S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl - Developer Deep Dive - Creating Cutscenes Breakdown

[@SpartanMozi]

Great video, my friend, and thank you for the shoutouts! I want to add some things however (some small mentions have small "spoilers" from the Intro Demo): - I personally do believe that the Monolithian from Come to Me Trailer is Strider, and thank you for sharing my theory. Many things have changed since Come to Me, due to reasons either being still work in progress (for example, the room Doctor is in looks better in terms of fidelity compared to the old version, and the Topaz scene in the Lesser Zone looks different - in my opinion, the area was originally more of a swamp, and during development in developed into a more Cordon-style location), or story related changes in order to not spoil the story (Faust's necklace being changed, the Psi-Device from the Faust room in the Clear Sky base being removed - yes, check Deep Dive footage closely, it was removed) - It was confirmed (At least from what I remember) that Solder was the one who betrayed Skif, but I could be wrong. - The theory about Skif's motives to coming to the Zone are confirmed by journal notes of the Demo - The actress of the woman is Ukrainian actress Olena Kurta - The Voice Actor of EN Korshunov seems to be Dan Brown, an actor who also plays Sir Robard in the Czech game Kingdom Come Deliverance - It seems Dalin is modeled after his EN Actor, while other characters like Korshunov are modeled after the Ukrainian one (Leonid Zakharchenko) - The actor of Ukrainian Richter (and also face model) is Vlad Pysarenko - The 'Snork Hunter' character from the cave is also the same person who ambushed alongside the Monolith forces both him and the Ward at the beginning of the game (ending cutscene of Demo with the Topaz) - Also, very quiet mumblings can be heard in the second scene with the Screens. From what I can hear with turning up the volume a lot, is "screens. The wall". It's most likely wrong, or the voices are Ukrainian, but it's very difficult to tell.

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Thank you friend.

[@tlap1508]

Lets goooo. BRO Anomalous dropped another bomb. About cutscenes. Ppl forget, that there are 3 hours of cutscenes. But some of them are done several times, depending on players choices, so in one playtrough, it can be just 2 hours of cutscenes or etc.

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Thanks bro, you are right!

[@piotrgrzelak2613]

Can you stop with the coonlang? "Bro just" - shut up, you sound like a chimp

[@Sleepy_Drago]

Keeping us well fed while waiting for the release!

[@anomalousdugout9557]

I do my best :)

[@Sleepy_Drago]

@@anomalousdugout9557 Homie you are doing the best!

[@yourkraine4291]

Anomalous can find clues and lore inside a 4 minute long video, I'm really impressed, nice work!

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Thanks.

[@lboyadgiev8820]

Anomalous Dugout is the only reason I have not gone fully insane while I am waiting for STALKER 2. (Also please bring back comunity posts about the real history of Chernobyl again, you make great informative content when it comes to Chernobyl that not a lot of people actually know)

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Nice. I know you've been asking for this everyday but I'd rather leave this task to the experts.

[@lboyadgiev8820]

@@anomalousdugout9557 Yeah but you still make good things. Like the fire station near Reactor 5 in the trailer being on fire. Or locations from stalker 2. Like on the subreddit how locations compare to their real locations. Like trust me, I've been fact checking this topic daily, you're still making really informatige content about Chernobyl.

[@Rasenmaehermann89]

The creators of Chernobylite have created a lot of videos about Chernobyl's backstory. I know, this is not exactly what you were asking for, but still you might enjoy it.

[@lboyadgiev8820]

@@Rasenmaehermann89 Yeah I know. But Dugout has small trivia that's 100% correct and is just a cool fact. Like in the stalker 2 trailer, where you see the building on fire near reactors 5 and 6. It's actually a fire station. And all those cool but small things.

[@FitzgeraldKrox]

I find it pretty cool that they record facial capture with 2 different sets of actors for all characters, for the Ukrainian and the English dub.

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Yes, it's nice.

[@F1stzz]

07:37 - GSC revealed today that this is the construction site of the unfinished 5-6th units of CNPP, which is nicknamed "the Red Fortress" in the game & lore-wise served as one of (if not THE) main bases of Monolith faction 👌🏻

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Yes, gonna post about it soon :)

[@--shaman--]

Yet another great analysis. Thank you for covering all the materials so thoroughly!

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Glad you liked!

[@derHodrig]

If GSC posts another two trailers, then anomalous dugout solves the complete plot together even before the release

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Oh I think we are actually far from it, we've seen less than 10% of the game.

[@edindjc8735]

Crazy work man as always

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Thank you.

[@m.a2894]

Same motion capture actor that is acting Strider is also acting Richter. And I saw that Skif has at least two motion capture actors, so it doesn't mean that Monolith guy beating everyone else is Strider based only on his actor. Could be anyone else

[@anomalousdugout9557]

It's still a theory but this means it is very much possible.

[@Commissar545]

Another banger of a video! Awesome work man

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Thanks!

[@gtself]

The overall storyline progression in *S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2* will likely follow a loop of introduction - branching content - standalone missions - converging missions - branching content - standalone missions. The quality will depend on whether GSC can handle the design of the standalone missions well, otherwise repeated playthroughs might feel a bit tiresome.

[@anomalousdugout9557]

I guess we will see in due time.

[@robcampbell2164]

There is a stark difference between the brainwashing corridor and the solitary chair. Perhaps the solitary chair is a device to deprogram the brainwashed. Notice the button on the right arm of the chair. The button suggests a level of control to whomever sits in it, perhaps a panic button when the therapy becomes overwhelming. The process would be traumatic as seen in the behavior of Strider. The cones on either side of the chair resemble magnetic wave emitters with diffuser plates to direct the energy. The head device is fitted with cranial stimulation. The components are crude, yet it is a science used today for mental illness and depression with the most common side effect of mania.

[@LuisC7]

I believe scar went through this machine. He's a bit crazy or manic.

[@LuisC7]

@BababooeyGooey very true. I like your take on it. Have you read the steam events page? Lots of conforming lore

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Interesting idea, thanks for sharing.

[@vellikaari3008]

I love how it seems that no matter who you're siding with, they seem to each be some different flavor of completely insane.

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Indeed.

[@blackyoshissacrificialkool2844]

You are a core to the stalker community. Even I can see that as an outsider. A new era will come when this game releases. Seize your moment

[@zpap_troy]

If its not a S.T.A.L.K.E.R. video by Anomalous Dugout, I don't watch it. The dedication of calculating the map size is one of many reminders as to why. Keep making more!

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Please don't limitate your view range to my videos.

[@higan98]

thanks for the awesome video brother. Cant wait for the release. Please keep up the good work.

[@disgorgingconsciousness2250]

Awesome video as always! I honestly might be most excited to meet scar so far, he seems really interesting in this entry in the series. That and seeing the generators, even in the fan recreations, it would make me freeze constantly to scan the area. I cant wait to be stalking around all paranoid and sweaty hahaha

[@anomalousdugout9557]

I think you won't be disappointed.

[@TheRundas95]

I agree about the Antimass Spectrometer part !

[@anomalousdugout9557]

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. always drew some inspiration from Half-Life.

[@TheRundas95]

@@anomalousdugout9557 The same can be Say about Half Life and the real Chernobyl Disaster in a way !

[@Astronaut_21]

the scar pushing skif scene look like he got hold at gunpoint. The scar hand movement is actually not pressing the button, it's something like "come here". Perhaps skif was ambushed by spark and had no other option but to surrender

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Yeah maybe.

[@yercules]

Damn, this video made me very excited for Stalker 2. Excellent breakdown once again, Ano!

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Nice!

[@LuisC7]

I believe since the Doctor is one of the eldest and wisest men in the zone, one of the first ones in fact, that is why Skif goes to him for help or advice, or to tell him the truth. Because we know the Doctor is a lover of the zone, so what SIIRCA is doing is horrible for him

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Yes, that could be the case!

[@Daniel-pi6zk]

Once again a great video. Thank you for your insight and dedication.

[@anomalousdugout9557]

:)

[@bonumsignum7017]

Your channel is absolutely unique among others stalker related channels

[@anomalousdugout9557]

That was the goal from the start :)

[@hossburger12]

Thank you for the coverage

[@anomalousdugout9557]

My pleasure.

[@CarmineProspectus]

Made my night seeing this video pop up. Long nightshoots in the rain (I work in film.) Time to watch!

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Nice!

[@gtself]

It's great to be able to figure out the sequence of events in the trailer based on the clues we already have, but it also makes you wonder where Stalker 2 will go in terms of plot branching, hoping that they will have enough unique missions for different plot directions, and so far the intersections of these stories will bring different characters and actions depending on the player's choices. 100 + hours of process experience is indeed possible.

[@anomalousdugout9557]

We will see how it turns out in November.

[@liteman6135]

Very informative video, thanks for the effort

[@anomalousdugout9557]

My pleasure.

[@lecso0519]

you're my favourite scizo-poster

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Thanks.

[@-Rens01]

Another goated upload from the most goated stalker

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Thanks :D

[@volrslav]

Heh, I updated KZbin in time, thanks for the video.

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Nice, your are welcome.

[@prophetthelast7849]

Nothing better than another Anomalous video after a tough day!

[@anomalousdugout9557]

I hope you enjoyed watching.

[@LoneHermit]

25:32 I always joked that this was a Gladiator reference

[@victorforesticastro4901]

Another great video my friend. I think we are starting to fit the puzzle pieces in place, and they have been very generous with the information they gave us so far. I do however hope we only get one or two trailers maximum until the game comes out. We have what we need for a basic understanding of the main factions and more or less what the stakes are in the zone. If we get more information about their motivations and potential outcomes of their actions it might be too much too soon. If we only get a launch trailer would be fine with. Now, onto some speculation of my own: I do not think one ending was cut. Based on the evidence we have and what you said towards the end, I think two endings will be about this power struggle between Circa and Noon/Spark. I think within these two options, there will be some modifications that could be the elusive fourth ending and I think that would be related to wether Skif only manages to advance the interestes of one of these factions, and one where he helps these factions but also gets some more concrete answers to the questions that brought him (back, I speculate) to the zone. But I think the Third ending is more connected to the heart of the zone. I think that regardless of the conflict between the two factions, these important laboratories in the center of the zone are not its real heart. I think the Heart of the Zone will not nescessarily be the epicenter of the second disaster, but a "natural" place where the noosphere is stronger. In that sense while the two other endings would be about whether Skif sides with one faction or another, the third will be about Skif siding, coming to terms with or gaining a glimpse from the zone itself. So far, the Stranger character who said all those things about the zone giving him life seems to not fit very well with either side, maybe he will be a character more associated with this third ending. In short I think while the first two endings will be about who gets to, and in what way is the power of the zone harnessed. The third will be about Skif choosing to side with the zone itself, and help keep it untaimed, for good or bad. I am very excited to see what road lies ahead of us when we make our way across the perimeter. See you there stalkers.

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Xerac149]

Love your videos, so in depth and full of details I would never notice. Do you have a donate button?

[@imTheMrBEAN]

I really hope they include a TON of new artifacts in Stalker 2, artifact hunting is so exciting in these games. It's like digging for magic gold!

[@surfimp]

Hot damn, we are SO close.

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Yes.

[@serpiko8247]

About the part when Skif takes the gun from the woman and shoots the guy on the chair: A cold blood execution like that, regardless if the victim is a random guy or someone important, is most definitely a strong character-defining act. TOO strong to just "happen" in a cutscene without player's interaction. So my guess is that either: 1) that scene happens immediately AFTER that the player gets to choose between killing or sparing the guy; 2) the scene is part of a dream/vision sequence, as well as the woman.

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Yes, surely the choice will be ours.

[@barniganmcpoyle3547]

Man the more I see of this game the more I feel relieved it will be a worthy successor of the original trilogy, and modded experience. I truly hope Stalker 2 is another huge hit for the dev's we all know that they deserve it for what's been going on

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Nice!

[@blackburn1489]

Legend

[@anomalousdugout9557]

:)

[@zyhgar25]

I have a thought maybe they're attempting the "game can finish it's self" again with this. Maybe if you're playing against circa over time they'll take those 7 locations and maybe the game will end on a bad ending if you don't react accordingly. Or if you work for them you must capture those locations to get the circa ending? I'm guessing sorta like clear skys faction warfare system where others factions will hold/attack those locations?

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Interesting thought, I don't think it's the case but we'll see.

[@Iron_Soil]

18:39 its over

[@ondrefekete8946]

11:45 i recognize that canister, its aluminium barrel that was used by soviet army for food transportation i know that 2 are in attic of my parents house so i can get my hands on it if neccessary

[@chieframen1]

Bro my food just got done

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Nice.

[@skibidi_skif]

That snork looks so creepy. I love it

[@anomalousdugout9557]

It looks like you would expect from a snork.

[@SirPhoenixofSoCal]

Hell yea got something to watch while I eat breakfast

[@anomalousdugout9557]

I hope you enjoyed.

[@maotexs6790]

Great video bro. Keep cooking

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Thanks!

[@hmxoxoexo]

My goat

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Thanks!

[@SynthfulDuck]

I have replayed the 3 games so many times, especially SoC. I'm trying not to have high expectations for STALKER 2, I just hope they make it as replayable as those first games...

[@m.a2894]

GOAT

[@anomalousdugout9557]

:)

[@thomasfalkenberg8549]

Will we have some Dugout playthrough video or something of the new game when it comes out? I remember you not wanting to do one for the old trilogy, but maybe for the new game? Or maybe you would rather enjoy it in your own time?

[@johanelmqvist3741]

Had to skip the video due to the spoiler warning, but it's probably another 10/10 video as per usual.

[@anomalousdugout9557]

I understand!

[@theelysium1597]

Hey, not sure if you have answered it somewhere, but after clearing X-16 the military bombs the hell out of that place. Do they actually fight zombies or are they just mindlessly shooting? You did this great analysis of the CNPP and I was wondering whether you took a look at that operation, too.

[@Hmmm1p3050]

Hello! I'd have a question to ask on some piece of lore I vaguely remember, and I'd like to check if it was just a hallucination I had, or if it really was intended to be in the game throughout Hoc's very first developmet: was there a concept of Freedom having a pact with the Monolith? I remember something along these lines, but maybe they were only rumors or my own imagination xd

[@melontoast2567]

Soon fellow stalkers, soon. The zone will call us home come November.

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Yes.

[@cynfaelalek-walker7003]

I wouldn't mind having cutscenes, but my preference is in-game cutscenes to feel more real.

[@anomalousdugout9557]

It seems all cutscenes are in-game (apart from the opening and endings maybe).

[@loader2755]

sidorovich oiled up🤤

[@Rell6000]

We finished the story before the game even came out, only easter eggs and secret rooms remained

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Oh no, far from it.

[@DarthRaver-og7qq]

What if Dr. Dalin is secretly a worshipper of the monolith and is actually trying to bring the monolith back?? Lol just a crazy random thought. Seriously tho, I haven't been this excited for a game in a long long time.

[@dariusboteand7722]

I wonder how mods will be added given the level of complexity in the story line 👀

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Hardly when it comes to story, at least at the beginning.

[@ahealthkit2745]

Totally knew this vid had tons of secrets! I wonder if the reason Doc's parts are so censored is bc they involve Strelok in some way?

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Yes, I think this might be why.

[@ahealthkit2745]

@@anomalousdugout9557 I have to admit, I really enjoy your channel because I often feel like we theorize in similar directions! Keep up the amazing content. I look forward to exploring the revised zone with you in November!

[@vitaliymartynov7227]

It is still unknown who the Stranger is?

[@tonik2229]

I am so excited for STALKER 2, no matter what the GAMMA players say lmao. За Монолит!❤

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Nice.

[@sqwang_]

Ohh Anomalous what would we do without you …

[@anomalousdugout9557]

I'm sure you'd be fine.

[@KeksimusMaximus]

At this point I feel like watching these is actually spoiling the plot for me, it all makes too much sense and I think a lot of it will be true in the final game 🙄

[@SilverDashies]

What if doctor is member of c consciousness, in one trailer he said about noosphere like how could he know about it ?

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Who knows?

[@danosdotnl]

what is your opinion on the level of cutscenes/making of cutscenes vs ...gameplay? I want to play a game not watch a movie.

[@anomalousdugout9557]

There will be plenty of gameplay so no worries.

[@Vlad_Tepes_85]

Scar has pretty cool voice in english :D

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Yes!

[@SirPhoenixofSoCal]

I got a question, does lip syncing in gaming change depending on the language you play in? Will it be that way for stalker 2?

[@gtself]

There will be separate lip sync animations for the English and Ukrainian voice-overs.

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Yes, it should be the case.

[@MrMightyZ]

64 square kilometres?! Sixty four?? Are we really sure? That’s so huge. That’s gigantic. S i x t y f o u r . Kilometres. Squared. !? Far Cry 5 is 60 km 2. Stalker 2 is bigger than Far Cry 5? Holy crap!

[@anomalousdugout9557]

It's not that huge but since you can only travel on foot it will feel quite big.

[@omardarwish958]

1:05 bootleg Gman?

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Maybe.

[@therealamon]

Stalker 2 is now for predownload on gamepass and got updated today 300mb 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@pedroramires7051]

One (01) woman spotted. As of now, women are canon in the stalker universe.

[@anomalousdugout9557]

They always were.

[@LeVraiFlorensac]

salut camarade, est ce qu'on sait si Stalker 2 aura sa version française avec un doublage français?

[@TheRundas95]

Sous titre français, mais doublage uniquement Anglais ou Ukrainien

[@LeVraiFlorensac]

@@TheRundas95 merci pour la réponse, je la redoutais ...

[@TheRundas95]

@@LeVraiFlorensac oui c'est dommage, c'est le cas pour de plus en plus de jeux malheureusement :/

[@anomalousdugout9557]

En effet pas de doublage mais juste les sous-titres.

[@daha1214]

I really love how the french comrades are not able to speak english haha

[@Dreadnaught1991]

Good hunting, stalker

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Good hunting.

[@Vatislavovych]

Anomalous, great map and trailer analytics! Think same about 7 points (Seals) and 1 point is much more interesting than other 6 👀

[@anomalousdugout9557]

:D

[@blaize00]

Brooo... are they trying to remake the wish granter?

[@anomalousdugout9557]

Perhaps.

[@FilipBurovski]

Spoil us Dugout Spoil US!!!!

[@anomalousdugout9557]

:D

[@abstrakt4838]

Am I the only one who thinks Dallin looks like Zelensky?

[@zerofreeze4265]

spoilers....spoilers....SPOILERS!

[@anomalousdugout9557]

I warned you.

[@rabarsalam9626]

What the hell on my console it says updating stalker heart of Chernobyl