The E3 PC Gaming Showcase featured a lot of new IPs from smaller developers. Among them was FPS RPG Pioner, which may owe some of its inspiration to a franchise shown off earlier today.
The STALKER 2 trailer was front and center during Microsoft’s E3 2021 presentation, but it is not the only RPG taking players to post-apocalyptic eastern Europe. Pioner may not bring the same budget or production value but certainly matches STALKER’s atmosphere.
While STALKER 2 comparisons are inevitable, Pioner seems to borrow as much from the more explicitly supernatural Metro series. The trailer’s floating girl with glowing eyes arguably fits in better with post-nuclear Moscow than the Zone. It’s not clear what she or the other “Children of the Island” are, but finding out looks likes it will be a significant part of the game’s story. Her narration hints that the conflict between the Children and humanity comes from misunderstanding more than hostility. That’s another theme Metro players will be familiar with. Her question for the player, “What price are you willing to pay to find your happiness?” would not be out of place in Metro, either.
Pioner’s weapon customization system seen in the trailer also gives off strong Metro Exodus vibes. The labels are all in Russian, but it looks like it allows the player to swap out their weapons stock, scope, barrel, magazine, and grip. Not to mention that Pioner’s weapons have the same cobbled-together look as many of Metro’s most iconic guns.
The presence of enemy soldiers in hazmat suits also implies that some areas may be toxic or radioactive. However, it’s not clear if that’s a game mechanic or just environmental flavor. The game additionally features dialogue choices and what appears to be some form of co-op multiplayer. It also seems to be open-world with a variety of different environments. The trailer showcases ruined cities, lush forests, and grotesquely mutated bogs.
Pioner still has STALKER’s atmosphere and penchant for bizarre mutations, including a horrifying cross between a human skeleton and a praying mantis. Other creatures from the trailer include giant worms and seemingly docile floating jellyfish. The game’s humans, meanwhile, are a mix of modern commandos, post-apocalyptic scavengers, and tribal societies.
Unfortunately, Pioner’s E3 trailer doesn’t come with a release date. The game is still in pre-alpha, so it will probably be at least a few years before players get to explore the Island themselves. However, that might be for the best. Pioner likely has better chances if it’s not releasing against STALKER 2 next year.
Pioner is in development for PC.