S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl

 PC
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1886 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,528 out of 1886
  2. Mixed: 208 out of 1886
  3. Negative: 150 out of 1886
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. DKiska
    Jun 15, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Отличная игра моего детства
    . Хорошая, иногда пугающая ,атмосфера.Красивые локации и захватывающие квесты. Все то вас ждет в этой игре.    … Expand
  2. Ivoren
    Jul 15, 2021
    10
    Лучия стрелялка в свое время. Годный сюжет. Ребята из СНГ постарались и надеюсь, что следующшия часть будет лучше.
  3. Avery12345
    Jan 4, 2022
    10
    Yes it does have some imperfections, especially the bugs. But it's still one of the greatest games of all time. This game is one of the hardest games I've ever played, but the difficulty isn't to the point where I thought it was ever unfair. This game will not hold your hand, it gives you a few basic controls and sets you loose in this irradiated world. I really like this approach, it letsYes it does have some imperfections, especially the bugs. But it's still one of the greatest games of all time. This game is one of the hardest games I've ever played, but the difficulty isn't to the point where I thought it was ever unfair. This game will not hold your hand, it gives you a few basic controls and sets you loose in this irradiated world. I really like this approach, it lets me figure out things for myself and really feel like I've accomplished something at the end. The gameplay mechanics actually still hold up today. The scavenging aspect is one of the best parts. There are no repair kits, you have to find new gear yourself. While most of the story is hidden behind optional dialogue, I found the story to be quite excellent. The AI is actually pretty decent even by today's standards (of course when it's not completely glitched out). This is one of the most atmospheric games I have ever played and is really the game's strongsuit. All the environments blow me away even today. Also Sidorovich is hot. Do yourself a favor and play on the max difficulty, it makes the bullet damage the highest and in my opinion is the fairest way to play. The enemy can kill you in a few shots but you kill them in a few shots too.

    TL;DR: Absolutely amazing would recommend    … Expand
  4. me_mosso
    Jan 31, 2022
    10
    Преподаватель - Мужик у тебя скоро экзамены!
    Я - Да-да?
    Если без шуток Атмосфера - 10 Сюжет - 10 Пресонажи - 10 Оружие - 5 (можно было на тот момент и не делать таких ошибок с левым затвором) Баги , Фризы , Пролаги не обращаешь внимания хоть иногда и вымораживает GSC GameWorls Спасибо за детство 10 из 10    Преподаватель - Мужик у тебя скоро экзамены!
    Я - Да-да?

    Если без шуток
    Атмосфера - 10
    Сюжет - 10
    Пресонажи - 10
    Оружие - 5 (можно было на тот момент и не делать таких ошибок с левым затвором)
    Баги , Фризы , Пролаги не обращаешь внимания хоть иногда и вымораживает
    GSC GameWorls Спасибо за детство
    10 из 10
  5. DarkFox82b
    Mar 12, 2022
    9
    Доволі не погана ігра, яка порадує вас, як мінімум на кілька вечорів( не маленька) і яка привела до появи Чистого неба( моєї першої ігри з серії, що пішла на комп'ютері), Зову Прип'яті пізніше. Але грати після 2, 3 частини на першу не так сильно задовільняє/комфортно. Проте не дивлячись на це спробувати варто. 8.5/10(тому 9)Доволі не погана ігра, яка порадує вас, як мінімум на кілька вечорів( не маленька) і яка привела до появи Чистого неба( моєї першої ігри з серії, що пішла на комп'ютері), Зову Прип'яті пізніше. Але грати після 2, 3 частини на першу не так сильно задовільняє/комфортно. Проте не дивлячись на це спробувати варто. 8.5/10(тому 9)
  6. SAMpRo
    Apr 2, 2022
    10
    Очень классная игра!
    Классная атмосфера!
    Прекрасная погода и эффекты!
    Это игра шедевр она открыла врата в мир ЧЗО!
  7. hyrts
    Jun 4, 2022
    10
    The stalker game series is 10/10. The grimness of the world is way out there. I totally loved the pacing and the atmosphere.
  8. Big_Pisya
    Jan 3, 2023
    10
    Glory to Ukraine! Death to the Russian Nazist. I wish the company success in the further development of its games!!
  9. EricR.
    Sep 6, 2007
    10
    This is probably one of the most amazing and extreme first person shooters i have ever played, yes it has its bugs and coding issues but once you patch the game and get everything up to speed, the game had me playing for hours and hours. so many different things and possibilitys you can explore and proceed in many different ways. Just has me playing and playing just because of the several This is probably one of the most amazing and extreme first person shooters i have ever played, yes it has its bugs and coding issues but once you patch the game and get everything up to speed, the game had me playing for hours and hours. so many different things and possibilitys you can explore and proceed in many different ways. Just has me playing and playing just because of the several ways you can play through it, and many different and interesting endings and gameplay route within it. Its sort of like Deus ex and BioShock , so if your a fan of the Dues ex or BioShock i highly recommend this game. With the types of game play thats implemented in this game you'll just be blown away by the story and and environmental surrounding of this hostile world of Chernobyl!… Expand
  10. DanilS.
    May 9, 2008
    10
    The best shooter ever.
  11. BreakingAwesome
    May 14, 2016
    10
    Самый лучшая игра созданная когда-либо в СНГ. GSC отлично постарались над созданием игры. При разработке игра много раз сильно изменялась и постепенно переходила из 6-го поколение в 7-е. Для того времени игра преуспевал во всех игровых аспектах: графика, геймплей, мир, подача сюжета, атмосфера. Единственный небольшой минус - игры нету на консолях. Но это не повод снижать оценку игре.Самый лучшая игра созданная когда-либо в СНГ. GSC отлично постарались над созданием игры. При разработке игра много раз сильно изменялась и постепенно переходила из 6-го поколение в 7-е. Для того времени игра преуспевал во всех игровых аспектах: графика, геймплей, мир, подача сюжета, атмосфера. Единственный небольшой минус - игры нету на консолях. Но это не повод снижать оценку игре. ПК-геймерам действительно есть чем гордится!… Expand
  12. Denys
    Mar 6, 2008
    10
    I'm proud of this game! I'm proud to be Ukrainian as the creators of Stalker are! Remarkable game, worth the story to be continued....
  13. MehmetT
    Jun 2, 2008
    8
    If the developers had taken the time to properly polish this game, I would have easily bestowed it a score of 9 or 10. But this game STILL has, even with the latest patch and after so much time after its release, an annoying number of bugs and glitches. A number of side missions appear to be glitched or broken. The game stutters, crashes and causes the computer to freeze randomly, EVENIf the developers had taken the time to properly polish this game, I would have easily bestowed it a score of 9 or 10. But this game STILL has, even with the latest patch and after so much time after its release, an annoying number of bugs and glitches. A number of side missions appear to be glitched or broken. The game stutters, crashes and causes the computer to freeze randomly, EVEN when you tone down the graphics settings to something your computer can easily handle. It also has excessively high system requirements. Weapon ballistics are mostly very realistic, though at times weird things seem to happen, like when you shoot your enemy at point blank range with a shotgun and somehow still miss. Your combat knife is a complete joke, most of the times it doesn't even seem to hit your enemy. Features that should have been included in the game are sorely missing, like there is no way to repair your weapons or armor, and your only option of travel is on foot, no vehicles, no optional fast travel (the game takes place in a pretty large map). The game features a large quantity of weirdly translated in-game dialogues; as if the translations to English were done by someone who didn't properly understand the English language. To me this is a serious flaw because it detracts from the mood of the game. And overall, the game feels like a number of exciting and innovative gaming features that have just been thrown together instead of having made sure everything works well together. This last flaw is important because Stalker isn't simply a FPS where you go about gunning down your foes, it's also about doing missions, scavenging, exploring, and surviving in an unforgiving landscape. In the end, Stalker promises to be an original and really exciting game; but it's simply dragged down by its bugs, glitches and unpolished gaming features.… Expand
  14. MarkedOne
    Mar 3, 2007
    10
    This game is very impressive and atmospheric. AI behaves in very intelligent way - think CoD2 where soldiers after battle sit around the fire, playing guitar, telling jokes and drinking vodka. You can talk to every stalker, ask him about rumors, try to trade or ask for a quest. Gameplay is about doing quests, roaming around the Chernobyl zone, avoiding deadly "anomalies" and radiactive This game is very impressive and atmospheric. AI behaves in very intelligent way - think CoD2 where soldiers after battle sit around the fire, playing guitar, telling jokes and drinking vodka. You can talk to every stalker, ask him about rumors, try to trade or ask for a quest. Gameplay is about doing quests, roaming around the Chernobyl zone, avoiding deadly "anomalies" and radiactive area and battling with bandits, military, mutants and aggressive wildlife. Zone represent area around Chernobyl with forests, plains, city of Pripyat, nuclear plant itself, small willages, roads and soviet Ukraine cars and trains wrecks. The game is mostly FPS but RPG elements are very strong. You have an inventory and doll for different types of gear. Every weapon have it's stats and durability. Every character have a name, inventory and an opinion about you. There is a player reputation system. If you help a dying stalker with a medikit he will become your friend. If you come close to neutral stalkers with weapon drawn they will warn you and if you don't listen, they will open fire and become hostile. You can use zone artifacts to improve your stats. Inventory is limited to weight you can carry. There are many quests in game - main quest line and side quests, many of them are time-limited. Models and textures are a bit outdated but light and shadows are very impressive. System requirements are somewhat high but it's not a big problem. I'd say they are close to F.E.A.R. requirements - slightly higher though. You can also use lower graphics settings on old video cards. After two days of gameplay I experienced a few minor AI and graphics glitches and only one CTD. Game is pretty stable and it lets you use Alt+Tab with no problems. Summary - if you want to imagine what is S.T.A.L.K.E.R. looks like... it's like F.E.A.R. meets Oblivion in living world of very realistic Chernobyl area. P.S. There IS eating and anti-radiation vodka drinkin in game. If character don't eat very long it will starve to death.… Expand
  15. RandyP.
    May 13, 2007
    9
    At first, I didn't like this game. I saw the flaws and bugs: Not pausing the game while you loot bodies... Being over burdened while under fire... save / loading bugs. But being one who hates wasting his money, I gave it a solid shot... and this game grew on me. It's not a conventional shooter by any means. It's an adventure shooter with light rpg elements... food, weapons, At first, I didn't like this game. I saw the flaws and bugs: Not pausing the game while you loot bodies... Being over burdened while under fire... save / loading bugs. But being one who hates wasting his money, I gave it a solid shot... and this game grew on me. It's not a conventional shooter by any means. It's an adventure shooter with light rpg elements... food, weapons, ammo, armor... etc. The A.I. is very strong... Enemies will fall back when out gunned, regroup, flank, and attack. Dead bodies are persistent until a predator/scavenger devours the bodies. Enemies dont spawn in front of you, they actually walk across the environment and repopulate previously cleared areas. There are weather changes, day / night cycles, and the behavior of all adapt and take advantage of it. There are many types of environmental hazards and strange/creepy creatures. The environments themselves are massive... and extremely detailed. The more you explore and play this game, you begin to realize that the environments themselves are alive! You also realize just how much work went into it... and it shows. I still don't think it was finished when it went out the door, but it's still solid. And for a first title on a new game engine... it's amazing. This game blatantly dares to be different and has successfully enhanced the FPS genre and raised the bar dramatically. One of the most impressive FPS titles to come out in a long time.… Expand
  16. LoganM
    Apr 9, 2009
    10
    GREAT!!!!! The only problem with me are a few bugs in the quests but this is becuse they wanted it to be almsot fully in english. If some of the characters speeches we still in russian there would be no bugs. The one phrase they left in russian is to me important. when the guy says but down ur gun its in Russian!!!! good thing I already knew waht it mean.
  17. MichaelR.
    Mar 21, 2007
    9
    I am absolutely astounded by how good this game is. If it is not the stunning graphics and effects, the realistic physics, the brilliant AI, the gameplay and the vast size of the world, it's the superb atmosphere. The game runs exceptionally well on my pc, though it occasionally crashes to the desktop (hopefully, this will be addressed in a patch). I have waited almost four years for I am absolutely astounded by how good this game is. If it is not the stunning graphics and effects, the realistic physics, the brilliant AI, the gameplay and the vast size of the world, it's the superb atmosphere. The game runs exceptionally well on my pc, though it occasionally crashes to the desktop (hopefully, this will be addressed in a patch). I have waited almost four years for this game, and I am extremely happy that it has fulfilled all my wishes.… Expand
  18. arcizlo
    Sep 27, 2014
    8
    One of the most atmospheric shooter games I had a chance to play. It is quite realistic in terms of shooter, meaning you will get easily if under-equipped, basic guns are quite inaccurate, you bleed a lot, get poisoned, radiated and so on. Introduction of anomalies and artifacts system is amazing, loved just running around, collecting everything. The story might be little chaotic, plus theOne of the most atmospheric shooter games I had a chance to play. It is quite realistic in terms of shooter, meaning you will get easily if under-equipped, basic guns are quite inaccurate, you bleed a lot, get poisoned, radiated and so on. Introduction of anomalies and artifacts system is amazing, loved just running around, collecting everything. The story might be little chaotic, plus the different endings need more than one playing to fully enjoy the game, but it isnt game for ordinary "lets go shoot something" player. The further parts of the game are quite scary, you find yourself overwhelmed by mutated creatures and determined enemies, that wouldnt hesitate to chop your head off and make a campfire decoration out of it.
    The only letdowns are the necessity to run miles and miles at the beginning of the game completing the side missions and collecting goods for selling. The weapons are usually adaptable, but there isnt large range of attachments, only basic ones like SUSAT scope or silencer.
    Graphics are quite low, but you can always mod the game (for example with Complete 2009 mode, changing textures and so on). There are some strange physics sometimes, people get burned in their own campfires, boxes explode when you smash them and so on, but its not so drastic.
    Sometimes the game could get quite frustrating, like running to a massive radiation spot and get killed even with high protection, or get killed by anomaly you didnt see in the dark. But hey, rule #1, dont run when around anomalies, right ) All and all, the game is definitely one of my favs, even through some minor flaws. Plus there is the guy saying "get out of here, stalker" which is probably the best game quote ever, what more do you want.    … Expand
  19. ExtincT
    Dec 31, 2010
    10
    A truly atmospheric game which gives you a very strange feeling while playing it. I remember the first time I played it, I hated it for the dated graphics (even though I never look at the graphics in games), for the bad so called tutorial and the (what I felt then) extremely hard gunfights. As I was going to uninstall it I got the feeling that I should give it a chance. I don't regret thatA truly atmospheric game which gives you a very strange feeling while playing it. I remember the first time I played it, I hated it for the dated graphics (even though I never look at the graphics in games), for the bad so called tutorial and the (what I felt then) extremely hard gunfights. As I was going to uninstall it I got the feeling that I should give it a chance. I don't regret that choice today. While you play along you get to learn the art of killing in this game and get a very rewarding feeling when you do it. Combat is complex in this game but that is a positive thing since I'm tired of today's FPS games where you are like a tank and your weapons are so easily used that even your grandma could pull a shot at somebodies head. Other than that I can guarantee that you will fall in love with the Zone as it is truly alive with its mutants, environments and anomalies. This game combines big parts of the FPS genre with its own twists and elements of the RPG genre with its free roaming, scavenging etc. I recommend this game to everyone cause it is a remarkable and special game in it own right. Give it a shot and you won't get disappointed. Good hunting stalker!… Expand
  20. crazychicken
    Jul 5, 2011
    10
    This is hands down, the best single player game I have played. The atmosphere is fantastic and unlike any other game out there. it was in development for years and even though they didn't manage to include everything they wanted, what they did is still incredible. this is no Console shooter or port, if you want a simple run and gun don't buy it and play for 20 minutes and complain whenThis is hands down, the best single player game I have played. The atmosphere is fantastic and unlike any other game out there. it was in development for years and even though they didn't manage to include everything they wanted, what they did is still incredible. this is no Console shooter or port, if you want a simple run and gun don't buy it and play for 20 minutes and complain when unlike Crysis you can't kill everything in 10 seconds with your hi tech gun and invincible **** suit.

    First of all, don't play it without downloading the Complete mod for free first. This updates the textures, sounds, AI, fixes a load of bugs and errors and makes the game what it wanted to be. It doesn't change anything, just cleans it all up.

    This game isn't like other FPS because it is actually hard. You don't start off with an amazing gun and squad and intel, you have a coat and a pistol and aside from that you are on your own. The Zone is an easy place to die even without having a host of powerful mutants and heavily armed humans roaming around. This game doesn't hold your hand like Western shooters do, or load you up with amazing gear under the guise of being some Spec Ops soldier. The atmosphere is incredible, part's of it are creepy as hell and scary and not like the Doom3 teen equivalent of having a monster jump out when you press the door button or a loud bang etc. It is hard to get into because it is so unforgiving, and the first few maps and missions you are constantly trying to find a decent weapon that doesnt force you to retreat when outnumbered etc. If you want a linear shooter like HL2 or CoD with no freeplay, dialogue or exploration and lots of cutscenes then look elsewhere. There are plenty of games liek that around. if you want a slow hard atmospheric adventure then give it a try, turn out all the lights and play it till the sun comes up; call in sick and keep on playing.

    Very few games are ever made like this because of the time spent and expertise of a dedicated small team that a large company could never replicate. There is such a talented modding community there are literally thousands of mods you can install; including some Total Conversions that change the story completely - and are good enough to be stolen by the developers for Call of Pripyat.

    10/10    … Expand
  21. dklingen
    Sep 29, 2010
    9
    Loved this game, played with the "Complete" mod and really enjoyed the experience. I skipped Clear Sky, but have Call of Pripyat and am awaiting the "Complete" mod for it...
  22. EzJ
    Mar 25, 2007
    8
    After years of development, S.T.A.L.K.E.R comes through and delivers a first rate experience in almost every way. If not for a few minor bugs and some poorly localized text, this would have got a 9.
  23. JustinF.
    Feb 8, 2008
    10
    S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl is a wonderful FPS/RPG. It has stunning graphics (MUST HAVE A BITCHIN' COMPUTER) and the soundtrack is very well composed. NPC's are very helpful, but turn bland if you ask too many questions. Other than small lag spots in certain maps, this game is amazing. Immerse yourself in this post-apocalyptic game and I promise your palms will be S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of Chernobyl is a wonderful FPS/RPG. It has stunning graphics (MUST HAVE A BITCHIN' COMPUTER) and the soundtrack is very well composed. NPC's are very helpful, but turn bland if you ask too many questions. Other than small lag spots in certain maps, this game is amazing. Immerse yourself in this post-apocalyptic game and I promise your palms will be sweating before you can say Pripyat.… Expand
  24. Jaker
    Apr 20, 2008
    9
    This game is amazing. I have played FPS since Wolfenstein 3d(probably about 100 fps games total) and this is the most immersive environment I have ever seen. The game is so spooky, and is so addicting. I have clocked over 100 hours on the Single Player alone. My only problems with the game are it's technical jitters, but the game should not be missed. Stop reading this, and go buy it.
  25. CatherineQ
    Jun 1, 2008
    8
    I dont normally play FPS im a bit naff at them and ive never really enjoyed rampaging around but with its role playing elements, a good story and multiple endings depending on your actions this game drew me in and ive become addicted. Its tragic about the bugs, some of which have crashed my laptop but do give this a go, its worth it.
  26. AndrewM.
    Mar 29, 2007
    8
    S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is a fascinating game. To no other title would I devote so much of my time while the game was damn near broken. I have a fairly decent rig, but the game runs like garbage in single player, I have to play in windowed mode with the settings at low-medium and I get a terrible frame rate much of the time. Despite that fact though, I push onward because for every time I want to S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is a fascinating game. To no other title would I devote so much of my time while the game was damn near broken. I have a fairly decent rig, but the game runs like garbage in single player, I have to play in windowed mode with the settings at low-medium and I get a terrible frame rate much of the time. Despite that fact though, I push onward because for every time I want to stop playing and wait for the inevitable patches, there is an instant in which the game completely and utterly surprises me. If you were (or maybe, like me, still are) a fan of Fallout 2 and really wish they would hurry the hell up with making Fallout 3 the sequel we all hoped for, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. should certainly make the wait easier. Hell, they could have released it a year from now after all the issues were fixed and called it Fallout 3 and I would not have complained. An amazing game.… Expand
  27. brettjv
    Sep 7, 2010
    10
    Synopsis: The greatest single-player FPS experience ever made ... and I've played darn near all of them.

    Okay, first of all, people ... if there's ever been a game in the history of the world where reviewing it after playing it for an hour or two (or less) is totally inappropriate, it is this game. Secondly, reviews from 2007 complaining about bugs should be basically ignored. This game    Synopsis: The greatest single-player FPS experience ever made ... and I've played darn near all of them.

    Okay, first of all, people ... if there's ever been a game in the history of the world where reviewing it after playing it for an hour or two (or less) is totally inappropriate, it is this game. Secondly, reviews from 2007 complaining about bugs should be basically ignored. This game didn't really get fully patched until '08, but when you play it now it's a fairly bug-free experience.

    Now, on to the game. I've had it since '07, I've played it through with just about every patch that's come out. I've also played it through with a bunch of different mods. This means I've found it engrossing enough to play through at least 10 separate times. And it is not a short game either.

    In fairness, this is not a perfect game by any stretch. YES, it's relatively difficult in the beginning. Yes, the weapons are terrible, and inaccurate, and under-powered, and you die ... a lot. Yes the PDA is kinda hard to figure out, it's hard to know what to do. Unlike most big-budget titles, the beginnings of your career as a Stalker is perilous and confusing. There is no hand-holding, and you need to make manual saves A LOT, because death will always be at your doorstep.

    But if you stick with it, you figure these things out. You get better weapons and armor, and artifacts to improve your survival rate. You get accurate weapons with scopes, etc. You slowly adapt to life in 'The Zone', and become proficient at all the things you need to be proficient at in order to survive.

    I can practically guarantee that if you play this game through to conclusion (and make sure you do what's necessary to get the one 'Real' ending, otherwise the ending(s) suck), if you're an FPS fan, I can guarantee you that you will not be disappointed in the overall experience of this game.

    And in case I didn't mention it, the replay factor of this game is VERY high. And if you finish it, you'll almost certainly want to play it again.    … Expand
  28. Blahonga
    Jan 27, 2011
    9
    One of the best and most atmospheric horror/action FPS's in recent time. It's similar to but better than Fallout 3, at least after you've installed STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl Complete 2012 mod + realistic weapons. Those mods fixes a large number of bugs and updates the graphics to be better than the (horrible) sequel Stalker: Clear Sky. Very highly recommended game.
  29. Kelu
    Dec 25, 2011
    10
    Back in 2007 STALKER brought a breeze of fresh air in the horror genre. It's postapolaiptic Zone countryside was unforgiving, the atmosphere thick and some locations scared you **** Though buggy at release, got a bunch of official patches, and even professional-quality mod packs - look up STALKER Complete series of mods, which fixes most annoying features and bugs left by the developers,Back in 2007 STALKER brought a breeze of fresh air in the horror genre. It's postapolaiptic Zone countryside was unforgiving, the atmosphere thick and some locations scared you **** Though buggy at release, got a bunch of official patches, and even professional-quality mod packs - look up STALKER Complete series of mods, which fixes most annoying features and bugs left by the developers, and brings the graphics up to 2011 standards. A must-play for those who enjoy being afraid.… Expand
  30. Selvec
    Jun 10, 2011
    10
    I just started walking around, and low and behold, 5 dogs pounced on me out of nowhere., and then flashes of radiation randomly killed me. What? Ummm. . . AWESOME! This game doesn't hold my hand, and actually turns the environment against you. I'd probably have understood it more if I wasn't such a bloody moron and didn't run ahead, or ignore the manuel. Damn my complete stupidity and lackI just started walking around, and low and behold, 5 dogs pounced on me out of nowhere., and then flashes of radiation randomly killed me. What? Ummm. . . AWESOME! This game doesn't hold my hand, and actually turns the environment against you. I'd probably have understood it more if I wasn't such a bloody moron and didn't run ahead, or ignore the manuel. Damn my complete stupidity and lack of taste. Damn it.… Expand
  31. MirceaC
    Oct 9, 2010
    9
    "S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl" is one of the best games ever made when it comes to atmosphere, storyline and geography. The personality of the characters in this game is amazing as well. You will never feel alone in this game. Even though the FPS part doesn't really bring something new to this kind of genre, it's amazing how it works in combination with some RPG elements. Yes, there"S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl" is one of the best games ever made when it comes to atmosphere, storyline and geography. The personality of the characters in this game is amazing as well. You will never feel alone in this game. Even though the FPS part doesn't really bring something new to this kind of genre, it's amazing how it works in combination with some RPG elements. Yes, there are quite a few bugs and glitches here and there, but with one or two patches, the game is truly stunning. I have to say that when I first played the game, I fell in love with it in a few seconds.… Expand
  32. NickN
    Jan 2, 2010
    10
    This is a stunning game. I've been playing Stalker for two years and still can't find any game which would deliver a similar experience in the atmosphere. Although, these were the various mods (Russian version of the game) that enriched the game immensely, I got hooked on the original game and still can't shake off its charm.
  33. ChandraP.
    Jun 19, 2007
    10
    It's a great game with with greatest gunfights ever.
  34. Korin
    Aug 9, 2007
    10
    Excessive respawn is addressed in patch 1.0003. Don't be.....
  35. ThomasP.
    Sep 9, 2007
    9
    How can someone rate a game zero? Especially this game? This game is great! Like a combination of Halo, Morrowind, Half-life, doom, Freelancer and maybe a few more. The new patch is out that fixes many of the bugs that have been complained about so don't worry about that, it's just kind of hard to find a place to get it from but it worked out. The AI is amazing, constantly How can someone rate a game zero? Especially this game? This game is great! Like a combination of Halo, Morrowind, Half-life, doom, Freelancer and maybe a few more. The new patch is out that fixes many of the bugs that have been complained about so don't worry about that, it's just kind of hard to find a place to get it from but it worked out. The AI is amazing, constantly changing tactics and adapting to enviroment, but they do act like they have an IQ les than that of a jar of mayonaise, but not often.My only grip about this is that if you wan't to run this on high settings, you've got to have a beastly computer. All in all, great title that mixes different game elements to create a unique and gripping expeiriance.… Expand
  36. Bobbys
    Jan 15, 2010
    10
    This is one of the best games i have played in a long time. By the time you are done with it you want more. Combat and story are superb. It is great just to sit around a campfire listening to the guitar in a post apocalyptic environment.. You never want to come back. Great job GSC
  37. Wazoo
    Mar 20, 2007
    9
    + Fantastic atmosphere. + VERY good AI that flanks (even in the vertical!) and uses cover. + Very stable for me. Not one CTD yet. + Impressive graphics engine that makes the environment believable. + HUGE draw distances + Weapon accuracy/ballistics just "feels" real (bullets impact at distance with nice dispersal effect witnessed by bullet impact graphics/lighting) + Firefights, between + Fantastic atmosphere. + VERY good AI that flanks (even in the vertical!) and uses cover. + Very stable for me. Not one CTD yet. + Impressive graphics engine that makes the environment believable. + HUGE draw distances + Weapon accuracy/ballistics just "feels" real (bullets impact at distance with nice dispersal effect witnessed by bullet impact graphics/lighting) + Firefights, between the enemy AI and the ballastics, are just wicked fun! + Very open ended gameplay. Fun for explorers. + Non-scripted activity abounds! The world feels alive. Seriously. - Real resource hog with type lighting effects. Running on 7800GTX SLI OC'd, X2 4800+, 2gig and can maintain over 30fps in 1600x1024 with HDR *most* of the time. High object density areas can dip it into the high-teens. - Story is weak. If English is the writer's first language, he/she has the literary skills of an 8th grader. - Overall lacks "polish"; mouse wheel works poorly with map, fonts often look like place holders, need to push-and-hold to maintain "iron-sight" view. etc. etc. - Economic system seems imbalanced. Seems a bit too easy to get cash and not too much to buy.… Expand
  38. KylebK.
    Mar 23, 2007
    10
    This is a great game and a huge persistent world with realtime weather and day change. There are awesome enemies it just takes a while to progress. If you like free roaming exploration and a storyline that isn't just fed to you with a kickass atmosphere get this game. you will get lost in it. Think HL2 meets Fallout 2 meets F.E.A.R. meets Oblivion, with better graphics. better have This is a great game and a huge persistent world with realtime weather and day change. There are awesome enemies it just takes a while to progress. If you like free roaming exploration and a storyline that isn't just fed to you with a kickass atmosphere get this game. you will get lost in it. Think HL2 meets Fallout 2 meets F.E.A.R. meets Oblivion, with better graphics. better have at least a radeon X800 or Geforce 7900 GS with a decent processor though.… Expand
  39. MichaelB.
    May 3, 2007
    9
    I found this game extremely immersing. I was reminded of my Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion experience. So much to do, so many things to kill and loot. The setting is perfect for the gameplay and creates very intense situations. There are a few bugs, and some of the interface could use some polish, so I cannot grant a perfect score. If you are interested in a Fallout styled Oblivion I found this game extremely immersing. I was reminded of my Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion experience. So much to do, so many things to kill and loot. The setting is perfect for the gameplay and creates very intense situations. There are a few bugs, and some of the interface could use some polish, so I cannot grant a perfect score. If you are interested in a Fallout styled Oblivion experience, this is the game for you.… Expand
  40. MikeL.
    Jul 15, 2007
    8
    Has a learning curve of sorts, you really need to figure out how best to survive in your environment. That being said, the game designers said that's what they wanted. I think this game is fantastic, I think the graphics are quite spectacular, even though they rely on very high rig specs. This game might have the best gun fights I've ever seen in a game. The Ai is impressive, Has a learning curve of sorts, you really need to figure out how best to survive in your environment. That being said, the game designers said that's what they wanted. I think this game is fantastic, I think the graphics are quite spectacular, even though they rely on very high rig specs. This game might have the best gun fights I've ever seen in a game. The Ai is impressive, they take cover very well and will escape if they feel out-gunned, they will even hid so they can ambush you later. I enjoy the inventory system they use in this game, you can find detachable under barrel grenade launchers and scopes for your weapons, armor and relics of the wastes. The environmental qualities of the game are above that of HL2 if not as varied. Most everywhere you go will be very.....Russian. The grass isn't going to be bright green and there won't be palm tress but there are still sunny days and it feels like summer sometimes. The designers took trips to Russia to get it right. I think they did, if you like abandoned buildings, research labs, makeshift military camps, sewers etc in quarantine zones you'll like the setting. There are dynamic day/night cycles, which means if you speed up time you see the sun raising and setting and the shadows growing longer, very cool. There is also a dynamic weather system, there is nothing cooler than having a gunfight with an enemy faction through the streets of an abandoned city with flashes of lightning lighting up everything around you and casting realistic shadows of all the trees and buildings. It's needless to say at this point that the real-time shadows are re-donk-ulous. One of the cons of this game is that every-time you move through an area and it needs to reload it, the enemies come back. Which is a huge jolt of unrealism, because the bodies stay for like a week game time. So after clearing out one of the much larger camps of 50 or so enemies and you go back, you have mounds of corpses. I built a wall via "300" of corpses, must have been 80 or so, that's the most un-realilistic thing ever. Another con is that to enjoy the awesome graphics you need to have a computer that can run Oblivion without dropping below 30 fps at any time. It seems to me that the longer I play the more I take a hit on fps because the game has more to remember in high traffic areas. You need a moderately powerful computer to run this game well. Personally I haven't had any crash error problems, but I hear that's a common launch problem. If you install the first patch your save games from V1.00 don't work anymore. It has issues, but I feel I got more than my moneys worth in this game.… Expand
  41. TubeSockJ
    Sep 30, 2013
    10
    This stunning game was worth every penny I payed. I felt totally immersed in combat, scrounging, and just simply getting by. There are so many lifelike aspects of the game, which I rarely found in any other FPSes. Although some might say that the game is "notoriously buggy," I have never encountered a single crash, lag, or anything like that. The graphic styling is charmingly bleak,This stunning game was worth every penny I payed. I felt totally immersed in combat, scrounging, and just simply getting by. There are so many lifelike aspects of the game, which I rarely found in any other FPSes. Although some might say that the game is "notoriously buggy," I have never encountered a single crash, lag, or anything like that. The graphic styling is charmingly bleak, setting an apocalyptic and dark tone. Gameplay is astonishing, especially in a gunfight. Instead of just running and gunning, you need to actually engage in combat, maintain your health and ammo, and check flanks as diligently as you can. All in all, this game (for me) set a new standard in first-person shooters. It's worth your money and time, and you owe it to yourself to play this game.… Expand
  42. TheChosenOne7
    Jan 23, 2017
    10
    This is different from my first review, but all the problems I had with the game were fixed by playing on Master difficulty. This mode is much more fair and makes a lot more sense combat wise while playing on Master. I am giving it a 9.5/10, .5 taken off for being a bit repetitive.
  43. hellznrg
    Jul 24, 2011
    10
    This is a great game, definitely worth playing. I had a few false starts over the last few years, but i played it and finished it over the last few weeks. according to steam, I clocked in at 27 hours. The game has a few bugs still but none of which are showstopping. This game had a few balance issues (way too much ammo and money in the world, pistols are completely useless beyond the firstThis is a great game, definitely worth playing. I had a few false starts over the last few years, but i played it and finished it over the last few weeks. according to steam, I clocked in at 27 hours. The game has a few bugs still but none of which are showstopping. This game had a few balance issues (way too much ammo and money in the world, pistols are completely useless beyond the first 2 hours or so). The environments was absolutely stunning and very authentic looking. Before playing the game I suggest you read up on the history of chernobyl on wikipedia... it's fascinating. The enemy AI was very good, but unfortunately there was no stealth aspect to the game, simply because enemies are aware of you almost all of the time, so the only way is to run and gun. The story was just ok and the missions were pretty all right. Overall I loved it... HOWEVER, i unfortunately hadn't heard of "stalker complete 2009" until after I finished the game, which was a real pity... so if you haven't played it yet, be sure to pick up that mod before starting up the game.… Expand
  44. LordSeferoth
    Dec 30, 2011
    10
    Most atmospheric game i have ever played. Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl is amazing combination of Shooter and Roleplaying. Stalker is an experience you never forget.
  45. erichlebt
    Feb 26, 2012
    10
    Simply a great and outstanding game. To this day (2/26/2012) I've not played any video game with such dense, dark, frightening atmosphere. Play it when it's dark, put your headphones on and get ready to **** your pants.
  46. Jodle
    Dec 1, 2015
    10
    Masterpiece this game is amazing
    . . .
  47. Rotemetoot
    Jul 12, 2011
    10
    "In Soviet Russia (ok... Ukraine), game plays you..."

    I play this game with the "Complete 2009" mod. They say you have to play with it because it removes bugs and updates the graphics, without removing or adding any gameplay mechanics. So credits to them for making this game a "10" title. This game isn't a console port which gives it 1 bonus point in my opinion. I think even reviewing    "In Soviet Russia (ok... Ukraine), game plays you..."


    I play this game with the "Complete 2009" mod.
    They say you have to play with it because it removes bugs and updates the graphics, without removing or adding any gameplay mechanics.
    So credits to them for making this game a "10" title.

    This game isn't a console port which gives it 1 bonus point in my opinion.

    I think even reviewing a game in many cases is a spoiler because the best thing is to just go and play it without knowing before hand what you can except and without having so many opinions about it...

    Awesome rpg meets awesome fps shooter.

    10/10    … Expand
  48. GAMEDEFENDER
    Sep 7, 2008
    10
    For the love of God, stop comparing this game to Oblivion and FEAR!!!
    FEAR sucked, it only had cheap scares, and Oblivion is only good with a couple thousand mods running at once!!!
    STALKER is based on real life. And it captures that feeling well. If you think that you can't handle STALKER, then maybe you should all just crawl back to your cribs where you belong. As fr me? I give    For the love of God, stop comparing this game to Oblivion and FEAR!!!
    FEAR sucked, it only had cheap scares, and Oblivion is only good with a couple thousand mods running at once!!!
    STALKER is based on real life. And it captures that feeling well. If you think that you can't handle STALKER, then maybe you should all just crawl back to your cribs where you belong.

    As fr me? I give it a 10 just to shove it in these babies' faces. And it deserves the 10, too.    … Expand
  49. ChrisOzzie
    Apr 27, 2013
    8
    “The Zone” is a genuine uninhabitable region in the Ukraine covered in nuclear fallout. STALKER took this idea, made a few fictional tweaks, and established a creepy world with paranormal scenery. The enemies are creatively designed to depict mutated forms of life that’ll frighten and shock you. The atmosphere, setting, and environment are STALKER’s power play. The thunderstorms are“The Zone” is a genuine uninhabitable region in the Ukraine covered in nuclear fallout. STALKER took this idea, made a few fictional tweaks, and established a creepy world with paranormal scenery. The enemies are creatively designed to depict mutated forms of life that’ll frighten and shock you. The atmosphere, setting, and environment are STALKER’s power play. The thunderstorms are awesome, the anomalies are bizarre and the bloodsuckers will have you jump out of your seat. Venturing through The Zone after sunset will make you very uneasy and keep you on your toes. This is a unique game with a lot of potential. Add the STALKER complete mod and prepare yourself for a scary and paranormal experience in The Zone. I highly recommend this game to sandbox, first person shooter, or even RPG fans.… Expand
  50. Dethstar
    Jan 7, 2014
    9
    Just replayed this after exhausting it for years. Still a great game. The stalker series have an atmosphere I have never found in any other game although there are some similarities with fallout. Preferred call of pripayt as it feels more polished but I love the open feel of Shadows of Cherobyl. CoP lost a little of the open world feel but not enough to kill it. A classic game in aJust replayed this after exhausting it for years. Still a great game. The stalker series have an atmosphere I have never found in any other game although there are some similarities with fallout. Preferred call of pripayt as it feels more polished but I love the open feel of Shadows of Cherobyl. CoP lost a little of the open world feel but not enough to kill it. A classic game in a classic series. We need more like this.… Expand
  51. Defianc4
    Apr 14, 2013
    9
    With the STALKER Complete Mod, all the bugs and lack of polish are stripped away, and what's left is a horribly beautiful treasure of the PC platform.
  52. Matthypaspist
    Aug 17, 2011
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I've recently bought the game to try the series after I've heard good words about it from my friend. I went in expecting a Fallout style game(which i wasnt a huge fan of) and came almost as happy as a video game can make a person. This game has the obvious bugs like durability and nowhere to repair(but things take forever to die out), a mission you HAVE to complete to join duty has bugged out so I cant complete it(and freedom already has me on a shoot on sight list), and early game you should feel a bit rushed on the main mission. (AKA you have a shotgun while you are now facing enemies with medium level SMG's, you can still handle them). Artifacts are a little to prevelent and make, making money, very easy. BUT, there is greatness with this game. The story is compelling to continue with. You dont know who you are and your PDA tells you to kill and unknown man. You just want to beat all these "side" quests and find out what is actually at the center of the Zone. And find this Strelok character. Being able to use the artifacts is a great sub system too. Get that greater edge in running, use some Mama beads to prevent some bullet damage. Increase your health majorly but sacrifice some protection bonuses. The side quests do add some extra fun but going after completing a few quests you will probably have more then enough money for a while and you might accept them only for an exploration opprotunity.… Expand
  53. ArMoRofGOD
    Nov 26, 2012
    9
    The STALKER series is one of my absolute favorite games series ever made. It is gritty, dark, realistic atmosphere, some of the best AI Ive seen, good graphics for its time, very fun guns, a terrific artifact collecting system that really just sets this game apart, and very importantly extremely interesting and fun missions with a great variety of endings. I died a little when theyThe STALKER series is one of my absolute favorite games series ever made. It is gritty, dark, realistic atmosphere, some of the best AI Ive seen, good graphics for its time, very fun guns, a terrific artifact collecting system that really just sets this game apart, and very importantly extremely interesting and fun missions with a great variety of endings. I died a little when they canceled STALKER 2. Anyone who scores this game low probably experiences a lot of bugs or crashing which I honestly did not find MANY of although there were a few and for a game this good they can be overlooked.… Expand
  54. Rufousjet
    Dec 2, 2012
    9
    Probably one of my favourite games, this delivers on so many levels. First you have the intriguing and mysterious story that sits comfortably inside the remains of history so if a bit of research is completed than it can seem frighteningly realistic. The atmosphere of the game is amazing, some of if not the best I've encountered sitting up there with metro 2033 and Dark souls. TheProbably one of my favourite games, this delivers on so many levels. First you have the intriguing and mysterious story that sits comfortably inside the remains of history so if a bit of research is completed than it can seem frighteningly realistic. The atmosphere of the game is amazing, some of if not the best I've encountered sitting up there with metro 2033 and Dark souls. The environments, chillingly eerie and oppressive cast a constant sense of danger and paranoia. The equipment and weapons have a realistic touch and the animations are consistently acceptable. The gun play itself is very fun with all the weapons feeling useful as ammo will need to be looted or found unless you want to pay for it. The length was impressive as well with my normal level playthrough clocking in at 15 hours, with me glossing over a lot of the extras.My only gripes would be the bugs which are able to be overlooked if weight of the positives, the way everything is explained isnt really there... at all and the need to look at a wiki to get the fullest experience can be required for some. Throw in fantastic mods and patches to eliminate bugs, enhance the graphics and a $20 usd pricetag on steam its worth it. Get out of here stalker! (and buy yourself this today!)… Expand
  55. GamerFromHell
    Dec 14, 2012
    9
    First of all, this game needs mods to be playable (I suggest "Stalker Complete" and "Realistic Weapons" for starters, but there are others), but then it's one of the best games I've ever played. It has a relatively open world with characters and graphics/weather effects that perfectly support the incredible atmosphere. STALKER, get out of here and play this game!
  56. carlinux
    Aug 29, 2014
    10
    This is the kind of inspired game you can play two or three times and enjoy every journey as a different game. Probably one the five best games of the decade. very good story and screenplay, gorgeous graphics (especially with the Complete 2009 Mod), and an amazingly well balanced and smart AI. Hands down. Perhaps the only thing that could be better is... more Stalker games. The saga endedThis is the kind of inspired game you can play two or three times and enjoy every journey as a different game. Probably one the five best games of the decade. very good story and screenplay, gorgeous graphics (especially with the Complete 2009 Mod), and an amazingly well balanced and smart AI. Hands down. Perhaps the only thing that could be better is... more Stalker games. The saga ended with Call of Pripyat and the studio was closed so.. is unlikely to happen.… Expand
  57. CorporalAmez
    Jun 1, 2008
    10
    The most atmospheric games I have ever laid my eyes on, is the basic way to put it. You never expect anything to happen more than twice when playing the game. Very scary at times as well, to make it scarier try to play the game with the brightness toned down as if night time. The only minor problem for me was the lack of some realism, such as shooting point blank at a target in the headThe most atmospheric games I have ever laid my eyes on, is the basic way to put it. You never expect anything to happen more than twice when playing the game. Very scary at times as well, to make it scarier try to play the game with the brightness toned down as if night time. The only minor problem for me was the lack of some realism, such as shooting point blank at a target in the head with the obokan it misses. Also it takes a unfair number of shots to kill a certain monster or person. Don't get me wrong I really loved this game, and I can't wait to buy Clear Sky! This is a true MYST BUY game! For 20 bucks? This is more bang for the buck without sacrificing the game play at all!… Expand
  58. DaveR
    Jul 10, 2008
    10
    This is a great game in my opinion. Love the atmosphere and the gameplay is extremely addictive. My only gripes are that the ending is lame and there should be more expansive levels. Better bonuses to the exo-suits would be a good idea too. I really hope they make a sequel for this.
  59. Mat
    Feb 11, 2009
    10
    I loved this game possibly rhe best shooter you can get from Morristons at 5.00 quid .Every single detail about Chernobyl is immense like how they captured the Pripyat town exact!.I dont have much to say except at any price this game is worth it and is possibly the best first person shooter i have ever played.
  60. boomshanka
    Apr 8, 2012
    8
    I initially gave up on this game after several crashes and a growing frustration with the game mechanics. But in spite of the different bugs and steep learning curve I kept coming back for another run because of the absolutely breathtaking atmosphere of the game. Once you start to accept the fact that you can't just rush in and start spreading bullets around the game becomes somethingI initially gave up on this game after several crashes and a growing frustration with the game mechanics. But in spite of the different bugs and steep learning curve I kept coming back for another run because of the absolutely breathtaking atmosphere of the game. Once you start to accept the fact that you can't just rush in and start spreading bullets around the game becomes something entirely in it's own class.

    The decay-and-rust-alike graphics along with the sound design makes the weapons look really great and with a good variety of types and modifications. The reliability and accuracy of the early weapons are affected by this and you find yourself forced to plan your approach and devise a strategy accordingly. Even the enemy AI shows remarkable intelligence as they try to surround you and flank your position. You need to think fast and be adaptable in order to overcome the challenges in this game but once you learn how to survive the reward is fantastic. Unfortunately this also makes the game a bit too easy near the end but you're still looking at many hours of solid entertainment. I admit this game may not please everyone and at this point it is probably very outdated, but if you're a post-nuclear apocalyptic FPS fan you owe yourself to try out this game    … Expand
  61. iddqd4
    Mar 16, 2018
    9
    Настоящий культ среди русскоговорящих, близкая на всем по духу атмосфера, очень бы хотелось увидеть серию на консолях, но не судьба к сожалению.
  62. wolfie2013
    Mar 17, 2013
    9
    S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl is my favourite post Apocalyptic game because this game have really good climate
  63. Cobra007
    Nov 24, 2011
    10
    This is a game that you really want to love, but sadly it's put down by all the bugs in the game. There's either bugs that crash the game, that make a quest impossible to finish, to bugs that simply make the gameplay suffer. If it weren't for the bugs, I'd be giving this game a 10, but sadly I must give it a 7 since the game just suffers alot from all the bugs.
  64. oddA
    Aug 10, 2009
    10
    This game is simply beautyful. Not the colors and stuff, but the gameplay! The difficulty of this game is mixed with the little feeling that you CAN win! The weapons are realistic and awesome! This is one of the games where EVERY single enemy has the ability to kill you with a single headshot, so you wont be left unchallenged. If you are/want to become a great gamer, try this game. If you This game is simply beautyful. Not the colors and stuff, but the gameplay! The difficulty of this game is mixed with the little feeling that you CAN win! The weapons are realistic and awesome! This is one of the games where EVERY single enemy has the ability to kill you with a single headshot, so you wont be left unchallenged. If you are/want to become a great gamer, try this game. If you succeed you can call yourself a real gamer. But bevare, enemies will try to flank you, sometimes you must fight a whole army (10-20 people) and you will die ALOT. But you should try it out, it's pretty damn fun. The 6th best FPS i have played. (Bioshock, System shock, SS2, Doom and Deus Ex are higher if you wondered).… Expand
  65. Klewer
    Nov 15, 2012
    8
    A game that puts you in to an amazing world and attempts to make you feel part of it. Some truly scary and haunting moments as well as a strong story make it highly enjoyable. A few bugs and quirky moments but easily glossed over.
  66. TierMix
    Sep 12, 2020
    10
    This game helps to feel the whole atmosphere of the Chornobyl anomalous zone! Unforgettable emotions can be felt in laboratories. The graphics aren't that bad today, but the game can attract more computers, which is very good for scrap metal owners. The plot may not be the best, but it is full of quite unexpected twists. The mechanics of the weapon are quite comfortable, and there isThis game helps to feel the whole atmosphere of the Chornobyl anomalous zone! Unforgettable emotions can be felt in laboratories. The graphics aren't that bad today, but the game can attract more computers, which is very good for scrap metal owners. The plot may not be the best, but it is full of quite unexpected twists. The mechanics of the weapon are quite comfortable, and there is nothing superfluous in the likeness of thirty functions that no one ever uses. Phrases such as "Chiki-Bricki" and "Caught Olive" have become classics. I've always liked this game, so I'll put 10/10.… Expand
  67. AnonymousMC
    Aug 5, 2009
    10
    Yes it does have outdated graphics by todays standards and yes it has its bugs. But this is one of the most immersive and breathtaking game worlds I have ever played in: The detail payed to background and information about the zone, to the dark, dank labs which are sure to give the most hardened gamer a jittery trigger finger. I'm currently playing through it for a third time! And itYes it does have outdated graphics by todays standards and yes it has its bugs. But this is one of the most immersive and breathtaking game worlds I have ever played in: The detail payed to background and information about the zone, to the dark, dank labs which are sure to give the most hardened gamer a jittery trigger finger. I'm currently playing through it for a third time! And it seems to me its gotten even more scary... I would recommend this game to gamers whod dont just rely on graphics but who enjoy a good story and atmospheric games.… Expand
  68. ZachK.
    Oct 4, 2007
    10
    This game is great! The game is huge and lots of various armours and weapons.
  69. WesM
    Jan 14, 2010
    10
    S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is definitely not a game for everybody. It can be brutally difficult, even on the normal setting. It doesn't hold your hand or cut you a break at the beginning--there's not much of a tutorial, early weapons are inaccurate and weak, and you'll die a lot. But that's part of the charm of it all. It's a rough world out there, and it's not meant to S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is definitely not a game for everybody. It can be brutally difficult, even on the normal setting. It doesn't hold your hand or cut you a break at the beginning--there's not much of a tutorial, early weapons are inaccurate and weak, and you'll die a lot. But that's part of the charm of it all. It's a rough world out there, and it's not meant to be easy to survive. Whereas games like Fallout 3 make the post-apocalyptic world seem almost harmless, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. brings out what you'd expect it to be like. You're no super-human, you're a regular person, a bullet to the head will kill you just like it'll kill anyone else, and those people will try to kill you in return just to survive.… Expand
  70. OzymandiasD
    Jul 2, 2008
    9
    Without a doubt one of the finest dystopian shooter/RPG's ever, this game enters you into the sad world of the Chernobyl incident.

    The depth of the environments is amaing, with various traps and suprises. Whether or not these are caused by the incident will be known in due time. The only issue is the base storyline is a bit weak, but with mods like AMK or Oblivion Lost, it    Without a doubt one of the finest dystopian shooter/RPG's ever, this game enters you into the sad world of the Chernobyl incident.

    The depth of the environments is amaing, with various traps and suprises. Whether or not these are caused by the incident will be known in due time.

    The only issue is the base storyline is a bit weak, but with mods like AMK or Oblivion Lost, it becomes a totally different beast.    … Expand
  71. PE
    Oct 28, 2009
    10
    This game is stupidly good. It's probably my favorite shooter of all time. The atmosphere is second to none, the AI is great, there are a ton of mods available, and the story is interesting. A much better game than Fallout 3.
  72. SeanH
    Oct 29, 2009
    10
    Stalker is a redefining title. It leaves no excuse for any other title to be cheap. Stalker combines the gameplay elements of an RPG with those of an FPS. Character developement is totally capturing and the team has done a fantastic job of keeping the player immersed in the terror that is Chernobyl. Positively one of my all time favorites, I hope the industry learns a thing or two from Stalker is a redefining title. It leaves no excuse for any other title to be cheap. Stalker combines the gameplay elements of an RPG with those of an FPS. Character developement is totally capturing and the team has done a fantastic job of keeping the player immersed in the terror that is Chernobyl. Positively one of my all time favorites, I hope the industry learns a thing or two from this title.… Expand
  73. joshq
    Jun 8, 2009
    9
    Maybe because we don't rate our games off hype or top notch graphics... here's comparison for you, Bioshock is that beautiful dish u get at a gourmet restaurant that tastes terrible, but all the snobby people try to hype it up to be something, Stalker is that meal that you get at some no-name restaurant that blows you away. Why don't u logically explain thins rather than go Maybe because we don't rate our games off hype or top notch graphics... here's comparison for you, Bioshock is that beautiful dish u get at a gourmet restaurant that tastes terrible, but all the snobby people try to hype it up to be something, Stalker is that meal that you get at some no-name restaurant that blows you away. Why don't u logically explain thins rather than go on ur fanboi rants, o bioshocks great, yea, last i checked playing thru the same exact-looking environments against the same exact enemies with terrible ballistics and uninteresting weapons with their failed palsmid system which allows u to shoot things out of ur hands (most of the stuff is shot out of guns in other games).… Expand
  74. danm
    May 21, 2009
    10
    One of the best video game experiences i have EVER had. PERIOD. This game is so incredibly visceral and engaging. I can get lost in this world forever. Not only is the game play completely realistic, but it is incredibly well designed for normal gaming pleasures, such as upgrades. Words cannot express the coolness of finding a sweet ass gun in the middle of nowhere. Definitely awesome.
  75. RoccoCille
    Jan 15, 2023
    10
    I decided to pick up STALKER off the back of all the hype for its long awaited sequel, due to drop in 2023 at some point. Playing it now some 15yrs later, I'm blown away by how good this game is, as most look incredibly dated. Gritty, grim, edgy, the graphics of the zone while dated now, still look good, but the star of this game is the AI of the NPC's and the gun mechanics and combat.I decided to pick up STALKER off the back of all the hype for its long awaited sequel, due to drop in 2023 at some point. Playing it now some 15yrs later, I'm blown away by how good this game is, as most look incredibly dated. Gritty, grim, edgy, the graphics of the zone while dated now, still look good, but the star of this game is the AI of the NPC's and the gun mechanics and combat.

    Genuinely some of the best still that I've come across, it feels raw and authentic. You can be taken out by NPC's making their way around to flank you from behind when you're pinned if you're not careful. Don't expect them to walk through a door into your double barrel shotgun, they'll be happy to sit back and wait for you to make a move if it looks unsafe.

    Then there's the dystopian plot with the great maps. The mutants, radiation, artefacts.. it's all been so much fun. I'm about 25hrs in and have blended about half the time on the main contract, and half on side quests, which with hindsight is the right approach. Rushing too much on the main contract would probably lead to a less satisfying play experience, and were they designing it today, I would hope they would not unlock further stages until more side quests or play time was accumulated, to prevent that.

    I'm giving this a rare 10/10 for the reason that this is clearly a genre defining classic. For a game to be THIS good 15yrs after release is frankly insane. It should be clunky, crude and while fun also quite laughable at times, in the way Fallout New Vegas is for example. But this isn't: I think it comes down to the amount of time built into the AI, and the weapon/combat mechanics, which are the core of STALKER.

    For anybody who's not checked it out, it's so cheap now that I can't recommend it highly enough for hours of fun. And a great way to build up for the release of STALKER 2, which I'll 100% now be buying on release.    … Expand
  76. Antontavrin
    Feb 22, 2022
    8
    Пипенрннининитрртниеппекеппнрннррпеемаккскмеиртрьшььшбшбьшьшшьшллшлшлшьшлшьшь
  77. Kuzya_Zeleniy
    Oct 31, 2022
    9
    Very atmospheric game! She is very close to my heart.
    Mecheny and Sydorovich are real icons!
    Very good gameplay. And the main thing is interesting! The plot is also not bad. But personally, I would like better. But there are also disadvantages. The game has a lot of bugs. For example, when you are killed, you can fall into a texture. Legend! Legend of Ukrainian games! Therefore, I    Very atmospheric game! She is very close to my heart.
    Mecheny and Sydorovich are real icons!
    Very good gameplay. And the main thing is interesting!
    The plot is also not bad. But personally, I would like better.
    But there are also disadvantages. The game has a lot of bugs. For example, when you are killed, you can fall into a texture.
    Legend! Legend of Ukrainian games! Therefore, I will be very much waiting for Stalker 2. I hope that it will be released at least this decade)    … Expand
  78. Formula3
    Jan 29, 2023
    9
    Jogasso.... ja o virei vezes sem conta... estou a fazer novamente.. unico no seu estilo...
  79. pavvel
    Feb 23, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is the best game ever from Ukrainian guys.
    I realy love this. Played a lot of times    … Expand
  80. Wangarat
    Feb 26, 2023
    10
    This is the best game about Ukraine, I recommend everyone to play this game.
  81. Cubicorn
    Feb 27, 2023
    10
    Don't mind the bad reviews. Russians just salty about game boycott.
    You can't find a better post-apoc. game series than Stalker.
  82. AnonymousMC
    Sep 8, 2007
    10
    If your system can run this game with max settings, then you have to get this game. It is the best and most immersive PC game I have ever played, the level of detail in the graphics is nothing short of amazing, especially the landscapes. This game is fantastic and you have to do it justice by putting it on a worth PC. No problems with bugs etc... just make sure you patch it to versionIf your system can run this game with max settings, then you have to get this game. It is the best and most immersive PC game I have ever played, the level of detail in the graphics is nothing short of amazing, especially the landscapes. This game is fantastic and you have to do it justice by putting it on a worth PC. No problems with bugs etc... just make sure you patch it to version 1.0004. 10/10.… Expand
  83. AnonymousMC
    May 2, 2008
    8
    good game but bugs are getting very annoying and developers don't fix them, like they are pretending that they don't see/find them. that's very very strange.

    Robin Z says he needs cheats to play it? what a noob! =) this game isn't that difficult if you find cool armor and weapons. Search better! STALKER is meant for exploration too, not just running straight    good game but bugs are getting very annoying and developers don't fix them, like they are pretending that they don't see/find them. that's very very strange.

    Robin Z says he needs cheats to play it? what a noob! =)
    this game isn't that difficult if you find cool armor and weapons. Search better! STALKER is meant for exploration too, not just running straight dead ahead.

    and that's exactly the idea that you know nothing about the zone when you play this game first time, isn't that more interesting??    … Expand
  84. FrazerS.
    May 8, 2008
    8
    I have to say, this game is broken. NPCs get stuck walking into walks, they attack each other and bodies spasm out of control on the floor. Yet if you can ignore all of that like i did, it's a great game. I was never excited about this game when it first came out but when it was on Steam for cheap, i thought i may aswell try it. I'm glad i did. The less you know about the game, I have to say, this game is broken. NPCs get stuck walking into walks, they attack each other and bodies spasm out of control on the floor. Yet if you can ignore all of that like i did, it's a great game. I was never excited about this game when it first came out but when it was on Steam for cheap, i thought i may aswell try it. I'm glad i did. The less you know about the game, the more times you swear when a monster jumps out at you in a basement because you don't expect something like that.… Expand
  85. LucasDelzell
    Jun 8, 2008
    9
    First the bad stuff: A TERRIBLE ENGINE. I run a Dell XPS M1530 nwith everything maxed out, and as such am used to a pretty good gaming experience. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. runs at about medium quality, so be warned.

    UNBALANCED GRAPHICS: a beautiful environment, interseting monster design. But NPC characters look cartoony and absurd, and don't get me started on lip-sync. GOOD STUFF:    First the bad stuff: A TERRIBLE ENGINE. I run a Dell XPS M1530 nwith everything maxed out, and as such am used to a pretty good gaming experience. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. runs at about medium quality, so be warned.

    UNBALANCED GRAPHICS: a beautiful environment, interseting monster design. But NPC characters look cartoony and absurd, and don't get me started on lip-sync.

    GOOD STUFF:
    STORYLINE: awesome hard-SF storyline that kept me riveted.

    COOL WEAPONS: I liked all the guns in this game, in part because thy helped keep me anchored to reality in a totally trippy game.

    FPS/RPG HYBRID: this game wouldn't work without the hybrid gameplay, with takes most of the linear drag of, say HL2 or Halo, out of this game.

    WEAPONS SYSTEM: I liked how the weapon system worked in the game, allowing for the keepiong of many different weapons without sacriicing realism (Half-Life 2, anyone?)

    ENVIRONMENT: Like I said, the environment looks beautiful, with light blooms and the whole shebang. Being set in post-apocalyptic Ukraine allowed for both rolling hills, forests and (my favorite) abandoned industrial structures, which make for endless fun with a sniper rifle.

    OVERALL: I like this game alot. Yeah, I'd like to be able to turn the graphics up more, but the kill-or-be-killed gameplay keep me on my toes enough to allow me to look beyond this fault. Like Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, a bad engine can be trumped by fun gameplay and better story. I recomend buying it.    … Expand
  86. perkelek
    Sep 3, 2009
    9
    Absolutely one of the best games I've ever played. Large free-area, realistic weapons, shooting is really hard and above average story. Graphics are awesome and gameplay is quite buggy, but its half fps and half rpg, that's why the action and shooting isnt as smooth as in games like F.E.A.R.2 or half-life 2 (I love those games) but who gives a shit? so much things and tasks to Absolutely one of the best games I've ever played. Large free-area, realistic weapons, shooting is really hard and above average story. Graphics are awesome and gameplay is quite buggy, but its half fps and half rpg, that's why the action and shooting isnt as smooth as in games like F.E.A.R.2 or half-life 2 (I love those games) but who gives a shit? so much things and tasks to do in this game! this game is definitely worth of playing.… Expand
  87. CatalinU
    Jan 13, 2010
    10
    Probably the best FPS in the world :) For me it had a very high degree of re-playability. Finished it over 5 times till now. The game play is very realistic, specially the ballistic system for weapons. Unbelievable multiplayer action!!! Definitely a MUST PLAY game!!!
  88. Emmett
    Oct 31, 2007
    9
    -Awesome action/adventure/rpg FPS, with Fallout appeal. -Awesome weather, 'anomaly' effects and interesting storyline. -Quite challenging. -The only thing I could see to improve the game is a little more 'polish' on some models.
  89. JohnD.
    Mar 30, 2007
    10
    You know what? I didn't hope a lot for this title..for me this is just another shooter when it was hype frequently 5 years ago...but when I first got my hand into it..it just came into life..what I mean is it's like you're really a stalker.. you have a almost dark life.. your best friend would be your flashlight and gun.. you see people from far.. and when you see the You know what? I didn't hope a lot for this title..for me this is just another shooter when it was hype frequently 5 years ago...but when I first got my hand into it..it just came into life..what I mean is it's like you're really a stalker.. you have a almost dark life.. your best friend would be your flashlight and gun.. you see people from far.. and when you see the world.. it was like so beautiful for a nuclear plant..everything was so beautiful..a world that was torn apart..it's like seeing FALLOUT game again with the first person view.. and it was so scary yet interesting to travel alone in the night.. when you spot another stalker and you're in dark..just like stalker..you always want to see what he do..and everything..while you remain in dark is somewhat.. i feel lack of some first person shooter nowaday.. it is true that game like FEAR will chill you out to the bone but FEAR lack something call freedom.. I mean you can watch your enemy from a hidden spot and then think what to do..and then take out one by one or distract them is somewhat real.. to tell you in simple way,, I don't even hope something from this game..yet I ended founding something that have equality from the FALLOUT game..not the gameplay..not the story or anything else but the mood and atmosphere ..… Expand
  90. Jan
    Apr 13, 2007
    10
    Well since I wasn't really hyped before I played this game i was able to enjoy it a lot. For me this looks like an unusual big and much more exiting project than most other games. The few bugs will be fixed soon, maybe an addon in sight? I don't know but could immage one. The graphics are already pretty nice and will get a real boost with the next pc. Sound and Music create a Well since I wasn't really hyped before I played this game i was able to enjoy it a lot. For me this looks like an unusual big and much more exiting project than most other games. The few bugs will be fixed soon, maybe an addon in sight? I don't know but could immage one. The graphics are already pretty nice and will get a real boost with the next pc. Sound and Music create a good atmosphere. Generally this game just feels "true" and believable and creates a nice atmosphere. Well already had a lot of fun with this game and will have a lot more in future i guess. So 10/10… Expand
  91. anon
    Feb 23, 2008
    8
    It has a good amount of annoying bugs and quirks, but its still one of the best games I have played. Very good game!
  92. Muffles
    Jul 12, 2008
    9
    Without mods, it's not really worth your time, it's set up to give an illusion of artificial life, but everything spawns in the same place, every time, and characters never leave their assigned area.

    Redux+AliVe, however, spectacularly solves this, and makes the game incredible. Combining the realism of Redux with the variety of AliVe leads to some awesome moments. The Dark    Without mods, it's not really worth your time, it's set up to give an illusion of artificial life, but everything spawns in the same place, every time, and characters never leave their assigned area.

    Redux+AliVe, however, spectacularly solves this, and makes the game incredible. Combining the realism of Redux with the variety of AliVe leads to some awesome moments. The Dark Valley's underground lab has some truly nerve-wracking moments.    … Expand
  93. BenHewitt
    Aug 20, 2008
    10
    This game gave me heavy deja vu of when i was young and playing doom2, scared sh1tless because i was being hunted by grunting pink demons. I have not played a game in a long time that really rattles the nerves by atmosphere and noises alone. This is a great game.
  94. KyleP
    Mar 7, 2009
    9
    Absolutely a stunning game. The non-linear plot and fully-explorable environment make this game seem like Oblivion...but much, much darker. The mutants you encounter throughout the game have a habit of making you jump or straight up scaring the crap out of you, and the AI really works well for allies and enemies alike. I give it a 9/10 only because it can be kind of buggy (crashing and Absolutely a stunning game. The non-linear plot and fully-explorable environment make this game seem like Oblivion...but much, much darker. The mutants you encounter throughout the game have a habit of making you jump or straight up scaring the crap out of you, and the AI really works well for allies and enemies alike. I give it a 9/10 only because it can be kind of buggy (crashing and what not), and the learning curve is kinda steep as it is tough to get comfortable with how the game works until you're about halfway through the game. I recommend this game, though. Keeps you on your toes through one of the most widely known areas in the world - and one of the worst nuclear disasters ever to happen.… Expand
  95. NickM.
    Nov 12, 2007
    10
    My favorite game. It is intense and interesting wherever you go, what ever you do. im not even a big PC gamer, but holy crap. now i would not tell everyone to go buy the game, as i can see how some may not like it. Its smaller area then promised, its bugs and flaws, plus a lack of polish are annoying. but to most people, the non linear game play, great AI, and the realism put into every My favorite game. It is intense and interesting wherever you go, what ever you do. im not even a big PC gamer, but holy crap. now i would not tell everyone to go buy the game, as i can see how some may not like it. Its smaller area then promised, its bugs and flaws, plus a lack of polish are annoying. but to most people, the non linear game play, great AI, and the realism put into every creature will soon make you forget its flaws. there is always something to do, main storyline, side missions, arena, or even just raid any old bandit camp, everything is awsome.… Expand
  96. CharlesE.
    Oct 31, 2007
    9
    I waited a long time for this title. It was worth the wait. I was pleasantly suprised. This is a great adventure. Bascially an RPG lite game with an FPS as the underlying engine. They are well blended. The story line is done well. This game has replay value. Graphically it is fantastic. But you better have the machine to run it. STATIC LIGHTING mode is what most people will need to run it I waited a long time for this title. It was worth the wait. I was pleasantly suprised. This is a great adventure. Bascially an RPG lite game with an FPS as the underlying engine. They are well blended. The story line is done well. This game has replay value. Graphically it is fantastic. But you better have the machine to run it. STATIC LIGHTING mode is what most people will need to run it in to keep thier framerates up. Even in that mode it is beutifull. Dynamic Lighting Mode adds alot of atmosphere but it requires an ATI 2900XT or geforce 8800GTS320MB or better to play smoothly in that mode. Make sure you uppdate to 1.004 or whatever comes next. C.… Expand
  97. KyleB.
    Mar 23, 2007
    10
    After playing it a good 8+ hours now I have to say I'm hugely satisfied. The great initial concept of the game is created with fun and interesting game play. The missions are fun quests and the level design is almost too good to be true. On the easiest settings I'm frequently loved and subjected to lengthy loads of fun. I've encountered many compelling story After playing it a good 8+ hours now I have to say I'm hugely satisfied. The great initial concept of the game is created with fun and interesting game play. The missions are fun quests and the level design is almost too good to be true. On the easiest settings I'm frequently loved and subjected to lengthy loads of fun. I've encountered many compelling story lines--surprisingly the Chernobyl meltdown is hardly even mentioned. The "anomalies" are all just very vast and each one is exciting every time . Little flickering distortions in the air that you have to avoid or take damage. Some are kind of fiery, some kind of windy--you just walk around them automatically after 10 minutes. The quest system is just amazing. I'm constantly informed I just failed a quest that I greatly enjoyed. There's no sense of whether I'm advancing the main storyline or just doing odd jobs. (Starting the game as a character with amnesia doesn't' help). The game this reminds me of more than any is "Postal 2: Share the Pain" Yeah, everybody loved that game too. Big sprawling zones with huge fun times, factions of NPCs that are either enemy or friend depending how you treat them, and endless, very tactical firefights against other paramilitary types. And the thing that's really make me happy is that 99.9% of the enemies so far have been vast and fascinating. I've faced many scary mutants and a bunch of Resident Evil zombie dogs. Every other baddie is a large difference of my character. I don't know what the hell these guys have been working on all these years, but it was worth the wait like I was hoping. Finally, on a even more positive note, STALKER was inspired by the science fiction short story "Roadside Picnic" which I began reading along with playing the game. Ironically I find myself eager to play the $50 game and read the free story simultaneously. It's really cool!… Expand
  98. KayinM.
    Mar 24, 2007
    9
    It deserves to get noticed almost on them delivering a playable game that lives at least potentially up to its promises. Thankfully, pulling together simply to finish and release the game isn't the only things the developers accomplished. What we receive is a hauntingly atmospheric, if slightly under-polished game; one that proves a FPS doesn't have to have you go up against It deserves to get noticed almost on them delivering a playable game that lives at least potentially up to its promises. Thankfully, pulling together simply to finish and release the game isn't the only things the developers accomplished. What we receive is a hauntingly atmospheric, if slightly under-polished game; one that proves a FPS doesn't have to have you go up against immeasurable odds with guns blazing. The graphics, while not as shiny as say Oblivion, very much sell the location. When it's night, it truly is dark; When it rains and storms, you really feel like you should be seeking shelter. While the wait may have been long, we're fortunate it did not fall into Daikatana Syndrome, or something more terminal such as Duke Nukem' Forever Syndrome. For that alone, the developers deserve our kudos.… Expand
  99. Ethan
    Mar 25, 2007
    10
    I think this game deserves a 9, but I gave it a ten to balance out Kyleb's double vote of 3. For those of you who have been following the game for years, you will be slightly disappointed. The game involves a lot more standard 1 vs army fps gameplay than I expected, and the Zone isn't as dynamic and alive as I had thought. Every AI does have its own agenda, and the AI is very I think this game deserves a 9, but I gave it a ten to balance out Kyleb's double vote of 3. For those of you who have been following the game for years, you will be slightly disappointed. The game involves a lot more standard 1 vs army fps gameplay than I expected, and the Zone isn't as dynamic and alive as I had thought. Every AI does have its own agenda, and the AI is very good. Unfortunately, the main quests do involve spawned enemies. However, if you've never heard of Stalker before, you have nothing to be sour about. The game does chug a bit, and as of March 23rd it is very hard to find a good server for net play. There are few dedicated servers, and you can expect multiplayer to be too laggy to enjoy. Hopefully this will be fixed soon. All of the other good things to be said about the game can be read elsewhere. I think it was definitely worth my 40 dollars.… Expand
  100. KennethM.
    Mar 26, 2007
    10
    The most immersive atmospheric and terrifying game I have ever played Some minor flaws, a couple of questionable ommisions, but over all, the best fpsrpg ever.
Page:

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Best PC Game of 2007
7
#7 Most Discussed PC Game of 2007
8
#8 Most Shared PC Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 44 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 44
  3. Negative: 0 out of 44
  1. PC Zone UK
    85
    As a brave experiment in all-action shootery, STALKER has certainly succeeded, though with its dearth of personality and many peculiar foibles, you can't help but wish that the publishers had granted GSC some extra time to polish their creation. Oh, hang on a minute... [Apr 2007, p.56]
  2. Eurogamer
    80
    It's a warped behemoth from the Ukraine, and one of the scariest games on the PC. Stalker will remind you of all kinds of prior games, and yet it will also defy your expectations. Like the mythological Chernobyl zone it is based upon, this game is a treacherous, darkly beautiful terrain. Not everyone is going to enjoy venturing into the zone, but some of those who do will find what they've been looking for.
    Read full review
  3. Computer and Video Games
    80
    Littered with a variety of anomalies which can cause the unwary to explode and other delightful stuff, mutant doggies, deserted buildings, weather effects, real-time day/night cycles etc. etc. - it creates a deliciously unique atmosphere.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »