~CHRISTMAS ACHIEVEMENT~
Great atmosphere, great setting, solid gameplay, reasonable challenge. The plot is kind of silly, but by the time it gets to that point you just won't care. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys FPS games and isn't a wuss.

~CHRISTMAS ACHIEVEMENT~
With an upgrade system roughly similar to Clear Sky's (but better designed) and overall gameplay true to the S.T.A.L.K.E.R series, this one basically plays better than SoC. While still lacking in atmosphere (though not nearly as bad as CS), it offers three interesting maps filled with stuff to do and areas to explore and a stronger focus on interacting with NPCs. On the plot side, it offers a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy while still leaving room for S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2. Unlike CS, I would recommend playing this.

~CHRISTMAS ACHIEVEMENT~
The gameplay is essentially the same as SoC, with the addition of weapon and armor upgrades. Some areas were changed, mostly for the better. Sadly, contrary to what one would expect after its predecessor, the atmosphere here is thin and the game includes scripted "action" sequences with invincible enemy NPCs. Also of note is the faction war, which would be enjoyable if it actually did something and wasn't so poorly implemented. There's also this thing where you can't pull out a weapon inside a faction base, which would be dandy and all if that didn't mean the game sometimes deciding that you can't pull your weapon out in the middle of a fight with bandits.