Before I say anything else, know that Stalker stories are some of my very favourites across all mediums so I'm going to be heavily biased. Besides the already mentioned strong points, gameplay itself I found terrifically fun and the 'survival mechanics' were done very sensibly to instill urgency and constant unease in the player without being overbering. The side quests are not a terribly important part of the game, nor are the dialogs and the NPC's in my estimation but all of that is easily forgiven when it's completely dwarfed by the incredible way the game looks and plays. It seems incredibly alive despite the apparent lack of polish in certain aspects. When you hunker down with a vodka and a sausage in your backpack and your firearm in your hands trained into the dark, the outer world just fades away. Survive or perish, the Zone takes its toll.
This game definitely threads in the footsteps of Torment. Some of the most creative, most intriguing and bizarre dialogue as well as gorgeous looks make me want to give this game 5 stars despite some misgivings. I love how Numenera plays on the computer and even though it probably could have been done much better with an option for real time with pause combat like in all the D&D games from the past, it still is my favourite by far out of all new Unity engine RPGs. The amount of bizarre items you can encounter and collect in this game is staggering. There's also these things called Merecasters that have visions and past memories stored within that your character can revisit. Very immersive and thought provoking.
...how good this game really is. The amount of content and style this game packs slams all of the recent big titles into the ground for a fraction of the cost. As far as I'm concerned probably all of the big titles ever. Don't need to mention that if you're a fan of metroidvania and 2D platforming this game is a must, but even if you are not a fan this is the game that has the chance to convince you, I'm sure. OST is topped only by one game in my opinion, with the tracks being mostly somber and melancholy. Mr Larkin is a genius. Some of the moments in this game were among the most moving that I have experienced in a video game. Simply travelling about and fighting enemies is very satisfying and boss fights are unparalleled.
Enough said.
This game really is magic. My top turn-based strategy, shadowed closely by Disciples.
To me this is the crowning achievement in gaming history and the only shame is that we've not been able to surpass this since. Music is unbelievably gorgeous, D&D 2nd edition is the best one for the job (I suppose because there is no Planescape in any other edition...) and the dialogue is very abundant and thought provoking. Choices are meaningful and mental attributes are significant. What more can I say, perfect. I'm not even gonna urge you to go and play it because if you are a prime you might get lost in Sigil for good never to be seen again. Probably signed a contract Baatezu contract to serve in the Blood War.
Everything that is the first instalment multiplied by a billion. The strongest instalment by far and the only bad thought that I associate with this thing is that we have not been able to surpass it in over 20 years. Almost universally, but especially in the genre.
Five stars, no two ways about it. One of the most important games ever, if you've not played it yet there is something severely wrong.
This is kind of a light game, very fun, good looking and good sounding!
Fabulous immersion, exploration and atmosphere interspersed with sporadic moments of action. The story was mindblowing! This game wins on every level and in every way!
