sZone Online

sZone-Online is a MMORPG/FPS hybrid developed by an independent Cybertime System. The game was developed for PC as an attempt to fill the void after the legendary S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series.

Plot

The action of sZone-Online takes place in a post-apocalyptic future. Throughout the years, humanity has engaged in scientific experiments employing particle accelerators. The research resulted in creation of numerous miniscule black holes that ruined the space-time, and forced the nature to counter-react. Three generations later, the humanity begins to get back on its feet – the life seems ordinary again. However, the whole planet is littered with anomaly zones that are instantly separated from the rest of the world, imprisoning its human inhabitants and mutated, dangerous beings. One of such zones was created in Ukraine. The vision of easy money from the sale of mysterious artifacts began to attract the so-called Stalkers – former soldiers, explorers, adventurers, or even gangsters. The player becomes one of the Stalkers, taking part in the conflicts between individual groups, or keeping to himself and engaging in lone treasure hunts.

Mechanics

sZone-Online introduces a large, open world with an area of over 40 square kilometers. The zone consists of abandoned villages, dormant military outposts, and unending forests and deserts. The player can choose a specialization – from a standard soldier, through scientist, medic, hunter, or engineer. Each specialization forces a different playstyle and offers different abilities. The game contains hundreds of story quests, some of them shedding new light not only on current events, but also on the mysterious ancestry of the zone.

Depending on the chosen mode, we are pitted against other players, as well as AI-controlled enemies – the zone is inhabited by numerous mutants, some of them more dangerous, and some of them less. The key to success is to acquire new equipment – aside from various weapons and outfits, we can employ artifacts with various special capabilities. Additionally, the developers introduced a complex crafting system – we can repair damaged items and craft new ones using found resources.

Game Modes

The players can choose a PvE server, which pit them against AI-controlled enemies. PvP servers see constant clashes between warring factions, allowing new players to choose a side and join in the warfare.

Technical Aspects

sZone-Online is characterized by its average 3D graphics. However, spare colour palette, and suggestive soundtrack creates an atmosphere reminiscent of the memorable S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series. The game is distributed in a free-to-play model with optional microtransactions.

Last updated on January 9, 2017