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. 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.
  31. jaeq
    Aug 13, 2008
    8
    I'm reviewing this because unlike most people I think I have a good viewpoint, and i'm completely non-bias about this game. Overall, it's good. I first bought stalker over a year ago, and guess what, I stopped playing after 20-30 minutes.
    Now that the summer is settling down, I needed something to kill time. So I reinstalled STALKER, updated and played, now the updates    I'm reviewing this because unlike most people I think I have a good viewpoint, and i'm completely non-bias about this game. Overall, it's good. I first bought stalker over a year ago, and guess what, I stopped playing after 20-30 minutes.
    Now that the summer is settling down, I needed something to kill time. So I reinstalled STALKER, updated and played, now the updates fixed most of the bugs, the game is no longer any more buggy than ur next game. Still I saw some problems, first thing was the combat experience I noticed almost no blood and the sound on the starting pistol just had to go, I went on filefront, downloaded a recommended mod (Oblivion Lost), that aimed to make Stalker how it's pre-realease features were, new game, was improved but seemed just avg, but once I got lets say 20-25% into the game things started getting much cooler, and I'll say a 9 for experience, but I'm leaving it an 8 since it required a mod to deck it out with features.    … Expand
  32. vespinevespine
    Aug 5, 2008
    10
    Very rarely a game comes out that feels like the developers made it especially just for me, Stalker is one of those games. The aesthetic and atmosphere in this game are spot on 100%. It transcended its technical issues and played like a piece of art not a piece of software. And exactly like art, you either "get it" or you don't, as some of the low scores here prove. Playing andVery rarely a game comes out that feels like the developers made it especially just for me, Stalker is one of those games. The aesthetic and atmosphere in this game are spot on 100%. It transcended its technical issues and played like a piece of art not a piece of software. And exactly like art, you either "get it" or you don't, as some of the low scores here prove. Playing and exploring the Stalker world was interesting and exciting. If that's not your "thing", then fair enough, I can believe people score it low because they "didn't like it"; the game is cold, bleak and gritty, which isn't everyone's cup of tea. Some people prefer tea to be fast and colourful like Halo or UT. I however LOVE my tea cold, bleak and gritty. What I CAN'T believe is people think the graphics are bad? If you think the graphics are bad, I think you need glasses, this game has the best post apocalyptic industrial environments in a game ever, hands down. Yes it needs a very good machine to get the best out of the graphics, but if you are a real gamer, you have a very good machine and it isn't a problem. All in all, I think this game is an absolute stand out in the genre and a benchmark for cold, bleak and gritty. Up there in my opinion with my very favourite games like System Shock (2), Half Life (2) and Deus Ex. I'll admit this isn't a perfect game, I can think of ways to improve it, but for pure enjoyment and aesthetic this game deserves a 9.5 from me, and I'm gonna round up, just because of all the noobs that scored it low for having crap graphics or running poorly on their x486s. I sincerely hope that in the effort to correct the problems of Stalker, they don't listen to the advice of the mainstream and ruin the up coming prequel for us grit lovers… Expand
  33. MikeB
    Jan 2, 2009
    9
    A great game, but like others have said it has its share of issues. To start with my gripes, my biggest complaint with this game is its uneven AI - note how I said "uneven" as opposed to "bad". Because the AI isn't necessarily bad; in most instances it's actually quite good. Enemies work as teams, circling and flanking you in an attempt to take you out. They will stage A great game, but like others have said it has its share of issues. To start with my gripes, my biggest complaint with this game is its uneven AI - note how I said "uneven" as opposed to "bad". Because the AI isn't necessarily bad; in most instances it's actually quite good. Enemies work as teams, circling and flanking you in an attempt to take you out. They will stage coordinated assaults and work around offensive strengths on your part. At other times, the AI will fail. Miserably. It might be a character who doesn't run or take cover while bullets rain down around him. And like others have said, the AI is seemingly without any sense of self-preservation. Even when hopelessly outgunned, bandits and other humans will not flee with their lives; they often choose to stay and fight no matter how many of their allies go down. That being said, the stray dogs have a greater sense of self-preservation - often able to be scared off with a few shots in the air - but this is just not so with the humans. My other major gripe with this game is that your weapons and armor are in a state of constant wear and degradation with no way to repair them. The armor I can understand to a degree - you're replacing your armor usually at a regular pace, and in real life damage to armor plates is usually irreparable except by replacement, but by the time you get the best bits you will want to keep them and sadly that is not an option. However, the lack of the ability to clean or repair your firearms simply astounds me, as gun cleaning you would think would be a basic survival skill in the zone. Not true; guns will start to jam frequently, even after relatively minor degradation, with no way to fix this problem except to sell them and buy a new one, usually at an astronomical cost. The other option is to wait to see if you can find a new one, but this is a dicey proposition, especially in the Zone. I have a few complaints about this game's difficulty, but they are minor. On normal difficulty, a major military force assaults your camp almost right away, on either the first or second day. After a succession of tries I finally survived, but virtually everyone else died. This game employs a hell of a learning curve, and it is not for the faint of heart in the difficulty arena. You must be willing to grind a lot of things out through multiple tries - and unlike other RPG titles, there's no "I'm not at a high enough level" excuse. You either need better equipment or you need to try a new strategy - or you need more experience. That being said, this game has many, many more high points that far outweigh this game's high learning curve. Its atmosphere is almost too perfect; as other reviewers have mentioned its environments are strange, frightening, and sometimes disturbing. STALKER takes full advantage of its decayed Exclusion Zone environment; it has a weirdly immersive environment, with superior graphics and sound that leave you less frightened and more unsettled. The underground sequences are some of the most frightening in the game, and they are just as terrifying for the creatures you will find there as for their poorly lighted, post-military environment. The combat system is enormously entertaining, totally immersive, and is pulse poundingly fast paced and dangerous. For me, some of the game's most difficult moments came when I was forced to finish off downed, whimpering opponents, particularly soldiers (I am a Ukrainian expat and have relatives in the army there). If you are one for nightmares, or have a particular sensitivity towards this sort of thing, this is not a game for you. A minor point but nonetheless important, the weight and carry system is impeccably good, as the enormous weight of large amounts of ammunition is accurately simulated. In many ways, this game reminds me of the tangentially related Arx Fatalis, in which a hero with no memory awakes and has to find his way around a dark world. Though the games have many technical and contextual differences, they are similar enough to make me think the developers of STALKER must have played it. In spite of its flaws this game is just too much fun and is just too good to skip, especially for people who like games like Oblivion and Fallout 3.… Expand
  34. MaxxA
    Oct 27, 2009
    10
    Its the greatest game franchise I've ever played, and I've been a gamer for way to long now for that to be meaningless. From a game designers perspective though, its an absolutely unmatchable achievement. I'd like to see some big billion dollar game company model the "Zone" when its terribly radioactive. Also, the glitches, if you know the movies story, have some purpose. Its the greatest game franchise I've ever played, and I've been a gamer for way to long now for that to be meaningless. From a game designers perspective though, its an absolutely unmatchable achievement. I'd like to see some big billion dollar game company model the "Zone" when its terribly radioactive. Also, the glitches, if you know the movies story, have some purpose. By glitches I mean everything from anomalies, to crashes. The ballistics system is just amazing. It's probably achieved this better than any other game, in fact, you should buy its sequel just for the hunting rifle.… Expand
  35. QuinnH-L
    Dec 9, 2009
    10
    One of the best games I've ever played. The combat is fun and the story and setting are really unique.
  36. DavidK
    Feb 10, 2009
    10
    One of the most underrated games in the past give years. This game is much better than the critics make it out to be. As it was with the F.E.A.R. series. Though it has its Russian origins, I have to say this is probably the best first person shooter to come along in a long time. It is a thinking persons fps and very close to what I would imagine is real life. Though it has a sluggish One of the most underrated games in the past give years. This game is much better than the critics make it out to be. As it was with the F.E.A.R. series. Though it has its Russian origins, I have to say this is probably the best first person shooter to come along in a long time. It is a thinking persons fps and very close to what I would imagine is real life. Though it has a sluggish start hang in there with it and I am sure you will agree. Comes close to a perfect game. Very, very underrated.… Expand
  37. JimR
    Mar 3, 2009
    10
    Absolutely the most immersive and impressive game concept ever to make it out of development hell. Bugs and all- any points this game might lose due to broken mission scripts or sketchy translation are absolutely annihilated by the sheer scope and vision of GSC Gameworld. A flawed masterpiece. And GSC are treating this game as such; very seldom have I seen a developer release so much Absolutely the most immersive and impressive game concept ever to make it out of development hell. Bugs and all- any points this game might lose due to broken mission scripts or sketchy translation are absolutely annihilated by the sheer scope and vision of GSC Gameworld. A flawed masterpiece. And GSC are treating this game as such; very seldom have I seen a developer release so much source material to the modding community- if anything, I'd say those guys love this game more than it's most fervent fans. I would gladly pay full retail tenfold on any game which had so much love put into it. By turns it is touching, exhilarating, petrifyingly scary and sometimes unintentionally amusing. The closest I've felt to full scale immersion since playing commando around a WW2 era bomb shelter when I was a child, or breaking into 'the old haunted house' near where I lived. As you might have guessed, I cannot recommend this game strongly enough. Buy it! if you don't like it, wait a month and try it again. Keep trying until it hits you; when it does it'll be worth all your time and effort- and the inevitable ensuing week without sleep.. PS: the difficulty curve favours the cautious, and those who kneel to fire :)… Expand
  38. LukeG
    Aug 18, 2009
    9
    Great game,its got a fairly good story that you can always follow up by reading about it on your PDA, nice weapon ballance, offers a great oppertunity for the modding world, the graphics are nice and it has a long game life. Only put down is the game over screen once you finished the game but you can ave total freeplay with the Oblivion Lost mod
  39. DannyM
    Aug 30, 2009
    8
    pretty good game the graphics are decent and the game play was fun and good. There is the problem with the bugs which was alot but the game was still good and the guns were really cool, if you liked shadow of chernobyl you will like clear sky as well
  40. ChrisNielsen
    Aug 8, 2009
    8
    Yeah, there are a few bugs and gameplay can be slightly choppy at times, not to mention the translations are sometimes hard to interpret, but jesus christ, this game has by far the best atmosphere of any game out there, PERIOD

    If you're looking for an immersible storyline and something to make you crap your pants, look no further
  41. 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
  42. Herbert
    Oct 14, 2007
    9
    Awesome!! Nice and scary but almost too dense of a story line.
  43. 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
  44. 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
  45. 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).
  46. LukeG.
    Mar 31, 2007
    9
    Excellent graphics. Different (in a good way) gameplay. Fun overall. Only negative is somewhat short story.
  47. 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
  48. ErlendD.
    Sep 14, 2007
    9
    Its a bit confusing with the side-quests but everything else is just amasing!
  49. A.S.
    Jan 11, 2008
    9
    This is a good game, not perfect, but I haven
  50. 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.
  51. 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
  52. NickMaxwell
    May 27, 2008
    9
    This game is easily the best shooter of its time. Let me start by saying that the game is a perfect blend between an RPG with a HUGE Immerse breathing zone, with the valued tactics of a fantastic shooter like Arma. This game has hours upon hours of playing time stacked onto it by me personaly due to the games fantastic storyline and gameplay. and better yet, if you dont like the originalThis game is easily the best shooter of its time. Let me start by saying that the game is a perfect blend between an RPG with a HUGE Immerse breathing zone, with the valued tactics of a fantastic shooter like Arma. This game has hours upon hours of playing time stacked onto it by me personaly due to the games fantastic storyline and gameplay. and better yet, if you dont like the original stalker there are HUNDREDS of modifactions to suit anyones needs, and make this game worth around 800 hours of anyones life ;). THIS IS THE PERFECT SHOOTER. But then you ask "Well if it is the perfect shooter why do you only give it a 9/10?", well the game is running an absolete gaming engine, makeing the graphics not the greatist with several laggy situations, but with minor tweeks you can run this game perfect. Another reason i only give it a 9 is because the MP is terribly lacking, it is horrid and laggy, but the single player compensates and makes the game increadably enjoyable. The only game better isnt out yet and thats STALER:Clear Sky. DONT MISS THE BEGINING OF THE BEST SHOOTING FRANCHISE OF THE DECADE!… Expand
  53. JackT.
    Jun 12, 2008
    8
    This game is very emersive and well played out, but there are a few bugs and AI quirks that really hurt the game. A bug cause my system to crash and I had to delete everything and re-install, now I have to start from scratch with a new character. Hope Clear Sky fixes the problems. The -2 is for the technical stuff, otherwise its an amazing survival game. Warning: If you go into this gameThis game is very emersive and well played out, but there are a few bugs and AI quirks that really hurt the game. A bug cause my system to crash and I had to delete everything and re-install, now I have to start from scratch with a new character. Hope Clear Sky fixes the problems. The -2 is for the technical stuff, otherwise its an amazing survival game. Warning: If you go into this game looking for fast paced shoot-em-up action. You'll be wasting money, it is truly based on survival and you have to use every means possible to stay comfortably alive. Also, the swaying takes a bit to get used to.… Expand
  54. michaelshaw
    Jun 28, 2008
    8
    Fantastic game, limited by some amazingly bad bugs. One in particular with freedom/duty that completly breaks both mission lines. there are times where the ai is fantastic, and others where the ai seems completely lost. The special thing about stalker, however, is you are willing to ignore those bugs, because the rest of the game is done so well, atmosphere, storyline, etc. being in theFantastic game, limited by some amazingly bad bugs. One in particular with freedom/duty that completly breaks both mission lines. there are times where the ai is fantastic, and others where the ai seems completely lost. The special thing about stalker, however, is you are willing to ignore those bugs, because the rest of the game is done so well, atmosphere, storyline, etc. being in the middle of an intense fire fight, and having your weapon jam is a fantastic touch. you would think its annoying, but after a while, you wonder if you would have it any other way. It throws me back to my days of playing Neocron, where i was able to ignore the many bugs for an amazingly long time as i was so caught up in the feel of the game. One of the FEW games where I look forward to the sequel. the amount, and sometimes the scope, of the bugs in this game bring my rating down from 10 to 8.… Expand
  55. RobW
    Aug 26, 2008
    8
    I got this game off steam for a very good price, I believe the product is worth mor than what I payed, a fantastic game with brilliant gameplay, AI, setting and innovation. This game can hold me for hours at a time. However it takes a bit of time learning everything, and the enemy are very hard when you start, but once your over that, a serious contender for my favorite FPS!
  56. DirgeT
    Nov 26, 2009
    9
    To start off my opinion which any comment is, purely opinion even if there is a fact to base it upon. These Facts as said are translated and filtered in a process by the individual whether or not by a "professional" Critic or a user. Every game has it's bugs and Stalker SHoC did has bugs to start with it's initial release which is true. If GSC was allowed the time they wanted to To start off my opinion which any comment is, purely opinion even if there is a fact to base it upon. These Facts as said are translated and filtered in a process by the individual whether or not by a "professional" Critic or a user. Every game has it's bugs and Stalker SHoC did has bugs to start with it's initial release which is true. If GSC was allowed the time they wanted to finish the game and not forced to release a game that was "about" 95% complete by THQ at the time then the bugs, glitches, all would have been lessened and even more so would have been less of a hassle.Since that did not happen no one can clearly say if that is truth or not on the released version. But, it is true it was not a completed game on release. The U.S. version I played was tested from using patches 1.0001-.0005 And respect must be given to the developers for listening and fixing so many things with each patch, after patch .0003 I believe that all saved games were able to be used between that scope.and the most current patch. One must take in account pros, and cons. Within the end, the Pros to this game are much more than that of cons. If one wishes to look at a game, hardware of any and all kinds must be placed into whether or not it is user error. Using both Nvidia to ATI graphics and even the processors. At the release at .0003 the game was frustrating, annoying with having to restart to the beginning, or if you were a smart individual making multiple saves to fall back on in different areas. This "bug" was actually found to me in my opinion due to the A.I. being used at the time and the x-ray engine. It was aggressive and very complex on consumers//users of the game. These things were actually very easy to work around for a user that was, yes, a cliched word called a "gamer" , and by that meaning a true gamer or looked at a game and that game alone, without a comparison to other games with an attempt to boast and praise another unrelated topic. A FPS RPG chaotic atmospheric game made to show warnings of mankind and their tampering with technology, using that of what an RPG is supposed to be. That of which is an open environment where close to if not always 1,000 A.I. on a single section, map level, of the 50Km (( if that is correct )) full map at a time. Scaled down of course to not each level being 50Km but the overall area, the A.I. caused conflicts mainly when leaving or entering a map, and even when conversing and completing maps. This is con yes, but at the same time it's a con based on the aspect of giving the user to choose what they want to do to progress and finish the game. Go and try guns blazing into an area of friendly or non friendly non-playable characters on the highest difficulty if you claim to be a "Pro Gamer" and see if you can do it without using up massive amounts of bandages and healing items. Most likely you are dead. At least within the game they made it so you couldn't kill off an important character that allowed you finish the game with it's 8 different optional endings. Point:Giving the user abilities to change and effect their own outcome caused an early bug inside of the game to maybe not let you move from a map without a crash. But at this point. The finished result isn't the same. It is a hard, and rather close to realism that could be done with testing, trial and error at the start of developing in early 2000, I believe 2003-2004. This game is not for everyone. It is a gorgeous game with amazingly accurate as possible dimensions, to scale weight of items and limitations of the real world, including the weapons with recoil, bullet spread, armor effects, and so on. The game is a very largely innovated and respected game world wide. Allowing users to freely modify and release drastic changes in the game, some mods for fun and those that showed improved balancing and more realistic truth that a few bullets in the gut does kill you. Place in mind and hold a bit closely to your heart of the beauty of the music, atmospheric conditions, difficulty, realism of it's time. and of course in my opinion if you wish to take in account this last part. The idea that this individual has is that on a stability of hardware, this game was before it's time with the needed requirements to play it at it's fullest and strongest unless you had 2--4GB of DDR RAM, an AMD Athlon FX-57 or the FX-60 Dual core Cpu, and a rather high-end Ati or Nvidia GPU. You were going to run into issues if you weren't even able to process the data correctly though your machine. I did find that out the hard way if you tried to push the in game settings to max. I would give this game a 10 for some many reasons, but I don't think any game deserves a Perfect score, a high 98-99% may be possible, but not an over rated 100.… Expand
  57. GameBoy
    Nov 9, 2009
    10
    Simply the best game ever created. Bought this 2 years ago and I'm still playing it now with the various mods available - all offline. Now THAT'S good value for money. If you haven't played it, then the best mod to get is STALKER Complete 2009, which fixes all strange bugs, updates the ballistics, and makes the graphics prettier - but most importantly does not change the Simply the best game ever created. Bought this 2 years ago and I'm still playing it now with the various mods available - all offline. Now THAT'S good value for money. If you haven't played it, then the best mod to get is STALKER Complete 2009, which fixes all strange bugs, updates the ballistics, and makes the graphics prettier - but most importantly does not change the storyline. The ONLY thing it does change is that it allows free play at the end of the game. OK, I'll stop going off on a tangent and get back to the crux of the matter - this game is not for the faint hearted. You have to stick with this game, it starts off hard - and the first map is, how shall I say - a bit bland. BUT, it gets sooo much better as you progress, think of the first map as a training ground. Later on you'll have literally heart attack inducing tension in further maps. I can't say enough good things about this game - I LOVE IT (how sad eh?!) Just please buy it, install STALKER Complete 2009 mod, stick it out for the first map, then trust me, you'll be hooked.… Expand
  58. RhennaO
    Oct 26, 2009
    8
    This game has captivated me for several months. Yes, it has a few warts, but it is a wonderfully immersive and atmospheric shooter. There is a bit of a learning-curve required, so those suffering from ADD need not apply. I would rate it even higher if I took the available mods into account.
  59. 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
  60. 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
  61. MauricioP
    Nov 11, 2009
    10
    This is by far one of the best games I ever played. It grows on you very quickly and it is addictive. The ending changes depending on the role you chose to play during the game. It is action packed and it gets your adrenalin pumping. It will stretch your nerves and if you're not strong enough, it may just shatter your nerves! Oh yea! This game is a masterpiece and it is worth every This is by far one of the best games I ever played. It grows on you very quickly and it is addictive. The ending changes depending on the role you chose to play during the game. It is action packed and it gets your adrenalin pumping. It will stretch your nerves and if you're not strong enough, it may just shatter your nerves! Oh yea! This game is a masterpiece and it is worth every penny and every minute of your time you put on it. Don't let yourself be fooled by people who criticize "flaws" in the game (that's why every game, program and software has version control, patch releases, and updates). The critic from "Total Video Games" must have gotten his job by accident or something like that, has no clue whatsoever what a true game is all about. "Johnny D" should buy a new videocard or better yet, just go play ping pong or fuzz-ball or something.… Expand
  62. Sfs
    Mar 18, 2019
    8
    Прикольный шутерок, хоррор и рпг. Нормальная графика(на момент 2007), возможность торговли и общение с НПС, хороший ИИ, тайники и артефакты, мутанты, Сидорович и возможность свободно перемещятся по карте. Но минус - в группировках, которые никак почти не продвигаются по зоне и в сукдных модификациях оружия и полное отсутствие таковых на броню.Прикольный шутерок, хоррор и рпг. Нормальная графика(на момент 2007), возможность торговли и общение с НПС, хороший ИИ, тайники и артефакты, мутанты, Сидорович и возможность свободно перемещятся по карте. Но минус - в группировках, которые никак почти не продвигаются по зоне и в сукдных модификациях оружия и полное отсутствие таковых на броню.
  63. kendo
    Feb 17, 2017
    8
    Сталкер Тени Чернобыля это игра моего детства в которую очень интересно было играть. Когда я её полностью прошёл было очень грустно, что больше не поиграть в сей шедевр.
  64. CamyVero
    May 26, 2021
    8
    I've heard great things about this game for a long time, since I was in high school and didn't have a PC to play it on. My classmates and friends told me, buy a new one and play this game, it's awesome. Well, more than 10 years after that I played it and finished it yesterday. Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl is a very good FPS with open world and RPG elements. It plays perfectly today, theI've heard great things about this game for a long time, since I was in high school and didn't have a PC to play it on. My classmates and friends told me, buy a new one and play this game, it's awesome. Well, more than 10 years after that I played it and finished it yesterday. Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl is a very good FPS with open world and RPG elements. It plays perfectly today, the game has aged well, but it's not the masterpiece I was told it was. It has major flaws, such as the lack of fast travel to move and explore between the various maps in the game. Exasperating difficulty spikes at times, and bugs, glitches and graphical problems that can ruin your game, that's just the way it is. Despite the overall quality of the game's development, these are flaws that are there. The game is recommendable, certainly, but not a masterpiece.… Expand
  65. 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.
  66. 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
  67. EasyHL
    Jun 11, 2018
    9
    Хорошая игра, 9/10. Это шедевр, минус балл за баги, а так игра хорошая.
  68. Zeratex
    Mar 20, 2019
    8
    A very atmospheric game, Stalker is one of the most atmospheric games i have ever played.

    The moment you go into the game you start to feel the dark serious atmospheric tone it has from its music and soundtracks to its world design, the world is grim and grey, it has also some scary places like the labs, so it has some horror elements into it as well, the ambient sounds is so cool and    A very atmospheric game, Stalker is one of the most atmospheric games i have ever played.

    The moment you go into the game you start to feel the dark serious atmospheric tone it has from its music and soundtracks to its world design, the world is grim and grey, it has also some scary places like the labs, so it has some horror elements into it as well, the ambient sounds is so cool and do great job in immersing you to its world.

    The game is a great game at its core, by core i mean the Ideas thrown into the game like the Zone, the artifacts the factions you join, the NPC A.I (superior to last of us), the world design, the music, the atmosphere, even some of the story elements, I know the game lacks in the story section but its not a story driven game so i can forgive it and i understand the game main focus is immersion and not story.
    So its core as a game is great, but the problem with this is the technical aspect of it, because they didnt have enough budget the game suffers from some technical obstacles than hinders the player enjoyment.
    Those technical problems are:

    1) The Graphics feels like 2004 quality rather than 2007.
    2) Controls (shooting mechanics, and player and npc movement)
    3) Bugs
    4) inconsistent animation

    Otherwise the game is very good, also the game could vastly improve on:
    1) Quests: the quests are very linear and fetch like quests, could improve a lot there.
    2) Role playing elements: could use more stats.
    3) More gameplay options: i felt the gameplay is limited compared to other open world games like Fallout, could use more options and strategies to use during the exploration.

    A must play game for atmospheric game lovers.

    8/10

    Much better than overrated Metro series.    … Expand
  69. rezo_21
    Sep 19, 2021
    8
    ====================IIIIIIIIII GAME SCORE : 80 IIIIIIIIII====================
  70. Zetastein
    Jan 3, 2023
    0
    Bullet sponge, no realism or immersion. Bad story and very lacking gameplay
  71. hvoyagehvoyage
    Feb 6, 2020
    8
    I love it. I love it. I love it. I love it. I love it. I love it. I love it. I love it.
  72. 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
  73. Piruz
    May 7, 2020
    8
    Every time i play this game, i fell like i'm home. This emotion is priceless
  74. Rustick
    Jul 7, 2022
    7
    атмосферный не очень интересный сюжет геймплей не блещет разнообразием атмосфера решает
  75. Goorman1996
    Jun 24, 2022
    10
    The best part of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R., without a doubt. How that game sticks you to itself by unique ambient — couldn't find the words for it. if you want a classic game — here it is. I doubt that games like this one will be released in the future.
  76. R3PL1CANT
    Sep 8, 2020
    8
    One of the most atmospheric post-apocalyptic games I've ever played! Get out of here stalker!
  77. apokalipto
    Aug 9, 2023
    8
    Very good game. I enjoyed playing this game a lot. I strongly recommend this.
  78. 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
  79. Gorbunov2004
    Mar 25, 2021
    8
    Имеет некоторые недостатки, но интересная идея! Зона отчуждения очень хорошая тема для игры много разных абсолютно разных группировок. Также много разных мутантов сюжет у которого 7 концовок из которых только 2 настоящие и игра очень атмосферная для 2007 года! В игре очень скучные и неинтересные дополнительные задания.Имеет некоторые недостатки, но интересная идея! Зона отчуждения очень хорошая тема для игры много разных абсолютно разных группировок. Также много разных мутантов сюжет у которого 7 концовок из которых только 2 настоящие и игра очень атмосферная для 2007 года! В игре очень скучные и неинтересные дополнительные задания.
  80. Relenea
    Jul 11, 2022
    8
    Güçlü atmosfer, ilgi çekici hikaye, silah ve düşman çeşitliliği, korku ve gerilim unsurları barındıran kaliteli bölümler ve genel oyun akışı dahil birçok konuda başarısını ortaya koyan bir oyun.
  81. toseer
    May 30, 2021
    8
    STALKER is not a game about graphics(although it is already clear by the year of release), not about the plot, and not about the gameplay. STALKER is a game about the atmosphere of the Exclusion Zone, which is transmitted by the first game of this trilogy.
  82. Goshan220
    Jul 28, 2021
    8
    Топ игра для своего времени, стрелялка с офигительным сеттингом, очевидно. Да есть куча багов, но и пёс с ними, да сюжет какой-то странный, но не обычный. Эта игра заслуживает быть пройденной не один раз
  83. Asp_klg40
    Aug 27, 2021
    8
    Ну малые, это тупо топ. Одно слово. СТАЛКЕР. Не убавить, не прибавить. Ходишь, бродишь, лутаешь хабар. Кайф. Даже сюжет есть.
  84. AlexiasIZ
    Sep 26, 2021
    8
    ОБХОДИ ЭТУ ШЕЛУПОНЬ! (OBHODI ETU SHELUPON')
    Yeah... This game was the beginning... Beginning of the wonderful game series, which gives us an opportunity to visit the Prypiat, this game gives the true emotions to everyone, who played it. One time you enter the Sidorovich's bunker, you will never forget this character and the whole zone around you... Of cause, there are a lot of problems    ОБХОДИ ЭТУ ШЕЛУПОНЬ! (OBHODI ETU SHELUPON')
    Yeah... This game was the beginning... Beginning of the wonderful game series, which gives us an opportunity to visit the Prypiat, this game gives the true emotions to everyone, who played it. One time you enter the Sidorovich's bunker, you will never forget this character and the whole zone around you... Of cause, there are a lot of problems (optimization, problematic aiming because of the models of the weapon, etc.) But... the atmosphere beats all the problems... At least, for me :)    … Expand
  85. 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
  86. 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
  87. LeviAkerman
    Mar 19, 2022
    8
    The interface is wonderful. You have so much information immediately available to you. Google Maps always has a minimap in the lower left corner, which gives you a good overview of the area. Getting information about people gives you a clear, clear window. Hacking offers a menu with easily recognizable icons, so you always know what your button presses will do.
  88. flwixs
    Apr 30, 2022
    8
    Лучшая часть серии по атмосфере и целостности самой игры. Сюжет есть, геймплей есть, хоть и устаревший уже. Атмосфера тащит по сути всю игру и скрашивает все баги и прочие проблемы у игры, квесты и прочее тоже нет смысла о них говорить, часть вообще багается либо ломается при любом удобном случаи. К прохождению точно советую, не смотря на все очевидные минусы.Лучшая часть серии по атмосфере и целостности самой игры. Сюжет есть, геймплей есть, хоть и устаревший уже. Атмосфера тащит по сути всю игру и скрашивает все баги и прочие проблемы у игры, квесты и прочее тоже нет смысла о них говорить, часть вообще багается либо ломается при любом удобном случаи. К прохождению точно советую, не смотря на все очевидные минусы.
  89. eilhart
    Apr 21, 2022
    8
    Atmosphere so great you could cut it up, living breathing world where you don't need to be present for things to be happening around it. This alone is what makes this flawed masterpiece so memorable and you will find yourself coming back to this gem over and over years after your first playthrough.
  90. 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.
  91. Napolaen
    May 28, 2022
    9
    A cult classic that mostly stands the test of time. It has some bugs but is still a quite exciting shooter.
  92. AliceGross
    May 6, 2022
    8
    Харашо Харашо Харашо Харашо Харашо Харашо Харашо Харашо Харашо Харашо Харашо
  93. Raznoobrazie
    May 24, 2022
    10
    I have no words to describe this masterpiece. "Shadow Of Chernobyl" is my favorite part of the game. I admire everything: plot, characters, atmosphere, riddles, stashes and even bugs sometimes. You have to play this game.
  94. Jackie_Jackson
    May 25, 2022
    10
    Ах как хочется вернуться
    Ах как хочется ворваться
    В сталкерок...
    Где всё просто и знакомо
    На динёк...
  95. The_D4RknesS
    Jun 30, 2022
    5
    может и хорошо но самая большая проблема и отсутствие автосохранения и более точный прицел потому что бьешь во все кроме врагов
  96. 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
  97. 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)
  98. 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
  99. 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
  100. 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.
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 »