S.T.A.L.K.E.R. - Shadow of Chernobyl

[rainy]

This game looks interesting to say the least. A vast world to run around in, but so far always with clear objectives. The world is also very prone to changes, missions and jobs can always look different. For example, I played a simple job (clean out a boar lair). First time I tried, there were two boars, and I made a clean getaway. Second time around, I ran into a group of other stalkers who eliminated me rather quickly. Will definitely put some more time into this game tonight.

Graphics are good, they look as expected: dirty and grubby. But even on low details they aren't too shabby, although I suspect there will be a bit more eye-candy on higher detail levels - will also play with that later.

[Onyx]

I read the long article in a recent NAG magazine and it looks like it could be an absolutely amazing game but it gave me the heeby jeebies just looking at the pictures. I don't think I will play this game late at night, but I am sure a lot of you guys will love it! :D

The name S.T.A.L.K.E.R. means: Specially Trained in Artefact, Life form and Kinetic Energies Retrieval)

[SosmanSA]

mmmmm.... yummy... does it come with fries?
:D

[rainy]

OK, played a bit more, so here's more of my impressions.

The game is difficult. You have to be on your toes at all times, otherwise you'll walk into an anomaly or get attacked from behind by mutant animals, soldiers, bandits or other Stalkers. Save early, save often. Not much storyline so far, but I haven't been dealing with the main quests yet. Took some side quests to get a feel for the game. Most of the early sidequests are relatively easy and render some reward. However, you better be well-prepared and -armed once you want to follow the main quests. Otherwise you will be dead quicker than you can spell out S.T.A.L.K.E.R.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is more about survival than anything else. While moving around or fighting, one can fall victim to conditions like bleeding and radiation, which are cured by using medikits, bandages, antirad medicine or a swig of vodka. Left untreated, these conditions will decrease your health and lead to a premature Game Over screen.

On the technical side everything looks good so far. I play in 1680x1050 at 'high' detail level (static lighting). That renders a rather playable 30-40fps. I tried dynamic lighting but that dropped my FPS below 10. At high details the game looks pretty good, if somewhat rough. The wind moves the grass, leaves are flying through the air, anomalies float around everywhere. Occasionally a rainstorm comes past.The graphics are anything but polished. As I said, the surroundings look grubby, dirty, desolate and barren. Pretty much like you would imagine an area that has been devastated by two nuclear incidents. The sound fits into it. Little music, various sound effects. While moving through the zone, one has to keep eyes and ears open.

Loading times are quite long on my machine, however, saving is quick. One major glitch is that on my machine the game would not start unless I used a No-CD crack. Apparently there is some buggerup with the copy protection, I am not the only one with the problem. Using a crack is fine as long as you don't want to try out the multiplayer part. Hopefully they will sort that out soon.

All in all a very interesting game, probably because it is different. It is not your run-of-the-mill shooter, nor is it a RPG. It is somewhere in between, taking elements from different genres and throwing them together. It is a bit rough around the edges, but that's what makes it worth looking at.

[stoke]

Thanks rainy.

[senorblinky]

I am SOOO looking forward to actually playing this.
My PC is just too old and dingy, would never cope with the higher graphic settings.

I've been following it's development forever now, and i am pleased that it's finally here. Next big one to watch out for: FALLOUT 3!!

[Titan]

@Rainy, sounds interesting, thanx for the detailed info m8, at least we have an idea if it's worth checking out.
Will have to have a look see once I have a PC again at home ;)

[senorblinky]

I checked it out (i upgraded my old and dingy computer!)
Rainy is quite right in his assessment, unfortunately, i think i might have built it up to much, because besides looking and feeling EXACTLY as i hoped, i still feel it's lacking. but i do like the one shot pistol headshot kills... if you can pull them off. Maybe i should give it more time, but really, i'm not too impressed, the story is way to vague and interaction is tiresome.

[Ga5can]

Blinky ... wait until you do into the laboratories .... dark and some strange things happening. Better to play that level late a night cuase the noises are creepy!

[Sir40]

I got me the game cos i didn't have BF2 at the time....i really loved the feel of it and the creepy stuff when you enter the sewers and labs...
the graphics looks awesome on my buddies 7800GS...but a few things felt like a let down though... sad cos its an awesome game let down by stupid lil gliches and problems...
i almost finished a mission,the main caracter for that mission died while i was doing the mission...i got back and my pointer showed to speak with that same caracter...even if it just said "mission failed" instead of me running around looking for this caracter.
it reminded me of "Cronicles of Riddick" wich was an awesome game with a lot of bugs and glitches!!

[senorblinky]

look, i'd give the overall game a 6 out of 10.
So far i've jumped here and there, but i've been bored for the most part. the only thing that gets me down is the interaction, it is flippen ARDUOUS to talk to someone! Otherwise, it's not bad, i love the idea, the idea is fantastic, but i really like a good story, and i just aint seein that great story yet, where is the intrigue?
I'll give it some more time, sewers and labs yet to come.