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. reiska
    Apr 3, 2008
    10
    This game was just awesome, just finished playing it. And still I want to play some more.Want to get all the endings.
  2. AdamWainwright
    Mar 22, 2008
    8
    I have been wainting for this game to come out for years and was quite happy with the end result. I had to upgrade my rig just to run it smoothly. The story lines not bad and love the multiple ending. I have played it about 4 times and gonna start it again soon.
  3. PaulL.
    Mar 15, 2008
    10
    I rated this game off of what the game is, and not its performance. The game is different and beyond all else seen out there. Absolutely addicting and one of my favorite games off all time. Highly anticipating the sequel. The only downer is the few flaws still left in the games performance even after all the patches came out, and its a hardship working past them. If they were fixed, this I rated this game off of what the game is, and not its performance. The game is different and beyond all else seen out there. Absolutely addicting and one of my favorite games off all time. Highly anticipating the sequel. The only downer is the few flaws still left in the games performance even after all the patches came out, and its a hardship working past them. If they were fixed, this game would be perfect.… Expand
  4. ArikR.
    Mar 12, 2008
    10
    The game is gooood! Anyone who likes not just to go straight and shoot anything that moves should try it (at least once:). And yeah, about the graphics design. I was born in Ukraine like 50 miles from the place you play the game in, so i know how it looks in real life (approximately, thanks God). I can assure you that every smallest detail, every tree, every car or what's written on The game is gooood! Anyone who likes not just to go straight and shoot anything that moves should try it (at least once:). And yeah, about the graphics design. I was born in Ukraine like 50 miles from the place you play the game in, so i know how it looks in real life (approximately, thanks God). I can assure you that every smallest detail, every tree, every car or what's written on damn helicopter is 100% copied from real life (in best meaning of word 'copied'). So even if you'd like to go to some ex-soviet country, play the game just to see how possibly your trip would look like.) Pretty real.… Expand
  5. Laz
    Mar 8, 2008
    6
    This is undoubtedly one of the most unique games I've ever played. The plot is spectacular and the mutants and factions are simply creative genius. The broad exploration and weapons were fulfilling too. But even through all these great things, there were some that will drive any standard gamer out the door. My general complain in any FPS is ballistic accuracy of firearms. It would This is undoubtedly one of the most unique games I've ever played. The plot is spectacular and the mutants and factions are simply creative genius. The broad exploration and weapons were fulfilling too. But even through all these great things, there were some that will drive any standard gamer out the door. My general complain in any FPS is ballistic accuracy of firearms. It would have been superb if this game had ballistics like Ghost Recon Advanced Warrior or even Call of Duty 4. One shot kills as well as realistic accuracy of weapons. The survival aspect could be greatly improved. I didn't feel as if I were fighting for my life, just blowing magazines at enemies who had no sense of self-preservation. The stealth factor too was also pathetic, which is my method of choice in any take down. There were bugs, as most games do, but I don't rate it down for that. All in all, this game would undoubtedly be one of my favorite games if it were merely more realistic.… Expand
  6. 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....
  7. JamesC.
    Feb 23, 2008
    9
    The patched version has run well. The game is moody, drips atmosphere, and is pretty darn scary. It also looks great with everything turned up to the maximum. It is heresy to say it, but I liked it better than Crysis. it is much more immersive to me.
  8. 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!
  9. RobinZ.
    Feb 20, 2008
    3
    A very disappointing game. When you start the game, you absolutely know nothing about the zone and how to deal with these tons of dangers out there. Also the game isn't beatable without cheats in normal difficulty. First I had that bug that the scientist got killed in the cutscene and I had no possibility to proceed. After reloading the save game unbelievable 33 times and always A very disappointing game. When you start the game, you absolutely know nothing about the zone and how to deal with these tons of dangers out there. Also the game isn't beatable without cheats in normal difficulty. First I had that bug that the scientist got killed in the cutscene and I had no possibility to proceed. After reloading the save game unbelievable 33 times and always fighting my way to the cutscene where the schientist dies, the bug hadn't appeared. Also, later in the game you need to blow A WHOLE MAGAZINE into the enemys head to kill them. And the NPCs have one-shot kill abilities. Guess who dies first: the player. And I bet my life the final chapter is impossible without godmode! Even though I play FPS for years and being an slightly above average player, I needed a trainer which gave me 10000hp and I still had to retry several times.… Expand
  10. Jag
    Feb 15, 2008
    9
    This is a very unique piece of software. Stalker shadow of chernobyl is an FPS/RPG. there's a bit of a learning curve but you'l pick things up within about 30-60 minutes. There is so much to do. Its an open world so you can go were ever you want when ever you want. There's also a lot of stuff you can get. This game has the biggest weapon arsanal I've ever seen. The This is a very unique piece of software. Stalker shadow of chernobyl is an FPS/RPG. there's a bit of a learning curve but you'l pick things up within about 30-60 minutes. There is so much to do. Its an open world so you can go were ever you want when ever you want. There's also a lot of stuff you can get. This game has the biggest weapon arsanal I've ever seen. The story line is a bit to hard to fallow but it all comes together in the end. However this game is not for everyone. It is very hard, particularly the shooting machanics. A lot of the weapons arn't as accurate or effective as they should be. The graphics are pretty old school but everything els more than makes up for it. The A is very hard to beat. You may need to download some patches because the game has some bugs in it. Over all this game is challenging and should be played by anyone looking for a challenge.… Expand
  11. eh
    Feb 13, 2008
    10
    Extremely addictive and with good inner story. Marvelous. Best FPS I've ever played.
  12. 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
  13. BenC.
    Feb 8, 2008
    10
    Excellent Game. It seems to start out a little slow, but picks up fairly quickly. I really liked the near limitless interactions with the AI players/objects.
  14. AnonymousMC
    Feb 5, 2008
    10
    This game is amazing, the graphics are great, and the X-ray engine is so powerful.
    just to name a few of the realistic traits, bullets are affected by gravity and can even ricochet off surfaces and the aiming is very realistic ie: crosshairs for general aiming, and iron sights for precision shooting
  15. WoutT.
    Jan 16, 2008
    9
    This game is one of those games that absorbs you so well in its atmosphere that it will make you crave for more after finishing it. You
  16. A.S.
    Jan 11, 2008
    9
    This is a good game, not perfect, but I haven
  17. ThomasL.
    Dec 31, 2007
    10
    Great game, explained most things to you, if you went to the right area. First thing I found out about was using my bolts to find the area the anomalies covered.. Awesome graphics, and wonderful gameplay. If you have played something like half-life, wouldnt you know that you hit buttons to get guns? Well, I expected to get a gun when I got my knife, but thats just me. He couldnt expect me Great game, explained most things to you, if you went to the right area. First thing I found out about was using my bolts to find the area the anomalies covered.. Awesome graphics, and wonderful gameplay. If you have played something like half-life, wouldnt you know that you hit buttons to get guns? Well, I expected to get a gun when I got my knife, but thats just me. He couldnt expect me to kill 7 or 8 guys with a knife.… Expand
  18. JohnH.
    Dec 27, 2007
    7
    The game is quest based rather than linear. You pick up quests, loot, trade and upgrade you gear much like a RPG. You move freely around the lands and you can explore on your own loading only at level borders. Some quests will take you to underground bunkers or houses and here the game looks more like a classic FPS. The AI's are fairly good, they take cover behind corners and aim The game is quest based rather than linear. You pick up quests, loot, trade and upgrade you gear much like a RPG. You move freely around the lands and you can explore on your own loading only at level borders. Some quests will take you to underground bunkers or houses and here the game looks more like a classic FPS. The AI's are fairly good, they take cover behind corners and aim well. The atmosphere of the game is good and scary. I would picture it as a Mad Max scenario in a radio active Ukraine with unknown mutant horrors lurking. However, it's not a realistic shooter as some others suggested. For realism I would play OFP, ArmA or the more linear Red Orchestra. What bothers me with the shooting is that it almost takes a full clip of 30 rounds to kill one enemy using a fair AK. The one handed guns are useless for anything but critters, you need to get very close and put a few rounds in between the eyes for any effect. I would rather use a real life slingshoot or a stick and expect better results than that. Perhaps weapons and ammo will get better later on. The grenades are good and at this point it's my only efficient weapon to down anything quick. The game engine have some major flaws. I experience crashes, even blue screens while playing. Initially I couldn't exit to desktop without a blue screen and system reboot. I removed all sound hardware acceleration, EAX and now it's better but I still have issues with random blue screens crashes in nVidia DLL's. If you want to play this game you better search the community FAQ's on how to minimize crashes and don't forget to quicksave often. The game is mercyless, death or a system crash comes fast. Despite the major flaws I really enjoy S.T.A.L.K.E.R.… Expand
  19. ColbyA.
    Dec 21, 2007
    8
    Another great game, in the spirit of Deus Ex. While it had no RPG elements like character building, it still felt like a great shooter with roleplaying in it. I liked the feeling and environment of the game, as well as the gameplay. the AI was a little rocky though, if I recall. Saving system left something to be desired. And... well I think the ending was kind of silly and I didn't Another great game, in the spirit of Deus Ex. While it had no RPG elements like character building, it still felt like a great shooter with roleplaying in it. I liked the feeling and environment of the game, as well as the gameplay. the AI was a little rocky though, if I recall. Saving system left something to be desired. And... well I think the ending was kind of silly and I didn't feel closure. But it was still great fun to play and had a feeling that no other shooter has.… Expand
  20. ThibautB.
    Dec 20, 2007
    9
    Best game I've played this year. Very good atmosphere, maybe especially for mature gamers who are looking for a game wortwhile of other action-rpg such as Fallout, Deux ex or Vampire:Bloodlines.
  21. AlexGenius
    Dec 20, 2007
    10
    ?? - ??????, ????????? ? ?? ???? ???, ??? ?? ????????? ?????????? ????????? ???????! ??????????? ???????? ??????? ? ????? ????? ?????????? ?????????-??????, ??????? (??????? ?????? ?? ????, ?? ???????? ????? ??????? ?? (!) - ?????????, ????? ??????,) ???????, ??? ???? ??? - ??????? ????, ????????, ? ???? ???????, ???? ????????? ????? ?? ? ??????, ? ??? ??? ?? ??????? ????????? ?????????? - ??????, ????????? ? ?? ???? ???, ??? ?? ????????? ?????????? ????????? ???????! ??????????? ???????? ??????? ? ????? ????? ?????????? ?????????-??????, ??????? (??????? ?????? ?? ????, ?? ???????? ????? ??????? ?? (!) - ?????????, ????? ??????,) ???????, ??? ???? ??? - ??????? ????, ????????, ? ???? ???????, ???? ????????? ????? ?? ? ??????, ? ??? ??? ?? ??????? ????????? ???????? ??????? ?? gameplay! ??? ? ???????, ?????(deer) ?? - mister T and nothing more...
    ? ????, ??? ?? ??????? ????????, ??????? ?????? ??????? ?? ?????? ?? ??? ??????? ???????, ??????? ??? ?????? ????? ???????(, ?? ????????????) - 8,5    … Expand
  22. MichaelT.
    Dec 10, 2007
    5
    Well, the game started off pretty good, nice graphics, some sort of storyline thing. And the fact that you could roam and fullfill quest after quest seemed anticing... However that's what I expected to continue.... I have a nice high-spec machine so I never expected it: random crashes... saving a game was like throwing the dice: will it crash (9 out of 10 times it did) or will it Well, the game started off pretty good, nice graphics, some sort of storyline thing. And the fact that you could roam and fullfill quest after quest seemed anticing... However that's what I expected to continue.... I have a nice high-spec machine so I never expected it: random crashes... saving a game was like throwing the dice: will it crash (9 out of 10 times it did) or will it actually save my progress and maybe even let me continue for a bit... Patches didn't come any time soon, and when they came, I already lost interest... Besides they didn't help... By the time I heard it was finally getting somewhat more stable, I didn't actually care anymore because I got the Orange Box... So, in short my opinion on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. : The game that promised much and delivered little. The most satisfaction you get after buying it is UNinstalling it.… Expand
  23. JoeT.
    Nov 19, 2007
    10
    I can understand why a lot of people criticize S.T.A.L.K.E.R.. Its learning curve is extremely steep and it has scripting issues that show up as bugs in 1 of 4 side quests. In this day of console game popularity I can understand many players
  24. silviu
    Nov 13, 2007
    10
    I simply can't state enough how great this game is. I know, it has many flaws (although all those problems were greatly reduced with the latest 1.0004 patch), maybe it has some gameplay problems, but all in all it's for sure one of the best. You can't fully understand what I mean unless you start playing it. me, personally, after I start it, I can't stop unless I I simply can't state enough how great this game is. I know, it has many flaws (although all those problems were greatly reduced with the latest 1.0004 patch), maybe it has some gameplay problems, but all in all it's for sure one of the best. You can't fully understand what I mean unless you start playing it. me, personally, after I start it, I can't stop unless I finish it, that great this game is. on a scale from 1 to 10, this game deserves 11, if you know what I mean.… Expand
  25. 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
  26. JarettE.
    Nov 11, 2007
    8
    This was a great game. Loading screens took a little bit out of it, but the game made up in great game play. I thought the AI was pretty good, the best i've ever seen for a long time. I wish there were more side missions and more "haunted villages" to roam and find. If you like fps, rpg's, and thrillers like 28 days later this game is for you. Weapon selection was slightly This was a great game. Loading screens took a little bit out of it, but the game made up in great game play. I thought the AI was pretty good, the best i've ever seen for a long time. I wish there were more side missions and more "haunted villages" to roam and find. If you like fps, rpg's, and thrillers like 28 days later this game is for you. Weapon selection was slightly disappointing, to get most of the good stuff you have to look real hard though.… Expand
  27. Alex
    Nov 5, 2007
    2
    This game is a prime example of one of the things wrong with gaming today: the players. This game is a broken, buggy, unintuitive product that feels like an alpha, yet it's widely loved and popular. I cannot wrap my head around this. How is a game that offers no explanations or even instructions possibly worth an 82/100? Examples: Was not aware that I started with a gun until This game is a prime example of one of the things wrong with gaming today: the players. This game is a broken, buggy, unintuitive product that feels like an alpha, yet it's widely loved and popular. I cannot wrap my head around this. How is a game that offers no explanations or even instructions possibly worth an 82/100? Examples: Was not aware that I started with a gun until accidentally pulling it out. Was not told how the inventory system worked (not that it's complicated, but still unacceptable). Was not educated on the anomalies beyond that they exsist. Was not properly informed how to handle radiation and bleeding (a tooltip that pops us for 3 seconds does not qualify for proper information). The list goes on, and I never even got out of the first loaded area. People complain about the decline in game quality over the years, yet they give S.T.A.L.K.E.R. the highest praise.… Expand
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. C.H.
    Oct 24, 2007
    6
    I want to like this game. Really, I do. It looks great, it should play well, and it has an interesting story and setting. But I will be damned if I can get this thing to play properly at all. The game is so flawed, so bugged, so impossible to play without constant load screens, choppiness, and stuttering that I can't give it a good score. Even with a beefy machine and all the I want to like this game. Really, I do. It looks great, it should play well, and it has an interesting story and setting. But I will be damned if I can get this thing to play properly at all. The game is so flawed, so bugged, so impossible to play without constant load screens, choppiness, and stuttering that I can't give it a good score. Even with a beefy machine and all the updates, this game just will not perform. Even games with far heavier system requirements have ran smoother on my machine.… Expand
  31. KevinD.
    Oct 22, 2007
    8
    Great ending. Tough game, but not insurmountable with a good mix of action and maze. Gameplay is not as non-linear as some reviews make it out to be -- like most games you pretty much have to follow the missions to get anywhere. Great dark, cynical story line and plenty of weapons. No vehicles though.
  32. Herbert
    Oct 14, 2007
    9
    Awesome!! Nice and scary but almost too dense of a story line.
  33. NicholasS.
    Oct 9, 2007
    9
    This is one of those games where the draw is much stronger than the flaws. Yes, there is a lot wrong with the game, but there is so much right I am mezmorized. I've played many games that were polished more, but very few that I've enjoyed more.
  34. ZachK.
    Oct 4, 2007
    10
    This game is great! The game is huge and lots of various armours and weapons.
  35. Vasiliy
    Sep 28, 2007
    9
    Nice game - it's all what i can say about this. It's almost ideal FPS. But ,of course , there is some a litle none-maked parts in this project. But ,i say again, this is a best FPS maked at post USSR territory (i said so because i'm living in Kazakhstan i.e. post USSR country , and can see a lot of our released shooters)
  36. SeanW.
    Sep 15, 2007
    8
    This game is ver good, it has a very interesting concept and a very unique story not seen very often in video games now adays, and the inlusion of a real world area is very cool. I just love the atmsphere this game create, I warn you tho don't play at night in a dark room, cuz yo'll be sleeping with the light on lol.
  37. ErlendD.
    Sep 14, 2007
    9
    Its a bit confusing with the side-quests but everything else is just amasing!
  38. KellW.
    Sep 10, 2007
    10
    This game is great, everything about it is perfect. Storyline, shooting, effects everything. Tho i do get the odd scary bit that makes me jump.
  39. Jesse
    Sep 10, 2007
    6
    Very fun game, but won't work for a large amount of users. GSC released a game that was 3/4 finished. If it works for you, it's a fantastic game. If it doesn't, it's a nightmare and a waste of money.
  40. 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
  41. ChrisK.
    Sep 9, 2007
    3
    Let's see. Things that went right: ...uh. Things that went wrong: Durability system with no method of equipment repair -- really, REALLY annoying to have to, even near the end of the game, constantly switch out armor because it greatly loses effectiveness when you've taken a couple shots. Character progression entirely item based -- Self explanatory. If you aren't hoarding Let's see. Things that went right: ...uh. Things that went wrong: Durability system with no method of equipment repair -- really, REALLY annoying to have to, even near the end of the game, constantly switch out armor because it greatly loses effectiveness when you've taken a couple shots. Character progression entirely item based -- Self explanatory. If you aren't hoarding the artifacts and armors, you're not going anywhere (and living). Fallout clone -- You heard me. This game is entirely a Fallout clone in FPS (I've not played Brotherhood of Steel, so I'm not going to say anything about that). The final things that made me realize this were the exoskeleton (increases carry capacity... please), and the gauss gun. No quicksave, poor autosave -- I don't even know what triggered autosaves, I guess one full day. The lack of quicksave was really annoying, because you had to completely interrupt the action before doing something potentially stupid. Encumbrance -- This is just idiotic. Carrying any amount of weight over your 'maximum' causes you to almost instantly waste all of your stamina when moving. Weapon selection -- The pistols are absolutely worthless. The rifles (and ammo) weigh a figurative ton. I was rarely more than 3 kg under maximum carry weight, because I had to carry so bloody much ammo to do the storyline missions and I didn't want to use the horrible AK set of weapons. Zero sense of accomplishment from the ending -- There is no real reward in beating this game UNLESS you follow a very obscure chain to get the one 'good' ending. And even that is a let down. Let's not forget getting randomly one-shotted by NPCs who sneak up on you because they forget to make any sounds and do an incredibly absurd amount of damage for their difficulty level (yeah, uh, I played on the second lowest difficulty and I still got killed in under a second by some of the enemies. gg.) You want a pseudo RPG like this? Go play Bioshock.… Expand
  42. 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
  43. imaginer
    Sep 7, 2007
    4
    What a pity! I love the whole idea... surviving in a radiactive zone. Day and night pass... you are so immersed. You spend ours on a mission to do it just right. And then no reward. Missions appear and disapear as if by magic. Bugs eat this game! such a pity. wouldnt recommend it to anyone. just too frustrating.
  44. 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
  45. AnonymousMC
    Sep 3, 2007
    10
    It may have some technical diffuculties, But I had no trouble immersing myself in this great game. I enjoyed the RPG-ness that didnt come with an XP bar and MANA. Something I havent seen in.. I dont even know how long.
    To Paul: Would you like it if you just went through once and then theyre all dead, Thats it, no more things to kill? I sure as hell wouldn't.
  46. ClosetRambo
    Sep 3, 2007
    0
    This game could be a sweet game indeed but for a few essential tweeks that need to be made with difficulty level. Right now it is un-playable. Don't waiste your money as I did. I sent feedback to the deveolper's forum and got a nasty response "Then don't play it. I'm tired of people complaining". I have deleted the game from my hard drive after two days of playing. I This game could be a sweet game indeed but for a few essential tweeks that need to be made with difficulty level. Right now it is un-playable. Don't waiste your money as I did. I sent feedback to the deveolper's forum and got a nasty response "Then don't play it. I'm tired of people complaining". I have deleted the game from my hard drive after two days of playing. I have never deemed a game totaly un-playable before and it's sad because this could have been a sweet one.… Expand
  47. MattK.
    Sep 2, 2007
    6
    A game with great promise but is ruined but a finicky game engine with bugs galore and atrocious AI. I really wish it wasn't some damn buggy because undeath these major issues is a wonderful game worth any gamers time who also enjoyed the likes of Deus Ex.
  48. JustinAbdallah
    Sep 2, 2007
    6
    I cant really rate this game because I cant even get the game to start up from my steam client. I really dont understand what the problem is. Maybe its steam, or maybe the game files are all screwed up because my other games boot up just fine from steam. So 30 bucks wasted.
  49. ZachH.
    Aug 31, 2007
    6
    Sooo.... Here's the thing. This game is awesome. I mean, like it's really fun for a while. The first 10+ hours will just have you playing and playing. And not just for the gameplay but for the storyline. That's what really got me hooked. But along with that, it is rather short. From what the Dev's were saying I expected it to be one of the best games I ever played; but Sooo.... Here's the thing. This game is awesome. I mean, like it's really fun for a while. The first 10+ hours will just have you playing and playing. And not just for the gameplay but for the storyline. That's what really got me hooked. But along with that, it is rather short. From what the Dev's were saying I expected it to be one of the best games I ever played; but it wasn't. It had the potential to be. There are a couple mods that will definately up the gameplay but I reccomend going throguh it once, then with the mods. For the money it's fun. Flat-out fun. There are bugs yes, and not what the Developers said it would be; but fun nonetheless.… Expand
  50. UK_John
    Aug 26, 2007
    9
    Due to the fact it will run on many PC's and still looks great I hope it will sell well, so we get more great games like this. Others that have given 9+ scores have described why, so I will not repeat, but I will say to have the haze over a fire and nervous NPC's who bring out their gun till they recognise you the team that made this really thought outside the box and did many Due to the fact it will run on many PC's and still looks great I hope it will sell well, so we get more great games like this. Others that have given 9+ scores have described why, so I will not repeat, but I will say to have the haze over a fire and nervous NPC's who bring out their gun till they recognise you the team that made this really thought outside the box and did many things not done before, hence the fantastic game it is!… Expand
  51. [Anonymous]
    Aug 13, 2007
    9
    The grafics arnt as great as fear or anything but the main quest is great so is the bullet balistics. And there are so many mods that improve the game.
  52. K.G.
    Aug 9, 2007
    10
    This game is absolutely spectacular. Everything from the gunplay, to the atmosphere, to the story, to the open ended gameplay is top notch. I think the low reviews scores it gets come from people who are probably not skilled enough to play a near tac-shooter. Buggy? Yes but playing through with the 1.003 patch there were no show-stoppers. All in all this is a landmark
  53. Korin
    Aug 9, 2007
    10
    Excessive respawn is addressed in patch 1.0003. Don't be.....
  54. Paul
    Jul 29, 2007
    0
    Constantly respawning enemies is Soooooo LAME! Waste of money! Darnit I spent my birthday money on this!
  55. IanB.
    Jul 21, 2007
    10
    It's a good one for an FPS, the plot was good, aiming was kinda frustrating, because you can't hit the damn enemy if you set it on a much higher difficulty, just don't like the dogs though, yeah i'm new to this one, it's kinda frustrating but it's fun wandering to a kind of environment that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. give, it's fun.. not really for a trigger happy It's a good one for an FPS, the plot was good, aiming was kinda frustrating, because you can't hit the damn enemy if you set it on a much higher difficulty, just don't like the dogs though, yeah i'm new to this one, it's kinda frustrating but it's fun wandering to a kind of environment that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. give, it's fun.. not really for a trigger happy FPS fan, it's strategy, and a little RPG for an FPS.. oh well whatever! it's a good game.… Expand
  56. RJ
    Jul 21, 2007
    7
    This game is definitely above average, but not spectacular. Graphics are decent, sound is pretty good, and the AI is actually challenging on harder difficulty levels. The environment is just awesome! Now for the cons: Missions keep replaying (I'm guessing this is to keep your inventory up), weapons actually jam (I hate that), and the way characters mouths move when they talk.... This game is definitely above average, but not spectacular. Graphics are decent, sound is pretty good, and the AI is actually challenging on harder difficulty levels. The environment is just awesome! Now for the cons: Missions keep replaying (I'm guessing this is to keep your inventory up), weapons actually jam (I hate that), and the way characters mouths move when they talk.... their jaws only move up and down, they look like a robot talking. Other than that, great game!… Expand
  57. Hopna
    Jul 19, 2007
    9
    I really like this game. It has good graphics, pretty much guns , the sound is good but it also has many bugs. That is one of the things i dislike about the game. I also think the game is too short. I finished the game in a few days and i even played a lot of side quests. The game also requires a too fast system. Thats not a problem for me but my brother hasn't got a very fast I really like this game. It has good graphics, pretty much guns , the sound is good but it also has many bugs. That is one of the things i dislike about the game. I also think the game is too short. I finished the game in a few days and i even played a lot of side quests. The game also requires a too fast system. Thats not a problem for me but my brother hasn't got a very fast videocard and because of that the game doesn't always work good. The thing i liked most about the game was that it was very exciting. I remember a time when i was walking through the nature in the night. I couldn't see a thing. Suddenly i heard growling and footsteps. It came closer and closer and then i saw a bunch of blind dogs attacking me. Each time they attacked me, they ran away and came back a few seconds later. The AI isn't bad but sometimes they do stupid things. The newest patches fix a lot of bugs and make the game more playable. I would recommend the game to others because it's exciting, has a good story and a great gameplay.… Expand
  58. 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
  59. EdC.
    Jul 6, 2007
    6
    Pros: Great concept, great theme. Graphics are great for an above-average rig, sound is great although choppy in spots. Cons: Buggy. Even after the third patch, I'm still running into bugs, mostly with AI and NPC voices. Bottom line: This game has all the makings to be a HL2 rival, but as of current, it's a fairly decent game that is too reliant on subsequent patches to make it great.
  60. ChandraP.
    Jun 19, 2007
    10
    It's a great game with with greatest gunfights ever.
  61. XNelson
    Jun 2, 2007
    7
    It ends so suddenly, nice weapons, nice sounds, a good game.
  62. PatH.
    May 31, 2007
    5
    How this game can be so over-rated is beyond me. I swear the reviewers all were playing a different game or something. I have a top of the line computer, I can run Oblivion just fine with all the settings up. With Stalker on the other hand, It studders all the time, the sound putters out half the time while firing my weapons, the game freezes and crashes to desktop sometimes multiple How this game can be so over-rated is beyond me. I swear the reviewers all were playing a different game or something. I have a top of the line computer, I can run Oblivion just fine with all the settings up. With Stalker on the other hand, It studders all the time, the sound putters out half the time while firing my weapons, the game freezes and crashes to desktop sometimes multiple times in ten minutes. Also Oblivion looks 10 times better than this. About the most frustrating thing in a game happens in this game about 10% of attempts doing it. Saving my game tends to crash the game to desktop. I should not be scared to save my game. Frustrations aside, this game is not even fun. Same enemies over and over again, the "smart" ai is predictable and has wallhack like abilities once you are spotted. The environments are only so so. I do like the weather changing, that is pretty cool I guess. Missions are pointless, rewards for completing a mission make you not want to do the missions. I really did try to like this game. I have tried about 30 times to go try it again but i just leave disappointed every time. About the only fun I had in this game was playing in the arena, unfortunately there are only about 8-9 battles within that whole thing. Sometimes wait results in something good, In this instance, that cannot be said. I would not recommend this game to anyone.… Expand
  63. NaveenK.
    May 31, 2007
    6
    Graphics not up to the mark, game play is good... story line did not have a punch.
  64. 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
  65. Nikm
    May 10, 2007
    8
    I think this game is really fun! the AI is amazing, and the creepy world of chernobyl is great, but the graphics arent great, and really, when was the last game , no, good game, where you had to read with most characters, not on a port(Zelda?) I really enjoyed it though, the gunfights are some of the best ever. Now here is where im confused...Its amazingly realistic, but maybe tooI think this game is really fun! the AI is amazing, and the creepy world of chernobyl is great, but the graphics arent great, and really, when was the last game , no, good game, where you had to read with most characters, not on a port(Zelda?) I really enjoyed it though, the gunfights are some of the best ever. Now here is where im confused...Its amazingly realistic, but maybe too realistic? Example, i had to do a mission for duty, and the quest giver (skull) dies, and i am unable to join duty, and at war with freedom. Not a huge thing, i mean, in real life, the person who hired you could die, but do people want games to be real life? overall though this is what i think of the games sub scores (from most important to least) Combat: 9 Realism: 10 AI: 9 Technicaly sound:4 Graphics:7 originality: 8 Dialoge: 6… Expand
  66. AndrewL.
    May 8, 2007
    9
    I find this to be a good solid game so far. I will admit, I was a tad disappointed by the lack of drivable vehicles but a mod or too can remedy that. I like this game a lot and I personally thought that this is a rare game in a rare genre. Its pretty well rounded and its pretty much the only FPS/RPG I know. I recommend this to anyone, go get it.
  67. AlexM.
    May 6, 2007
    4
    It reminds me of Boling Point Road To Hell. Rember that game, no i don't think you would. Dont get me wrong, S.T.A.L.K.E.R is good, but not that good. Its the same, go kill some one, walk somewhere. it goes on and on. Yeh, i'll give it a 10 for original story, but a 0 for graphics. It was meant to come out as the 1st Direct X9 game. It came out far to late, in the eria of Direct It reminds me of Boling Point Road To Hell. Rember that game, no i don't think you would. Dont get me wrong, S.T.A.L.K.E.R is good, but not that good. Its the same, go kill some one, walk somewhere. it goes on and on. Yeh, i'll give it a 10 for original story, but a 0 for graphics. It was meant to come out as the 1st Direct X9 game. It came out far to late, in the eria of Direct X10. A shame realy, in Direct X 10 i could see this rivialing Crysis.… Expand
  68. AdamW.
    May 5, 2007
    9
    Really delivers most of the amazing things it promised, but does leave room for a potentially even more amazing expansion pack or sequel.
  69. 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
  70. KDep
    Apr 23, 2007
    2
    Rarely does a game annoy me so badly that I quit playing it before I finish. I'm a fan of FPS games, but this one has been done better about 500 times by now, so there's nothing great to behold in this game at all. The map is huge and the only way to get around is by walking. The storyline requires a huge amount of reading text, instead of cutscenes or spoken dialogue. The FPS Rarely does a game annoy me so badly that I quit playing it before I finish. I'm a fan of FPS games, but this one has been done better about 500 times by now, so there's nothing great to behold in this game at all. The map is huge and the only way to get around is by walking. The storyline requires a huge amount of reading text, instead of cutscenes or spoken dialogue. The FPS works well, but I was infuriated by it in the early stages of the game. Most of the early weapons do little damage and are completely inaccuate, so you're better off to try and take baddies out with your knife. Concept is good, but the story is poor, the combat system is lacking, and the entire game just lacks that polish that would make it great. It will be heralded for years and will likely become a cult favorite, but otherwise will disappear into obscurity like the bland game that it is.… Expand
  71. xx
    Apr 20, 2007
    6
    Too repetitive. Monster respawning on zones borders is a pain, especially when enemy is respawning close from the player. Enemy shooters "see" through bushes and are far too good at sniping from long range.
  72. TerryD.
    Apr 17, 2007
    3
    The theme here is SLOW-PACED. Our hero sort of wonders from zone to zone on various missions that either are or are not essential to the completion of the game. Which is which is unclear at best. There are fights in between with weak weapons that provide about as much excitement as standing in line at a Starbucks at 8 o
  73. 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
  74. HenryJ.
    Apr 10, 2007
    9
    Has some short comings, but an interesting idea that holds up. A game with real immersion. I bought the game after reading T Man's comments figuring that if a child didn't like it I might find it really interesting so thanks T Man.
  75. MichaelQ.
    Apr 10, 2007
    3
    Stalker: Oblivion Won? Well, it actually did. Elder Scrolls: Oblivion was on the market a year before Stalker, it sported the same open-ended world and adventure, much better graphics and facial animation and, for goodness sake, much fewer bugs. They did not have to issue a hotfix ten days into the game release. For me, Stalker is Elder Scrolls with bugs and a Kalashnikov. Too buggy, too late.
  76. JohnAnonymous
    Apr 10, 2007
    7
    As soon as they iron out all the bugs, the game will be a classic. Currently I have to exit and launch the game again to get the PDA to update the mission status. The fact that the enemies keep reappearing out of thin air is extremely annoying. This must be switched off. And, guys, since you equipped the NPC with guitars, get them a decent repertoire of Russian tourist songs (hint: Visbor As soon as they iron out all the bugs, the game will be a classic. Currently I have to exit and launch the game again to get the PDA to update the mission status. The fact that the enemies keep reappearing out of thin air is extremely annoying. This must be switched off. And, guys, since you equipped the NPC with guitars, get them a decent repertoire of Russian tourist songs (hint: Visbor is out of copyright).… Expand
  77. TMan
    Apr 3, 2007
    1
    This game features infinite spawning, a seriously annoying feature which ruins all immersion the game would have had and actually frustrates me enough to make me quit. For example, I am in one zone called "Garbage" and I want to travel to the next adjacent zone. Unfortunately, the exit was guarded by a gang of bandits who proceeded to shoot at me on sight. OK, so I get into an exciting This game features infinite spawning, a seriously annoying feature which ruins all immersion the game would have had and actually frustrates me enough to make me quit. For example, I am in one zone called "Garbage" and I want to travel to the next adjacent zone. Unfortunately, the exit was guarded by a gang of bandits who proceeded to shoot at me on sight. OK, so I get into an exciting battle killing them off and after 15 minutes they are dead. I loot their bodies but am now overweighed so I walk away a short distance to a spot I can stash the items to sell later. Now I am excited to continue to the next zone. However as I walk that short distance back to the exit, a new bandit gang has magically appeared, and I have to start all over! After the third time doing this I ripped the game CD out and flung it as hard as I could against a concrete wall and watched in glee as it shattered into small shards.… Expand
  78. DerickC.
    Apr 2, 2007
    4
    When I first glimpsed at this game, I felt this would be the next half life 2/Gta:sa hybrid because of its claim of being an RPG/FPS. Early images from the website depicted the game as immense, with vehicles, rpg stats/features, advanced ai, more factions and a strong storyline. When the game came out, there was a huge disappointment in the game as nearly all of the features stated above When I first glimpsed at this game, I felt this would be the next half life 2/Gta:sa hybrid because of its claim of being an RPG/FPS. Early images from the website depicted the game as immense, with vehicles, rpg stats/features, advanced ai, more factions and a strong storyline. When the game came out, there was a huge disappointment in the game as nearly all of the features stated above were gone, and replaced with a gta:sa clone with better graphics, an extremely bad selection of enemies and no free-roaming map. This game must be one of the most disappointing I have ever encountered.… Expand
  79. BillM.
    Apr 1, 2007
    9
    The best thing to happen to the FPS genre since System Shock2, Deus Ex or Operation Flashpoint. This game is a milestone in FPS history. It has been said in most reviews that the story is badly told; as a system shock fan, I can tell you it's just told "differently" - through fragments of knowledge and awkward conversations. It fits the setting well. I've also read that the The best thing to happen to the FPS genre since System Shock2, Deus Ex or Operation Flashpoint. This game is a milestone in FPS history. It has been said in most reviews that the story is badly told; as a system shock fan, I can tell you it's just told "differently" - through fragments of knowledge and awkward conversations. It fits the setting well. I've also read that the graphics are dated, but from what I've seen so far, the lighting and texturing detail are top notch. There's nothing spookier than seeing the room illuminated a lighting storm through the cracks in the wooden ceiling and brick walls. Combine that with normal and parallax mapped surfaces, amazing weather and foliage systems and great particle effects, and I can't see why people think the graphics are 'dated'. The only disappointment is that the world is not seamless like Oblivion or Morrowind, there are artificial 'loading zones' joining a series of levels surrounded by invisible walls.… Expand
  80. LukeG.
    Mar 31, 2007
    9
    Excellent graphics. Different (in a good way) gameplay. Fun overall. Only negative is somewhat short story.
  81. LiboWang
    Mar 30, 2007
    6
    Great game till it started crashing randomly (about 2/3 progress through the entire game). Seems to be a memory leak (i'm runnin with 2gb of memory too), and when I attempt to ctrl-alt-del, it will say "insufficient resources to run taskmgr.exe" or something along those lines.

    Great game, it's about time someone attempted at a modern/future fps rpg. I give it points for    Great game till it started crashing randomly (about 2/3 progress through the entire game). Seems to be a memory leak (i'm runnin with 2gb of memory too), and when I attempt to ctrl-alt-del, it will say "insufficient resources to run taskmgr.exe" or something along those lines.

    Great game, it's about time someone attempted at a modern/future fps rpg. I give it points for pioneering but it has quite a few misses...    … Expand
  82. 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
  83. JasonL.
    Mar 29, 2007
    7
    I couldn't have said it better than Brad G. Although I will say that the atmosphere of the game is second to none. For a background story to this game (or the closest you will get) read roadside picnic. Google it. It's a free pdf short story, detailing among other things, why you have an infinite bunch of bolts to throw around. (Silly me, I thought it was to distract the enemies).
  84. RoyF.
    Mar 29, 2007
    9
    A very, very fun and unfortunately, a somewhat flawed game. This game is a must have for anyone who has ever liked Fallout (2), System Shock (2), or ever liked zombie games. In a nutshell it is a mix of Operation Flashpoint, Half Life 2, and Oblivion (which i've never played). This game requires a bit more patience (especially with the random crashes...) but it rewards your patience A very, very fun and unfortunately, a somewhat flawed game. This game is a must have for anyone who has ever liked Fallout (2), System Shock (2), or ever liked zombie games. In a nutshell it is a mix of Operation Flashpoint, Half Life 2, and Oblivion (which i've never played). This game requires a bit more patience (especially with the random crashes...) but it rewards your patience with a very enjoyable gaming experience. thumbs up!… Expand
  85. 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
  86. BradG.
    Mar 28, 2007
    7
    I'm really enjoying this game, but not for the same reasons I've been looking forward to it for the past few years. The game has a lot more in common with Deus Ex than it does with Oblivion. You do have a certain level of freedom to explore but the world is quite small overall. Its broken up into somewhat linear maps and the side quests are a lot like those found in Freelancer, I'm really enjoying this game, but not for the same reasons I've been looking forward to it for the past few years. The game has a lot more in common with Deus Ex than it does with Oblivion. You do have a certain level of freedom to explore but the world is quite small overall. Its broken up into somewhat linear maps and the side quests are a lot like those found in Freelancer, standard "shoot him" or "collect that" fare. Still, the single player campaign is quite good. The human enemies are extremely smart and always surprise me with their capacity to flank, hide, and cover one another. The game's most promoted feature, the so called "A-Life", seems to be there in full effect but almost never has enough room to run around. Packs of wild dogs (among other things) move around eating things, running when outnumbered or scared, and working as a team, but only three or four of the games areas feature these elements and most can be run across in a couple of minutes. I was also disappointed to see the more innovated enemies like the bloodsuckers and psychics almost completely constricted to the main quest. You'll rarely run into any interesting enemies until you reach the last few areas. The Zone's anomalies are also hit and miss. They range from nothing more than boring, glorified minefields in the open areas to well integrated traps and visual effects in some of the interiors. Radiation has some cool implementations like radiated, burned out vehicle hulks on some maps but it is often simply used to mark the edge of someplace you can't go yet. The artifacts are interesting, though they're really nothing more than stats boosters randomly strewn across the landscape. The factional elements are also woefully underdeveloped and don't come close to what you'll find in other free-form games. In the end, you're investing in a standard FPS with a great sense of style, gripping atmosphere, and solid gameplay. Sadly, for any of us who frequented the game's original website (replaced a few months ago), this isn't quite the game we expected. No vehicles, no massive world to sink into, and practically nothing interesting to do off the beaten path of the main quest. Everything unique or outstanding gets showcased in the plot missions which can sadly be breezed through in under 20 hours.… Expand
  87. DelvinS.
    Mar 27, 2007
    10
    I've only played a few hours of this. It is moderately hard, so be conservative in just going for the first missions right away. Honestly, this game is the most unnerving game in its realism, you actually almost FEEL you are breathing this sickly radioactive air walking around this devastated and infected area dizzied by blows from enemies. I have to say this is the first game that I I've only played a few hours of this. It is moderately hard, so be conservative in just going for the first missions right away. Honestly, this game is the most unnerving game in its realism, you actually almost FEEL you are breathing this sickly radioactive air walking around this devastated and infected area dizzied by blows from enemies. I have to say this is the first game that I am actually affected by this intensely. It'll probably take JERICHO, but this is one scary experience. There is so much sensory play and creepiness that it takes a special person to appreciate it. Like I said, only a few hours and I'm scared to play it. I love it. The storyline's a bit vague, but hey.. that's what WE have imaginations for. I don't have to know yet. I believe there's probably one way that gives you the best ending. Either way, the realism is beautifully implemented in the organic engine this game uses. You'll notice on repeat missions (which you'll have a few), that the weather's changed or monsters, etc are there. Not as much obvious scripting, it's really mindblowing. I don't mind the press ESC save function. I think the graphics are great even for today. The smoothness helps everything seem living and breathing. All is fairly detailed, it's just the landscape is not 'pretty. I keep getting paranoid to leave camp after dark for what lies out there. I haven't even touched multiplayer yet. More fun. This game rules, BUY IT.… Expand
  88. B.O.S.Kuro-chan
    Mar 27, 2007
    0
    This game is 2D, not worth any upgrades to Vista. I would rather drink pig urine that was pooped in by a Gorilla with hemorrhoids than play this game. It is ugly, sounds horrible, has bad controls, horrible gameplay, retarded story line, and, to top it off, it installs about 20 viruses when you boot it up. Avoid this game at all costs.
  89. FenryzR.
    Mar 27, 2007
    3
    Sorry, there is no way I can recommend this game. There is no way you can compare this game to F.E.A.R meets Oblivion, its not even close. Playarea is extremely limited, and you will be in fights all the time, bandits respawn constantly - probably to hide that there is absolutely nothing else to do but shoot boring things, and loot them...and find another generic thing youve seen before. Sorry, there is no way I can recommend this game. There is no way you can compare this game to F.E.A.R meets Oblivion, its not even close. Playarea is extremely limited, and you will be in fights all the time, bandits respawn constantly - probably to hide that there is absolutely nothing else to do but shoot boring things, and loot them...and find another generic thing youve seen before. No, this game is a huge disappointment, and not close in any way to the game we were promised so many years ago. I'm sad, because I hoped a lot for this title...… Expand
  90. 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.
  91. Mike
    Mar 25, 2007
    3
    I really tried getting into this game, but I couldn't. 1. The graphics Set at the max level, look outdated, not sharp, Just a disappointment. The screen shots from the game looked a lot better! 2. Missions are really unclear, there really is no goal or path that you take. You just walk around doing pointless mini quests for money. Overall a very big disappointment for a game I waited I really tried getting into this game, but I couldn't. 1. The graphics Set at the max level, look outdated, not sharp, Just a disappointment. The screen shots from the game looked a lot better! 2. Missions are really unclear, there really is no goal or path that you take. You just walk around doing pointless mini quests for money. Overall a very big disappointment for a game I waited so long for to come out.… Expand
  92. 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
  93. ElliottB.
    Mar 25, 2007
    3
    This game was disappointing and hasn't lived up to the promises made during it's eight years of production. Many features that would of been enjoyable were cut, such as vehicles, large loadless environments, and truly dynamic AI.
  94. 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.
  95. RandyM.
    Mar 24, 2007
    3
    I really had my hopes up for this game. When I bought it, I was really excited to start playing. However, I started playing the game, and found that I was severely mistaken. Terrible sound, graphics, story, missions, everything. Everything is broken. Not to mention this has to be one of the most bug-filled games I've ever played. Complete waste of money....
  96. AllistairP.
    Mar 24, 2007
    6
    If this is the sort of game that gets this amount of hype and acclaim, then PC games must be near their end. While consoles are pulling out games like God of War II and Gears of War, PC games are left with slop like this. Just the opposite of the on the edge/every minute something new is happening gameplay of those "war" titles, STALKER is a meandering, boring mess. There is no point to If this is the sort of game that gets this amount of hype and acclaim, then PC games must be near their end. While consoles are pulling out games like God of War II and Gears of War, PC games are left with slop like this. Just the opposite of the on the edge/every minute something new is happening gameplay of those "war" titles, STALKER is a meandering, boring mess. There is no point to play this game, unless you are just bored. There are no bugs and nothing that bad, but those two things stopped making a game "good" in 99'. STALKER is basically Fallout reimagined as a FPS, except without the charm and imagination. The first 2 hours are good as your mind imagines where this game is going to go but it ends up going nowhere. 8 hours later you will be looking at the same 2003 graphics, same 3 enemy models, same endless fields of nothing, and same guns. Nothing changes and nothing was that great to begin with. With Crysis coming to the 360, I have a bad feeling I might not ever update my 3d card again. Half-Life ep2 is about all this rig has going for it and thats an expansion to a 2 year old game which won't do anything new either but at least start and end perfect.… Expand
  97. 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
  98. 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
  99. Tony
    Mar 23, 2007
    9
    This game has exceeded my expectations so far and has turned out to be very atmospheric indeed. The actions of the NPC characters add a lot to the immersion factor of the game and it is one of the more enjoyable FPS games I have played in quite some time. To Kyleb who has now voted at least TWICE giving the game 3 both times (unlike everyone else who seems to enjoy it), please move on andThis game has exceeded my expectations so far and has turned out to be very atmospheric indeed. The actions of the NPC characters add a lot to the immersion factor of the game and it is one of the more enjoyable FPS games I have played in quite some time. To Kyleb who has now voted at least TWICE giving the game 3 both times (unlike everyone else who seems to enjoy it), please move on and stop falsely deflating the score for the game just because YOU didnt like it, your behaviour is just pathetic.… Expand
  100. ShawnC.
    Mar 23, 2007
    3
    This is a very disappointing game, especially after the long wait. The graphics are mediocre, the gameplay is tedious (just mission after mission, no ultimate goal) and load times are slow. Maybe it's unfair to compare everything to the incredible fun of a Half-Life 2, but that game is several years old and still thousands of times better than something like this.
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 »