S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Good or bad?

I've been hearing a lot of talk about S.T.A.L.K.E.R (man that's a pain to type) both good and bad, and my basic question is this: Is S.T.A.L.K.E.R. fun?

I can live with a few bugs and I understand that I probably (read definately) won't be able to run in on maxed settings, but all in all is it worth the money if I just want to have a bit of fun over the holidays?

Save your money and wait. I got the game for free, played it for awhile, and debated whether if it was worth the HD Space.Letesmetty

Top game really well put together.. ignore these people who say it only runs now and then, this is rubbish i have had it for 3 weeks now and it works perfectly every time.

Awesome Game

Only worth playing for getting immersed in the unique subject matter. Far from brilliant though. It's a linear game disguised as a large open-ended rpg-shooter. Sure it has side missions, but that doesn't really make the game any less linear. Lots of obvious half-baked elements. It does have a few moments of awesomeness. The endgame was possibly the most disappointing I've experienced in a longtime. Love it. Hate it.Qixote

Am I the only person that thought it had a great variety of diffrent side missions? 

I liked it when i was able to play it... It has a bunch of potential, I just have to wait until the games is patched 10 times before it will work for me

Waited years and years for it. After several hours of play I am dissappointed and dont know if I will ever bother with it again.

Shame there was no demo otherwise I probably would not have bought it.