GSC Game World, the acclaimed developer from Kyiv, Ukraine, has exciting news for fans of the iconic S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series. They've announced the release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy - Enhanced Edition, set to launch on May 20 across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. This next-gen upgrade revitalizes the beloved trilogy, including Shadow of Chornobyl (2007), Clear Sky (2008), and Call of Prypiat (2009), with significant enhancements tailored for modern gaming platforms.
Each game in the trilogy will benefit from an extensive overhaul. Players can expect upgraded visuals, optimizations specific to next-gen consoles, and an expanded support for mods, bringing the eerie world of the Zone to life like never before.
For those already owning the trilogy on Xbox Series X and S or PS5, the Enhanced Edition comes as a free upgrade, showcasing GSC Game World's appreciation for their loyal fanbase. On PC, the generosity continues: owners of the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games will receive the Enhanced Editions at no extra cost, while buyers of the Enhanced Editions will also get the original versions included. The trilogy is priced at $39.99 for the bundle, or $19.99 per title.
It's important to note that cross-platform saves between PC and consoles are not supported, ensuring that your progress remains specific to the platform you're playing on.
Console players on PS5 and Xbox Series X and S will have a variety of frame-rate options to choose from for the Enhanced Edition, ranging from standard modes at 30 FPS and 60 FPS, to specialized modes targeting 40 FPS and up to 120 FPS. The latter two options, however, are exclusive to displays with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology.
The console versions feature different graphical and performance modes, such as Quality Balanced mode, Performance mode, and Ultra Performance mode, catering to different preferences in visual fidelity and gameplay fluidity:
- Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 5 Pro: Quality (native 4K/30 FPS), Balanced (upscaled 4K/40 FPS), Performance (upscaled 4K/60 FPS), Ultra Performance (upscaled 2K/120 FPS).
- Xbox Series S: Quality (native 2K/30 FPS), Balanced (upscaled 2K/40 FPS), Performance (1080p/60 FPS).
Both the Quality Balanced mode and the Ultra Performance mode are exclusively available when using a display that supports VRR technology.
The visual upgrades across all platforms are comprehensive, featuring enhanced lighting with godrays, screen space reflections, and global illumination for a more immersive atmosphere. Upscaled textures and detailed 3D models enhance the look of NPCs, weapons, and environments. Advanced shaders for water and wetness effects, along with upgraded skyboxes, contribute to a more dynamic world. Additionally, 4K pre-rendered cinematics and improved weapon FOV elevate the storytelling and combat visibility.
For console players, additional enhancements include keyboard and mouse support on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S for a tailored experience, and the integration of mod.io for creating and sharing mods across PC and consoles.
PC gamers will enjoy specific features like Steam Deck optimization for on-the-go play, Steam Workshop integration for accessing a vast library of user-generated mods, cloud saves for seamless progress backup across devices, and full gamepad support for a console-like experience on PC.
GSC Game World, known for their successful sequel S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl released last year, continues to push the boundaries of gaming, especially amidst challenging times in Ukraine. For more on how S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 has impacted the studio, read further here.
