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. XAXFEE
    Aug 13, 2023
    9
    after years of developing the stalker game rejoiced players from Ukraine and other countries,i think it`s one of the best games from 2000.
  2. apokalipto
    Aug 9, 2023
    8
    Very good game. I enjoyed playing this game a lot. I strongly recommend this.
  3. CoreGamer1408
    Aug 1, 2023
    6
    Unlike the sequel prequel CS and the sequel CoP I do play and beat SoC out of the box. CS needs atleast the SRP bug fixer. While CoP needs atleast the Absolute Nature mod to make in not like utter dated crap visually.

    Revisting this game after a long time away on Master difficulty. IRL I can snap aim, squeeze off fast, reload quick and hit targets with a high degree of precision. So the    Unlike the sequel prequel CS and the sequel CoP I do play and beat SoC out of the box. CS needs atleast the SRP bug fixer. While CoP needs atleast the Absolute Nature mod to make in not like utter dated crap visually.

    Revisting this game after a long time away on Master difficulty. IRL I can snap aim, squeeze off fast, reload quick and hit targets with a high degree of precision. So the slow cumbersome clunky combat is the least interesting part of the game from my perspective.

    The hit boxes are kind of off more so with iron sights/early weapons. Reloading, sighting and semi auto animations are so slow. Shots not registering through the obvious gaps in cover can be a nightmare. So my advice is don’t worry about cheap deaths due to bad game design.

    The things I do really like about Stalker is the exploring the environment, tackling hazards, facing creatures, siding with factions, reading the lore.

    Graphically and animation wise this game is dated (even with eye candy mods). That being said putting the negatives aside this game does have a really tense atmosphere (with looting the most). The whole game generally has that run down look. With (semi) abandoned building with a condemned look. So the ambient sounds more so at night can be really spooky and creepy at times indoors and out.

    With more tighter shooting mechanics this would of been a great game series. I really do like Stalker, but it is unpolished, dated, clunky and even janky at times. Oh that end game shakey cam is going to lead to even more cheap deaths.

    Yeah the ZRP mod adds the tweaks that the newer games implement, I can play this without mods unlike CS and CoP. The 9/10 fun factor of SoC is way higher than the low 6/10 technical score.    … Expand
  4. Dimocracy
    Jul 6, 2023
    10
    A well-made atmospheric video game about the consequences of the Chornobyl tragedy.
  5. KolesAdlerov
    Jul 2, 2023
    9
    Can't say it's a "10" because of buggy engine. One of the two best AI ever made for a first-person. One of the two most advanced engines ever made for a first-person. The most atmospheric open-world ever created. "TRULY DARK NIGHTS" settings or mods are strongly RECOMMENDED.

    Gameplay: combat mechanics 9/10 stealth 7/10 atmosphere 10/10 Gameplay as immersive horror (X-labs and dark    Can't say it's a "10" because of buggy engine. One of the two best AI ever made for a first-person. One of the two most advanced engines ever made for a first-person. The most atmospheric open-world ever created. "TRULY DARK NIGHTS" settings or mods are strongly RECOMMENDED.

    Gameplay:
    combat mechanics 9/10
    stealth 7/10
    atmosphere 10/10
    Gameplay as immersive horror (X-labs and dark nights) 10/10
    Gameplay as RPG & im.sim (w/o mods): 7/10

    Story 9/10

    Graphics 10/10

    Sounds & music 10/10

    .
    Immersion as it is.    … Expand
  6. Tsar2ql
    Jul 1, 2023
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Developers are f$&@ers, Developers are f$&@ers Developers are f$&@ers, Developers are f$&@ers
    Developers are f$&@ers, Developers are f$&@ers
    Developers are f$&@ers, Developers are f$&@ers
    Developers are f$&@ers, Developers are f$&@ers Developers are f$&@ers, Developers are f$&@ers Developers are f$&@ers, Developers are f$&@ers
    Developers are f$&@ers, Developers are f$&@ers
    Developers are f$&@ers, Developers are f$&@ers
    Developers are f$&@ers, Developers are f$&@ers Developers are f$&@ers, Developers are f$&@ers Developers are f$&@ers, Developers are f$&@ers
    Developers are f$&@ers, Developers are f$&@ers
    Developers are f$&@ers, Developers are f$&@ers
    Developers are f$&@ers, Developers are f$&@ers    … Expand
  7. Cristocle
    Jun 25, 2023
    10
    Shadow of Chernobyl is in my opinion one of the best games ever created. It combines awesome story telling with an atmospheric environment that sends chills down your spine. The AI fells almost like an actual player because it doesn't just sit around waiting to get shot, the AI tries flanking, it tries to shoot when you are reloading and searches for cover. The game tries to make you scareShadow of Chernobyl is in my opinion one of the best games ever created. It combines awesome story telling with an atmospheric environment that sends chills down your spine. The AI fells almost like an actual player because it doesn't just sit around waiting to get shot, the AI tries flanking, it tries to shoot when you are reloading and searches for cover. The game tries to make you scare yourself by spawning random mutant hordes and anomalies. Overall it's an almost perfect game.… Expand
  8. DivineFaith
    May 21, 2023
    4
    The game is already extremely in the years unfortunately.
    Gameplay is not so good and sometimes dies immediately because of a hit!?
    Graphics you can of course expect nothing but the story is quite nice.
    The game has strong problems at 4K resolution. Fonts are much too small and the graphics card permanently stews at 90° Celsius, which is very questionable for a 16 year old game.
  9. Magical_Viktor
    Apr 30, 2023
    8
    Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»Существуют просто Зло и Большое Зло, а за ними обоими в тени прячется Очень Большое Зло. Очень Большое Зло, Геральт, это такое, которого ты и представить себе не можешь, даже если думаешь, будто уже ничто не в состоянии тебя удивить. И знаешь, Геральт, порой бывает так, что Очень Большое Зло схватит тебя за горло и скажет: «Выбирай, братец, либо я, либо то, которое чуточку поменьше»
  10. greensmile
    Apr 17, 2023
    9
    S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: THE SHADOW OF CHERNOBYL is definitely one of the most atmospheric shooters with RPG and horror elements ever made, in which the crooked engine with bugs is the only problem that does not allow to give 10 points
  11. LilitNefara
    Apr 16, 2023
    7
    ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
  12. Prsmrti
    Mar 23, 2023
    8
    Absolutely deserved 8 for such a unique atmosphere, and filling the game world with various items and tasks mixed up with the story missions. From what run all over the map in search of new artifacts and opportunities to earn extra money is not boring. The variability of endings by the original as well as impressive.
    Of the minuses only not all of the promised mechanics, the world is not    Absolutely deserved 8 for such a unique atmosphere, and filling the game world with various items and tasks mixed up with the story missions. From what run all over the map in search of new artifacts and opportunities to earn extra money is not boring. The variability of endings by the original as well as impressive.
    Of the minuses only not all of the promised mechanics, the world is not as lively as we would like to, but it doesn't make the game much worse, yet the atmosphere is the main part of the game.    … Expand
  13. nykalis
    Mar 19, 2023
    10
    I played STALKER in 2008 and again a few months ago. The graphics are a little eye-searing, but the music, audio effects, and story atmosphere are still on top.
    In my opinion, the game deserves a place in the history of the gaming industry.
  14. Cubicorn
    Feb 27, 2023
    10
    Don't mind the bad reviews. Russians just salty about game boycott.
    You can't find a better post-apoc. game series than Stalker.
  15. Wangarat
    Feb 26, 2023
    10
    This is the best game about Ukraine, I recommend everyone to play this game.
  16. pavvel
    Feb 23, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is the best game ever from Ukrainian guys.
    I realy love this. Played a lot of times    … Expand
  17. Formula3
    Jan 29, 2023
    9
    Jogasso.... ja o virei vezes sem conta... estou a fazer novamente.. unico no seu estilo...
  18. RoccoCille
    Jan 15, 2023
    10
    I decided to pick up STALKER off the back of all the hype for its long awaited sequel, due to drop in 2023 at some point. Playing it now some 15yrs later, I'm blown away by how good this game is, as most look incredibly dated. Gritty, grim, edgy, the graphics of the zone while dated now, still look good, but the star of this game is the AI of the NPC's and the gun mechanics and combat.I decided to pick up STALKER off the back of all the hype for its long awaited sequel, due to drop in 2023 at some point. Playing it now some 15yrs later, I'm blown away by how good this game is, as most look incredibly dated. Gritty, grim, edgy, the graphics of the zone while dated now, still look good, but the star of this game is the AI of the NPC's and the gun mechanics and combat.

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

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

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

    For anybody who's not checked it out, it's so cheap now that I can't recommend it highly enough for hours of fun. And a great way to build up for the release of STALKER 2, which I'll 100% now be buying on release.    … Expand
  19. Zetastein
    Jan 3, 2023
    0
    Bullet sponge, no realism or immersion. Bad story and very lacking gameplay
  20. Big_Pisya
    Jan 3, 2023
    10
    Glory to Ukraine! Death to the Russian Nazist. I wish the company success in the further development of its games!!
  21. gautamkumar633
    Dec 7, 2022
    10
    In S.T.A.L.K.E.R. there are no bugs, only anomalies. Without doubt the greatest openworld survival horror game that exists. The only openworld survival game that has great replaybility in my opinion. Life in the Zone is harsh and weapons scarce. The gameplay is eerily immersive and haunting in way that can't be explained. Cheeki Breeki to all the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.s out there still lost in the Zone.
  22. Kuzya_Zeleniy
    Oct 31, 2022
    9
    Very atmospheric game! She is very close to my heart.
    Mecheny and Sydorovich are real icons!
    Very good gameplay. And the main thing is interesting! The plot is also not bad. But personally, I would like better. But there are also disadvantages. The game has a lot of bugs. For example, when you are killed, you can fall into a texture. Legend! Legend of Ukrainian games! Therefore, I    Very atmospheric game! She is very close to my heart.
    Mecheny and Sydorovich are real icons!
    Very good gameplay. And the main thing is interesting!
    The plot is also not bad. But personally, I would like better.
    But there are also disadvantages. The game has a lot of bugs. For example, when you are killed, you can fall into a texture.
    Legend! Legend of Ukrainian games! Therefore, I will be very much waiting for Stalker 2. I hope that it will be released at least this decade)    … Expand
  23. EVIL_UJIN
    Oct 15, 2022
    9
    Да, она не идеальна. Да, много багов. Да, куча вырезанного контента. Но это все равно одна из самых любимых игр, с неповторимой атмосферой, которой больше нет нигде. Прошел уже 3 раза.
    Разработчикам удалось создать ощущение, что Зона живет сама по себе, неважно, есть ли игрок или нет. Ты - не мессия, не спаситель человечества, не супергерой с большой пушкой. Ты - безымянный сталкер, каких    Да, она не идеальна. Да, много багов. Да, куча вырезанного контента. Но это все равно одна из самых любимых игр, с неповторимой атмосферой, которой больше нет нигде. Прошел уже 3 раза.
    Разработчикам удалось создать ощущение, что Зона живет сама по себе, неважно, есть ли игрок или нет. Ты - не мессия, не спаситель человечества, не супергерой с большой пушкой. Ты - безымянный сталкер, каких сотни бродят по Зоне. Жив ты или мертв, злой или добрый - всем наплевать. Ты сам за себя, один на один с Зоной и ее обитателями.    … Expand
  24. ylnylmn
    Oct 14, 2022
    10
    A legendary game compared to 2007. The ancestor of the open world fps-rpg genre. And he did it in the best way possible. Another game that reflects the post-apocalyptic life so well with its dark atmosphere is only Fallout. Perfect world story and various game endings. Terrible creatures. Various factions. Various missions. Enjoyable action. I play it every year and it gives the sameA legendary game compared to 2007. The ancestor of the open world fps-rpg genre. And he did it in the best way possible. Another game that reflects the post-apocalyptic life so well with its dark atmosphere is only Fallout. Perfect world story and various game endings. Terrible creatures. Various factions. Various missions. Enjoyable action. I play it every year and it gives the same pleasure. Death to the Monoliths. Long live Stalkers.… Expand
  25. Flum1sh
    Oct 11, 2022
    10
    A best open world that was ever made for sure, i might do everything in this game. Characters was really good. History ok. Waiting for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
  26. ATOM8980
    Sep 19, 2022
    8
    Игра очень хорошаяя графика оружие персонажи всё это очень хорошо но баги это отдельная история волк в костре,невидемые трупы но они не сильно мешают
  27. 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)
  28. WeakPC
    Sep 1, 2022
    10
    Legendary game I really like the atmosphere... Chernobyl, Exclusion Zone, Mutants. I really like the whole atmosphere, and the missions
  29. GegorSK
    Aug 13, 2022
    9
    I started playing in 2015, then I abandoned it, and after 7 years I came back to play again, I hope the second part will be less problematic than this one, yes there were crashes, bugs, but nevertheless, I want to support the Ukrainian company, and I hope that The second part of the Stalker will be good.
  30. RomanRiabusha
    Aug 3, 2022
    8
    Как на своё время игра шедевр, сейчас не топ.
    Жалко ток что игру начали бомбить русские... Почему-то? не рил почему к чему это ваше "Игры вне политики" или это тип из-за зборов на помощь тем кто пострадал от Войны? Вау как политично
    А если про то что в сталкере сч не будет ру озвучки то... как бы... её не будет в сталкере сч а не в этом тип льмао, вы не туда воюете. Ну и вообще русские    Как на своё время игра шедевр, сейчас не топ.
    Жалко ток что игру начали бомбить русские... Почему-то? не рил почему к чему это ваше "Игры вне политики" или это тип из-за зборов на помощь тем кто пострадал от Войны? Вау как политично
    А если про то что в сталкере сч не будет ру озвучки то... как бы... её не будет в сталкере сч а не в этом тип льмао, вы не туда воюете.
    Ну и вообще русские чё вы всегда так ноете когда в играх нет ру перевода? тип я украинец и игр с Украинским переводом я могу по пальцам посчитать(сабнатика, майн, сталкеры, метро 2033 и пару онлайновых)    … 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
See all critic reviews »