<strong>[ -> N/A]</strong>
Some <a href="http://www.hardwired.hu/stalker_int_en.hw" target=_blank>website</a> with a funny looking rendition of Toucan Sam as a mascot has posted a Q&A session with some russki bastard working on <a href="http://www.stalker-game.com" target=_blank>STALKER</a>. Here's a snip:
<blockquote>
HW: The maps are great in detail and looks huge, but how can we reach the different areas (levels)? Everything will be accessible in the initial stage of the game or continuous progressing unlocks new, yet unfold levels?
GSC: STALKER is a complete freedom of movements and actions. When the game starts the player is free to go where his eyes are directed. The zone is a huge 30 km area available for exploration at any stage of the game. Some parts of the zone are extremely dangerous and Stalker can only travel them if he possesses special equipment. The more dangerous these parts of the zone are the more sophisticated equipment a player will need to travel and stay alive. This is only through his personal experience of traversing the Zone and communication with NPC stalkers and other characters that the player finds out which areas are more or less safe for him to stay in. This being said, there are other residents of the zone that will have their own perception of the meaning of your life.
</blockquote></em>
Sounds interesting enough, check out the full interview -- <a href="http://www.hardwired.hu/stalker_int_en.hw" target=_blank>here@HARDWIRED</a>. Thanks to Pyro (of all people) for this news bit.