What's so good about STALKER?

Story and atmosphere. Also, get the Complete 2009 mod with the realistic weapon addition. It makes the game much better, and will fix your "enemies not dying" problem. But be warned, you will often also die in a single shot to the head.

http://www.moddb.com/mods/stalker-complete-2009/downloads

I tried the first one, and its just so boring. The enemies seem to not die as well. theres this lack of 'fun' feeling. it just feels so bland and dull. What exactly am I missing here..?Kocelot

The heads?

If there were only one thing that sets STALKER apart from any other game, it would be the atmosphere.

If the enemies don't die, you're doing it wrong. Use short bursts, use iron sights, crouch, and aim for the head.

I tried the first one, and its just so boring. The enemies seem to not die as well. theres this lack of 'fun' feeling. it just feels so bland and dull. What exactly am I missing here..?Kocelot

Story and atmosphere. Also, Deathykins

[QUOTE="Kocelot"]I tried the first one, and its just so boring. The enemies seem to not die as well. theres this lack of 'fun' feeling. it just feels so bland and dull. What exactly am I missing here..?dakan45

Story and atmosphere. Also, Deathykins

[QUOTE="Kocelot"]I tried the first one, and its just so boring. The enemies seem to not die as well. theres this lack of 'fun' feeling. it just feels so bland and dull. What exactly am I missing here..?dakan45

Story and atmosphere. Also, Deathykins

its good cause its stalker

That too, it has no story or atmosphere. What it has, is a illusion of open world in comparison with actual open world games. But then again its not as linear as your usual average cod clone fps that we get nowadays.

dakan45

[QUOTE="Kocelot"]I tried the first one, and its just so boring. The enemies seem to not die as well. theres this lack of 'fun' feeling. it just feels so bland and dull. What exactly am I missing here..?DoomZaW

The heads?

[QUOTE="dakan45"]

That too, it has no story or atmosphere. What it has, is a illusion of open world in comparison with actual open world games. But then again its not as linear as your usual average cod clone fps that we get nowadays.skrat_01

Not really.

The game has some of the richest atmosphere to be found in the game. That's due to the audio, visual, design, mechanics and systems all working in conjunction. The central plot has a poor narrative, the actual encompassing narrative of the game - the framework is extremely compelling. It is an open world game, it's areas just aren't expansive as they should have been - ala Call of Pripyat.

Not really.

The game has one of the poorest atmosphere to be found in a game. That is for a game that actually does have atmosphere and that is due to the audio, visual design and mechanics working in conjuction. Seriosuly, fallout 3, condemned,amnesia, dead space 2...i can go on. 10 times better in atmosphere and in the conjuction of adio,visuals mechanics working together.

Stalker atmosphere is OVERRATED. Also has not story and dont even get me started in narritive.

[QUOTE="skrat_01"][QUOTE="dakan45"]

That too, it has no story or atmosphere. What it has, is a illusion of open world in comparison with actual open world games. But then again its not as linear as your usual average cod clone fps that we get nowadays.dakan45

Not really.

The game has some of the richest atmosphere to be found in the game. That's due to the audio, visual, design, mechanics and systems all working in conjunction. The central plot has a poor narrative, the actual encompassing narrative of the game - the framework is extremely compelling. It is an open world game, it's areas just aren't expansive as they should have been - ala Call of Pripyat.

Not really.

The game has one of the poorest atmosphere to be found in a game. That is for a game that actually does have atmosphere and that is due to the audio, visual design and mechanics working in conjuction. Seriosuly, fallout 3, condemned,amnesia, dead space 2...i can go on. 10 times better in atmosphere and in the conjuction of adio,visuals mechanics working together.

Stalker atmosphere is OVERRATED. Also has not story and dont even get me started in narritive.

Coming from somebody with an Oblivion avatar this is really hillarious.

[QUOTE="dakan45"]

[QUOTE="skrat_01"]

Not really.

The game has some of the richest atmosphere to be found in the game. That's due to the audio, visual, design, mechanics and systems all working in conjunction. The central plot has a poor narrative, the actual encompassing narrative of the game - the framework is extremely compelling. It is an open world game, it's areas just aren't expansive as they should have been - ala Call of Pripyat.cobrax55

Not really.

The game has one of the poorest atmosphere to be found in a game. That is for a game that actually does have atmosphere and that is due to the audio, visual design and mechanics working in conjuction. Seriosuly, fallout 3, condemned,amnesia, dead space 2...i can go on. 10 times better in atmosphere and in the conjuction of adio,visuals mechanics working together.

Stalker atmosphere is OVERRATED. Also has not story and dont even get me started in narritive.

Coming from somebody with an Oblivion avatar this is really hillarious.

What is so good about STALKER? Hmm... Maybe I should make a few pointers to the good and bad.

Bad first:

Story: The story in the STALKER games are about average, they are just as conveluted and poor as such games as FO3 (really that one hit rock bottom), Crysis 1 and BF:BC2.

MP: yeah, nothing to see here, move on.

The Good:

Gunplay: I can not tell how much I love how the guns in stalker are not some 27th century laser or railguns (aka, bullets hit precicely and instantly, which is a real annoyance for me in most games), I like how the guns feel and act differently, how full auto weapons are about as useless as they are in reality. (well not really, but it is a game, so they are still better in STALKER)

Atmosphere: The sound, lighting, visials and supressing feeling in the stalker games are really well done, this is not some family friendly CoD game, from happy land, it is dark, it is gritty, and it is as deadly as it looks.

Difficulty: As stated above in atmosphere, part of what makes STALKER so good, IS that it is not a game that bows before the user, It is a fair game, but also a game that will rip you apart if you screw up, You need to manage inventory carefully, consider that 1 case of ammo or those 2 medkits extra, And pick your battles wisely, going rambo style in theZone WILL get you dead, REALLY fast. And the enemies has just as good armor and health as the player, so spray will rarely do good, a singlewell placed shot however, makes all the difference in the world.

Length: it is a fairly long game, which is nice this gen.

Weapons: To find weapons you like is sort of the joy of STALKER, finding them, maintaining them, and learn to use the ones you like the most, weapons have very different functions in this game, and things such as ammo avaiability is a huge thing to consider.

I love to walk in a thunderstorm, seeking shelter to manage my things in a dark abandoned building, only to hear... something from inside, In panic lighting my flashlight and looking around, it is a game that never lets you relax, never give you a real comfort zone outside settlements.

It is a matter of taste if you like STALKER, like all other games, I for example Loathe Bioshock, so easy that it took all and any enjoyment of the game out for me, and so simple that I never needed to think a coherrent thought, However other people love it, and I can see why they love it. So in the end not all games appeal to all people.

Can't say for SoC, never owned or played it.

• But as far CS and CoP are concerned, the atmosphere, the russian games have a different feel,
• the graphics especially with the mods make them two of the best looking games I've seen,
• they do start out slowly in both games but they gradually build and yes the games have a story, a complex romantic soap opera story? no, but stories none the less.

I haven't finished them, because even though I had reached far, I've decided to restart with the latest mods for CS, then I'm gonnaplay CoP latest Mod after.

What is so good about STALKER? Hmm... Maybe I should make a few pointers to the good and bad.

Bad first:

Story: The story in the STALKER games are about average, they are just as conveluted and poor as such games as FO3 (really that one hit rock bottom), Crysis 1 and BF:BC2.

MP: yeah, nothing to see here, move on.

The Good:

Gunplay: I can not tell how much I love how the guns in stalker are not some 27th century laser or railguns (aka, bullets hit precicely and instantly, which is a real annoyance for me in most games), I like how the guns feel and act differently, how full auto weapons are about as useless as they are in reality. (well not really, but it is a game, so they are still better in STALKER)

Atmosphere: The sound, lighting, visials and supressing feeling in the stalker games are really well done, this is not some family friendly CoD game, from happy land, it is dark, it is gritty, and it is as deadly as it looks.

Difficulty: As stated above in atmosphere, part of what makes STALKER so good, IS that it is not a game that bows before the user, It is a fair game, but also a game that will rip you apart if you screw up, You need to manage inventory carefully, consider that 1 case of ammo or those 2 medkits extra, And pick your battles wisely, going rambo style in theZone WILL get you dead, REALLY fast. And the enemies has just as good armor and health as the player, so spray will rarely do good, a singlewell placed shot however, makes all the difference in the world.

Length: it is a fairly long game, which is nice this gen.

Weapons: To find weapons you like is sort of the joy of STALKER, finding them, maintaining them, and learn to use the ones you like the most, weapons have very different functions in this game, and things such as ammo avaiability is a huge thing to consider.

I love to walk in a thunderstorm, seeking shelter to manage my things in a dark abandoned building, only to hear... something from inside, In panic lighting my flashlight and looking around, it is a game that never lets you relax, never give you a real comfort zone outside settlements.

It is a matter of taste if you like STALKER, like all other games, I for example Loathe Bioshock, so easy that it took all and any enjoyment of the game out for me, and so simple that I never needed to think a coherrent thought, However other people love it, and I can see why they love it. So in the end not all games appeal to all people.

Maddie_Larkin

[QUOTE="Maddie_Larkin"]

What is so good about STALKER? Hmm... Maybe I should make a few pointers to the good and bad.

Bad first:

Story: The story in the STALKER games are about average, they are just as conveluted and poor as such games as FO3 (really that one hit rock bottom), Crysis 1 and BF:BC2.

MP: yeah, nothing to see here, move on.

The Good:

Gunplay: I can not tell how much I love how the guns in stalker are not some 27th century laser or railguns (aka, bullets hit precicely and instantly, which is a real annoyance for me in most games), I like how the guns feel and act differently, how full auto weapons are about as useless as they are in reality. (well not really, but it is a game, so they are still better in STALKER)

Atmosphere: The sound, lighting, visials and supressing feeling in the stalker games are really well done, this is not some family friendly CoD game, from happy land, it is dark, it is gritty, and it is as deadly as it looks.

Difficulty: As stated above in atmosphere, part of what makes STALKER so good, IS that it is not a game that bows before the user, It is a fair game, but also a game that will rip you apart if you screw up, You need to manage inventory carefully, consider that 1 case of ammo or those 2 medkits extra, And pick your battles wisely, going rambo style in theZone WILL get you dead, REALLY fast. And the enemies has just as good armor and health as the player, so spray will rarely do good, a singlewell placed shot however, makes all the difference in the world.

Length: it is a fairly long game, which is nice this gen.

Weapons: To find weapons you like is sort of the joy of STALKER, finding them, maintaining them, and learn to use the ones you like the most, weapons have very different functions in this game, and things such as ammo avaiability is a huge thing to consider.

I love to walk in a thunderstorm, seeking shelter to manage my things in a dark abandoned building, only to hear... something from inside, In panic lighting my flashlight and looking around, it is a game that never lets you relax, never give you a real comfort zone outside settlements.

It is a matter of taste if you like STALKER, like all other games, I for example Loathe Bioshock, so easy that it took all and any enjoyment of the game out for me, and so simple that I never needed to think a coherrent thought, However other people love it, and I can see why they love it. So in the end not all games appeal to all people.

SF_KiLLaMaN

What is so good about STALKER? Hmm... Maybe I should make a few pointers to the good and bad.

Bad first:

Story: The story in the STALKER games are about average, they are just as conveluted and poor as such games as FO3 (really that one hit rock bottom), Crysis 1 and BF:BC2.

MP: yeah, nothing to see here, move on.

The Good:

Gunplay: I can not tell how much I love how the guns in stalker are not some 27th century laser or railguns (aka, bullets hit precicely and instantly, which is a real annoyance for me in most games), I like how the guns feel and act differently, how full auto weapons are about as useless as they are in reality. (well not really, but it is a game, so they are still better in STALKER)

Atmosphere: The sound, lighting, visials and supressing feeling in the stalker games are really well done, this is not some family friendly CoD game, from happy land, it is dark, it is gritty, and it is as deadly as it looks.

Difficulty: As stated above in atmosphere, part of what makes STALKER so good, IS that it is not a game that bows before the user, It is a fair game, but also a game that will rip you apart if you screw up, You need to manage inventory carefully, consider that 1 case of ammo or those 2 medkits extra, And pick your battles wisely, going rambo style in theZone WILL get you dead, REALLY fast. And the enemies has just as good armor and health as the player, so spray will rarely do good, a singlewell placed shot however, makes all the difference in the world.

Length: it is a fairly long game, which is nice this gen.

Weapons: To find weapons you like is sort of the joy of STALKER, finding them, maintaining them, and learn to use the ones you like the most, weapons have very different functions in this game, and things such as ammo avaiability is a huge thing to consider.

I love to walk in a thunderstorm, seeking shelter to manage my things in a dark abandoned building, only to hear... something from inside, In panic lighting my flashlight and looking around, it is a game that never lets you relax, never give you a real comfort zone outside settlements.

It is a matter of taste if you like STALKER, like all other games, I for example Loathe Bioshock, so easy that it took all and any enjoyment of the game out for me, and so simple that I never needed to think a coherrent thought, However other people love it, and I can see why they love it. So in the end not all games appeal to all people.

Maddie_Larkin

[QUOTE="skrat_01"][QUOTE="dakan45"]

That too, it has no story or atmosphere. What it has, is a illusion of open world in comparison with actual open world games. But then again its not as linear as your usual average cod clone fps that we get nowadays.dakan45

Not really.

The game has some of the richest atmosphere to be found in the game. That's due to the audio, visual, design, mechanics and systems all working in conjunction. The central plot has a poor narrative, the actual encompassing narrative of the game - the framework is extremely compelling. It is an open world game, it's areas just aren't expansive as they should have been - ala Call of Pripyat.

Not really.

The game has one of the poorest atmosphere to be found in a game. That is for a game that actually does have atmosphere and that is due to the audio, visual design and mechanics working in conjuction. Seriosuly, fallout 3, condemned,amnesia, dead space 2...i can go on. 10 times better in atmosphere and in the conjuction of adio,visuals mechanics working together.

Stalker atmosphere is OVERRATED. Also has not story and dont even get me started in narritive.

The game recieved the most atmospheric game award over Bioshock here for a reason, it has recieved universal priase and admiration for its thick atmosphere for a reason.

We are talking about developers who have extended from a line of science fiction from Andrei Tarkovsky to starting with Arkady and Boris Strugatsky as direct inspiration - and it damn well shows. Have read seen and read their respective works? You should.

It has a story, a damn interesting one actually, it's major flaw is that it's horribly told. As we know text blocks don't make good storytelling.

So no, it's not overrated, and you're incorrect as you'll ever be in this regard.

That's what the game's supposed to be like. In real life it's difficult as hell to hit a target with a gun especially when under fire (a 10% hit rate when aiming is considered "good" in a real world military, and I can still exceed that accuracy in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. with an automatic weapon, so that tells you that it's still being generous). Also, you're in a place with pockets of man-killing radiation and man-killing men and man-killing animals here and there where you have to slowly and carefully move through the terrain to avoid being offed.... of course it's going to feel dull and depressing. That's an intentional part of the atmosphere.

In real life it's difficult as hell to hit a target with a gun

Barbariser

I feel real life comparisons are sort of strange considering we're talking about a game with zombies, gravity wells and giant mutant quadrapeds.

It's a FPS/RPG. It's Bi-winning!

[QUOTE="Barbariser"]

In real life it's difficult as hell to hit a target with a gun

metroidfood

I feel real life comparisons are sort of strange considering we're talking about a game with zombies, gravity wells and giant mutant quadrapeds.

Given that the complaints about the game say that it's "unreasonably hard to hit things", I think my comment is appropiate.

[QUOTE="Barbariser"]

In real life it's difficult as hell to hit a target with a gun

metroidfood

I feel real life comparisons are sort of strange considering we're talking about a game with zombies, gravity wells and giant mutant quadrapeds.

Coming from somebody with an Oblivion avatar this is really hillarious.Deathykins

I fail to see the "logic" of your "points". Sorry, too bad your "points"are not making any sense to me and are just your opinions :D

Next time elaborate ;)Especially on stalker having a good story :lol:

... Maybe I should make a few pointers to the good and bad.

Bad first:

Story: The story in the STALKER games are about average, they are just as conveluted and poor as such games as FO3 (really that one hit rock bottom), Crysis 1 and BF:BC2.

MP: yeah, nothing to see here, move on.

The Good:

Gunplay: I can not tell how much I love how the guns in stalker are not some 27th century laser or railguns (aka, bullets hit precicely and instantly, which is a real annoyance for me in most games), I like how the guns feel and act differently, how full auto weapons are about as useless as they are in reality.Maddie_Larkin

So story is bad on stalker? Ok as opposed to what the others above me believe :roll: But still the campaign in stalker is terrible as the characters and the story itself. Hell id still put fallout 3 much higher than stalker for the story. Stalker is trully a mess on that. Also on weapons, to be honest i used auto weapons far more than any other weapon. I found them to be the more effective, while everything else was simply inferior. Pistols were useless, not even dogs want to die from pistol shots. Shotguns cant hit crap, let alone you fight in long range. The chaser was useless in all the indoor areas against those crawlers with the gasmacks and sniper rifles were weak which is suprising.

No, you're wrong, and I'd go as far as questioning your taste.

The game recieved the most atmospheric game award over Bioshock here for a reason, it has recieved universal priase and admiration for its thick atmosphere for a reason.

We are talking about developers who have extended from a line of science fiction from Andrei Tarkovsky to starting with Arkady and Boris Strugatsky as direct inspiration - and it damn well shows. Have read seen and read their respective works? You should.

It has a story, a damn interesting one actually, it's major flaw is that it's horribly told. As we know text blocks don't make good storytelling.

So no, it's not overrated, and you're incorrect as you'll ever be in this regard.skrat_01

If you are asking my favorite things about it, are the story, and the atmosphere.. and setting.. creep factor can set in on you pretty quick out of no where... I really like the games.

I am gonna install COP pretty soon haven't played it yet, beat the SOC, and played a little of Clear Sky(skipping it for now)..

@Dakan45 cause im not gonna quote that mass of text:

Just because you dont like the game, doesnt mean that the game is bad. You find the story weak. Many gamers, reviewers, and awards show that plenty of other people think differently.

I will admit, SoC is a bit of a shaky into to the series. It does lots of things good and plenty more badly. Quite a few of the problems are fixed with mods such as balancing, stability, extra weapons etc.

As for you comments of weapons, I played with the LURK mod which brings in realistic guns and makes them more effective. It also makes them more effective against you. Pistols are one of my favourite weapons to use in Stalker (even had a fully auto M9 by the end of CoP) and they are definitely worthwhile when you play with mods.

@Dakan45 cause im not gonna quote that mass of text:

Just because you dont like the game, doesnt mean that the game is bad. You find the story weak. Many gamers, reviewers, and awards show that plenty of other people think differently.

I will admit, SoC is a bit of a shaky into to the series. It does lots of things good and plenty more badly. Quite a few of the problems are fixed with mods such as balancing, stability, extra weapons etc.

As for you comments of weapons, I played with the LURK mod which brings in realistic guns and makes them more effective. It also makes them more effective against you. Pistols are one of my favourite weapons to use in Stalker (even had a fully auto M9 by the end of CoP) and they are definitely worthwhile when you play with mods.

Iantheone

I felt the same way and to this day I still don't get why people like it so much but judge from all the postitive posts it must have something.

[QUOTE="Iantheone"]

@Dakan45 cause im not gonna quote that mass of text:

Just because you dont like the game, doesnt mean that the game is bad. You find the story weak. Many gamers, reviewers, and awards show that plenty of other people think differently.

I will admit, SoC is a bit of a shaky into to the series. It does lots of things good and plenty more badly. Quite a few of the problems are fixed with mods such as balancing, stability, extra weapons etc.

As for you comments of weapons, I played with the LURK mod which brings in realistic guns and makes them more effective. It also makes them more effective against you. Pistols are one of my favourite weapons to use in Stalker (even had a fully auto M9 by the end of CoP) and they are definitely worthwhile when you play with mods.

dakan45

Well, "LURK" is a mod for "SoC" and it also has an "M9" in it.

Just "google" reviews for the game or something, I'm not going to do it for you.

[QUOTE="Iantheone"]

[QUOTE="dakan45"] Wanna elaborate on the story and those many gamers and reviewers and awards? Also CoP was actually good i said that already. So the "LURK" mod and "m9" mean nothing because this is about SOC.dakan45

Well, "LURK" is a mod for "SoC" and it also has an "M9" in it.

Just "google" reviews for the game or something, I'm not going to do it for you.

The only thing that I like from the STalker series is this one line: "Get out of here STALKER".trastamad03

Great atmosphere, tons of freedom, fun gameplay and nice graphics.

Rare that singleplayer FPS are this good for me.

[QUOTE="skrat_01"][QUOTE="dakan45"]

That too, it has no story or atmosphere. What it has, is a illusion of open world in comparison with actual open world games. But then again its not as linear as your usual average cod clone fps that we get nowadays.dakan45

Not really.

The game has some of the richest atmosphere to be found in the game. That's due to the audio, visual, design, mechanics and systems all working in conjunction. The central plot has a poor narrative, the actual encompassing narrative of the game - the framework is extremely compelling. It is an open world game, it's areas just aren't expansive as they should have been - ala Call of Pripyat.

Not really.

The game has one of the poorest atmosphere to be found in a game.

Stalker atmosphere is OVERRATED. Also has not story

Wow, not sure what to say. Stalker has some of the best atmosphere ever imo.

Please play through Lab X18 with the lights off, no one home, and the volume cranked, and report back :)