michaelg on 24/4/2007 at 13:26
I was going to pick up this game when it first came out, but was pretty broke at the time.
Anyways, I'm now thinking about getting it, (and I probably will either way), but I'd like to hear you guys opinions now that the newness of it's worn off.
I've been following these threads since the beginning, and it seems like now that it's been out a while, it's not getting as much positive feedback as it was when it was first released.
So what's up with it? Is it kind of like a more open Deus Ex? More Thief like?
Combination of the two? Not like either one? And should I wait for this second patch I've been hearing about, because I've seen quite a few people bitching about respawing in the game which I normally hate.
Thanks.
Phatose on 24/4/2007 at 13:38
Closer to a non-linear far cry with a few very primitive rpg elements then it is to anything deus ex. Don't go in expecting rpg/fps, it's just an fps with some adventure and basic rpg elements.
Rogue Keeper on 24/4/2007 at 13:45
Depends on what genre you prefer. Stalker is a challenging first person shooter in the first place, but far from an ordinary shooter.
In comparison with FarCry it may be less technically polished and less "calculated", but it's also less cheesy and more experimental.
Apparently it's not a "Michael Bay action flick."
It has minor RPG elements like ranking, reputation, sidequests, inventory and brief dialogues, but no skills to increase. Stealth is rather inefficient, but avoidance of respawning enemy groups is usually possible.
If you ask me, respawning is essential to make the areas alive. You feel as a part of an unusual social and ecological system. You follow your goals and observe other factions fighting to achieve their own goals. You can involve yourself in a firefight between two factions or completely ignore them, pass by and go about your business - if you are smart enough to stay away from their sight. Respawning may be irritating sometimes, but I think there would be one thing worse than respawning - completely empty large suburban and forest areas which you have cleaned of all life forever.
In terms of gameplay it has little in common with Deus Ex and even less with Thief. Imagine it as Fallout-like world in 3D. You can go where you want, trade with who you want, make allies and enemies, focus on the main plot or do sidejobs for a while. More like a hybrid of Fallout, FEAR and Oblivion, with strong accent on first person shooting.
It has nicely depressive atmosphere, fierce adversaries and tense horror locations.
And Bloodsuckers. :devil:
Bjossi on 24/4/2007 at 16:11
Quote Posted by Phatose
Closer to a non-linear far cry with a few very primitive rpg elements then it is to anything deus ex. Don't go in expecting rpg/fps, it's just an fps with some adventure and basic rpg elements.
To me it is a RPG/FPS. Inventory system, traders, bunch of side-quests, massive area to run around in, many ways to make money.
I don't see how it is not a RPG/FPS.
Rogue Keeper on 24/4/2007 at 16:23
However the most important if not the key feature of a Role-Playing Game is development of stats, skills and straits and Stalker doesn't this. Calling it a true FPS/RPG hybrid would be quite misleading as it remotely doesn't reach the level of RPG system as it was presented in System Shocks and Deus Ex.
I'd be more careful : FPS/Adventure
Bjossi on 24/4/2007 at 16:26
Hmm, good point there.
Maybe a stat system would be cool as a mod? You can invest in upgrades with RUs.
steo on 24/4/2007 at 16:42
It's been done though its pretty basic, I think it works by replacing artifacts and offering them for sale.
I would very much call it an FPS/RPG. The only thing it doesn't have which most RPGs have is level ups. Stalker certainly includes upgradable stats, it just takes more to alter them. It is more open ended than Deus Ex and even chapter based RPGs like Neverwinter Nights... I can't be bothered to go through all the things that make it an RPG, bottom line: It's great, buy it, you'll love it.
Rolander on 24/4/2007 at 16:52
Quote Posted by BR796164
However the most important if not the key feature of a Role-Playing Game is development of stats, skills and straits and Stalker doesn't this. Calling it a true FPS/RPG hybrid would be quite misleading as it remotely doesn't reach the level of RPG system as it was presented in System Shocks and Deus Ex.
I'd be more careful : FPS/Adventure
One might consider getting better weapons/attachments, armour and artifacts as some sorta character development in Stalker.
That style of 'leveling' is not too dissimiliar from what occurs in System Shock 1: Throughout the game you accumulate better weapons (I still miss rapier-rushing Security-2 'bots) and hardware attachments/upgrades (the level 3 map unit that detects enemies was extremely useful).
Just my opinion.
charlestheoaf on 24/4/2007 at 19:11
Yeah, the artifacts and armor can raise your stats, and different weapons have different stats.
It's a really enjoyable game, I'd highly recommend it. It doesn't completely sate your desire for something like Deus Ex or System Shock 2, but it delivers a lot of other joys.
michaelg on 24/4/2007 at 19:35
Quote Posted by charlestheoaf
Yeah, the artifacts and armor can raise your stats, and different weapons have different stats.
It's a really enjoyable game, I'd highly recommend it. It doesn't completely sate your desire for something like Deus Ex or System Shock 2, but it delivers a lot of other joys.
It's the second paragraph that interests me. I've still yet to find a game that I enjoyed as much as DE or SS2, which is rather amazing when you think of it.
Bloodlines was as close as I've seen since then, and now even that's rather old. Ah well, maybe Bioshock.
Still though I will pick this game up. If nothing else at least it sounds
different. You guys can't even decide what it is!
It's an FPS!
Er.. no it's an FPS/Adventure
Um excuse me but no, it's an FPS/RPG
I like the Far Cry analogy though. I'm in the process of finishing that right now, and finding it a lot better than I remembered. Cheesy though? Haha. You're right very cheesy. Nothing wrong with a little cheese now and then though.
