S.T.A.L.K.E.R

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is a non-linear, sandbox-style game. Players can explore the game world, or complete various assignments given by certain NPC’s. Players take the role of "The Marked One", who is a Stalker, a person who lives in the Zone and makes a living collecting "Artifacts" and selling them. The Zone presents various dangers.

Gameplay is an RPG/FPS hybrid, though the player does not gain attributes or increased powers as in a standard computer RPG. Character advancement is achieved through acquiring and strategically using new equipment and artifacts, rather than enhancing attributes and skills. The role-playing part focuses more on traditional RPG elements, such as storyline and character interaction. However, the game does not allow for extensive variety in regards to conversations.

The Zone comprises a 30 km square area, consisting of wilderness, human settlements, and several heavily-guarded military bases. However, the game world is not a true continuous world, but rather several different maps broken up by loading screens. Transfer from one area of the Zone to another can only be accomplished at certain specific passageways; a white fence border blocks players from attempting to cross the map in any other area. The game does not feature controllable vehicles (although vehicles are programmed in the game code, they are not implemented), and thus players are required to go from place to place on foot. A sprint option using a limited stamina bar can be used to temporarily increase the player's rate of movement, although players are unable to fire a weapon while sprinting.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. uses "realistic" bullet physics, similar in nature to tactical shooters such as Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter or Call of Duty 2. Bullets are affected by gravity, and firearms are highly inaccurate when fired "from the hip". To score consistent hits at medium or long range, players must aim using the iron sights on their guns. Additionally, bullets do "realistic" damage, and the player can die after only being shot a few times (although later in the game various armor suits and artifacts can be acquired that increase the player's resistance to damage).

Rating: 8/10