S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Trilogy Review

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy, a compilation of GSC Game World’s renowned S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy (Shadow of Chernobyl, Clear Sky, and Call of Pripyat), brings these post-apocalyptic masterpieces to consoles for the first time. Originally released for PC between 2007 and 2009, these games have garnered a cult following for their unique blend of atmosphere, challenging survival mechanics, and open-world exploration.

Legends of the Zone Trilogy offers console gamers a chance to experience these atmospheric journeys, albeit with some limitations. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. throws you into the unforgiving Exclusion Zone surrounding the Chernobyl disaster site. You take on the role of a “Stalker,” a scavenger venturing into this irradiated wasteland in search of valuable artifacts and lost technologies. The gameplay is a thrilling mix of first-person shooting, exploration, and resource management.

The core strength of the trilogy lies in its atmosphere. The Zone is a living, breathing entity filled with anomalies that warp reality, dangerous mutants spawned by radiation, and hostile factions vying for control of territory and artifacts. The games don’t hold your hand; you need to scavenge for supplies, repair your weapons using makeshift tools, and navigate using a rudimentary map and compass. Unlike many modern shooters with regenerating health, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. forces you to rely on bandages and medkits, adding a constant layer of tension. Also, radiation sickness is an ever-present threat, forcing you to manage your resources carefully.

The console port retains the core gameplay, but some tweaks have been made to improve accessibility. The gun aiming feels a bit looser compared to the original PC version, but this might be a welcome change for controller users. However, the inventory management system, originally designed for PC mousing, feels clunky with a gamepad, slowing down the pace of the game at times. Thankfully, the developers have included an optional “auto-equip” feature that helps streamline the process somewhat.

The visuals in Legends of the Zone Trilogy are undeniably dated. Textures are not high-resolution, and character models lack the detail found in new titles. However, the art design is phenomenal. The desolate landscapes, crumbling Soviet architecture, and haunting anomalies create a powerfully immersive atmosphere. The lighting effects are impressive, with sun rays filtering through overgrown foliage, the eerie glow of anomalies illuminating the night, and the flickering flames of campfires casting dancing shadows.

The sound design is another highlight. The Zone is filled with ambient noise – the crackle of Geiger counters, the howls of mutants, the distant rumble of anomalies, and the unsettling whispers that seem to emanate from the environment. The soundtrack is sparse but effective, with melancholic scores that perfectly complement the desolate world. Gunfire echoes through the decaying buildings, and the roar of a mutant charging from the undergrowth sends shivers down your spine. While the graphics might not win any awards, the sound and art design work together to create a truly unsettling and unforgettable atmosphere.

The story in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is less about a grand, linear narrative and more about piecing together fragments of a larger mystery. Each game has its central plot, but the true conspiracy lies in the Zone itself. Environmental storytelling is king here. You’ll find abandoned settlements filled with diaries and audio logs that paint a picture of past tragedies, the struggles of other Stalkers, and the Zone’s ever-shifting dangers. These snippets of stories weave a rich tapestry of the Zone’s history and lore. However, we can say the trilogy is not for everyone. The story unfolds slowly, demanding patience from the player as you explore the world and uncover its secrets. Choices you make have consequences, affecting your relationships with different factions and potentially altering the course of the narrative.

The games feature multiple endings, encouraging replayability to see the different outcomes your choices can lead to. If you crave a linear, fast-paced narrative, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. might not be for you. But for those who appreciate a more nuanced and open-ended approach, the lore and world-building are deeply rewarding. The true magic of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. lies not just in its atmosphere and story, but in the sense of vulnerability and immersion it creates. Unlike many power fantasies where you defeat enemies left and right, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. constantly reminds you that you are just a man, a fragile speck in a vast and hostile environment. Your weapons degrade with use, jamming at the worst possible moment, and ammunition is scarce. Even the most basic mutant can be a deadly foe if you’re not prepared.

This vulnerability fuels a constant sense of tension. Every foray into the Zone is fraught with danger. A seemingly quiet patch of forest could be crawling with anomalies waiting to warp gravity or fry you with radiation. A curious growl in the distance might signal a pack of hungry mutants, or it could be a rival Stalker willing to trade for supplies. This ever-present tension creates a unique sense of dread and excitement. You never know what horrors lurk around the next corner, but the potential for valuable loot or a hidden passage keeps you pushing forward.

In verdict, we can say it is true that S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy has dated graphics and clunky console controls. It’s right that there is slow-paced gameplay and a lack of straightforward story. Yet, for those willing to brave its challenges, the trilogy offers a hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric world that is rare in gaming. If you’re looking for a tense, suspenseful experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll, then S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy is a must-play.

In verdict, we can say it is true that S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy has dated graphics and clunky console controls. It’s right that there is slow-paced gameplay and a lack of straightforward story. Yet, for those willing to brave its challenges, the trilogy offers a hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric world that is rare in gaming. If you’re looking for a tense, suspenseful experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll, then S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy is a must-play.

The review code was provided by the publisher