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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. [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.
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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)
  19. 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.
  20. 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
  21. AnthonyC
    Oct 28, 2008
    9
    Once you eliminate [the majority of] the bugs with patches, this game is brilliant - the dark atmosphere and compelling (if slightly repetitive and oddly ended) story keep it interesting, and the core gameplay is an excellent mix of realistic FPS and RPG elements. While not aiming for the genre per se, STALKER is also a good horror game - the underground levels were genuinely scary Once you eliminate [the majority of] the bugs with patches, this game is brilliant - the dark atmosphere and compelling (if slightly repetitive and oddly ended) story keep it interesting, and the core gameplay is an excellent mix of realistic FPS and RPG elements. While not aiming for the genre per se, STALKER is also a good horror game - the underground levels were genuinely scary (rather than the cheap shock scares most "horror" FPS titles employ), and I was actually afraid of visiting them the second time through - not because they were boring or tedious, but because they were so very scary. The haunting sound very much contributed to this, combined with some grainy, sepia-toned visuals in various areas. But the real pleasure in STALKER for me was the customizable FPS - with the right mods, you can have 60 real-world weapons avaiable to you, with various attachments and realistic ballistics. I must have spent tens of hours playing the modded game as a sandbox after completing the main game, as collecting items and gradually working your way through the various areas is very rewarding in itself. And of course, the graphics are quite good if your hardware is recent - while there are some glitches and some of the artwork leaves some detail to be desired, overall it is a beautiful game.… Expand
  22. eh
    Feb 13, 2008
    10
    Extremely addictive and with good inner story. Marvelous. Best FPS I've ever played.
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. AlextheMenacevonMenace
    Apr 14, 2008
    8
    How I love this game. But, wait... I gave it a 8 because: The game is really great. The atmosphere, the graphics, the open world... but...wait again: There isn't no open world. There are FENCES and FENCES and FENCES. The difficulty is very very hard though, I played it at... Beginner, its "Anfänger" in German (I am from Germany)... I played the 1,0005 Version with the Weather How I love this game. But, wait... I gave it a 8 because: The game is really great. The atmosphere, the graphics, the open world... but...wait again: There isn't no open world. There are FENCES and FENCES and FENCES. The difficulty is very very hard though, I played it at... Beginner, its "Anfänger" in German (I am from Germany)... I played the 1,0005 Version with the Weather Overhaul Mod, this is something I would recommend!… Expand
  28. James
    Apr 29, 2008
    10
    S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is an excellent first person experience. Not only are the graphics top notch, but the story keeps your attention and the environment pulls you in and doesn't let go (lol literally in some places - these are in-game traps within the Zone that you learn to avoid). This game led me on to watch the Russian movie that helped inspire the game and even acquiring the book that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is an excellent first person experience. Not only are the graphics top notch, but the story keeps your attention and the environment pulls you in and doesn't let go (lol literally in some places - these are in-game traps within the Zone that you learn to avoid). This game led me on to watch the Russian movie that helped inspire the game and even acquiring the book that inspired the movie. The game isn't perfect, but patch 1.005 really helped it to run well. Don't let the RPG aspects keep you away from the game. The game is mostly an action/adventure with some RPG elements, but these elements are not too involving, and the interactions you have with characters are not too deep. I actually wish the RPG elements were a bit more complex, but I'm not complaining... I wish there were more games that were at least half as fun as S.T.A.L.K.E.R. I don't get scared when playing games, but i did get some chuckles as my mouse hand unintentionally jumped as i turned to see men/things come lurching out of the shadows at me. The lighting in this game is fantastic as is the dynamic weather. Oh, after you play it through the first time, download the mod "oblivion lost" and be prepared for some more wonderful time spent in the Zone. The oblivion lost mod is very cool! Have fun, but don't let the Zone consume you!… Expand
  29. 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.
  30. Ace
    May 30, 2008
    9
    Apart from the occasional stutter where everything freezes for a few seconds, the game is immense.

    The action is there and the combat is realistic. You will jump at certain times which makes it all the more fun.
    Once you start playing it's the kind of game that you cannot put down. Amazing.
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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

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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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