Is this enhanced version worth going nuclear for?
Back to where it all started — the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Trilogy, one of the most visionary and groundbreaking survival first-person-shooters of all time returns. Now upscaled, enhanced must-play journey for a new generation.
I briefly played the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. in its earliest form a long time ago, but I honestly have little memory of it. So was interested to see what all the fuss was about, so let’s take a look at what the trilogy contains…
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chornobyl, the first chapter of the Legends of the Zone Trilogy, which started it all. Welcome to the former exclusion territory near the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant… the most dangerous place on Earth. Play as The Marked One, as you face sinister mysteries, radiation-soaked anomalous threats and moral dilemmas, as your decisions determine your destiny in this immersive dark sci-fi saga.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky is the prequel chapter of the Legends of the Zone Trilogy. With the ability to directly influence the balance of power through Faction Wars, step into the boots of Scar — a seasoned mercenary, able to somehow survive deadly Emissions. Make your way to the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant through radiation, anomalies, enemies, mutants, and conflict-raging Zone.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Prypiat follows the story of special service agent Major Degtyarev as he investigates the fate of a lost expedition. Rich with colourful characters, memorable side stories, and the spirit of true freedom, this chapter delivers a powerful and unforgettable conclusion to the Legends of the Zone Trilogy.
I haven’t got around to playing S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 either yet, but after going through this trilogy I’m seriously tempted to pick it up. I was playing on PS5 Pro and could run the game up to 120 FPS and while the visuals are clearly a product of their time, the team have done a decent job in bringing it to a new audience by enhancing them and the overall performance.
The core gameplay itself may feel a little dated when you compare it to other shooters on the market today, but it is still a very interesting experience. Also, the history of the series added in with the Ukrainian studio roots are important. They renamed the Chernobyl locations to the fictional Chornobyl ones from its more recent sequel, which is understandable considering what is going on at the time of writing.
The Verdict
GSC Game World have done a wonderful job in bringing these games to a new crowd but keeping them as pure to the original versions as possible, while improving overall visual and performance across the board. Each game is immersive in their own right and I highly recommend the trilogy to anyone who has played the sequel or even the Metro series.