The S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Legends of the Zone Trilogy brings together three iconic and beloved open-world survival classics, allowing console players to immerse themselves in the eerie and desolate landscape of the Exclusion Zone for the first time ahead of the launch of the sequel that they’re working on now. Developed by GSC Game World, this trilogy includes the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. titles: Shadow of Chornobyl, Clear Sky, and Call of Pripyat. While the trilogy preserves the essence of the originals, it also introduces some modern enhancements, making it a worthwhile experience for both veterans and newcomers alike.
Set in an alternate history following a second nuclear disaster in the Exclusion Zone, the narrative of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy unfolds non-linearly, offering players the freedom to forge their own paths and shape the outcomes based on their actions and decisions. Each title introduces unique protagonists and storylines, from the quest to find and eliminate Strelok in Shadow of Chornobyl to the investigation of the aftermath of Operation Fairway in Call of Pripyat. But despite the open ended nature, we recommend playing these in the original order.
One of the standout features of the trilogy is its compelling atmosphere and solid narrative across all three titles. The desolate landscapes, inspired by real-world locations like the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and the nearby city of Pripyat, are expertly crafted, immersing players in a world filled with danger and mystery. The revamped visuals, including improved lighting and performance running at a consistent 60 frames per second on PlayStation 5, enhance the overall experience, making players feel isolated and alone as they navigate through the Zone. These may not be 2024 visuals, but they’ve held up well.
The gameplay mechanics of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy offer a unique blend of sandbox exploration, first-person shooting, and survival elements. Players can choose to follow the main objectives or take on various side quests and interact with various factions inhabiting the Zone. However, surviving in the Zone is no easy task, as players must contend with bandits, mutants, and deadly anomalies that can outright destroy them. The old school non-regenerative health system and the threat of emissions add to the tension, requiring players to carefully manage their resources and plan their every move.
While the trilogy delivers an immersive and atmospheric experience, it’s not without its flaws. The allied AI can be hit or miss, with companions sometimes being more of a hindrance than a help, especially in Shadow of Chornobyl (the first game in the series). Enemy AI soldier can feel a bit overpowered as well, often overwhelming you with grenades and posing a significant challenge to players. Additionally, the shooting mechanics, while satisfying, may take some time to get used to on a controller, with aiming feeling somewhat off at times.
Despite these issues, S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Legends of the Zone Trilogy offers excellent value for money, providing three classic titles that still hold up after all these years – and each of them offering a very lengthy campaign. While PC players may have alternative options to mod their experience, console players will find this trilogy to be a great way to delve into the series. Whether you’re an old-school fan revisiting the horrors of the Zone or a new player curious to dive in, S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Legends of the Zone Trilogy offers a gameplay loop that still holds up, albeit with some rough edges.
Score: 7.8/10
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