A veteran game journalist from a major publication attended the STALKER 2 Heart of Chornobyl demo at Tokyo Game Show 2024 and shared impressions of the experience.
The wait was long. A two-hour line in a narrow gated passage, set up like a snake, tested patience as a crowd eagerly awaited a closer look at the game. Before the session began, attendees could choose a language in the build, selecting Ukrainian or Russian subtitles. A timer was activated, counting down 30 minutes for the entire session. The ticking seconds created a sense of urgency, and the moment the clock would reach zero hung heavy in the air. There was a notable snag in the flow, a moment that became a talking point later on.
The game preserves the STALKER mood that fans know and love. The atmosphere feels moody and sometimes bleak, yet irresistibly compelling. Three-meter-high concrete fences with a diamond-pattern line the city blocks, huts look ramshackle, and the birch forest feels intimate, almost personal. The visuals deliver a striking design that makes the world feel both familiar and unexpectedly fresh, a welcome blend for fans who crave authenticity and polish alike.
Then the gameplay begins. After a truck ride, as seen in the trailer, the character steps over the fence and follows a marker near the top center of the screen toward a bunker. The first objective is to obtain an anomaly detector. It quickly becomes clear that the game will remain as linear as the original, with distinct zones separated by rocks, water barriers, or buildings. There is always a single path to follow, and the directive is clear: move forward as a Stalker.
The second issue is bugs. The hero occasionally cannot crawl under a board to sit when needed. Picking up items requires careful micro-movements, and moving around the environment can feel a bit fiddly. The interface shows elements that were still being refined, and it’s evident that several UI pieces will receive adjustments before launch. The overall experience leans toward a challenging pace, with battles that feel tough and deliberate, which may appeal to many players seeking a rigorous test of skill.
Public exposure of the demo is a strong sign of progress, suggesting that a release is on the horizon. There is a sense that the new installment might follow a similar arc to the original trilogy, with players gradually uncovering the story as the game evolves. Yet the game itself is compelling from the start, and there is genuine optimism that it could make a significant impact on the market. The team appears committed to delivering a product that captures the series’ atmosphere while addressing early feedback from attendees.
Video from the stands was shared on Telegram, giving fans a quick glimpse while the demo continues to evolve behind the scenes.
PS: the staff member who managed the line helped adjust the timer, allowing enough time to experience the demo without feeling rushed.
PPS: The Russian subtitling includes strong vernacular, a reminder of STALKER’s gritty voice that some fans appreciate for its authenticity.
PPPS: More photos from Tokyo Game Show 2024 can be found in a separate article, capturing the energy and mood around the event and STALKER 2’s ongoing push toward launch.