Based extensively on the 1979 film "Stalker" (which in turn was based on the story "Roadside Picnic"), GSC's Stalker takes place in the Zone of Alienation surrounding the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. You wake up with no memory, and have to travel deep into the Zone to fulfill a mission - "kill Strelok".
The story is that after a second incident at Chernobyl in 2006, a widespread area of strange anomalys appeared. Weird artifacts, mutants and radiation cover the area. Rumours of a "wish granter" at the centre of the zone abound. As you delve deeper into the Zone's mysteries, the truth will be revealed.
The Zone is split into a number of areas based on real world locations, and as you travel about, you'll venture into each. Pay attention to the various task: although some are just side-missions, there are some important ones that affect the game's ending greatly. This is a major flaw in the game, as if you miss something, you either have to travel a long way back to get it, or you get gipped at the end. I recommend using a walkthrough, as it points out the things you need to get. Some of it is obvious, but some isn't.
There are lots of side missions. You can complete them all, or just stick to the main story. After you complete missions, you receive various rewards such as weapons, money, artifacts etc. You can wear various artifacts on your belt, which enhance your physical abilities, as well as providing protection from radiation, burns, gunfire etc etc
As a game, it runs well. At the time of release, there were numerous bugs, but if you apply all the latest patches, it runs fine. I have an nVidia card, and there were no issues. The AI is pretty good, although it's a little unfair at times: they fire immediately at you as soon as you come around a corner, for example. Overall it's okay, but you might end up replaying a few points, as it sucks when they notice you straight away. Other friendly AI works quite well. A group of friendly AI will actually engage and take out the enemy, rather than waiting about for you, like some games.
The graphics engine is old, but it looks great. Not that it's the best graphics, but it's got a great dirty look to it that works well with the concept of the Zone and the post-Soviet ruins. The weaponry is okay: decent guns, sniper rifles etc. Bullet damage can be severe, but you can stock up on health kits quite easily. You can carry quite a lot of equipment (59.9kg), but this affects the ability to run (shortens it).
The length of the game is great. Just sticking to the main story will take several days worth of playing.
Overall 9 out of 10. Great game. Great concept. Great execution. GSC have made a top rate game here. It's nice to see a game with a well- thought out story.
The story is that after a second incident at Chernobyl in 2006, a widespread area of strange anomalys appeared. Weird artifacts, mutants and radiation cover the area. Rumours of a "wish granter" at the centre of the zone abound. As you delve deeper into the Zone's mysteries, the truth will be revealed.
The Zone is split into a number of areas based on real world locations, and as you travel about, you'll venture into each. Pay attention to the various task: although some are just side-missions, there are some important ones that affect the game's ending greatly. This is a major flaw in the game, as if you miss something, you either have to travel a long way back to get it, or you get gipped at the end. I recommend using a walkthrough, as it points out the things you need to get. Some of it is obvious, but some isn't.
There are lots of side missions. You can complete them all, or just stick to the main story. After you complete missions, you receive various rewards such as weapons, money, artifacts etc. You can wear various artifacts on your belt, which enhance your physical abilities, as well as providing protection from radiation, burns, gunfire etc etc
As a game, it runs well. At the time of release, there were numerous bugs, but if you apply all the latest patches, it runs fine. I have an nVidia card, and there were no issues. The AI is pretty good, although it's a little unfair at times: they fire immediately at you as soon as you come around a corner, for example. Overall it's okay, but you might end up replaying a few points, as it sucks when they notice you straight away. Other friendly AI works quite well. A group of friendly AI will actually engage and take out the enemy, rather than waiting about for you, like some games.
The graphics engine is old, but it looks great. Not that it's the best graphics, but it's got a great dirty look to it that works well with the concept of the Zone and the post-Soviet ruins. The weaponry is okay: decent guns, sniper rifles etc. Bullet damage can be severe, but you can stock up on health kits quite easily. You can carry quite a lot of equipment (59.9kg), but this affects the ability to run (shortens it).
The length of the game is great. Just sticking to the main story will take several days worth of playing.
Overall 9 out of 10. Great game. Great concept. Great execution. GSC have made a top rate game here. It's nice to see a game with a well- thought out story.