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The highly anticipated First-Person Shooter was originally scheduled for a September 2004 release, but it was painfully evident at the graphically astounding game’s first press showing that it was nowhere near completion, so it came as little surprise to anyone that it slipped into next year. This raised all our hopes that the myriad technical problems so apparent in the title’s maiden public showing would be ironed out, and the game would be perfected, in order to produce a title which delivered on the potential it so obviously had (and has).
The original justification which the developers offered up for the slip is that it was a strategic decision to avoid the double-barreled FPS behemoth that is Half-Life 2 and Halo 2, but this additional delay has made it clear that the game is still is still some way off going gold.
Speaking in a statement issued on the game’s official website, the Ukrainian developer’s Senior PR Manager, Oleg Yavorsky said, “We’re extremely grateful to THQ INC. for allowing us the time we feel will allow S.T.A.L.K.E.R.:Shadow Of Chernobyl to achieve its true potential”
Reassuringly indicating that the development team were serious about the title, he continued, “With the game expectation bar set so high and the team so close to achieving their ambition, we didn’t want to rush the product out, and will work now on ensuring it is stable, balanced and fun-to-play on every level before releasing it to THQ INC. for manufacture”
Disappointing though the announcement may be, it is certainly anxiety-alleviating with regards to the quality of the game, and we look forward to the game’s eventual release. We will be following S.T.A.L.K.E.R.’s progress as it’s eventual release date approaches, so keep those browsers pointed at Pro-G!
