S.T.A.L.K.E.R. - How Did We Miss This?

After like 7 years in development I lost any and all hype for the game and they just removed too many things. Seriously the game has about half the content it was originally going to have.darklord888

Yup, it was too ambitious.

STALKER's my second favorite game this year, playing through it again for umpteenth time :P

Can't wait for Clear Skies

[QUOTE="darklord888"]After like 7 years in development I lost any and all hype for the game and they just removed too many things. Seriously the game has about half the content it was originally going to have.RK-Mara

Yup, it was too ambitious.

Y'know what? I completely ignored what *anyone* said this game was supposed to be, the reviews, public opinion, et cetera. I patched it, I dropped in the two mods recommended by Tweak Guide (Float32 and No Head Bob) and just went at it. No pre-conceived expectations, no real understanding of the game I was getting into.

And?

It's fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. I tried to do the same thing with Bioshock - to clear my mind of everything it was "supposed to be" and frankly I actually found it to be a worse experience. Not so with Stalker - whatever it was supposed to be is irrelevant - what it actually is matters more - and what it is, is a great game.

World in Conflict should be GOTY too but its not going to be for the same reason as this.meetroid8

As of right now, its got my vote. I love this game. Along with morrowind, this has to rank up there with one of my favorite games of all time. The enviroments, wow. The experience of playing, again wow. Never is there a truly dull moment or a safe place. The lighting effects in this game are great.

In a sentence, nothing beats killing zombies with guns at a radioactive bog to get into an abandoned lab to shut down a machine that melts brains.

As of right now, its got my vote. I love this game. Along with morrowind, this has to rank up there with one of my favorite games of all time. The enviroments, wow. The experience of playing, again wow. Never is there a truly dull moment or a safe place. The lighting effects in this game are great.

In a sentence, nothing beats killing zombies with guns at a radioactive bog to get into an abandoned lab to shut down a machine that melts brains.

jkmetalf

There "there's never truly a safe place" statement holds painfully true. If you start fiddling in your PDA, inventory, or searching fallen enemies without making sure there are no bandits, hostile stalkers, or wildlife in your vincinity first, you tend to get absolutely slaughtered. Did you really clear that military installation, or is there a soldier left, hiding in the corner, waiting to sneak up and kill you?

I like it. Just recently I cleared out some bandits from a location, then went back a few hours (well several days in-game) to find more dangerous enemies had taken over guarding the front entrance.

No, seriously, System Wars, how did we miss one of the best games this year? Where was the outcry? subrosian

Well i missed it because my pc sucks and can barely run quake 3 arena.

Also, it's the first game to make gun attachments seem so important. After I got the scope, my life became about 40 times easier. It was way easier hitting opponents and I got it at just the right time too.

I hate going underground though. Also, for some reason, navigating that PDA is a serious pain sometimes.

From how much I played, I enjoyed it.

I got up to this part where I'm underground and in this long tunnel. I run across the tunnel to the other end only to hear a freaky unhuman scream. Next thing you know I'm looking at this humanoid mutant alien thing at the other end of the tunnel, and its using some powers to draw me closer to it.

Awesome and freaky moment.OneShot112

Wait till the part where you're underground and random boxes and metal cans start floating and launching themselves at you.

So im guessing the witcher is worth getting. Ive been thinking about it. Should I get it???

Killfox

well try the demo. If about 2GB, but you are getting around 5~6 hours worth of gameplay.

I tried stalker and disliked it. I can't see what's so great about it. Sure, it's a good attempt at an RPG/Shooter, but I think Bioshock formula worked better.hamidious

It has an RPG element in it - but compared to Stalker its knowhere as much of an RPG.

Some of us never missed it in the first place 8)

http://www.gamespot.com/pages/forums/show_msgs.php?topic_id=25526682

Its an awesome game, Im really glad that the sales mean that developer can continue redefining the fps genre for years to come.

Sadly, it's probably coming for the 360 also, so I'm affraid that they'll do the same crap with the sequel like Ion Storm did with Deus Ex 2.

If STALKER goes multiplatform, I hope that you all understand that we can forget open-ended gameplay, large levels and a great AI.

Sadly, it's probably coming for the 360 also, so I'm affraid that they'll do the same crap with the sequel like Ion Storm did with Deus Ex 2.

If STALKER goes multiplatform, I hope that you all understand that we can forget open-ended gameplay, large levels and a great AI.

IgGy621985

On one hand I'd love to play it on my 360, better performance, playing relaxed, nice graphics etc.

But I'm affraid you're right about these features :(

[QUOTE="hamidious"]I tried stalker and disliked it. I can't see what's so great about it. Sure, it's a good attempt at an RPG/Shooter, but I think Bioshock formula worked better.skrat_01

It has an RPG element in it - but compared to Stalker its knowhere as much of an RPG.

I view both of them as pure FPS's.

Sadly, it's probably coming for the 360 also, so I'm affraid that they'll do the same crap with the sequel like Ion Storm did with Deus Ex 2.

If STALKER goes multiplatform, I hope that you all understand that we can forget open-ended gameplay, large levels and a great AI.

IgGy621985

And why would that happen if the PC still is the leading platform and they port it to the 360 instead of vice versa?

If IIRC the 360 port is going to include the original game so obviously they won't be able to pull a DX2.

I like the first paragraph of Eurogamer's review:

I feel like I should warn people off Stalker. It's a grim beast, with rough animation and that laggy, about-to-explode feeling you get from some less polished PC games. It's really hard in places, and half the text is gibberish. Worse still, it's going to run like a tired old alcoholic on lower-spec PCs... and yet in spite of all this I simply cannot stop talking about it. All day long I've been opening MSN windows to annoyed friends and trying to explain the really awesome thing that just happened in Stalker. More importantly, perhaps, I've been trying to explain to them just what Stalker is. It's like X meets Y meets Z meets oh I wish you were playing it too.

I like the first paragraph of Eurogamer's review:

I feel like I should warn people off Stalker. It's a grim beast, with rough animation and that laggy, about-to-explode feeling you get from some less polished PC games. It's really hard in places, and half the text is gibberish. Worse still, it's going to run like a tired old alcoholic on lower-spec PCs... and yet in spite of all this I simply cannot stop talking about it. All day long I've been opening MSN windows to annoyed friends and trying to explain the really awesome thing that just happened in Stalker. More importantly, perhaps, I've been trying to explain to them just what Stalker is. It's like X meets Y meets Z meets oh I wish you were playing it too.

RK-Mara

[QUOTE="IgGy621985"]

Sadly, it's probably coming for the 360 also, so I'm affraid that they'll do the same crap with the sequel like Ion Storm did with Deus Ex 2.

If STALKER goes multiplatform, I hope that you all understand that we can forget open-ended gameplay, large levels and a great AI.

Jelle87

On one hand I'd love to play it on my 360, better performance, playing relaxed, nice graphics etc.

But I'm affraid you're right about these features :(

Console makers always cheap out on RAM - in fact, they're the real graphics whores. Think about it, RAM is dirt cheap, but they wanted to put that money into the GPU. You can show pretty screenshots, you can't show people "massive levels" in commercials. That kind of sucks, because in all honesty Stalker, WoW, et cetera have nice level design.

I like the first paragraph of Eurogamer's review:

I feel like I should warn people off Stalker. It's a grim beast, with rough animation and that laggy, about-to-explode feeling you get from some less polished PC games. It's really hard in places, and half the text is gibberish. Worse still, it's going to run like a tired old alcoholic on lower-spec PCs... and yet in spite of all this I simply cannot stop talking about it. All day long I've been opening MSN windows to annoyed friends and trying to explain the really awesome thing that just happened in Stalker. More importantly, perhaps, I've been trying to explain to them just what Stalker is. It's like X meets Y meets Z meets oh I wish you were playing it too.

RK-Mara

I found it great when one of the loners and his two traveling companions sat down and started playing guitar around a fire. The AI is just great at doing things outside of combat - it's really a world with life, as opposed to a world where guys are standing around with guns guarding nothing, or following some scripted path.

[QUOTE="IgGy621985"]

Sadly, it's probably coming for the 360 also, so I'm affraid that they'll do the same crap with the sequel like Ion Storm did with Deus Ex 2.

If STALKER goes multiplatform, I hope that you all understand that we can forget open-ended gameplay, large levels and a great AI.

inoperativeRS

And why would that happen if the PC still is the leading platform and they port it to the 360 instead of vice versa?

If IIRC the 360 port is going to include the original game so obviously they won't be able to pull a DX2.

Because that happens with every multiplatform game which was originally a PC exclusive. After it goes multiplatform, the developer shifts development for the console, the console suddenly becomes "the lead" platform, while the PC gets a crappy port. A third installment might not even appear on the PC. And that's another great PC franshise completely ruined by the console mediocrity. It happened to Deus Ex. It happened to Rainbow Six, Ghost Recon, Thief. It's happening with Fallout. It might even happen with the Civilization. It'll happen with Supreme Commander, upcoming DOOM and UT games.

I cannot describe you how I felt when those idiots at Bethesda said that "the 360 is the lead platform for Fallout 3".

[QUOTE="inoperativeRS"][QUOTE="IgGy621985"]

Sadly, it's probably coming for the 360 also, so I'm affraid that they'll do the same crap with the sequel like Ion Storm did with Deus Ex 2.

If STALKER goes multiplatform, I hope that you all understand that we can forget open-ended gameplay, large levels and a great AI.

IgGy621985

And why would that happen if the PC still is the leading platform and they port it to the 360 instead of vice versa?

If IIRC the 360 port is going to include the original game so obviously they won't be able to pull a DX2.

Because that happens with every multiplatform game which was originally a PC exclusive. After it goes multiplatform, the developer shifts development for the console, the console suddenly becomes "the lead" platform, while the PC gets a crappy port. A third installment might not even appear on the PC. And that's another great PC franshise completely ruined by the console mediocrity. It happened to Deus Ex. It happened to Rainbow Six, Ghost Recon, Thief. It's happening with Fallout. It might even happen with the Civilization. It'll happen with Supreme Commander, upcoming DOOM and UT games.

I cannot describe you how I felt when those idiots at Bethesda said that "the 360 is the lead platform for Fallout 3".

I'm with you on those games, heck, I'm not even hyped for F3 even if the originals are my favorite games ever. But you didn't answer or read my statement properly, AFAIK the Stalker 360 port is a port of both the original and Clear Sky, and if they port the original (and the PC still is the lead platform for Clear Sky), why would they have to dumb down Clear Sky due to the 360?

In all the cases you mentioned above the lead platform changed from PC to console, which hasn't happened with Stalker.

Yeah it's a cool game. Overall, I think it's much better than Crysis, though the latter has better presentation.FrozenLiquid

I don't know about that. Both suffered greatly from dull second halves, while both also had brilliant first halves. IMO they're quite equal, but that does say something about how underrated Stalker is.

[QUOTE="inoperativeRS"][QUOTE="IgGy621985"]

Sadly, it's probably coming for the 360 also, so I'm affraid that they'll do the same crap with the sequel like Ion Storm did with Deus Ex 2.

If STALKER goes multiplatform, I hope that you all understand that we can forget open-ended gameplay, large levels and a great AI.

IgGy621985

And why would that happen if the PC still is the leading platform and they port it to the 360 instead of vice versa?

If IIRC the 360 port is going to include the original game so obviously they won't be able to pull a DX2.

Because that happens with every multiplatform game which was originally a PC exclusive. After it goes multiplatform, the developer shifts development for the console, the console suddenly becomes "the lead" platform, while the PC gets a crappy port. A third installment might not even appear on the PC. And that's another great PC franshise completely ruined by the console mediocrity. It happened to Deus Ex. It happened to Rainbow Six, Ghost Recon, Thief. It's happening with Fallout. It might even happen with the Civilization. It'll happen with Supreme Commander, upcoming DOOM and UT games.

I cannot describe you how I felt when those idiots at Bethesda said that "the 360 is the lead platform for Fallout 3".

With all due respect, Bethesda was doomed to ruin Fallout 3 to begin with. Why? When has Bethesda demonstrated the kind of creativity, innovation, and deep understanding of gaming that they'd need to make such a cutting-edge title. What was great about Fallout and Fallout 2 was the underlying design that went into them. SPECIAL was something new, the world and exploration was something great.

Now, they're approaching Fallout 3 with gloves on, trying somewhat to gleam the "best of" combat systems in other RPGs, instead of copying the old one, or inventing an entirely revolutionary control system. They're going at "mirroring the world" of Fallout and mixing it with "modern elements" (Steampunk, Cyberpunk) instead of "getting it" that they must adhere to a consistent world - the future as envisoned by people in 1950.

But, and here's the real kicker - they have to completely risk it all - and make a game that might not be playable, approachable, or understood - Fallout was ahead of its time, and that's what Fallout 3 would have to be.

-

They're in it for the money, they see Oblivion do well on consoles, because most console gamers have not experience a true "free roam" Western RPG. And Fallout 3 will do well for the same reasons, stilted as it is, morally pegged as it is (you can't shoot children, the "good / bad" choices are pre-scripted and obvious...

Yeah it's a cool game. Overall, I think it's much better than Crysis, though the latter has better presentation.FrozenLiquid

I like it better than Crysis, by a long shot. I don't particularly like Crysis' visual style either, honestly the excitement struck me as more "tech demo" than "great game".

[QUOTE="IgGy621985"][QUOTE="inoperativeRS"][QUOTE="IgGy621985"]

Sadly, it's probably coming for the 360 also, so I'm affraid that they'll do the same crap with the sequel like Ion Storm did with Deus Ex 2.

If STALKER goes multiplatform, I hope that you all understand that we can forget open-ended gameplay, large levels and a great AI.

inoperativeRS

And why would that happen if the PC still is the leading platform and they port it to the 360 instead of vice versa?

If IIRC the 360 port is going to include the original game so obviously they won't be able to pull a DX2.

Because that happens with every multiplatform game which was originally a PC exclusive. After it goes multiplatform, the developer shifts development for the console, the console suddenly becomes "the lead" platform, while the PC gets a crappy port. A third installment might not even appear on the PC. And that's another great PC franshise completely ruined by the console mediocrity. It happened to Deus Ex. It happened to Rainbow Six, Ghost Recon, Thief. It's happening with Fallout. It might even happen with the Civilization. It'll happen with Supreme Commander, upcoming DOOM and UT games.

I cannot describe you how I felt when those idiots at Bethesda said that "the 360 is the lead platform for Fallout 3".

I'm with you on those games, heck, I'm not even hyped for F3 even if the originals are my favorite games ever. But you didn't answer or read my statement properly, AFAIK the Stalker 360 port is a port of both the original and Clear Sky, and if they port the original (and the PC still is the lead platform for Clear Sky), why would they have to dumb down Clear Sky due to the 360?

In all the cases you mentioned above the lead platform changed from PC to console, which hasn't happened with Stalker.

The point is that when games go to consoles that were previously hardcore, niche PC games, it's because they're looking to make money and hit a broader audience. When you do that the publisher forces you to dumb down the gameplay. The game becomes more forgiving, more "teen-acceptable", more simplified - both because it has to be (the controller has fewer digital buttons to work with) and because the audience demands it.

Publishers are scared to put a deep, morally vague, complex title on consoles - they've found that people like to *think* they're playing a hardcore game (so they say there's deep moral choice, et ceteara) yet actually *play* a simple, easy, "there's really only one or two endings" type game. Unfortunately console / PC game sharing has resulted in a lot of dumbed down titles. Not always, but that has been the general trend.

I'm with you on those games, heck, I'm not even hyped for F3 even if the originals are my favorite games ever. But you didn't answer or read my statement properly, AFAIK the Stalker 360 port is a port of both the original and Clear Sky, and if they port the original (and the PC still is the lead platform for Clear Sky), why would they have to dumb down Clear Sky due to the 360?

In all the cases you mentioned above the lead platform changed from PC to console, which hasn't happened with Stalker.

inoperativeRS

I'm actually not talking about Clear Sky, which is probably something kinda like an expansion pack on steroids. I'm talking about a full-blown sequel, as STALKER 2. They probably wont dumb-down the Clear Sky gameplay or the level design for the PC, because it's based on the same engine.

When they'll start to work on the "real" sequel, a STALKER 2, or whatever it's gonna call, it's probably gonna be a complete multiplatform game, which will "enrich the gaming world with its next-genish features" and other marketing crap. They'll probably use a different, more console-friendly engine, shrink the levels, dumb the AI, and you most likely wont even have to aim in order to kill something.

[QUOTE="inoperativeRS"]

I'm with you on those games, heck, I'm not even hyped for F3 even if the originals are my favorite games ever. But you didn't answer or read my statement properly, AFAIK the Stalker 360 port is a port of both the original and Clear Sky, and if they port the original (and the PC still is the lead platform for Clear Sky), why would they have to dumb down Clear Sky due to the 360?

In all the cases you mentioned above the lead platform changed from PC to console, which hasn't happened with Stalker.

IgGy621985

I'm actually not talking about Clear Sky, which is probably something kinda like an expansion pack on steroids. I'm talking about a full-blown sequel, as STALKER 2. They probably wont dumb-down the Clear Sky gameplay or the level design for the PC, because it's based on the same engine.

When they'll start to work on the "real" sequel, a STALKER 2, or whatever it's gonna call, it's probably gonna be a complete multiplatform game, which will "enrich the gaming world with its next-genish features" and other marketing crap. They'll probably use a different, more console-friendly engine, shrink the levels, dumb the AI, and you most likely wont even have to aim in order to kill something.

No, seriously, System Wars, how did we miss one of the best games this year? Where was the outcry? subrosian

Umm, it was supposed to come out in 06... It was REALLY hyped up then in SW.

Just to throwing this out there, "Dumbing the A.I" isn't necessary for "dumbing down the game" from PC to console. A.I virtually (no pun intended) always evolves, no matter what system.FrozenLiquid

It's very unlikely for the AI to remain as smart as it is. Publishers believe consolites will get too frustrated and not buy if they can get slaughtered by enemies while they're looking at the map - they've made assumptions about the audience an it shows in their games.

Who knows though, maybe STALKER's sequel (if on consoles) will be an exception?

I've got Stalker with v1.005 patch, Float32 mod, and No-Head-Bob mod - the repair mod screws up the save system, and frankly it's unrealistic that vendors would really have the knowledge / capabilities to repair kevlar or steel out in the Zone anyway.

However, yes, I'm playing through this wonderful game now and I simply *cannot* grasp how I haven't heard more people screaming about how wonderful this game is. It's the second best PC game out this year (next to Portal)...

It's quite a bit like Far Cry, Fallout, and Eldar Scrolls (Daggerfall or Morrowind) made some wonderful child. The first time I saw a bandit sneaking up on a camp, a field full of people fighting, and then took over a military installation (disabling the alarm by shooting out the siren) I simply fell in love.

subrosian

Why are people saying Portal is the greatest game to come out this year? Its a 4 hour puzzle game.When i was playing it i didnt even view it as an actual game TBH

[QUOTE="FrozenLiquid"]

Just to throwing this out there, "Dumbing the A.I" isn't necessary for "dumbing down the game" from PC to console. A.I virtually (no pun intended) always evolves, no matter what system.subrosian

It's very unlikely for the AI to remain as smart as it is. Publishers believe consolites will get too frustrated and not buy if they can get slaughtered by enemies while they're looking at the map - they've made assumptions about the audience an it shows in their games.

[QUOTE="subrosian"]

[QUOTE="FrozenLiquid"]

Just to throwing this out there, "Dumbing the A.I" isn't necessary for "dumbing down the game" from PC to console. A.I virtually (no pun intended) always evolves, no matter what system.FrozenLiquid

It's very unlikely for the AI to remain as smart as it is. Publishers believe consolites will get too frustrated and not buy if they can get slaughtered by enemies while they're looking at the map - they've made assumptions about the audience an it shows in their games.

yea Legendary is even hard when your playing online with 4 player co-op

[QUOTE="subrosian"]

I've got Stalker with v1.005 patch, Float32 mod, and No-Head-Bob mod - the repair mod screws up the save system, and frankly it's unrealistic that vendors would really have the knowledge / capabilities to repair kevlar or steel out in the Zone anyway.

However, yes, I'm playing through this wonderful game now and I simply *cannot* grasp how I haven't heard more people screaming about how wonderful this game is. It's the second best PC game out this year (next to Portal)...

It's quite a bit like Far Cry, Fallout, and Eldar Scrolls (Daggerfall or Morrowind) made some wonderful child. The first time I saw a bandit sneaking up on a camp, a field full of people fighting, and then took over a military installation (disabling the alarm by shooting out the siren) I simply fell in love.

krp008

Why are people saying Portal is the greatest game to come out this year? Its a 4 hour puzzle game.When i was playing it i didnt even view it as an actual game TBH

The variety in the puzzles, the twist, the cake and most of all Glados. In a time when games are starting to become bland and uninspiring. Portal takes a simple approach, but in doing so makes one of the greatest experiences I have eer had in a single game. Portal is my GOTY.

Oblivion also has some fantastic A.I across the board, despite going multi-plat. What was frustrating, however, was the other features going more streamlined/action-oriented. FrozenLiquid

lmao Oblivion AI s*cks

I seriously need to play this game. Though I heard it runs like crap on Vista.Wasdie

Really? I never had any problems.