This is definitely the worst of the bunch as it retreads the first game with a lot of reused assets and some barely working features (advanced DirectX options being notoriously unoptimized), but features have been added such as a Faction system, more armaments, etc. This is still a good game as it expands upon the story, gives you more areas and chances to explore the Zone, but it's okay to skip it and head off to the third game.
As the first of the games, it's pretty rough since it had a troubled development cycle (2001-2007!), but don't let that turn you off. This is one of the most atmospheric and memorable FPSsurvival-horror games you will ever find. For the modern folk, think Amnesia crossed with a little bit of Skyrim with guns. I'd recommend going to the PC Gaming Wiki (use your search engine) to download the modsbug fixes needed to make this game stable, pretty, and fresh. You will not forget this one soon. "GET OUT OF HERE STALKER!"
This game can be best described as the mirror polish that Shadow Of Chernobyl and Clear Sky deserved to be. This game still isn't without its flaws that can break the flow somewhat, but not to the crash happy extent that Clear Sky was and the 'barely out of beta' state the original had. It's recommended this one be played last since this is the final part of the trilogy.
A strange tale is ready to unfold, Like no other ever before sold. A rash of murders take hold of our little town, While visions of ladies in red dance in their gowns. A sudden death to bring out our Mr. York, Then finds himself against ghosts with pitchforks. And the angelic children whisper into each others ears, Is the rain Deadly, or is it tears? The hunt begins with townsfolk with false smiles, In an open world spreading out for miles. Interesting immersive mechanics are strewn throughout, But take care that some are not as good as might be tout. The still dead eyes and rubber mouthed faces, with the strange and sometimes hard side cases. The charm and joy to be achieved with this venture, Is the characters and story of this adventure. Twisting and winding around like a mad man's dream, I liked it much with its Twin Peaks theme. I recommend this to those who want to scratch that mystery itch, but might I offer you The Sinner's Sandwich? = watch?v=rp5krDoflLI = So says Mr. Stewart.
