original Gauntlet: Legends. We used the N64 build and that will be releasing in the next month or so for free!
What're you planning on changing and updating?
The biggest priority for this release of the game is bug fixes, graphical overhaul and adding features from the other STALKER games to Shadow of Chernobyl, specifically adding in the ability to join and work with Factions, as well as an upgrade/repair option. In addition, we plan on adding in more weapon, weapon attachments and armor options for the player.
We do plan on instituting two gameplay "modes", so to speak. There will be the "Remastered" edition, where we have the added upgrade and Faction systems, as well as the newer weaponry, weapon attachments and armors. Then there will be a "Classic" mode that is mostly a graphical and bug fix mode, with the same mechanics and items as vanilla SoC.
What engine will you be using?
We will be using CryEngine. Why CryEngine? Our vision is for STALKER to be a gorgeous game and in our opinion, CryEngine is the way to do that. It will also allow us to have larger, more fulfilling maps with fewer loading screens.
Will you be changing any major gameplay elements?
As before, this is first and foremost a graphical and bug-fix upgrade for the STALKER games. The same gameplay, same difficulties, same storyline; all we're adding is some more options for the player. It will still be, at its core, the same STALKER you all know and love.
Will you keep A-Life?
Short answer: 100% yes.
Long answer: This was the hardest part of this concept overall, since A-Life is such a fundamental part of the STALKER universe but we will be keeping A-life. We have a pair of programmers who have been spending the past few months tearing into STALKER and learning how GSC developed A-Life. They will be updating and fixing some minor bugging issues for the full release of STALKER remastered.
What games will you be doing this on?
So, the title says Stalker Shadow of Chernobyl and that will be the first game we do. Our plan is to do all 3 games eventually.
Why?
Every one of us fell in love with the STALKER franchise in one way or the other. Yet the games are older and notorious for being a buggy mess, whether that reputation is actually deserved.
We believe a newer release will help draw people into the wonder that is the Zone! Our hopeful goal is that, with the release of the newer STALKER games and an influx into the community, that the new GSC Game World will get a chance to make STALKER 2.
And if it comes down to it, if GSC can't or won't and people love our games that much, we will do everything in our power to get the rights and make these games.
What standards are you using, if any?
For those who have seen them, the STALKER 2 gallery has been our starting point in terms of the bare minimum quality we want to achieve.
Other comments?
The big one: we plan to release this game for free.
No, not 'pay to win', not 'subscription', 100% free. We do not own the rights to STALKER, we do not plan on asking people to pay for this. We will be releasing it for free, with more information pending.
