Build is an early build of the game, created for internal tests or demonstrations at gaming exhibitions, which is not intended for distribution. Many developers prefer to keep all data a secret, but there will always be those who post information on the network, thereby gaining the appreciation of the fans.
Builds "Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl"
The first build of this game was assembled in 2004. It was called Build 1935.
From the first minutes of the game, you can see locations that are striking in their appearance. The beginning of the game, as in the original, takes place in the merchant's bunker. The absence of a laptop on Sidorovich’s desk immediately catches your eye - here is a regular notebook. The lighting in the game has become much darker, which can not be compared with the cartoony graphics of the original version. The musical accompaniment ideally maintains an atmosphere of danger, even when the player is in the basement.
After the player leaves the bunker for the first time, the first thing he will feel is a sense of danger and unlimited space. The weather also corresponds to the situation: drizzling rain falls from the sky, a crow croaks nearby, and shots at the other end of the map are interrupted by a heartbreaking scream ...
Now the helicopter carries a real threat - at the sight of it the player will have to find reliable shelter, otherwise the meeting with the “turntable” may be the last thing that happens to the character in the game. As for the military, they can attack without warning, but there are exceptions when they threaten by pointing their weapons at the player.
The disadvantage of this "Stalker" build is that independent characters behave inappropriately, locations are not completed until the end, and PDA does not want to work correctly every now and then.
Notes:
- Most non-player characters look like military.
- After killing a military or stalker player will be attacked by all independent characters, even in other locations.
- In this build "Stalker" there were all mutants cut for release: chimeras, bureurs, zombies and others.
- Almost all objects in locations are mobile.
- Makarov pistol has brown-red sidewalls on the handle.
Another build is called Build 2588, date - August 2, 2006.
This build "Stalker" has a full storyline, which was presented in the original game. The main difference from the release version is that many tasks and characters have not yet been cut out. You can also notice the difference in the textures of weapons that have already undergone some changes. At all locations, auto-save occurs, as well as musical accompaniment is changed.
Build "Stalker: Clear Sky"
Build 3120 is an assembly specially created for the presentation at the 2007 E3. In this assembly, the engine previously used in Shadow of Chernobyl was demonstrated. In addition to the fact that the build is released in English, its brightness is much lower than in the release version, and it has only one location - Swamps.
The player appears on the trail, surrounded by reeds alone. There is only one way - to walk along a log, moving through swamps, get to a farm and meet there with the Clean Sky detachment. The player’s inventory will include an AKM-74/2 assault rifle and a Makarov pistol with ammunition. Armor, even the most basic, on the character will not. At this time, a helicopter appears in the sky and opens fire on the main character. His task is to take shelter in time among the reeds in time. After futile attempts to destroy the player, the helicopter flies away.
When the main character arrives at the farm, he helps fight off the bandits who attacked the squad. The first task that the character receives is to free and capture the tower, which will give an advantage in the battle with the enemy. Together with the squad, the player goes to the tower, knocks out enemies from there and takes the bonus upstairs.
The flaws are striking when there is a dialogue with the characters. Firstly, names and nicknames are depicted in code form. Secondly, character icons go beyond the screen. Thirdly, stalkers were inserted in place of gangster icons.
Builds "Stalker: Call of Pripyat"
An assembly called Build 3944 shows a modified game logo at startup. You can also notice changes in the frames of the introductory video and other musical component in the game.
Build 3813 presents a full-fledged starter video with voice acting. Other musical compositions present in the game. In the player’s PDA, a full map of the location of the X-8 laboratory is displayed. This build uses an outdated interface, along with a repair menu. In "Pripyat" you can hear a unique composition, but it is not listed anywhere in the game files.
Why are builds needed?
Assemblies remain on the network or they are "leaked" in order to get to know the game better. Developers, due to circumstances, are forced to cut many things for several reasons:
- Constant departures.
- Script malfunction
- Critics requirements
And this is not a complete list of reasons. Players, despite the unstable working "Stalker" builds, are ready to download and install them without any doubt. Some of them lack entire locations, the bases are not in the place where they are used to seeing, and the player’s PDA may not show anything at all. However, all this is offset by the presence of carved mutants, unique weapons and the presence of some characters.
How to start the assembly?
Developers are reluctant to share installation methods and how to launch the Stalker build, so many players have to cope with this task on their own through trial and error. Each build is unique and requires an individual approach, but there is one universal way that will appeal to everyone who is familiar with the structure of the game files.
In the folder with any build there are bat files, which are shown in the form of a gear, and the description indicates that this is a Windows batch file. In these files you can find the name of the location with which the player will start at the beginning.