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
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  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
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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
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