S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Games
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. games take place within the Zone around nuclear plant in Chernobyl where failed secret experiment resulted in a big disaster that mutated animals and humans alike. The zone around Chernobyl is full of dangerous anomalies and artifacts that hold great monetary value for the founders, and here is where our STALKERS come in, they are mercenaries that scavenge radiated area in the zone and try to find rare artifacts. Every Stalker game is very atmospheric and scary, but as you will notice when you look at screenshots every game looks the same with some minor graphical improvements, with added mods games can be ultimate survival games with amazing graphics. If you like postapocalyptic shooter/horror games with scarce ammo and equipment look no further.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl
In the first game of the series, player takes on the role of a stalker with amnesia with mission to find stalker named Strelok. In his explorations he will need to watch out against many enemies, mutated animals and aggressive human factions and bandits. You need to watch for your inventory supplies, carry weight and weapon choices, all that adds to the immersion where this game is the best at. There are multiple endings in this game, it all depends on the choices you make in the game.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky
In this prequel to Shadow of Chernobyl we play as a different stalker named Scar. Very soon in the game he finds out about Clear sky, a faction that is trying to figure out what is the Zone and how to use it's miracles for the improvement of mankind, but we all know how that ended. Great new game for every fan of tactical survival shooter series. One of the best sandbox games one can play.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat
Last game in Stalker series takes place shortly after the events in Shadow of Chernobyl. In this one we play as Major Degtyarev who is trying to reach the center of the Zone. There are a lot of factions in the game and player choices will again be the main driving force. One of the fun aspects of the Stalker series is also games economy, you can find or buy advanced weaponry and fun exo skeleton armors that give you better protection and increased carry weight. Collecting radioactive artifacts, killing mutants, exploring facilities in this postapocalyptic game hasn't been this fun since Fallout games. Some say the series is dead but who knows, one day we might return for some new artifacts.
Never heard of this series. But you do seem to have a good taste in games, so perhaps I'll give this series a try. :)
You are in for a treat . I'd say one of the PC classics.
are they on Steam, GOG, or the like?
They are on both of those platforms you mentioned.
I like these Stalker games - pretty cool
Every game in the series is great. 10/10
Love the write ups moonwalker. Is there any mods you would recommend off the bat?
Haven't checked any mods for Stalker games.
No worries, good to know it's still more than playable without. Will check out the mods and then report back.