Radioactivity makes me cry...

Well ive been a bit busy for a while but ive finally gotten down to playing another game, Stalker: Call of Pripyat.
If youve played any of the previous Stalker games you have an idea of the style and storyline. CoP has finally nailed down all those niggly annoying bits and made a very good game. The story in this newest one wasnt very absorbing or intrigueing but it gave enough to cover your reasons for being in the Zone.

Fast-travel, was introduced in Clear Sky a vital element that Shadow of Chernobyl lacked, and im glad to say it is in the game. You need to make contact with other people to initiate it, which deepens the sense of isolation but isnt too inconvenient to make it annoying or game-breaking.

Upgrades have been refined now in that you need to get tools for engineers for the more advanced upgrades but you can still get the more basic ones without hunting for plans as in CS. And unlike the previous games the weapons are more streamlined, eastern weapons mainly use eastern ammo and additions, while western use western, both have drawbacks and benefits and they all suit quite well with the style.

AI has been massively improved, enemies dont spam grenade, cant aim-bot you at any distance and more often than not wont kill you on sight. However they now use flanking, cover and several other tactics to catch you out.

Mutants have been both improved and made easier, which makes for a better mutant. If you encounter a lone mutant you will most likely come out with a few scratches, if you encounter a pack run for your life.

Overall the map size, missions, enemies and general improvement over the previous two makes this a very enjoyable game, with few glitches or problems. As usual in this style of game it takes a while for it to get going at a pace where your comfortable to go out on your own but youll enjoy it once you are past the initial "newb trainer". This is a good game much improved over the previous renditions and while it wont be everyones cup of irradiated tea i would say if you enjoyed Clear Sky or Shadow of Chernobyl at all its well worth a look.

Happy Hunting Stalker.