NEWS  Games  March 7, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

In a momentous surprise announcement during the Xbox Partner Preview broadcast, Microsoft and GSC Game World stunned fans of the iconic S.T.A.L.K.E.R. franchise by unveiling the long-awaited arrival of the original trilogy on consoles. Marking a significant milestone for the series, the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Legends of the Zone Trilogy has made its debut on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, as well as the next-generation Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 consoles.

Comprising the revered titles "Shadow of Chernobyl", "Clear Sky", and "Call of Pripyat", this trilogy delivers the immersive experience of venturing into the enigmatic and perilous world of The Zone, now tailored for console gaming enthusiasts. GSC Game World, the masterminds behind the series, have meticulously crafted native controller support, ensuring a seamless transition from PC to console while retaining the essence of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. universe.

Zakhar Bocharov, from GSC Game World, elaborated on the development process, emphasizing the team's dedication to preserving the essence of the franchise while optimizing it for consoles. "S.T.A.L.K.E.R. has been a PC franchise for a long time, so the key priorities were concentrated around adapting the experience for consoles as a whole", stated Bocharov. This adaptation includes innovative features such as a new weapon selection wheel and optimized menu navigation systems, enhancing accessibility without compromising the series' signature gameplay loop.

With S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Legends of the Zone Trilogy now available for purchase at a price tag of $39.99 for the complete package or $19.99 for individual titles, console gamers can delve into the mysteries of The Zone and confront its myriad dangers. Looking ahead, GSC Game World has ambitious plans to introduce mod support via mod.io and implement high-fidelity graphical enhancements for current-generation consoles, promising an even more immersive experience in future updates.

Furthermore, fans eagerly anticipating the release of "S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl" can immerse themselves in the original trilogy before embarking on the next-gen journey. With the sequel slated for launch in September, console players have ample time to explore the roots of the franchise and prepare for the highly-anticipated sequel's arrival.

 MEDIA CREDITS: GSC GAME WORLD