In a move that has almost never happened before, the Ukranian developer GSC Game World has decided to release a very early build of S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shaodw of Chernobyl that predates the final release by two and a half years. The version of the game – ‘xrCore’ build 1935, dated October 18th 2004 – is available from several links online, but visit here for a reliable download. Several levels that were cut from the final game, including Dead City, Swamp and Generators, are available to play in the build. It’s described as “playable”, although GSC says emphatically that it doesn’t guarantee stability or fitness, and won’t provide technical support for it. Read more »