Awards
GamePro.com
Over the last few years we've seen many promising games coming out of Eastern Europe, but much of this initial promise has been lost in the finished product.
Perhaps the most impressively ambitious of these titles is S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, a game that has managed to take a very different view on the traditional first-person shooter; one that has been injected chock full of free form gameplay and RPG-lite elements.
4.25/5 |
Gamesradar
As the "Game Over" motif swims into view we notice one of the dogs dragging our corpse further into the woodland. Now that, my friends, is extremely cool.
9/10 |
GameSpot.com
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is definitely a game that deserves to be played.
For first-person shooter fans looking for the next big thing in the genre, it's difficult not to be impressed by the game's unique and evolving world.
Meanwhile, fans of role-playing games will appreciate the open-ended nature of the gameplay and being able to explore different paths through the zone.
This is a bleak game, but in a good way, as it captures its postapocalyptic setting perfectly. It's also an excellent combination of combat, horror, and exploration.
8.5/10 |
GameSpot.com
There are so many exceptional little moments that help make the game feel alive, such as getting caught in a sudden thunderstorm with the wind gusting or stumbling upon a small group of scavengers huddled around a small fire, while one of them quietly plays a guitar.
Best Atmosphere |
Games(tm)
"One of the most exciting PC FPSs since Half-Life 2."
9/10 |
Bit-tech.net
From day one, Stalker gripped me and amazed me. The sheer scope of the environments was a big wow factor, and some of the small touches add to the immersion.
9/10 |
Mega-gaming.de
"The finishing of Stalker is a blessing for thousands of gamers around the world!"
92% |
GameStar
"The most atmospheric shooter ever!"
90% |
PC Jeux
You have no excuse not to play S.T.A.L.K.E.R."
93% |
IGN.com
"S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is a true classic."
"S.T.A.L.K.E.R. truly shakes up the shooter genre, making everything else feel like a treadmill in a shoebox."
"S.T.A.L.K.E.R...will do for the genre what GTA did for action games... one of the most immersive, free-form and downright creepy shooters ever made."
8.9/10 |
krawall.de
Wer mit Shootern klar kommt, darf sich diese atmospharisch dichte Spielwelt nicht entgehen lassen.
84% |
actiontrip.com
This is the type of game I would go out and buy for myself... if that's worth anything to you
90/100 |
gameswelt.de
'Gothic' meets 'Far Cry' meets 'Fallout'
85% |
pc.boomtown.net
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is still one of the best First Person Shooters I've played in a long time, especially if you like the post-apocalyptic atmosphere from games like Fallout.
9/10 |
Computerandvideogames.com
In fact, it could be argued that the Zone is the real star of the piece, GSC creating a brilliant environment to which our hats are doffed. 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.
8/10 |
Eurogamer.net
If there's one thing that Stalker does brilliantly, it's lure you into exploring areas with the promise of loot and unveiled mystery.
...
this is more like an antidote to the Americanised way of doing things. It's a warped behemoth from the Ukraine, and one of the scariest games on the PC.
8/10 |
Game Informer
Portions of the critical path feature interesting goals and situations that are a pleasure to explore and complete. The exploration element can take on its own life as you try to navigate the treacherous landscape of radiation, deadly anomalies, dangerous mutants, and other more esoteric hazards to retrieve a rare artifact or just see what’s over the next hill.
8/10 |
Jeux Video Magazine
Chernobyl had blown up again. Mercenaries investigate the area. You're one of them.
Assets : A non-linear gameplay, 30km of drawn-from-the-source maps, a highly echoing scenario : the game's morbid beauty oppress and stick to the skin.
Golden award |