FEAR or STALKER?

Getting a new PC on Monday, but I don't know which one of these games to get. I was leaning more toward STALKER because it has a longer single player. If I bought either of these games, it would only be for single player seeing how their multiplayer ain't that great (or so I hear). And also since FEAR's online play is downloadable.

STALKER looks fun as mess though. A person at gamestop described it as Elder Scrolls Oblivion, but with guns. I could get them both, but are they worth it? Put in your two cents, please. I played the demo of FEAR and it was a lot of fun, but I heard the storyline was short. But that was just with the first one...I didn't hear about extraction point, and if that was a short storyline either. Anyway they both look fun. I have roughly $75 to spend, so if you have any other [good] games you want to recommend do that too. I am into mainly shooters, and have been looking to play something [good] online for a while, other than Call of Duty 1 and 2.  

STALKER

FEAR's gameplay and plot get too repetitive after a few hours.

FEAR is one monotonous cooridoor of same looking levels over and over. Stalker, I have played through 3 times and still finding things I missed. It is a much bigger world, with much more variety in game play. Stalker is way better then FEAR in almost every aspect. There are different endings, Different armour, secret areas, different missions to do, dialog, artificats to find, wide open large game world to explore at your leisure. Stalker is a lot going for it. FEAR, why would you play through it twice? It is the exact same the second time through, Stalker can be quite different depending on how you play.

3 patches and another one on the way have fixed most of the unpolished ness of Stalker, but it is a gem of a game regardless.

To be honest, neither... own both, played FEAR right the way through and Extraction Point, got sorta sick of STALKER about 2/3rds of the way through. FEAR is very, very low on storyline and the storyline is bogus and full of plot holes anyway - it has that really cool slow mo effect that you'll get sick of after a couple of hours and that's about it - very repetitive gameplay, not many weapons, graphics aren't actually that good outside of slow mo and besides, it's the same recycled environments over and over again (it's no Half Life, HL2). You keep expecting it to get better and it doesn't...

Stalker, I will probably come back to after I get my upgrades done (Tuesday, in time for exams, yay :s) but the game is horribly unoptimised and I mean horribly. There's some tweaks out there but nothing that quite makes up for it. Storywise it's a more solid affair (where I'm up to, at least) and the concept is far more believable (to the extent that computer games claim to be). Environment-wise, there's plenty of stuff to look at - and more varied and open ended like Oblivion (though not nearly as big - the map will probably bug you to hell as well). It's also not as 'pretty' as Oblivion despite coming out a lot later, but you can change the HDR around to give that brilliant glow if you can be bothered to go through your Stalker-SHOC file. The filters are broken (AA, AF) but once again, there's a few lines in your SHOC file that you can use to mimic the effects of AF.

There's plenty more to say on both but if I had to recommend you one, then I'd go with Stalker, hands down - FEAR really didn't do it for me. Having said that, I still prefer HL2, with all the options absolutely maxed out for gameplay and graphics... and Oblivion for storyline (big thumbs up), graphics (huge thumbs up) and gameplay (though this isn't a shooter, even if it's first person). At any rate, I think there's far better shooters out there and far better games to spend your time and money on.

To be honest, neither... own both, played FEAR right the way through and Extraction Point, got sorta sick of STALKER about 2/3rds of the way through. FEAR is very, very low on storyline and the storyline is bogus and full of plot holes anyway - it has that really cool slow mo effect that you'll get sick of after a couple of hours and that's about it - very repetitive gameplay, not many weapons, graphics aren't actually that good outside of slow mo and besides, it's the same recycled environments over and over again (it's no Half Life, HL2). You keep expecting it to get better and it doesn't...

Stalker, I will probably come back to after I get my upgrades done (Tuesday, in time for exams, yay :s) but the game is horribly unoptimised and I mean horribly. There's some tweaks out there but nothing that quite makes up for it. Storywise it's a more solid affair (where I'm up to, at least) and the concept is far more believable (to the extent that computer games claim to be). Environment-wise, there's plenty of stuff to look at - and more varied and open ended like Oblivion (though not nearly as big - the map will probably bug you to hell as well). It's also not as 'pretty' as Oblivion despite coming out a lot later, but you can change the HDR around to give that brilliant glow if you can be bothered to go through your Stalker-SHOC file. The filters are broken (AA, AF) but once again, there's a few lines in your SHOC file that you can use to mimic the effects of AF.

There's plenty more to say on both but if I had to recommend you one, then I'd go with Stalker, hands down - FEAR really didn't do it for me. Having said that, I still prefer HL2, with all the options absolutely maxed out for gameplay and graphics... and Oblivion for storyline (big thumbs up), graphics (huge thumbs up) and gameplay (though this isn't a shooter, even if it's first person). At any rate, I think there's far better shooters out there and far better games to spend your time and money on.

TurambarGS

Well thanks everyone for your input. I may just stick with Oblivion, which is what I stopped playing because of all the lag. But after my upgade, I'll be able to max it out without any lag. I did happen to get to about level 14 with an acrobat class though...

[QUOTE="TurambarGS"]

To be honest, neither... own both, played FEAR right the way through and Extraction Point, got sorta sick of STALKER about 2/3rds of the way through. FEAR is very, very low on storyline and the storyline is bogus and full of plot holes anyway - it has that really cool slow mo effect that you'll get sick of after a couple of hours and that's about it - very repetitive gameplay, not many weapons, graphics aren't actually that good outside of slow mo and besides, it's the same recycled environments over and over again (it's no Half Life, HL2). You keep expecting it to get better and it doesn't...

Stalker, I will probably come back to after I get my upgrades done (Tuesday, in time for exams, yay :s) but the game is horribly unoptimised and I mean horribly. There's some tweaks out there but nothing that quite makes up for it. Storywise it's a more solid affair (where I'm up to, at least) and the concept is far more believable (to the extent that computer games claim to be). Environment-wise, there's plenty of stuff to look at - and more varied and open ended like Oblivion (though not nearly as big - the map will probably bug you to hell as well). It's also not as 'pretty' as Oblivion despite coming out a lot later, but you can change the HDR around to give that brilliant glow if you can be bothered to go through your Stalker-SHOC file. The filters are broken (AA, AF) but once again, there's a few lines in your SHOC file that you can use to mimic the effects of AF.

There's plenty more to say on both but if I had to recommend you one, then I'd go with Stalker, hands down - FEAR really didn't do it for me. Having said that, I still prefer HL2, with all the options absolutely maxed out for gameplay and graphics... and Oblivion for storyline (big thumbs up), graphics (huge thumbs up) and gameplay (though this isn't a shooter, even if it's first person). At any rate, I think there's far better shooters out there and far better games to spend your time and money on.

Skullheart

Well thanks everyone for your input. I may just stick with Oblivion, which is what I stopped playing because of all the lag. But after my upgade, I'll be able to max it out without any lag. I did happen to get to about level 14 with an acrobat class though...

You will be missing out big time if you don't get stalker, patches have fixed the optimizations and most issues, and the next patch will have 10-15% increase in performance, and it is due out shortly. Stalker really is a great game.  What better shooters are out right now? That was a bogus statement. Stalker is unique and an ambitious game, you will be missing out big time.

The nice thing about FEAR is it takes no time at all to get into it.

STALKER is good - IF MODDED - but it takes time to configure the mods and it takes time to get into the game and have fun.

I recommend FEAR - I really enjoyed the graphics, and the Single Player AI is OUTSTANDING. 

Buy Half Life 2 ( u get CS : S with it) and BF 2142 or 2 if u still haven't  :) I recommended those seeing u mentioning us to recommend other games than COD 1 and 2 . :)

No doubt FEAR, personally I loved the single player experience, and I still play the multiplayer to this day.

Stalker is a good game too, great twist is well but not an insane a ride as FEAR is.

Both are pretty good though imo, so you cant go wrong depending on which you chose in the end, I just have a preference for FEAR.

But if youre looking for a precise answer then:

For Single Player experience: STALKER

For Multiplayer - FEAR 

I've played Stalker. It's good and if you're going to get it don't do too many side quests. Also hold right mouse button so the weapon centers on your screen and you can aim better. It's a good game even without the mods. The only problem it has it's sometimes you have to backtrack. However if you avoid most of the side quests you can start getting into deeper parts of the game etc. I think you will like it if you liked Oblivion.

As for F.E.A.R. it's also good but more linear than Stalker of course. So you take your pick. If you want a smoother ride but more linear you get F.E.A.R. Gold (include expansion for like 30-40 bucks) If you want a more bumpy ride and not as linear you get Stalker. It also has way more customizable things. 

The nice thing about FEAR is it takes no time at all to get into it.

STALKER is good - IF MODDED - but it takes time to configure the mods and it takes time to get into the game and have fun.

 

I recommend FEAR - I really enjoyed the graphics, and the Single Player AI is OUTSTANDING.

Jack_Summersby

Stalker is only good if modded? What a laod of crap, Stalker without mods is twice the game fear ever was. What mods are you talking about? Stalker is more ambitious then fear could ever think of being. Fear was an overrated FPS with generic horrid level design and cheap scares. Also way to linear and absolutely no replay value. The AI in Stalker is better overall then fear, FEARS AI only had to navigate linear cooridoors and never had any type of real life schedules. Fear can't hold Stalkers Jock Strap. 

 FEAR is better, Stalker is too hard....

 Why cant we all just NOT get along?!

FEAR is better, Stalker is too hard....

Why cant we all just NOT get along?!

Dogswithguns

I thought FEAR was more difficult.....could be just me? 

Not interested in the least bit about Counter Strike. That game has been hacked to the maximum and it's very, very outdated. Also, I think I'm going to be getting Half Life 2 for free since I'm upgrading to a Radeon graphics card...Skullheart

Dont tell me you bought HD 2900 XT?? 

Hey Get Them Both than u wont need any other game for a while because both of them are hot (Excluding The Bugs:P) 

[QUOTE="Skullheart"]Not interested in the least bit about Counter Strike. That game has been hacked to the maximum and it's very, very outdated. Also, I think I'm going to be getting Half Life 2 for free since I'm upgrading to a Radeon graphics card...domke13

Dont tell me you bought HD 2900 XT??

Nah. ATI Radeon x1950 Pro. But I've got a good processor and crap to support it...but I'm not going to go into detail. 

As for being on-topic...I will probably just get both. There's just one thing I had a concern about...FEAR's multiplayer. I heard that not many people played it...but it was one of the top shooters? 

[QUOTE="Jack_Summersby"]

The nice thing about FEAR is it takes no time at all to get into it.

STALKER is good - IF MODDED - but it takes time to configure the mods and it takes time to get into the game and have fun.

 

I recommend FEAR - I really enjoyed the graphics, and the Single Player AI is OUTSTANDING.

spiltmilk

Stalker is only good if modded? What a laod of crap, Stalker without mods is twice the game fear ever was. What mods are you talking about? Stalker is more ambitious then fear could ever think of being. Fear was an overrated FPS with generic horrid level design and cheap scares. Also way to linear and absolutely no replay value. The AI in Stalker is better overall then fear, FEARS AI only had to navigate linear cooridoors and never had any type of real life schedules. Fear can't hold Stalkers Jock Strap.

lol

I don't care what FEAR's AI had to do - it did it damn well! Indoors, outdoors, I just want to feel like I'm playing an intelligent opponent.

As for STALKER, without mods the performance sucks (unless you turn down the graphics, and I am too much of a GW to do that). Plus, the weapons are too inaccurate and WAY too underpowered for my tastes.

[QUOTE="domke13"]

[QUOTE="Skullheart"]Not interested in the least bit about Counter Strike. That game has been hacked to the maximum and it's very, very outdated. Also, I think I'm going to be getting Half Life 2 for free since I'm upgrading to a Radeon graphics card...Skullheart

Dont tell me you bought HD 2900 XT??

Nah. ATI Radeon x1950 Pro. But I've got a good processor and crap to support it...but I'm not going to go into detail.

As for being on-topic...I will probably just get both. There's just one thing I had a concern about...FEAR's multiplayer. I heard that not many people played it...but it was one of the top shooters?

FEAR MP: it's free - try it (totally legal).

FEAR did have a good AI. I played the demo and was surprised how well they coordinated their attacks against me. I will most likely end up getting both, though. Stalker just looks fun to me because of the open world :) It's like Oblivion with assault rifles. Ownage?

Besides, bugs don't really bother me. Also, despite FEAR's single player being short, it still looks fun as mess. I mean, Halo 1's single player was short wasn't it (or it felt short to me)? And I played that over and over until it drove me insane. 

[QUOTE="domke13"]

[QUOTE="Skullheart"]Not interested in the least bit about Counter Strike. That game has been hacked to the maximum and it's very, very outdated. Also, I think I'm going to be getting Half Life 2 for free since I'm upgrading to a Radeon graphics card...Skullheart

Dont tell me you bought HD 2900 XT??

Nah. ATI Radeon x1950 Pro. But I've got a good processor and crap to support it...but I'm not going to go into detail.

As for being on-topic...I will probably just get both. There's just one thing I had a concern about...FEAR's multiplayer. I heard that not many people played it...but it was one of the top shooters?

multiplayer is awesome, no worries. 

multiplayer is awesome, no worries.

hama666

Yeah, but how many people play? Also, my friend hates the fast paced type action of the multiplayer, which is one of the only things I enjoy :p 

Those dont come out till 2008 how much time do ya need?19chevelle72

Til 2008 I guess. Usually, if I can find a good online multiplayer, that will keep me entertained for months. Most people would probably think World of Warcraft, but there's nothing left for me to do in that game anymore. But I was thinking on just getting them both--that way I would have FEAR, STALKER, and Elder Scrolls Oblivion to keep me interested for a long while, 

If you can get them both, then get it. Just make sure you'll have money for Bioshock when it comes out. If Bioshock isn't GOTY, then I give up on life.

/end emo

Can't you get both? I thought Fear was $30 on PC and Stalker was $40?

I reccomend Hitman Blood Money and/or Company Of Heroes, both great games. I think Hitman is only $20-$30 now.

If you can get them both, then get it. Just make sure you'll have money for Bioshock when it comes out. If Bioshock isn't GOTY, then I give up on life.

/end emo

 

ArcticSnake

Yeah, don't worry. I won't pass up Bioshock. When's it coming out? 

[QUOTE="ArcticSnake"]

If you can get them both, then get it. Just make sure you'll have money for Bioshock when it comes out. If Bioshock isn't GOTY, then I give up on life.

/end emo

 

Skullheart

Yeah, don't worry. I won't pass up Bioshock. When's it coming out?

Bioshock is due around september, but yet again so is Crysis, Unreal Tournament 3 and other titles.

If you want to play something until then I would suggest Battlefield 2142, yeh I know its a huge advertising campaign by those clowns EA but its still imo the best multiplayer shooter out there at the moment on the pc, its fairly addictive with a decent amount of longetivity too.

Again FEAR and STALKER are both very decent games, but FEAR youll finish in no time and Stalker does get slighty tedious later on.

Guess I'll do some research on Battlefield 2142 then, too. I need something with a good multiplayer.Skullheart

up to 64player maps, cant really get a better multiplayer shooter at the moment until Unreal Tournament 3 is released.