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. mez
    Dec 18, 2011
    7
    If ever a game needs mods, it's this one. The atmosphere and setting are absolutely incredible, but the whole thing feels like an alpha release. The balancing is all over the place and there many serious bugs and annoyances that really should have been dealt with before the game hit the shelves. And forget all the talk of RPG elements - this is a straight up FPS set in larger than usualIf ever a game needs mods, it's this one. The atmosphere and setting are absolutely incredible, but the whole thing feels like an alpha release. The balancing is all over the place and there many serious bugs and annoyances that really should have been dealt with before the game hit the shelves. And forget all the talk of RPG elements - this is a straight up FPS set in larger than usual environments. Yeah, you have an inventory and there are side missions you can do in any order, but if you're hoping for character development or flexible ways to complete objectives, you'll be disappointed. It's like Far Cry in the sense that you have these big open levels, but you can only ever play one way; in the end you always have to go in guns blazing. It's a waste really, because the Zone is the true star of the game, yet there's rarely a reason to just go and explore it. I do recommend the game for the atmosphere alone, but with serious reservations about the rest of it. Wait until it's on sale before putting your money down...… Expand
  2. p360assassin
    Jul 30, 2013
    7
    People try and compare this game to fallout when discussing its gameplay. That is an AWFUL idea. Fallout 3 is a great game, but its not trying for what Stalker does at all. STALKER is a much much harder game. It goes on the idea of "Armour means a BIG thing, and you die only slightly slower then the enemy". The graphics of the game are terrible, that I won't defend. It was bad for when itPeople try and compare this game to fallout when discussing its gameplay. That is an AWFUL idea. Fallout 3 is a great game, but its not trying for what Stalker does at all. STALKER is a much much harder game. It goes on the idea of "Armour means a BIG thing, and you die only slightly slower then the enemy". The graphics of the game are terrible, that I won't defend. It was bad for when it came out. The game no longer runs like like it did 5 years ago (they must have done optimisation, since my ****ty laptop with half the system requirements runs at 40-60fps).
    The combat is very very hard, and you will die very quickly. This means in areas that have more cover and pathways are extremely fun, due to the massive amount of cover and constant attempts to outflank the enemy (the AI is retarded a lot, but it will try and surround you, and is very smart in that aspect). Headshots are the only way to kill enemies as pretty much everyone has tough body armour, this would be good if the enemy didn't do so much damage, but alas, it just means you need to play more tactically. This is not a run and gun shooter. This is more like Dark Souls, in that you are significantly more weak then what you are facing, and you must use skill and tactics to outshine the enemy. Fallout 3 was more about scavenging and character building, this game has very little of that.
    The music is sparse, but very atmospheric. As someone who always played Fallout 3 and NV with the music off, so that I'd only hear non environmental music when near radios, I love that this game has no music. And when it does, it fits the scene perfectly.
    The game feels a bit unfinished, almost like I'm playing a really really good mod of a game. Its still pretty buggy, although defintely playable outside of the still fairly long loading screens.
    The tutorial is pretty bare, but I had no problems even when I accidentily skipped it, since after gaming for 14 years, I have learned to figure out any non grand strategy just by how the UI is designed. Its not that hard, but it would be preferable if they had a more detailed menu. Although really all its missing is the controls, which you can find in the options menu anyway.
    There is a lot of head bob, so this may turn some people off, I don't get motion sickness, so its fine for me.
    All in all, a good game, not amazing, with a couple of problems. But it is only going to appeal to certain people.    … Expand
  3. Belus
    Nov 15, 2013
    7
    It has been a while since I last played this game, but when I did I loved it. The atmosphere was great, the setting cool, the weapons nice and the story good enough to keep me interested throughout the game.

    There are a few things I didn't like though. First of all I pretty much have to empty a clip into the face of an enemy to kill him. That ruins a lot for me. Secondly the re-spawning    It has been a while since I last played this game, but when I did I loved it. The atmosphere was great, the setting cool, the weapons nice and the story good enough to keep me interested throughout the game.

    There are a few things I didn't like though. First of all I pretty much have to empty a clip into the face of an enemy to kill him. That ruins a lot for me. Secondly the re-spawning of enemies some places made the game close to unplayable. Thirdly I hated the fact that my weapons became useless very fast, because I wore them out, so to say, and there was no way for me to repair them. So I ended up carrying around the coolest guns, using all sorts of crap I came along, because I didn't want my coolest gun to break...

    The game started out good, but towards the end it was just a fast FPS, and I don't like that. I kept playing to find out how it ended (and I found three different endings), but it really was not very fun at the end.    … Expand
  4. The_Bear
    Apr 3, 2013
    7
    I wanted to give this game a "9", however, the ending kind of ruined this otherwise great game for me (although not entirely, obviously). I'll try not to spoil anything, but just prior to the the game's final level your given an optional objective all the way on the far corner of the map. If you ignore this objective, and proceed to the endgame, your given one of five fake endings withI wanted to give this game a "9", however, the ending kind of ruined this otherwise great game for me (although not entirely, obviously). I'll try not to spoil anything, but just prior to the the game's final level your given an optional objective all the way on the far corner of the map. If you ignore this objective, and proceed to the endgame, your given one of five fake endings with virtually no exposition whatsoever. Way to let me down. When I realized this, I went to reload an earlier save, and to my disappointment, realized that my earliest remaining save left me right in front of an broken stairwell. So I'll be waiting until my second play-through to find out HOW THE GAME ACTUALLY ENDS!
    Anyway, this (pretty significant) problem aside, I really enjoyed this game. The game-play was harder than other games I've played, but perfectly manageable on easy. STALKER SOC's strongest suit is most definitely its atmosphere and setting, whether your running from packs of irradiated dogs in the Ukrainian wilderness or dodging mutants in subterranean compounds. The whole post-Chernobyl thing is really cool, and the game makes it easy to pretend that you're there. The weather system, in particular, lends the world a sense of authenticity.
    Ultimately, one of my favorite games, despite some glaring flaws. Would definitely recommend to anyone who appreciates a good atmosphere.    … Expand
  5. Captain_Chaos
    Dec 7, 2016
    7
    S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is a weird game. There's no getting around it. I recieved it as a christmas gift one year, I believe, and it might not even have crossed my radar until way later otherwise. One of the more playable examples of Russian game development to make it to me, the game has incredible atmopshere, in-depth survival mechanics and a multitude of endings, but can be a little confusing atS.T.A.L.K.E.R. is a weird game. There's no getting around it. I recieved it as a christmas gift one year, I believe, and it might not even have crossed my radar until way later otherwise. One of the more playable examples of Russian game development to make it to me, the game has incredible atmopshere, in-depth survival mechanics and a multitude of endings, but can be a little confusing at times. It's a hard game, above all else, in a totally different class from most western FPSes or RPGs. One might even call it the Dark Souls of FPS, if one was hurting for a more accurate assessment. But if you can hack it, it's worth playing.… Expand
  6. Josuke
    Aug 3, 2016
    7
    Quite enjoyable and extremely immersive, it has quite a few flaws and you are very under powered starting out, but you can got over this. The game is also quite unbalanced and you die in a few bullets and enemies die much harder and this can get annoying. In short, enjoyable, has issues but you can get over them, and the one thing you need before going into this, is patience. (It also hasQuite enjoyable and extremely immersive, it has quite a few flaws and you are very under powered starting out, but you can got over this. The game is also quite unbalanced and you die in a few bullets and enemies die much harder and this can get annoying. In short, enjoyable, has issues but you can get over them, and the one thing you need before going into this, is patience. (It also has a great modding scene, but play vanilla first!)… Expand
  7. Bullz
    Jan 31, 2017
    7
    Habe das spiel mit complete Mod gespielt... meine Bewertung bezieht sich auf diese. Ist auf jeden Fall zu bevorzugen. Der Mauslag nimmt spürbar ab und alles wirkt ein wenig runter, Die Story hat mich schnell gepackt. Man fühlt sich richtig wie in einem lebendigen Welt... ladezonen am Ende einer Zone gehen ok.. lieber wäre mir natürlich eine komplett offene Welt... das Spiel bietet einigeHabe das spiel mit complete Mod gespielt... meine Bewertung bezieht sich auf diese. Ist auf jeden Fall zu bevorzugen. Der Mauslag nimmt spürbar ab und alles wirkt ein wenig runter, Die Story hat mich schnell gepackt. Man fühlt sich richtig wie in einem lebendigen Welt... ladezonen am Ende einer Zone gehen ok.. lieber wäre mir natürlich eine komplett offene Welt... das Spiel bietet einige Schock Moment und zum Schluss spitzt sich die Situation ziemlich zu. Waffen fühlten sich alle verschieden an. Für Fans von Shootern mit offener Spielwelt sicher eine Pflicht titel.… Expand
  8. Bullzz
    Apr 21, 2017
    7
    Habe das spiel mit complete Mod gespielt... meine Bewertung bezieht sich auf diese. Ist auf jeden Fall zu bevorzugen. Der Mauslag nimmt spürbar ab und alles wirkt ein wenig runter, Die Story hat mich schnell gepackt. Man fühlt sich richtig wie in einem lebendigen Welt... ladezonen am Ende einer Zone gehen ok.. lieber wäre mir natürlich eine komplett offene Welt... das Spiel bietet einigeHabe das spiel mit complete Mod gespielt... meine Bewertung bezieht sich auf diese. Ist auf jeden Fall zu bevorzugen. Der Mauslag nimmt spürbar ab und alles wirkt ein wenig runter, Die Story hat mich schnell gepackt. Man fühlt sich richtig wie in einem lebendigen Welt... ladezonen am Ende einer Zone gehen ok.. lieber wäre mir natürlich eine komplett offene Welt... das Spiel bietet einige Schock Moment und zum Schluss spitzt sich die Situation ziemlich zu. Waffen fühlten sich alle verschieden an. Für Fans von Shootern mit offener Spielwelt sicher eine Pflicht titel.… Expand
  9. slim_leshaz
    Dec 8, 2018
    7
    игра
    S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: SHADOW OF CHERNOBYL понравится игрокам СНГ так как игра нам показывает жизнь после аварии на АЭС, в игре полно багов как хороших так и плохих ,оружие не чувствуется будто стреляешь из палки,графика для 2007 очень хороша ,сюжет и миссии интересные но игра почти только про тир, игру советую проходить на мастере потому-что на ниже уровнях боты тупые как картошка.    игра
    S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: SHADOW OF CHERNOBYL понравится игрокам СНГ так как игра нам показывает жизнь после аварии на АЭС, в игре полно багов как хороших так и плохих ,оружие не чувствуется будто стреляешь из палки,графика для 2007 очень хороша ,сюжет и миссии интересные но игра почти только про тир, игру советую проходить на мастере потому-что на ниже уровнях боты тупые как картошка.
    /теперь оценка игры
    графика-8/10 для своих годов
    физика-5.5/10 об этом я писал с верху
    сюжет-5/10 потому-что все задания сделаны принеси,убей

    И на последок хочу сказать что это одна из лучших игр от СНГ    … Expand
  10. elolugo
    Jan 7, 2020
    7
    A good fresh air from the genre. Good game but sometimes it seems unpolished gameplay-wise
  11. Alexander_1996
    Apr 21, 2021
    7
    Because I am from Ukraine STALKER franchise has always had a special place in hearts of my peers but I have never been a part of this fan-base as only in 2021 I got the chance to actually experience the game myself.
    Shadow of Chernobyl is full of technical glitches and bugs but at the same time you feel that this game was made with love, it has something many other games don't - soul. You    Because I am from Ukraine STALKER franchise has always had a special place in hearts of my peers but I have never been a part of this fan-base as only in 2021 I got the chance to actually experience the game myself.
    Shadow of Chernobyl is full of technical glitches and bugs but at the same time you feel that this game was made with love, it has something many other games don't - soul. You can't explain it in words neither you can show it on screen - you can only experience it yourself.
    I am not a fan of the story here (or of the way it is told) as after some time you lose a view of the whole picture (in later parts it gets much better) but everything else is pretty much on point. The game is hard and unforgiving - thanks God you can always decrease your difficulty.
    Overall, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl isn't a great game by itself but it lays out necessary basis for the whole trilogy.    … Expand
  12. Rustick
    Jul 7, 2022
    7
    атмосферный не очень интересный сюжет геймплей не блещет разнообразием атмосфера решает
  13. Shalapai
    Jun 26, 2020
    7
    Хорошая игра, но не моя любимая часть сталкера, графика отличная, но задания так себе
  14. Axelle_1
    Sep 6, 2021
    7
    самая слабая часть сталкера не понимаю почему ее все так хвалят
  15. antwerp
    Jan 16, 2021
    7
    Absolutely perfect atmosphere. However i didnt like the confused story line. Rather often you dont know why you are doing what you are doing and what is the motivation on other persons in the game. In global I miss the motivation for exloring this wonderfull world.
  16. defenz
    Aug 9, 2021
    7
    ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
  17. dr-kenobi
    Sep 7, 2022
    7
    Здарова мєчєний. Класика усіх українських школярів. Не грати тоді в це було рівнозначним не дивитись сьогодні Марвел (принаймні до Endgame)
  18. LilitNefara
    Apr 16, 2023
    7
    ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
  19. 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.
  20. NaveenK.
    May 31, 2007
    6
    Graphics not up to the mark, game play is good... story line did not have a punch.
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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
  24. Inabil1ty
    Mar 17, 2007
    6
    Most of what Marked One said is true, except for the likening of the visuals to F.E.A.R. and Oblivion. The graphics are not nearly as good as they are in those two titles. And Marked One also failed to point out that the game is, for the most part, boring. Unlike Oblivion, characters don't actually talk in STALKER. Instead, you'll get a big paragraph or two to read. Fun!Most of what Marked One said is true, except for the likening of the visuals to F.E.A.R. and Oblivion. The graphics are not nearly as good as they are in those two titles. And Marked One also failed to point out that the game is, for the most part, boring. Unlike Oblivion, characters don't actually talk in STALKER. Instead, you'll get a big paragraph or two to read. Fun! Not. And the weapons are underpowered and most lack scopes, even though you need to do a lot of long-distance shooting. The graphics and shooting experience reminded me of Red Orchestra, not Fear and Oblivion. This game has been overhyped! It's very disappointing.… Expand
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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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